MARIANNE GONTA
Buffalo,NY
Summary
PhD in Human Services Administration with Criminal Justice emphasis. Gifted in leading, teaching, mentoring, and coaching people to achieve reachable goals. Skilled in qualitative and quantitative research and using electronic databases and applications. Technical competence using all VA, Microsoft, and Adobe software applications. A dynamic rehabilitation counselor, former substance abuse counselor, and educator. Committed advocate for people seeking successful careers and purposeful independent living. Proficient in providing individual, small group, classroom, and community education. I consistently step up in difficult cases to ensure successful outcomes.
Skilled [Job Title] offering [Number] years of demonstrated success in vocational and career planning. Strong dedication to client advocacy with proven history of implementing resources to meet individual objectives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veteran Benefits Administration
11.2021 - Current
- Full range of counseling/case management responsibilities related to training and employment services
- Knowing and interpreting policy to make decisions pertaining to veterans’ entitlement to VR&E benefits
- Determining entitlement to benefits, feasibility of goals, and specific vocational needs of veterans
- Explaining program regulations and how decisions are made pertaining to entitlement and benefits
- Developing rehabilitation plans for achieving employment and independent living goals
- Networking with professionals at colleges and training facilities to help veterans achieve goals
- Documenting, monitoring, and reviewing the progress of veterans toward vocational goals
- Providing referrals across social services agencies to help veterans maintain wellness
- Maintaining the coordination and confidentiality of veterans’ electronic files from remote work location
- Using spreadsheets and computer software to manage cases and professional efficiency
- Performing job duties from a remote work location using updated software and technology
Addictions Treatment Counselor
Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and CoreCivic
08.2019 - 10.2021
- Screening, assessing, and establishing rapport with participants to determine treatment needs
- Facilitating treatment interventions in accordance with county and state regulations
- Using standardized offender assessment information to develop treatment plans and programs
- Facilitating participant engagement in the treatment process to encourage ongoing recovery
- Planning participant incentives and using appropriate therapeutic tools to manage behavioral issues
- Documenting, monitoring, and reviewing clients’ clinical progress
- Using spreadsheets and computer software to track client progress and program efficiency
- CoreCivic Employee of the Month July 2020
- Cadet Graduation Keynote Speaker May 2021
Private Practice Rehabilitation Counselor and Doctoral Student
01.2016 - 07.2019
- Provided counseling to people with disabilities to align employment with strengths and interests
- Networked in the community to help match clients with employers and education or training programs
- Assessed abilities, potential, and needs, to identify and request necessary job accommodations
- Referred clients for services such as continuing mental health counseling or transportation
- Counseled clients and their families to encourage healthy support of rehabilitation goals
- Documented and reported client progress using smartphone and computer applications
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Independent Living Experience
08.2014 - 12.2016
- Counseled adults with autism to identify interests, values, and goals for employment/independent living
- Assessed abilities, potential, and needs, to identify and request necessary job accommodations
- Taught basic job skills, advocated for individual job placement, and coached clients for success
- Networked with local agencies as an advocate for people with disabilities
- Provided instruction and support for managing personal finances
- Helped clients develop social connections
- Promoted company recognition and growth at conferences, job fairs, and community outreach events
- This remote position involved the use of digital medical charting, scheduling, computer and smartphone applications, and Zoom treatment team meetings
Rehabilitation Counselor/Substance Use Counselor Intern
Gateway Foundation
01.2015 - 05.2015
- Completed a full-time, college semester credentialing internship counseling clients in state prison
- Helped individuals identify problems related to substance use to encourage success after prison release
- Provided one-to-one and group therapy
- Facilitated addiction education sessions for clients and their visiting families
- Created a presentation used to educate university students about Therapeutic Communities in prisons
- Used computer software and databases to prepare comprehensive treatment plans and document progress
Food Service Worker/Graduate Student
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veteran Hospital Administration
08.2010 - 06.2014
- Outstanding Employee Performance Awards 2011, 2012, 2013
- Recognized for continually motivating co-workers through demonstrated compassion and dedication
- Assisted in developing a detailed job duty organizational plan
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Human Services Administration-Criminal Justice
Walden University
01.2021
Master of Science - Rehabilitation Counseling
State University of New York at Buffalo
01.2015
Internship - CRC and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
Austin, TX01.2015
Addictions Counselor Training - undefined
St. Joseph’s Hospital
Elmira, NY01.2009
U.S. Army Engineer Officer Basic School - Leadership, Physical Abilities Honors
01.1987
Texas National Guard, Academy Officer Candidate School - Top Honor Graduate
Austin, TX01.1987
U.S. Army, Advanced Medical Training - Academic, Leadership, Physical Honors
Ft. Sam Houston, TX01.1986
U.S. Army, Basic Training - Leadership, Physical Abilities, Marksmanship Honors
Fort Dix, NJ01.1985
Bachelor of Science - undefined
State University of New York College at Buffalo
01.1985
Skills
- Human Services Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Leadership
- Teaching
- Mentoring
- Coaching
- Qualitative Research
- Quantitative Research
- Electronic Databases
- Microsoft Software
- Adobe Software
- Rehabilitation Counseling
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Education
- Advocacy
- Individual Education
- Group Education
- Classroom Education
- Community Education
- Problem Solving
- Case management
- Client advocacy
- Service coordination
- Counseling expertise
- Job placement
- Documentation skills
- Resource identification
- Career planning
Credentials Awards Honors
- PhD in Human Services Administration – Criminal Justice, 2021
- Golden Key Honor Society, 2021
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC I – Master’s Degree), 2019
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC Texas), 2017
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), 2015
- Veteran Hospital Administration Outstanding Performance Award, 2011
- Veteran Hospital Administration Outstanding Performance Award, 2012
- Veteran Hospital Administration Outstanding Performance Award, 2013
- Texas National Guard Academy Officer Candidate School Class 30 Top Honor Graduate, 1985
Dissertation
The Use of Vocational Services by Formerly Incarcerated Citizens Who Obtained Employment, 2021
Certification
- CRC - Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Timeline
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veteran Benefits Administration
11.2021 - Current
Addictions Treatment Counselor
Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and CoreCivic
08.2019 - 10.2021
Private Practice Rehabilitation Counselor and Doctoral Student
01.2016 - 07.2019
Rehabilitation Counselor/Substance Use Counselor Intern
Gateway Foundation
01.2015 - 05.2015
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Independent Living Experience
08.2014 - 12.2016
Food Service Worker/Graduate Student
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veteran Hospital Administration
08.2010 - 06.2014
Master of Science - Rehabilitation Counseling
State University of New York at Buffalo
Internship - CRC and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
Addictions Counselor Training - undefined
St. Joseph’s Hospital
U.S. Army Engineer Officer Basic School - Leadership, Physical Abilities Honors
Texas National Guard, Academy Officer Candidate School - Top Honor Graduate
U.S. Army, Advanced Medical Training - Academic, Leadership, Physical Honors
U.S. Army, Basic Training - Leadership, Physical Abilities, Marksmanship Honors
Bachelor of Science - undefined
State University of New York College at Buffalo
Doctor of Philosophy - Human Services Administration-Criminal Justice
Walden University
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