Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Joseph M

Dracut,MA

Summary

I am a decorated retired Police Officer who was injured in the line of duty and suffered a career ending injuries. Over the years I have found great satisfaction in helping others. Through my experiences both personal and professional I have learned that Mental wellness is a large part of how and who we become in the future. Mental health and wellness preparedness provide us with the tools to attain skills to be successful in the future and the abilities to strive in not only your profession but in your personal life. It is my goal of continuing my education in order to foster wellness and guidance to individuals. I have found a love for this field, and it has allowed me to fill a gap that has been created in my inability to continue my duties as a Public Servant Police Officer.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience

Work History

Certified Peer Support Specialist

Hiidden Battles Foundation
Dracut, Mass
10.2022 - Current
  • Through referrals and cold contacts, I am in touch with 30 to 50 individuals a week struggling and need guidance in certain areas of their lives
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities related to peer support best practices.
  • Conducted peer-led support groups, workshops, and educational sessions.
  • Facilitated group discussions that fostered open communication, empathy, and understanding among participants.
  • Assisted with support groups and individual therapy for participants.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when needed, including assessing risk factors and coordinating additional supports as necessary.
  • Maintained confidentiality of client information in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Guided participants through vocational and training choices matching unique strengths.
  • Supported adults with diagnosed mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders.
  • Connected peers with community resources and facilitated referrals as needed.
  • Promoted recovery, self-determination and self-advocacy through diverse schedule of peer-focused activities.

Police Officer, Detective

City of Lowell Police Dept.
Lowell, Mass
03.1989 - 04.2008
  • As Part of the Family Services Unit, I responded to 50 to 100 calls per week both Criminal and Referral in nature. Some were emergency calls. Upon arrival It was my job to assess each situation and provide assistance accordingly as needed and required.
  • Responded to wide range of domestic altercation calls and leveraged training to resolve situations.
  • Participated in ongoing training programs to improve skills and knowledge of law enforcement techniques.
  • Responded to emergency calls for assistance and provided support as needed.
  • Acted as liaison between police department and community organizations.
  • Facilitated long-term solutions to common problems by connecting residents with available community services.
  • Prepared incident reports and distributed to proper departments to maintain data accessibility.

Youth Development Professional

City of Lowell Police Dept.
Lowell, Mass
11.2001 - 03.2005
  • One of the founders of the First ever Lowell Police Juvenile Court Diversion Program. This program collaborated with the Middlesex County District Attorney General's Office as well as the Juvenile District Court. This involved the compellation of writing, accepting, and managing several Grants in an effort to effectively divert youths away from the court system and its structure. It was our goal to eventually change the trajectory of their lives and become productive members of society. This program served hundreds of youths over my years of involvement and continues in some part in the Police department today
  • Coordinated with school personnel to advocate for accommodations or interventions that would benefit client academically or socially.
  • Enhanced quality of life through individual and group recreational activities.
  • Maintained detailed case notes documenting client interactions, observations, and progress towards goals.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in youth counseling.
  • Conducted group therapy sessions to address common issues faced by children and adolescents.
  • Educated youth about mental health challenges they may be experiencing and provided tools for self-advocacy within various settings.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of professionals, including social workers, psychologists, and educators, to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
  • Assessed client progress regularly and adjusted treatment strategies as needed to promote success.
  • Offered referrals to appropriate community resources when additional services were required for client's wellbeing.
  • Utilized evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy CBT or dialectical behavior therapy DBT when working with clients.

Education

Master of Arts - Criminal Psychology

University Of Massachusetts
Lowell
06.1997

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Management

University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Lowell, MA
06.1994

Associate of Arts - Business Technology And Management

Middlesex Community College
Bedford Mass
06.1986

Skills

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Providing direction
  • Exemplary communication
  • Communication
  • Leadership skills
  • Mental health awareness
  • Behavioral management
  • Substance abuse
  • Wellness strategies
  • Effective collaboration and interaction
  • Service navigation
  • Positive environment facilitation
  • Planning skills

Timeline

Certified Peer Support Specialist

Hiidden Battles Foundation
10.2022 - Current

Youth Development Professional

City of Lowell Police Dept.
11.2001 - 03.2005

Police Officer, Detective

City of Lowell Police Dept.
03.1989 - 04.2008

Master of Arts - Criminal Psychology

University Of Massachusetts

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Management

University of Massachusetts, Lowell

Associate of Arts - Business Technology And Management

Middlesex Community College
Joseph M