Maria Montoya
Waco,TX
Summary
Compassionate professional with a background in counseling fields, known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in active listening, crisis intervention, and behavioral analysis. Excel at empathy, communication, and problem-solving to foster positive outcomes in challenging situations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Care Counselor
Methodist Children's Home
Waco
10.2016 - 07.2024
- Providing safety to children during challenging situations. Being a positive role model in the child's life. Transporting to any and all medical/dental visits. Providing everyday essentials. Teaching everyday social skills. From doing laundry to filling out a job application. Allowing the child to use their voice and to make sure they are being heard.
- Created individualized service plans for each youth in care.
- Collaborated with other professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for youth.
- Facilitated crisis intervention sessions in order to de-escalate situations quickly.
Correctional Officer
Texas Juvenile Justice Department
Mart, Texas
12.2007 - 05.2016
- Conducted searches of inmates, cells, and prison grounds to detect contraband or illegal activities.
- Maintained order in the prison by monitoring inmate behavior and intervening when necessary.
- Enforced prison rules and regulations while maintaining a safe environment for inmates and staff.
- Supervised prisoners during meals, recreation time, work assignments, medical visits, court appearances, and other activities.
- Monitored video surveillance systems to observe prisoner activity throughout the correctional facility.
- Responded to emergency situations such as riots or disturbances with appropriate force measures.
- Interacted with inmates in an effort to reduce tension between them and maintain a peaceful atmosphere within the facility.
- Assisted in training new Correctional Officers in proper safety protocols and techniques for dealing with difficult situations.
- Conducted regular cell inspections looking for evidence of drug use or other prohibited items that could pose a threat to security.
- Administered first aid when required due to injury or illness sustained by an inmate while under supervision.
Intake Specialist
Family Abuse Center
Waco, Texas
12.2005 - 09.2007
- Conducted initial intake interview to obtain client information, including biographical data, medical history, presenting problem, legal status, and other pertinent information.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed to clients in distress.
- Documented all patient contact activities in accordance with agency standards and regulations.
- Monitored progress of clients throughout the course of treatment and adjusted treatment plans accordingly.
- Communicated regularly with clinical staff regarding client progress and changes in condition or behavior.
- Provided education about mental health issues to individuals, families, and community groups.
- Maintained accurate records of all client interactions according to agency policies and procedures.
- Ensured that all necessary paperwork was completed accurately before discharge from program.
- Answered and logged incoming inquiries via phone, fax and email.
Education
Associate of Science - Counseling
McLennan Community College
Waco, TX05-2008
Skills
- Records Management
- Plan of action development
- Community Resources
- Type 40 words a minute
- 8 years experience with obtaining medical records
- Customer service
Timeline
Youth Care Counselor
Methodist Children's Home
10.2016 - 07.2024
Correctional Officer
Texas Juvenile Justice Department
12.2007 - 05.2016
Intake Specialist
Family Abuse Center
12.2005 - 09.2007
Associate of Science - Counseling
McLennan Community College
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