Katonya Smith
Pelzer,SC
Summary
Mental health professional well-prepared to deliver impactful counseling services, focused on fostering client well-being through evidence-based practices. Extensive experience in providing comprehensive care and support, with strong emphasis on collaboration and adaptability. Known for excellent interpersonal skills and client-centered approach.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Mental Health Counselor
Anderson County Mental Health
11.2021 - Current
- Delivered individualized counseling to clients, addressing mental health challenges and promoting personal development.
- Performed comprehensive assessments to create customized treatment plans for diverse populations.
- Partnered with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care and effective case management.
- Applied evidence-based therapeutic techniques to boost client engagement and resilience.
- Facilitated workshops on coping strategies to increase community awareness and mental health support.
- Cultivated a safe, judgment-free environment for clients to express thoughts and emotions openly.
- Minimized crisis intervention needs through proactive monitoring and adaptive treatment planning.
- Responded to emergencies with crisis intervention, de-escalating situations, and connecting individuals to ongoing resources.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation to track progress and inform treatment decisions.
- Enhanced family support systems through psychoeducation and improved communication strategies.
Certified Foster Parent
Department of Social Services
Greenville County, SC
07.2013 - 01.2022
- Promoted the overall well-being of foster children by creating a safe, nurturing environment and addressing emotional, social, and educational needs.
- Advocated for the rights and well-being of children during court hearings and case reviews.
- Maintained consistent communication with caseworkers and support teams to ensure each child’s needs were met effectively.
- Organized and managed daily routines to provide stability and structure for foster children.
- Engaged in ongoing professional development to remain current on best practices in foster care.
- Accurately documented children’s progress, including medical visits, medications, academic achievements, and behavioral updates.
Licensing Coordinator
New Foundations Home for Children/Connections Foster Care Agency
Anderson, SC
02.2019 - 10.2021
- Coordinated licensing processes to ensure compliance with state regulations for foster care operations.
- Managed documentation and record-keeping for licensing applications and renewals, maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
- Liaised with regulatory agencies to facilitate inspections and audits, ensuring adherence to policies and standards.
- Developed training materials for staff on licensing requirements, promoting understanding of compliance protocols.
- Streamlined application workflows by implementing electronic tracking systems, enhancing efficiency in processing licenses.
- Implemented training sessions for staff on licensing procedures and best practices, boosting team efficiency and knowledge levels.
- Facilitated smooth communication between licensors and licensees, fostering strong relationships and promoting mutual understanding.
- Streamlined licensing processes by implementing efficient tracking and management systems.
Placement Coordinator
Anderson County Mental Health
Anderson, SC
05.2018 - 02.2019
- Developed partnerships with community organizations to enhance client placement opportunities.
- Coordinated intake assessments to identify clients' needs and appropriate service placements.
- Streamlined referral processes, improving response times for client services.
- Led interdisciplinary team meetings to align on client care plans and placement goals.
- Implemented data tracking systems to monitor client progress and placement outcomes.
- Advocated for clients during placement negotiations with external agencies and providers.
- Conducted regular follow-ups with placed candidates to ensure ongoing success in their new roles while addressing any concerns promptly.
Case Manager Specialist
Bon Secours Hospital System
Greenville, SC
11.2017 - 05.2018
- Coordinated patient care plans to improve service delivery and outcomes.
- Facilitated communication between multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless patient transitions.
- Advocated for patients' rights by navigating complex healthcare systems effectively.
- Improved client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case plans tailored to individual needs.
- Enhanced communication between clients and service providers, resulting in better coordination of care.
- Coordinated appropriate referrals to external agencies based on thorough assessment of client needs and goals.
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
Foster Family Support & Licensing Coordinator
Region 1 - SC Department of Social Services
Greenville, SC
04.2016 - 11.2017
- Coordinated licensing processes to ensure compliance with state regulations and standards.
- Reviewed and processed applications for various licenses, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Assisted in developing training materials for staff on licensing procedures and policies.
- Monitored license renewals, maintaining up-to-date records in licensing database systems.
- Collaborated with internal teams to resolve discrepancies related to licensing documentation.
- Implemented quality control measures to improve accuracy of license issuance and reduce errors.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by meticulously reviewing license applications and documentation.
- Maintained accurate records of all licensing transactions, streamlining future audits and reference checks.
- Established long-term relationships within the professional network to facilitate future licensing opportunities and collaborations.
Intake Coordinator/Case Manager
Region 1 Intake Hub-Department of Social Services
Spartanburg, SC
02.2015 - 04.2016
- Answer calls on the abuse and neglect hotline, gather detailed information regarding allegations of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Assess the urgency and severity of reported cases to determine appropriate response levels and prioritize immediate safety concerns.
- Engage with reporters to obtain accurate, comprehensive details while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
- Communicate with law enforcement, social services, and other relevant agencies to initiate investigations or interventions as required.
- Follow state and agency protocols for intake procedures, documentation, and case assignment.
- Enter case details into the system promptly and ensure all reports are complete for further investigation.
- Forward cases to appropriate units and maintain communication to support timely and effective case management.
Investigator
Spartanburg County Department of Social Services
Spartanburg, SC
08.2014 - 02.2015
- Conducted thorough investigations into child welfare cases, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
- Prepared case reports from allegations, transcripts of interviews and physical evidence.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and community agencies to gather evidence and testimonies for case resolution.
- Reviewed case files and documentation to assess risk factors and determine appropriate interventions.
- Developed comprehensive reports detailing findings and recommendations for court proceedings and service plans.
- Trained new investigators on best practices, investigative techniques, and legal requirements in child welfare cases.
- Conducted thorough face-to-face interviews with employers, families, neighbors, friends, and suspects, and documented investigative findings.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
- Conducted interviews with witnesses and clients.
Residential Supervisor
Greenville County Disability and Special Needs Board
Greenville, SC
11.2012 - 07.2014
- Supervised daily operations of residential programs, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Developed individual support plans tailored to clients' unique needs and preferences.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices in client care and crisis intervention techniques.
- Coordinated activities and services for residents, enhancing engagement and overall well-being.
- Fostered relationships with families and community resources to improve client support systems.
- Handled conflict resolution among residents promptly and professionally, promoting a harmonious living environment for all parties involved.
- Coordinated all staffing schedules and made sure that each shift had adequate coverage.
- Managed daily operations of the residential facility to ensure a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment for residents.
- Observed strict safety guidelines and regularly inspected bedrooms and common areas for any issues that posed danger to residents and staff members.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring adequate allocation of resources for staffing, maintenance, and programming needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Maintained accurate records of resident progress, incidents, and other relevant information in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Sergeant
Evans Correctional Institution
Bennettsville, SC
03.2006 - 09.2011
- Supervised correctional officers and cadets, ensuring adherence to security protocols and operational procedures.
- Oversaw housing units with accountability for approximately 1500 inmates, maintaining order and safety in a high-security environment.
- Directed daily routines, monitored inmate activities, and enforced institutional regulations to prevent incidents.
- Coordinated security checks, surveillance operations, and emergency response measures to uphold facility integrity.
- Provided leadership and training to staff, fostering professionalism and compliance under high-pressure conditions.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate movements and incidents, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Cook
Timmonsville US Army National Guard
Timmonsville, SC
07.2007 - 07.2011
- Prepared and cooked meals for troops, ensuring adherence to dietary guidelines and standards.
- Managed kitchen inventory, optimizing supply usage and minimizing waste.
- Conducted regular inspections of kitchen equipment to maintain operational readiness and compliance with health regulations.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
Education
Doctorate of Social Work -
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN05.2024
Master’s in Social Work -
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN08.2020
Master's in Human Services - Concentration in Mental Health
University of Rockies
Denver, CO09.2016
Bachelors - Psychology
Ashford University
Clinton, IA01.2014
Associate - Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ01.2011
High School diploma - undefined
Irvington High School
Irvington, NJ06.1998
Skills
- Excel (30 years), Typing (30 years), Fax (20 years), Windows (25 years), PowerPoint (30 years)
- Building rapport
- Treatment Planning
- Individual counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Clinical documentation
- Individual and group counseling
- Multicultural competence
- Mental health evaluations
- Risk assessments
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) expert
- Referral coordination
Affiliations
- Prince Hall Eastern Star
- April 2016 to Present
- I'm a member of an elite organization that aids brothers and sisters while helping the local community members.
Certification
- Cooking Certification
- Fort Lee Culinary School - Fort Lee, VA
- January 2008
Timeline
School Mental Health Counselor
Anderson County Mental Health
11.2021 - Current
Licensing Coordinator
New Foundations Home for Children/Connections Foster Care Agency
02.2019 - 10.2021
Placement Coordinator
Anderson County Mental Health
05.2018 - 02.2019
Case Manager Specialist
Bon Secours Hospital System
11.2017 - 05.2018
Foster Family Support & Licensing Coordinator
Region 1 - SC Department of Social Services
04.2016 - 11.2017
Intake Coordinator/Case Manager
Region 1 Intake Hub-Department of Social Services
02.2015 - 04.2016
Investigator
Spartanburg County Department of Social Services
08.2014 - 02.2015
Certified Foster Parent
Department of Social Services
07.2013 - 01.2022
Residential Supervisor
Greenville County Disability and Special Needs Board
11.2012 - 07.2014
Cook
Timmonsville US Army National Guard
07.2007 - 07.2011
Sergeant
Evans Correctional Institution
03.2006 - 09.2011
Master's in Human Services - Concentration in Mental Health
University of Rockies
Bachelors - Psychology
Ashford University
Associate - Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix
High School diploma - undefined
Irvington High School
Doctorate of Social Work -
Walden University
Master’s in Social Work -
Walden University
MILITARY SERVICE
- Service Country: United States
- Branch: Army
- Rank: E3
- July 2007 to July 2011
- Commendations: Silver Medal