Joseph E. Johnson IV
Suffolk,VA
Summary
A student-centered higher education and counseling professional with extensive experience in student advocacy, family engagement, and restorative conduct practices. Skilled in investigating student grievances, leading case management, developing strategic programs, and fostering inclusive support systems. Brings strong communication, crisis response, and stakeholder collaboration to environments focused on student well-being, satisfaction, and persistence.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Counselor
National Counseling Group
Norfolk, VA
12.2025 - Current
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions to promote mental wellness and personal growth.
- Developed tailored treatment plans based on client assessments and psychological evaluations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Monitored client progress, adjusting interventions as needed to ensure effective outcomes.
- Provided crisis intervention support during emergency situations, ensuring client safety and stability.
- Continually updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, trainings, and workshops related to advancements in the field of mental health counseling.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, deescalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
- Developed individualized goal-setting tools to empower patients in taking ownership of their progress towards improved mental health.
- Improved patient treatment outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing customized treatment plans.
- Maintained detailed documentation of clinical notes, tracking patient progress throughout the course of treatment.
- Built rapport with diverse client populations, utilizing empathetic listening skills and culturally sensitive therapeutic practices.
- Facilitated therapeutic support groups focused on topics such as grief, addiction, or relationships to foster connection and shared healing experiences among participants.
- Provided supervision for interns seeking licensure in the field of mental health counseling, offering guidance and feedback on their clinical skills and development.
- Increased client satisfaction and trust through establishment of clear communication channels and feedback mechanisms.
- Elevated community mental health awareness through organization and execution of workshops and seminars.
- Advanced clinical practice standards by participating in research studies and contributing to publications on mental health interventions.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
Executive Pastor
First Baptist Church, Berkley
Norfolk, VA
08.2025 - Current
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance church growth and community outreach programs.
- Developed and implemented operational policies to improve church administration efficiency.
- Coordinated worship services, ensuring alignment with doctrinal teachings and congregational needs.
- Mentored staff and volunteers, fostering an environment of collaboration and spiritual development.
- Cultivated relationships with community leaders to strengthen partnerships and expand outreach efforts.
- Oversaw event planning logistics, enhancing participation through effective communication strategies.
- Streamlined administrative processes for increased efficiency in staff management and resource allocation.
- Championed stewardship campaigns that led to increased giving and financial sustainability for ministry programs.
- Managed multi-million-dollar budgets responsibly, ensuring financial integrity within the organization.
- Oversaw major building projects, ensuring timely completion while staying within budget constraints.
- Enhanced church growth by focusing on strategic planning, vision casting, and leadership development.
- Mentored emerging leaders within the church body by providing training resources and personal guidance.
- Interacted with local community, building relationships with civic organizations and other churches.
Next Generation Spiritual Formation Director
Elizabeth Baptist Church
Atlanta, GA
07.2023 - 07.2025
- Lead and execute a comprehensive strategy for spiritual formation and personal development across children, youth, collegiate, and young adult ministries.
- Advocate for and support young individuals and their families through challenges, crises, and transitions, promoting overall well-being and engagement.
- Cultivate strong relationships with over 1,500 families monthly to encourage active participation in the community and equip them as partners in the faith development of their children.
- Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and leadership to develop weekly programs, retreats, and mission opportunities, ensuring alignment with church values and goals.
- Supervise a team of ministry leaders across age groups, providing mentoring, support, and training to increase team effectiveness and volunteer compliance.
- Oversee and evaluate ministry operations, report on outcomes, and recommend improvements to better serve the needs of the community.
- Serve as a consistent presence and support person during critical moments, offering counseling, resources, and spiritual care in collaboration with church leadership.
- Partner with community organizations and schools to expand outreach, enhance service delivery, and provide holistic support to students and families.
Family Service Worker I
Norfolk Department of Human Services
11.2021 - 07.2023
- Responsible for developing and implementing individualized service plans involving the application of casework methods and basic service level caseloads of Ongoing Child Protective Services and Foster Care Prevention Services.
- Independently performed all assigned tasks, seeking supervisory input only in complex or policy-sensitive situations requiring additional review or oversight.
- Interpreted and applied relevant laws, policies, and regulations to ensure program compliance and appropriate service delivery.
- Monitored, coordinated, and administered designated programs, ensuring efficient and effective service execution within assigned areas of responsibility.
- Conducted client interviews and assessments to evaluate needs, considering factors such as educational background, skill level, abilities, interests, and available support systems.
- Informed clients of applicable service program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and their rights to participate, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.
- Prepared and presented case files to determine appropriate interventions or services, then developed and implemented individualized service plans.
- Provided ongoing case management services, tracking client progress and ensuring compliance with service plans and program requirements.
- Managed program expenditures prepared and submitted budget estimates and ensured timely and accurate processing of service payments.
Education
Master of Divinity - undefined
Virginia Union University
Richmond, VA03-2022
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA09-2014
Skills
- Crisis Response and Counseling
- Supervisor
- Building rapport
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Strategic Planning and Reporting
- Volunteer and Staff Development
- Cross-Cultural Engagement
- Team leadership
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Staff training and development
- Staff management
- Project planning
- Staff development
- Shift scheduling
- Relationship building
- Goal setting
- Key performance indicators
- Lead generation
- Customer service
Affiliations
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Spring 2020
Certification
Qualified Mental Health Professional (Child and Adult) Fall 2016
Timeline
Mental Health Counselor
National Counseling Group
12.2025 - Current
Executive Pastor
First Baptist Church, Berkley
08.2025 - Current
Next Generation Spiritual Formation Director
Elizabeth Baptist Church
07.2023 - 07.2025
Family Service Worker I
Norfolk Department of Human Services
11.2021 - 07.2023
Master of Divinity - undefined
Virginia Union University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Norfolk State University