Lori Howard
LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Chicago,IL
Summary
Experienced licensed clinical professional counselor with over 10 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse. Excellent reputation for resolving problems and improving client satisfaction. Expertise working with adults in residential, community mental health, forensic, and hospital settings. Experience working with children and adolescents in a hospital setting and in detention. Driven and passionate supervisory clinician with skills in leadership, problem solving, trauma, and verbal de-escalation. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Juvenile Justice Care Coordinator
Cook County Health
Chicago, IL
07.2020 - Current
- Provides intensive case management to 25 justice involved youth ages 10 to 21 with getting linked to mental health services.
- Performs screenings, assessments and care plans to ensure individualized care for each youth and their family.
- Performs intensive case management with youth and their family to encourage progress and assist with any barriers to their goals.
- Assists youth and their family with linkage to community services including but not limited to; vocational training, mentorship, educational support, housing, and access to government benefits.
Assessment and Referral Specialist
University of Chicago Medicine, Ingalls Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Harvey, IL
10.2014 - 09.2021
- Conducted necessary assessments with patients who present in crisis in emergency department, inpatient unit, and/ or office with mental health symptoms.
- Provided crisis intervention and verbal de-escalation for patients.
- Assessed clinical needs of patients seeking behavioral health services to least restrictive care.
- Consults with psychiatrists and nurses on appropriate follow up care and placement of patient.
- Linked families to relevant community support to meet non-medical needs.
- Called insurance companies to get precertification and other benefits information on behalf of patients.
Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Case Manager
Cook County Health
Chicago, IL
08.2018 - 07.2020
- Assessed clients for mental and physical needs that could be met through court ordered treatment plans.
- Assisted with linkage and referral to appropriate evidenced-based services for clients to ensure continuation of care.
- Assisted treatment team with completion of all court documentation, and ensured attendance of all required individuals at court hearings.
- Established and maintained relationships with referring agencies/organizations and community treatment providers.
- Participated in rounds/staffing with agencies and organizations in order to offer AOT services in conjunction with discharge planning.
- Educated area hospitals and agencies in presentation format on site to initiate more engagement in AOT program.
QMHP Clinical Supervisor
Sertoma Centre
Matteson, IL
01.2016 - 08.2018
- Performed all duties required and listed as QMHP.
- Signed and reviewed treatment plans and mental health assessments for compliance under Medicaid rule 132.
- Trained clinicians on agency procedures in accordance to rule 132.
- Supervised master level clinicians (QMHPs) by providing administrative support and clinical direction weekly.
- Completed quality assurance on billing notes, assessments, and other documentation completed by staff.
- Managed team of 5 employees, overseeing hiring, training, and professional growth of employees
Case Manager (MHP) Supervisor
Sertoma Centre
Matteson, IL
10.2014 - 01.2016
- Performed all duties required and listed as QMHP.
- Hired and trained case managers on authorization procedures and agency procedures in accordance to rule 132.
- Supervised bachelor level case managers and ensured outreach and engagement to consumers assigned and accurate completion of all required documentation.
- Completed quality assurance on billing notes, assessments, and other documentation completed by staff.
Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Sertoma Centre
Matteson, IL
07.2013 - 10.2014
- Provided direct clinical service to and average case load of 15 consumers conducting individual therapy, community support, and psycho-educational sessions.
- Facilitated 4-7 psycho-educational groups weekly.
- Accompanied consumers individually and in group to community during offsite outings.
- Completed treatment plans, mental health assessments and progress notes for consumers efficiently.
- Completed insurance authorizations for consumers to justify medical necessity.
Substance Abuse Counselor Intern
Way Back Inn
Maywood, IL
08.2011 - 07.2012
- Co-led group therapy sessions that focused on addiction, self-esteem, trauma, and mental illness.
- Engaged average caseload of 12 clients focused on substance abuse and mental health issues.
- Prepared documentation for clients involved in mental health court and drug court and sat in on proceedings to support clients.
- Conducted intake interviews and assessments.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning
- Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient and residential setting.
Education
Master of Arts - Forensic Psychology Degree
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Chicago, IL 08.2010 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL 08.2007 - 05.2010
Associate of Arts - LIBERAL
Kankakee Community College
Kankakee, IL 08.2002 - 08.2006
Skills
Organizational skills
Timeline
Juvenile Justice Care Coordinator
Cook County Health
07.2020 - Current
Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Case Manager
Cook County Health
08.2018 - 07.2020
QMHP Clinical Supervisor
Sertoma Centre
01.2016 - 08.2018
Assessment and Referral Specialist
University of Chicago Medicine, Ingalls Memorial Hospital
10.2014 - 09.2021
Case Manager (MHP) Supervisor
Sertoma Centre
10.2014 - 01.2016
Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Sertoma Centre
07.2013 - 10.2014
Substance Abuse Counselor Intern
Way Back Inn
08.2011 - 07.2012
Master of Arts - Forensic Psychology Degree
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
08.2010 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Northern Illinois University
08.2007 - 05.2010
Associate of Arts - LIBERAL
Kankakee Community College
08.2002 - 08.2006
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