Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Volunteer
Karen Freeman

Karen Freeman

258 Clementon Ave Blackwood ,NJ

Summary

Mental health professional with strong foundation in therapeutic practices and patient advocacy. Proven record of providing compassionate care and crisis intervention. Known for collaboration skills and adaptability in dynamic environments, ensuring continuous support and improved outcomes. Experienced with therapeutic interventions and patient care in mental health settings. Utilizes effective communication techniques to engage with patients and provide support. Knowledge of crisis management and therapeutic strategies to maintain patient stability and well-being. Certified professional with solid experience in mental health support and peer advocacy. Strong focus on collaboration, achieving results, and adapting to changing needs. Skilled in active listening, conflict resolution, and providing empathetic support. Known for reliability, effective communication, and fostering positive team dynamics.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Certified Recovery Peer Specialist

MARYVILLE INC
08.2024 - Current
  • Helped individuals set realistic goals based on personal life situations and strengths.
  • Conducted assessments and documented updates in EHR.
  • Assisted clients in setting and achieving personal goals by providing support, guidance, and encouragement throughout their recovery process.
  • Maintained professional ethical standards by adhering to guidelines set forth by our Certified Recovery Peer Specialist Code of Conduct and respecting client confidentiality at all times.
  • Used personal experienced in areas of expertise to help clients understand issues and move toward recovery.
  • Established trust-based relationships with clients using shared lived experience as a foundation for meaningful connections.
  • Promoted a positive recovery culture within the organization by serving as a role model for hope, resilience, and self determination.
  • Used skills such as modeling, education, and implantation to teach daily living and coping skills.
  • Maintained detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring accurate records of client progress and achievements.
  • Mentored new Peer Specialists entering this field, sharing valuable knowledge gained from experience.
  • Participated in ongoing training opportunities to enhance professional skills and stay current on best practices for peer support.
  • Developed rapport with diverse clients through active listening, empathy, and genuine connection.
  • Educated staff on the role of peer specialists, promoting understanding and collaboration within the team.
  • Connected clients with appropriate community resources, facilitating their reintegration into society.

Certified Peer Specialist

Behavioral Wellness Center At Girard
09.2021 - 01.2024
  • Assisted in creating a welcoming atmosphere at the facility by helping maintain cleanliness and organization throughout common spaces.
  • Mentored new Peer Specialists entering the field, sharing valuable knowledge gained from experience.
  • Enhanced client recovery by providing personalized support and sharing lived experiences.
  • Empowered clients by teaching them coping strategies and self-help techniques.
  • Coordinated events aimed at reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues within the community.
  • Educated staff on the role of peer specialists, promoting understanding and collaboration within the team.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when needed, deescalating situations and connecting clients with necessary resources.
  • Offered guidance on effective communication techniques, enabling clients to navigate relationships more effectively.
  • Connected clients with appropriate community resources, facilitating their reintegration into society.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for each client.
  • Assisted clients in identifying personal strengths and setting realistic goals for their recovery journey.
  • Developed rapport with diverse clients through active listening, empathy, and genuine connection.
  • Successfully supported numerous clients in achieving milestones toward their mental health recovery goals.
  • Promoted a positive recovery culture within the organization by serving as a role model for hope, resilience, and self-determination.
  • Counseled 200 clients weekly to assist in overcoming obstacles, make proper choices to stay focused and adjust to living life in the community.

Mental Health Technician /

Horizon House Inc
02.2015 - 08.2021
  • Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
  • Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
  • Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
  • Observed patient behaviors and mental status and notified RN of unusual or potentially dangerous occurrences.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to create safe and supportive environment.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients, establishing trust and fostering positive relationships conducive to healing.
  • Educated patients on coping strategies and self-help techniques to better manage their mental health symptoms.
  • Assisted individuals with daily living activities such as grooming, meal preparation, or mobility when necessary.
  • Assisted in the development of individualized treatment plans to address specific patient needs and promote recovery.
  • Promoted a safe, therapeutic environment by enforcing facility policies and maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.
  • Supported families in understanding their loved one''s mental health condition and provided resources for ongoing support.
  • Helped 30 patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.

Certified Peer Specialist

PMHCC /Access To Recovery Grant
01.2010 - 12.2014
  • Maintained accurate records of client interactions according to organizational guidelines, protecting confidentiality while ensuring thorough documentation for continuity of care purposes.
  • Assisted clients in developing and maintaining personalized wellness plans, guiding them in setting achievable goals for improved mental health outcomes.
  • Assisted clients in identifying community resources and services, increasing their access to valuable support networks.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering a trusting environment to encourage open communication about personal challenges and goals.
  • Increased community awareness of mental health issues by conducting outreach presentations at local schools, businesses, and organizations.
  • Actively pursued ongoing professional development opportunities to remain informed of emerging trends and best practices within the field of peer support services.
  • Coordinated educational workshops addressing topics such as stress management, nutrition, sleep hygiene, and self-care strategies.
  • Provided compassionate assistance to clients during challenging life transitions, helping them navigate obstacles with increased confidence and resilience.
  • Promoted client self-advocacy through education on rights, responsibilities, and navigating complex systems of care.
  • Contributed to program development efforts by regularly reviewing policies and procedures to ensure alignment with evidence-based practices within the field of peer support services.
  • Mentored new peer support specialists, sharing best practices and modeling effective techniques for supporting diverse client populations.
  • Counseled 120 clients individually to assist in overcoming obstacles, make proper choices to stay focused and adjust to college life.
  • Connected clients with available resources to further treatment goals.
  • Promoted recovery peers supports to the targeted Population : Individuals involved in the Criminal Justice System, Homeless Veterans, and Women.

Education

High School Diploma -

Edward Bok Technical High School
1901 S. 9th Street Philadelphia, Pa.19148
06.1981

Some College (No Degree) - Behavioral Sciences

Community College of Philadelphia
1700 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19130

Skills

  • Trauma experience
  • Social skills
  • Mental health awareness
  • Recordkeeping understanding
  • ADL Assistance
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Building rapport
  • Behavioral Management
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Empathy Development
  • Family Support Coordination
  • Discharge Planning
  • Progress Monitoring
  • Medication Administration
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Multicultural Competence
  • Relapse Prevention
  • Life Skills Coaching

Timeline

Certified Recovery Peer Specialist

MARYVILLE INC
08.2024 - Current

Certified Peer Specialist

Behavioral Wellness Center At Girard
09.2021 - 01.2024

Mental Health Technician /

Horizon House Inc
02.2015 - 08.2021

Certified Peer Specialist

PMHCC /Access To Recovery Grant
01.2010 - 12.2014

High School Diploma -

Edward Bok Technical High School

Some College (No Degree) - Behavioral Sciences

Community College of Philadelphia
Karen Freeman