Nermina Kekic
Waukee,IA
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Family/ Chemical Dependency Counselor/ PRN
UnityPoint Health Powell Chemical Dependency Center
05.2021 - Current
- Provide direct substance use counseling, group counseling, education and consultation services to identified patients, family, and support system to promote recovery.
- Assess and identify appropriate support systems to address the unique needs of each patient.
- Consult with UnityPoint health team members and other outside professionals to assure comprehensive quality care for patients.
- Facilitate family treatment groups to provide education and support to families.
- Deliver high-quality care to patients and families.
- Utilize evidence-based practices in treatment.
- Document services accurately and timely patient progress with treatment goals.
- Participate in training and educational activities.
- Promote positive behavior change by encouraging self-reflection and personal growth among patients.
- Develop strong rapport with diverse populations, demonstrating cultural sensitivity in all interactions.
Chemical Dependency Counselor
MercyOne Des Moines First Step Recovery
12.2015 - 05.2021
- Provided counseling and support to patients with co-occurring disorders.
- Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting, to develop coping skills and positive pro-social behaviors.
- Conducted psychosocial assessments for patients and implement therapeutic treatment goals, objectives, and interventions that address patient symptoms.
- Facilitated family group, provided education and support to family members.
- Attended weekly case review meetings to review and discuss patient progress, assure consistent implementation of treatment plan goals/objectives, and promote team involvement in problem-solving.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve patients' level of functioning.
- Supervised interns and provided evaluations and feedback to professors.
- Documented patient progress through counseling and interaction through groups.
- Collaborated care with appropriate agencies including probation officers, courts, and other treatment agencies and provided referrals as needed.
Primary Counselor
Residential Prelude Behavioral Services
11.2013 - 12.2015
- Completed initial assessment that includes evaluation of the American Society of Addiction Medicine Patient Placement Criteria (ASAM).
- Provided substance abuse counseling services in group and individual sessions.
- Monitored client progress toward desired outcomes specifically in the areas of personal growth.
- Attended clinical supervision with licensed staff to review and discuss client progress, to ensure consistent implementation of treatment plan goals/objectives
- Attended clinical trainings to obtain clinical certification
- Developed appropriate discharge plan and aftercare programming.
- Collaborated with health care providers, Parole Officers, DHS providers and other members to ensure clients received optimal care.
- Daily concurrent documentation of individual sessions with clients.
- Scheduling sessions with clients and providing appropriate documentation of all sessions.
Counselor
Stepping Stone Family Services
06.2010 - 08.2013
- Provided individual therapy sessions for children ages 4 to 17.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist youth in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Provided behavioral intervention services to children in individual therapy sessions.
- Monitored client progress toward desired outcomes specifically in areas of personal growth.
- Determined needs for outside professional evaluations (e.g., mental health).
- Attended clinical supervisions with staff to review client progress and promote team involvement in problem-solving/resolution.
- Maintained an awareness of applicable laws, regulations, and licensing requirements as they related to client documentation.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Grand View University
Des Moines, IA05.2009
Skills
- Outstanding counseling skills with years of cognitive behavioral and motivational interviewing experience
- Possess a thorough knowledge of current behavioral health concepts, principles and treatment methods
- Excellent knowledge of substance use disorders
- Proven ability to serve clients non-judgmentally, gaining trust to facilitate change
- Ability to plan and organize time and tasks, ability to maintain composure under stress
- Experience working with Microsoft programs (Excel, Word etc)
Certification
International Alcohol and Drug Counselor (IADC)- 19019
Timeline
Family/ Chemical Dependency Counselor/ PRN
UnityPoint Health Powell Chemical Dependency Center
05.2021 - Current
Chemical Dependency Counselor
MercyOne Des Moines First Step Recovery
12.2015 - 05.2021
Primary Counselor
Residential Prelude Behavioral Services
11.2013 - 12.2015
Counselor
Stepping Stone Family Services
06.2010 - 08.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Grand View University
International Alcohol and Drug Counselor (IADC)- 19019
Similar Profiles
Misty GalleMisty Galle
Director of Nursing/Interim Director of Nursing at Montana Chemical Dependency CenterDirector of Nursing/Interim Director of Nursing at Montana Chemical Dependency Center
Katrina Valmer-PantojasKatrina Valmer-Pantojas
Substance Abuse Counselor CASAC T at MARC Chemical Dependency Crisis CenterSubstance Abuse Counselor CASAC T at MARC Chemical Dependency Crisis Center
JANICE BOLDING, MPA, CASAC-MJANICE BOLDING, MPA, CASAC-M
Counseling Supervisor at BOWERY RESIDENTS COMMITTEE – Chemical Dependency Crisis CenterCounseling Supervisor at BOWERY RESIDENTS COMMITTEE – Chemical Dependency Crisis Center