Skilled Recovery Support Specialist specializing in behavioral health interventions and crisis management. Facilitated diverse groups, including addictions, anger management, art, and smoking cessation. Implemented personalized treatment plans and created supportive environments that promote client recovery.
Work History
Recovery Support Specialist
1 Year 3 Months
Institute of Living Psychiatric Hospital | 05.2025 - Current
Assisted in the development and implementation of personalized treatment plans for diverse patient needs.
Provided individualized support to patients, promoting recovery and enhancing coping strategies.
Facilitated group therapy sessions, encouraging patient interaction and shared experiences for mutual support.
Actively participated in crisis intervention, employing de-escalation techniques to ensure patient safety and well-being.
Educated families about the recovery process and available resources, fostering stronger support networks for clients during rehabilitation efforts.
Supported clients in achieving personal goals by providing resources, guidance, and encouragement throughout their recovery journey.
Educated patients on available resources, fostering a supportive environment for ongoing recovery efforts.
Residential Counselor
7 Years 8 Months
Institute of Living Psychiatric Hospital | 09.2017 - 05.2025
Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting communication and social skills among residents.
Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to patients in residential settings.
Monitored patient progress and documented behavioral changes in electronic health records.
Trained new staff on best practices for patient care and safety protocols.
Led initiatives to enhance resident engagement through structured recreational activities.
Advocated for patient rights, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and regulations.
Assisted with patient intake procedures and maintained accurate data entry and compliance with regulatory standards.
Facilitating groups including the Cocaine Education Group.
Screened clients before they took prescribed Methadone.
Contact Center Specialist
1 Year 6 Months
211 CT United Way of Connecticut | 01.2015 - 07.2016
Managed inbound and outbound calls, ensuring efficient resolution of client encounters, including:
National Suicide Prevention Line.
HMIS housing crisis line.
Psychiatric crisis line, and other general lines.
Direct Support Professional
1 Year 11 Months
REM CT Community Services, Inc. | 12.2012 - 11.2014
Supported individuals with developmental disabilities in daily living activities and personal care.
Worked with clients on the autism spectrum, mostly with criminal histories.
Assisted in implementing individualized support plans to enhance client independence and well-being.
Facilitated Job Coaching group and one-on-ones.
Helped clients develop social and life skills.
Monitored client behavior and progress, providing timely feedback to ensure adherence to care plans.
Direct Support Professional
10 Years 6 Months
King's Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center | 05.2002 - 11.2012
Implemented individualized support plans to enhance client independence and wellbeing.
Coordinated recreational and community engagement activities to promote social integration among clients.
Job Coaching group / one-on-ones.
Helping clients develop social and life skills.
Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
Paraprofessional
2 Years
Goddard High School USD 265 | 08.2008 - 08.2010
Supported students with special needs, promoting inclusion and engagement in learning activities.
Assisted young adults on Autism spectrum with daily school lessons, getting to classes, getting meals, attending appointments.
Assisted teachers in implementing instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.
Organized educational materials and resources to enhance lesson delivery and student understanding.
Education
Post-Masters Certificate - Co-Occurring Disorders
Northcentral University | San Diego, CA | 05-2023
Master of Science - Human Services / Clinical Counseling
Post University | Waterbury, CT | 05-2017
Bachelor of Science - Journalism
Utica College of Syracuse University | Utica, NY | 05-2011
High School Diploma
Andrew S. Draper Central School | Schenevus, NY | 05-1986
Skills
Cultural sensitivity
Crisis intervention techniques
Family education strategies
Relapse prevention
Ethical decision-making
Client relationship building
Documentation
Multicultural competence
Family support
Active listening
Adaptability and flexibility
Professional boundaries
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
Advocacy Campaigns
Learning new and established clinical skills.
Groups and one-on-ones with clients.
Learning more about diagnoses
symptomology
effective treatments and interventions.
Musical groups and one-on-ones
using music as therapeutic tool.
Timeline
Recovery Support Specialist
Institute of Living Psychiatric Hospital
05.2025 - CurrentRead More
Residential Counselor
Institute of Living Psychiatric Hospital
09.2017 - 05.2025Read More
Practicum Student
Henderson-Johnson Hartford Dispensary
08.2016 - 08.2017Read More
Contact Center Specialist
211 CT United Way of Connecticut
01.2015 - 07.2016Read More
Direct Support Professional
REM CT Community Services, Inc.
12.2012 - 11.2014Read More
Paraprofessional
Goddard High School USD 265
08.2008 - 08.2010Read More
Direct Support Professional
King's Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center
05.2002 - 11.2012Read More
Northcentral University
Post-Masters Certificate from Co-Occurring Disorders
Read More
Post University
Master of Science from Human Services / Clinical Counseling