Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

LESLIE HADAWAY

Mission Connection
Buena Park,CA
LESLIE HADAWAY
11
years of professional experience

Customer-focused professional with 10+ years of experience working with diverse populations in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Skilled in communication, de-escalation, conflict resolution, safety, and problem-solving. Known for remaining calm under pressure, adapting quickly, and providing professional, compassionate service.

Work History

Clinical Social Work Intern (MSW Practicum)

1 Year
Mission Connection | 09.2025 - Current
  • Applied crisis intervention, de-escalation, problem-solving, and sound decision-making skills while remaining calm in high-stress situations.
  • Followed established safety procedures, ethical standards, and organizational policies while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Worked effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and adapted communication approaches to meet individual needs.

Lead Counselor

9 Months
Lift Off Recovery | 11.2025 - 08.2026
  • Demonstrated strong customer service, interpersonal communication, and conflict-resolution skills while responding to individual needs and concerns.
  • Utilized crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations while maintaining safety, professionalism, and composure.
  • Exercised sound judgment and problem-solving skills when responding to unexpected situations and changing priorities. Facilitated individual counseling, psychoeducational groups, and process groups using evidence-based interventions.

Clinical Supervisor

1 Year
Santa Ana CTC Center | 10.2024 - 10.2025
  • Provided leadership and mentorship to staff while promoting teamwork, effective communication, and a positive working environment.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary professionals and community partners to coordinate services and ensure effective communication.
  • Followed established safety policies, procedures, documentation requirements, and regulatory standards while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Adapted quickly to changing circumstances, competing priorities, and the needs of clients and team members.

Case Manager

1 Year 6 Months
Serenity Lodge | 02.2023 - 08.2024
  • Coordinated treatment plans for VA clients in collaboration with medical professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
  • Guided VA clients in accessing community resources tailored to their specific needs for effective support.
  • Counseled VA clients on available resources within the community that could help meet their needs.
  • Provided referrals to appropriate health care providers or other community resources.
  • Facilitated collaboration among healthcare providers, lawyers, employers, and stakeholders to address client needs.

On-Site Manager

4 Years 11 Months
Lift Off | 07.2018 - 06.2023
  • Assist Remote Program Director - Oversee facility operations and workflow
  • Scheduled and coordinated resources for all maintenance activities to meet project deadlines.
  • Conducted initial biopsychosocial evaluation to assess client needs
  • Trained new counselors on documentation procedures and ethical standards, enhancing compliance and quality of care.
  • Maintained client records and documented progress, supporting adherence to professional standards.

Case Manager

2 Years
Cooper Fellowship | 07.2016 - 07.2018
  • Conducted intakes and discharges for clients in a healthcare setting.
  • Counseled clients on community resources to effectively address their needs.
  • Developed trusting relationships with social services, health care providers and governmental agencies.
  • Assisted individuals with eligibility for available benefits.
  • Maintained current case records to ensure accurate tracking of case activity.
  • Advocated for clients to secure essential services and support.

Resources Counselor

1 Year 1 Month
Pacific Shores Recovery | 06.2015 - 07.2016
  • Maintained accurate records of all client interactions including notes, assessments, and reports.
  • Established behavioral modification goals and assessed progress toward goals.
  • Created and oversaw utilization reviews

Education

Master of Social Work - Social Work

University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 12-2026
  • Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work- Veterans Track
  • Honor Roll Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026
  • 3.98 GPA
  • NASW - Program Chair
  • Unchained Scholars - Member

ICADC, CADC III - Addiction Counseling

California Consortium of Addiction Programs And Professionals (CCAPP) | Orange | 06-2021
  • ICADC, CADC III
  • Active Certification

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | 02-2025

Minor: Mental Health

  • Dean's List 1st, 2nd, 3rd quarter
  • Honor Roll, 4th quarter
  • 3.86 GPA
  • Awarded National Association of Leadership

Certificate - Hospitality/Culinary

Cypress College | Cypress, CA

Skills

Trauma-Informed Care
Time management
Crisis Intervention
Client Assessment
Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments
Conflict Resolution

Timeline

Lead Counselor

Lift Off Recovery
11.2025 - 08.2026Read More

Clinical Social Work Intern (MSW Practicum)

Mission Connection
09.2025 - CurrentRead More

Clinical Supervisor

Santa Ana CTC Center
10.2024 - 10.2025Read More

Case Manager

Serenity Lodge
02.2023 - 08.2024Read More

On-Site Manager

Lift Off
07.2018 - 06.2023Read More

Case Manager

Cooper Fellowship
07.2016 - 07.2018Read More

Resources Counselor

Pacific Shores Recovery
06.2015 - 07.2016Read More

University of Southern California

Master of Social Work from Social Work
Read More

California Consortium of Addiction Programs And Professionals (CCAPP)

ICADC, CADC III from Addiction Counseling
Read More

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor of Science from Psychology
Read More

Cypress College

Certificate from Hospitality/Culinary
Read More
LESLIE HADAWAY