Laurie Wright
Portland,OR
Summary
Invested Substance Use Counselor dedicated to forming trusting relationships and advocating for best interest of clients. Respectful and compassionate professional offering years of background serving the community by supporting clients in need. Aspiring to pursue a Master's degree in Social Work to expand knowledge and support those within the community.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Substance Use Counselor/Engagement Specialist
Lifeline Connections
02.2020 - Current
- Utilize evidence-based therapeutic interventions and crisis management to support clients' mental and emotional well-being.
- Complete psycho-social assessments for substance use disorders.
- Facilitate group therapy sessions, fostering supportive environments for open communication and personal growth.
- Assist clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress toward achievement.
- Coordinate services with outside agencies, community-based organizations, and other professionals utilizing respectful communication techniques to support clients.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for holistic care, ensuring alignment of treatment goals.
- Guide clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Ability to interpret complex policies and communicate them in simple terms to clients.
- Assess and evaluate client needs, strengths, goals, and resources.
- Adhere to all applicable regulations regarding client confidentiality.
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
Novogradac & Company LLP
11.2015 - 01.2020
- Reduced overhead by taking on more responsibility with creative and administrative projects.
- Provided clerical support to company employees, including copying, faxing and file management.
- Oversaw daily office operations for staff of 30 employees.
- Interacted with vendors, contractors, and professional services personnel to receive orders, direct activities and communicate management instruction.
Residential Advocate
Inn for Boys
12.2015 - 12.2017
- Supported at-risk youth aged 12 - 20, living in transitional facility, build life and social skills to be successful in their life and community.
- Attended weekly meetings with residential advocate staff and management to find solutions to re-direct at-risk youth behavior challenges.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Regis College
Weston, MA06-2027
Certificate - Drug & Alcohol Counseling
Clark College
Vancouver, WA06.2022
Bachelor of Science - Criminology/Criminal Law
Portland State University
Portland, OR2010
Skills
- Client Advocacy
- Life skills development
- Individual counseling
- Active listening
- Problem-solving abilities
- MS Office Suite
- Team collaboration
- Reliability
- Documentation skills
- Motivational interviewing
Volunteer Experience
2022 - present Volunteer - Riding & Barn Support, Let Loos Facility, Longview, WA
- Teach stable skills and provide support to at-risk youth with developmental disabilities challenges.
2020 - 2022 Volunteer - Riding & Barn Support, Windhaven Equine Program, La Center, WA
- Provided personal support to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other service related injuries.
2015 – 2018 Volunteer – Riding Assistant, Grace Therapeutic Horse Program/Hope through Horses, Battle Ground, WA
- Supported community programs such as Daybreak or Recovery Village, who brought out individuals struggling with substance use, mental health, or behavior related challenges to utilize horses to build positive coping skills and self-esteem.
- Utilized person-centered and strength-based engagement techniques to build confidence and self esteem for individuals struggling with drug & alcohol challenges or behavioral related issues.
January 2010 - March 2010 Assistant Peer Court Coordinator, Greater Gresham Area Prevention Partnership/Four Cities Peer Court (Internship - Portland State University), Portland, OR
- Conducted screening interviews for juveniles referred by local police agencies for low level legal charges (truancy, theft, substance use) and their parents to ensure compatibility for completion of peer court program.
Professional License
- Washington Department of Health - Substance Use Professional License License #CP61356979
- The Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon - Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II Certificate No. 24-09-20476
Timeline
Substance Use Counselor/Engagement Specialist
Lifeline Connections
02.2020 - Current
Residential Advocate
Inn for Boys
12.2015 - 12.2017
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
Novogradac & Company LLP
11.2015 - 01.2020
Bachelor of Science - Criminology/Criminal Law
Portland State University
Master of Science - Social Work
Regis College
Certificate - Drug & Alcohol Counseling
Clark College