Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Nikki Thornton, LCSW

Pine Bluff,AR

Summary

Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

CEO/Mental Health Therapist

Mind Over Matter Counseling LLC.
3322 W 34th Ave Pine Bluff, AR 71603
01.2022 - Current

· Completes comprehensive psycho -social histories and Intake Assessments as assigned

· Determine mental health diagnosis

· Completes all compliance documentation, including but not limited to: Diagnostic Evaluations, Plan of care, create

· and review Master Treatment Plans based on determined diagnosis, Suicide and Crisis Assessments and

· Planning

· Urgent Coordination Notes

· Mental Health Professional Progress notes and other documentation as required in EMR.

· Provides direct services, includes individual therapy, group therapy, Collateral Intervention,

· Implementing different patient centered treatment modalities during Individual therapy, Family therapy, and Crisis situations

· Stabilization/Intervention, Professional Intervention, and Diagnostic Interpretation

· Initiates and Coordinates emergency hospitalization as required and coordination of follow-up care.

· Professional follows therapeutic guidelines stipulated by the primary therapist on the Plan of Care

· Provides resources to food banks, Department of Human Services, and the Housing Authority

· Work with clients and their families with diverse cultural, ethnic, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds

· demonstrating relevant skills that lead to effective and appropriate communication.

· Mandated reporter

Full Time Instructor

University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
1200 University Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601
01.2021 - Current

· Establishing key objectives for classes

· Creating curriculum that accomplishes the set objectives

· Developing a syllabus that outlines topics that will be explored and listing due dates for assignments and exams

· Making lesson plans that describe how information will be presented

· Giving lectures and organizing activities to present material and deepen understanding of coursework

· Writing, administering and grading examinations that test students’ knowledge

· Answering students’ questions and providing support to help them succeed

· Recording students’ attendance and grades

Mental Health Counselor

Pinnacle Pointe Outpatient Behavioral Health
109 Frankie Ln White Hall, AR 71602
01.2020 - 10.2022
  • Improved patient treatment outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing customized treatment plans.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive care for patients with mental health disorders.
  • Reduced crisis intervention needs by proactively monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatment approaches as necessary.
  • Strengthened family support systems by providing psychoeducation and facilitating open communication between patients and their loved ones.
  • Built rapport with diverse client populations, utilizing empathetic listening skills and culturally sensitive therapeutic practices.
  • Developed individualized goal-setting tools to empower patients in taking ownership of their progress towards improved mental health.
  • Maintained detailed documentation of clinical notes, tracking patient progress throughout the course of treatment.
  • Partnered with local schools to deliver mental health counseling services to students experiencing stress, anxiety, or other challenges impacting academic performance.
  • Continually updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, trainings, and workshops related to advancements in the field of mental health counseling.
  • Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, deescalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
  • Established a safe environment for clients to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or retribution.
  • Served as an advocate for clients within various systems including healthcare providers, insurance companies, educational institutions.
  • Facilitated smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout transitions.
  • Documented psychiatric services and responses to treatment in patient case files.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Kindred Healthcare Inc.
1600 W 40th Ave Pine Bluff, AR 71603
04.2017 - 02.2022
  • Improved client outcomes by implementing evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
  • Enhanced collaborative care for clients by coordinating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
  • Increased patient satisfaction through providing empathetic and compassionate counseling services.
  • Assisted clients in developing and achieving realistic goals, leading to improved overall wellbeing.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments and developed individualized treatment plans tailored to each client''s needs.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting positive peer support and mutual learning experiences.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, stabilizing clients experiencing acute symptoms or distress.
  • Developed psychoeducational materials to educate clients on mental health topics, promoting self-awareness and understanding.
  • Implemented cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients change negative thought patterns and improve their coping strategies.
  • Enabled smoother transitions between levels of care by effectively communicating with referring providers about client progress and treatment recommendations.
  • Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
  • Facilitated family meetings to discuss patient care plans.
  • Coordinated patient discharge planning and follow-up care.

Director of Social Services

Jefferson Comprehensive Care Systems Inc
1101 S Tennessee St Pine Bluff, AR 71601
10.2018 - 01.2020
  • Improved community outreach by developing and implementing innovative social service programs.
  • Enhanced staff performance through comprehensive training and professional development initiatives.
  • Increased client satisfaction by actively addressing concerns and providing timely resolutions.
  • Streamlined internal processes for more efficient delivery of social services to clients in need.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement among staff members, inspiring them to consistently raise the bar in their work.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by diligently monitoring policies and procedures within the department.
  • Facilitated open communication between staff members, promoting teamwork and collaborative problem-solving approaches to challenges faced by clients.
  • Provided crisis intervention support when needed; demonstrating empathy, compassion and resourcefulness to serve clients in times of distress.
  • Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
  • Referred families to shelters, legal resources, and educational programs.
  • Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
  • Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
  • Assessed community needs and identified resources for social and community service programs.

Intern

VA MHICM Clinic
222 E. Township Fayetteville, AR 72703
09.2013 - 04.2014
  • Shadow case managers to observe day to day job duties
  • Lead case management visits with/without supervision
  • Complete case notes in CPRS on assigned veterans
  • Complete treatment plans/assessments with supervision of case manager
  • Attend administrative staff meetings to discuss case loads
  • Collaborated effectively with team members across departments, fostering a cohesive work environment conducive to accomplishing shared objectives.
  • Actively participated in team meetings, offering insightful suggestions that led to innovative problem-solving strategies.
  • Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.

Intern

Springwoods Behavioral Health
1955 Truckers Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704
01.2013 - 05.2013
  • Supported clients in overcoming personal challenges by employing evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive treatment plans for clients.
  • Increased client engagement through skillful application of active listening and communication techniques.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs, leading to more targeted interventions and improved outcomes.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, effectively deescalating tense situations and connecting clients with appropriate resources.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering a supportive environment for shared learning and growth.
  • Maintained timely and accurate documentation, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines and best practices in mental health counseling.
  • Built rapport with diverse clientele by demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity in all interactions.
  • Maintained client confidentiality in all communications, adhering to ethical guidelines and protecting the privacy of sensitive information.

Licensed Social Worker

Fayetteville Veterans Home
1179 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
08.2008 - 06.2012
  • Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing personalized treatment plans.
  • Enhanced community support networks for clients by connecting them with appropriate resources and services.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care and optimal outcomes for clients.
  • Provided crisis intervention, de-escalating volatile situations and connecting individuals with emergency services when necessary.
  • Conducts individual, group, & family counseling sessions to aid resident's social, emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing
  • Supervise activities staff
  • Develops program plans by determining goals and objectives, assessing programs, and making recommendations for policy and procedure changes

Family Service Worker, Family Support Specialist

State Of Arkansas
Little Rock, AR
10.2001 - 08.2008
  • Assisting families in developing and implementing a case plan
  • Conduct home visits and facilitate visitations between parent and child
  • Monitor parent/child interaction, monitor child placement and address foster parent needs
  • Provide after hour on-call services
  • Conduct staffing’s, prepare affidavits, complete court reports, prepare for and attend court hearings, present court testimony, complete social histories, input data in CHRIS
  • Develop and maintain case files
  • Attend required trainings and meetings
  • Interviews clients to determine eligibility for DWS programs and services
  • Contacts employers/clients by telephone or correspondence to discuss job orders for potential job applicants
  • Performs job placement activities by researching files and selecting position openings compatible with clients' employment profile, schedules interviews for clients.
  • Administers aptitude and job skills assessments to job applicants by monitoring assessments, scoring and recording results and scheduling assessments.
  • Counsels clients by explaining program eligibility, program benefits, and employment opportunities.
  • Case Management, analyze, gather, organize and enter data through technical support using State and Federal Policy

Skills

  • Licensed Certified Social Worker #5913-C Expires 3/31/25
  • Licensed Mastered Social Worker #5913-M Expired 3/16/21
  • Licensed Social Worker Expired 8/2012
  • Master of Social Work 2014 U of A Fayetteville
  • Masters in Public Administration 2011 Webster University
  • Bachelor of Arts Social Work 1997 University of AR Pine Bluff

Timeline

CEO/Mental Health Therapist

Mind Over Matter Counseling LLC.
01.2022 - Current

Full Time Instructor

University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
01.2021 - Current

Mental Health Counselor

Pinnacle Pointe Outpatient Behavioral Health
01.2020 - 10.2022

Director of Social Services

Jefferson Comprehensive Care Systems Inc
10.2018 - 01.2020

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Kindred Healthcare Inc.
04.2017 - 02.2022

Intern

VA MHICM Clinic
09.2013 - 04.2014

Intern

Springwoods Behavioral Health
01.2013 - 05.2013

Licensed Social Worker

Fayetteville Veterans Home
08.2008 - 06.2012

Family Service Worker, Family Support Specialist

State Of Arkansas
10.2001 - 08.2008
Nikki Thornton, LCSW