Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
References
Timeline
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Nancy Potempa

Saint Paul,MN

Summary

Seasoned Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor with proven expertise in dual diagnosis treatment and client-centered approaches, honed at NUWAY Alliance and other respected centers. Excelled in supervising teams, enhancing patient care through evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Recognized for exceptional service, adept at fostering therapeutic relationships and driving significant client progress.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Float Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor

NUWAY Alliance
Saint Paul, MN
09.2024 - Current
  • Facilitated psycho-educational and processing groups for clients with co-occurring disorders in an intensive outpatient program for various absent counselors.
  • Conducted individual counseling/treatment plan reviews with clients.
  • Documented client progress using 245G regulations for each group or individual counseling session.

Part-time LADC Counselor

Reflections Recovery Center
Saint Paul, MN
09.2023 - 09.2024
  • Assisted clients with developing relevant skills to improve functionality in social, educational and vocational situations.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients.
  • Coached clients on how to manage emotions effectively while also teaching them how to recognize warning signs of distress before it becomes overwhelming.
  • Maintained accurate and up-to-date records of client progress and treatment plans.
  • Developed treatment plans to address client needs.Monitored client progress through regular follow-up sessions and adjusted treatment plans as necessary.

Counseling Supervisor/Case Manager

BHG Valhalla Place (Alliance Clinic)- Minneapolis
Minneapolis, MN
05.2014 - 01.2023
  • Reviewed and evaluated counselors' work for quality assurance and annual performance reviews.
  • Facilitated weekly team meetings to discuss caseloads, challenges, successes.
  • Provided guidance and support to counselors in the team.
  • Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care within the Mat program regulations and 245G.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals and developing action plans.
  • Compiled reports on cases and submitted them to supervisors as required.
  • Provided crisis intervention support for clients in emergency situations.
  • Educated clients about mental health conditions, medications and self-care techniques.
  • Advocated on behalf of clients to secure necessary services and support.
  • Assisted with applications for government benefits such as Medicaid or Social Security Disability Insurance.
  • Participated in regular team meetings and in-house training sessions to boost group effectiveness.
  • Advised staff members on effective strategies for working with challenging client behaviors.
  • Collaborated with medical professionals to coordinate treatment plans for clients.

Residential Counselor

Speranza Center for Women
Saint Paul, MN
07.2013 - 02.2014
  • Created a safe environment that promotes self-expression, respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, empathy, and acceptance among residents.
  • Conferred with medical personnel to better understand backgrounds and needs of individual residents.
  • Interfaced with residents to address and resolve complaints or grievances.
  • Participated in team meetings to discuss updates on client progress as well as strategies for improvement.
  • Enforced rules and regulations for smooth and orderly operation of residential programs.
  • Facilitated group meetings, activities, and workshops for clients to help them develop social and interpersonal skills.
  • Responded to crisis situations quickly to maintain calm and immediately determine level of assistance needed.
  • Conducted intakes of new clients and developed individualized treatment plans based on their needs.
  • Developed therapeutic relationships by providing emotional support and positive reinforcement to clients.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Chemical Dependency Certificate

Century College
White Bear Lake, MN
09-2010

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Music

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN
05-1978

Skills

  • Supervision and consultation
  • Assessment and evaluation
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Individual therapy
  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Client-centered approach
  • Psycho-educational groups
  • Treatment planning

Accomplishments

  • Employee of the Month awarded twice at Alliance Clinic (now BHG Valhalla Place).

Certification

  • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor awarded 2010, #303111 from the State of Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Float Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor

NUWAY Alliance
09.2024 - Current

Part-time LADC Counselor

Reflections Recovery Center
09.2023 - 09.2024

Counseling Supervisor/Case Manager

BHG Valhalla Place (Alliance Clinic)- Minneapolis
05.2014 - 01.2023

Residential Counselor

Speranza Center for Women
07.2013 - 02.2014

Some College (No Degree) - Chemical Dependency Certificate

Century College

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Music

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Nancy Potempa