Omar Higgins
Blackstone,VA
Summary
Highly skilled, motivated, compassionate mental health professional dedicated to the field of psychology and providing ethical and effective care. Effective motivator, communicator, and advocate for clients. Ability to manage a diverse caseload with various personalities, defuse stressful situations, resolve issues, and work with coworkers to benefit the client. Team oriented; recognizes the importance of establishing healthy and solid working relationships with co-workers, administration, and other agencies. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills. Currently licensed as a Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. Received certifications as a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Professional and have certificate in providing Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing treatment to clients in need. Talent for quickly mastering technology. Diplomatic and tactful with professionals and non-professionals at all levels. Accustomed to handling sensitive, confidential records Compassionate Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience in providing mental health services to diverse populations. Strengths include exceptional interpersonal communication, empathy, and ability to develop and implement effective treatment plans. Proven track record of successful counseling outcomes and positive impact on client well-being. Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development and learning.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Counseling Forensics Services
Midlothian/Lynchburg/Charlottesville, VA
12.2020 - Current
- Managed a diverse caseload of at least 50 clients and 8 sex offender-specific group sessions weekly.
- Performed general office duties such as ordering supplies, maintain records management, database systems, and performing basic bookkeeping work proficient in the use of multi-line phones
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for clients with similar issues or diagnoses.
- Adhered to ethical standards outlined by professional organizations such as APA or ACA.
- Conducted initial assessments of clients to determine presenting issues and develop treatment plans.
- Consulted with other professionals, agencies and universities to discuss therapies, treatments, counseling resources and techniques.
- Talked with family members during period when patients could not self-advocate.
- Developed individualized therapeutic interventions based on diagnosis and best practices in the field of mental health counseling.
- Attended trainings, workshops related to current trends in the field of psychology, mental health counseling.
- Incorporated different treatment methodologies and evidence-based practices to meet clients' specific needs.
- Identified environmental factors that may be contributing to client's symptoms and collaborated with them to create an action plan for change.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute mental health issues.
- Maintained accurate records of clinical activity in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
- Met with patients and provided diagnoses and consultations.
- Monitored client's progress throughout the course of therapy by tracking goals set in treatment plan.
- Improved clients' compliance with treatment plans by advising on options and benefits.
- Provided psychoeducation on topics such as stress management, anger management, parenting skills.
- Utilized a variety of techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices during sessions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care for each client.
- Participated in regular case reviews with other clinicians to discuss client progress.
- Completed detailed documentation of sessions, patient notes and recommendations.
- Assisted clients in developing coping skills to better manage symptoms of mental illness or emotional distress.
Therapist, Counselor II
Virginia Center for Behavioral Rehabilitation
Burkeville, VA
07.2017 - 07.2024
- Managed a diverse caseload of 20-25 Sexually Violent Predators
- Communicated effectively and timely with staff regarding resident’s treatment
- Managed group notes for each resident in a timely manner
- Created quarterly Progress Reports and Individualized Recovery Plans for residents in a timely manner
- Facilitated two treatment groups of ten to twelve residents 4 days a week
- Facilitated two module (educational) groups once a week
- Effectively worked to improve training materials and psychoeducational groups as needed
- Participated in EMDR training and actively see an EMDR client weekly
Resident in Counseling- Masters of Art/General Mental Health Counseling
Meherrin River Counseling Services
South Hill, VA
03.2018 - 06.2020
- Provided individual therapy to clients between the ages of 12-40 diagnosed with a variety of presenting problems including but not limited to, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, intellectual Disabilities, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Antisocial Personality Disorder
- Maintained progress notes for all clients to ensure proper documentation of session content and interventions
- Helping individuals deal with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; suicide; stress management and problems with self-esteem
- Maintaining confidentiality of records relating to client treatment
- Encouraging clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, and help them develop insight into themselves and their relationships
- Met weekly for LPC and CSOTP supervision
Parole and Probation Officer Sex Offender Specialist
Parole and Probation District 8
South Boston, VA
05.2013 - 07.2018
- Promote the Healing Environment Initiative for the Unit and the Department through Dialogue Practices
- Facilitate Dialogue Practices in a group setting
- Complete assessments and develop treatment and monitoring plan
- Assess the risks and needs presented by offenders
- Engage the offender in developing a treatment and monitoring plan
- Arrange and follows up with polygraph and treatment service
- Provide appropriate incentives and sanctions
- Monitors and assists offenders to comply with Sex Offender Registry requirements and physically verifies reported Registry changes
- Meets with and coordinates service delivery with other agencies and organizations
- Conduct technological monitoring in accordance with policy and procedures
- Investigates and reports on alleged violations; authorizes arrests if necessary
- Take appropriate action in accordance with Community Corrections Operating Procedures
- Prepare Presentence Investigation Reports in accordance with Department Policy and court guidelines
- Submit reports to meet mandated deadlines
- Complete appropriate Virginia Sentencing Guidelines as outlined by the Virginia Sentencing Commission
- Provide training and technical assistance to other staff in the investigation assessment, supervision, treatment and technological or electronic monitoring of sex offenders
- Served on sex offender supervision team
- Documents and maintains offender case files and automated databases in accordance with Community Corrections and VP Operating Procedures
- Compiles data and submits ad hoc administrative reports as required
Access Clinician Intern- Masters of Art/General Mental Health Counseling
Community Services Board/Behavioral Health Center
South Boston, VA
07.2016 - 03.2017
- Assist with admitting clients who are experiencing crises to adult and children voluntary/involuntary hospital admissions through clinical interviewing, assessments and treatment planning
- Provide provisional diagnoses by using the DSM-5 to assist with treatment plans, pharmacotherapy and wraparound programs for the benefits of the client’s transition
- Collect data, view clinical notes and communicate with clients, family members, hospital staff, and other human resource agencies to assist with providing adequate ethical and legal judgement within the guidelines of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Regional Admissions Policy and Procedures, HIPPA, Public Law and ACA Code of Ethics
- Conduct phone hearings to determine if the client is clear to discharge or recommit for hospitalization
- Co-facilitate psycho-educational lectures on addiction, grief and loss, stress management, assertive communication, cognitive distortions and relapse prevention
- Co-Facilitated Sex Offender Residential Treatment, Anger Management Treatment and Facilitated Sex Offender Awareness Program
- Conduct progress and process notes to annotate qualitative change in client’s thoughts and behaviors, as well as provide evidence-based practice interventions to facilitate healthy change
Correctional Officer
Powhatan Correction Center
State Farm, VA
05.2007 - 05.2013
- Provided therapeutic counseling for offenders who are reentering into society
- Assisted with cognitive behavioral therapeutic techniques to teach and instill mental health within the individual or group
- Communicated effectively to efficiently rehabilitate offenders during their process of rehabilitation
- Provided effective corrective actions methods to efficiently correct an offender’s or group’s particular behavior
- Insured proper incentives were given to offenders who were following the rules and regulation pertaining to the expectations of the therapeutic program
- Act as a liaison between the offender and counselor to insure quality and controlled information which is pertinent for the offender's rehabilitation and reentry
- Taught classes on finances and credit aspects underneath the guidance of the Fair Isaac Corporation
- Responsible for guarding inmates in penal institution in accordance with established policies, regulations, and procedures
- Observed conduct and behavior of inmates to prevent disturbances and escapes
- Inspected locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates for tampering
- Searched inmates and cells for contraband articles
- Guarded and directed inmates during work assignments
- Patrolled assigned areas for evidence of forbidden activities
- Reported infraction of rules, and unsatisfactory attitude or adjustment of prisoners to superiors
- Employed weapons or forced to maintain discipline and order among prisoners as needed
- Escorted inmates to and from visiting room; medical office; and religious services
- Guarded entrance of jail to screen visitors
- Prepared written reports concerning incidences of inmate disturbances or injuries
- Served as backup correction officer
- Guarded prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other points, traveling by automobile or public transportation
Radio Operator Supervisor
United States Marine Corp. Reserves
Richmond, VA
01.2008 - 12.2011
- Supervised 20 reserve Marines in the installation, operation and performance of minor maintenance on radio communications equipment, including antennas, vehicles and power sources
- Managed daily operations of remote multi-channel retransmission sites
- Established/maintained vital radio communications connectivity in support of WAN customers
- Adhered to radio telephone procedures, publications directives, security regulations and testing
- Obtained certification to perform hazardous material duties including documentation for materials containment, disposal and transfer
Primary Marksminship Instructor/Coach
United States Marine Corps
Quantico, VA
03.2004 - 02.2007
- Responsible for conducting live-fire range operations at 14 locations
- Successfully provided marksmanship instruction, training and coaching for more than 300 personnel annually
- Clearly and concisely communicated voice commands using two-way radios, public address systems and megaphones
- Oversaw range safety procedures and precautions maintaining radio contact with emergency personnel
- Coordinated logistical, maintenance and schedule requirements for live-fire range use
- Monitored communications systems and maintain activity logs/reports for management review
Communications Technician
United States Marine Corps
Camp Lejune Base, NC
10.2000 - 03.2004
- Supervised ten people in the installation, operation and performance of minor maintenance on radio communications equipment including antennas, vehicles and power sources
- Managed daily operations of remote multi-channel retransmission sites
- Established/maintained vital radio communications connectivity in support of WAN customers
- Adhered to radio telephone procedures, publications directives, security regulations and testing
- Obtained certification to perform hazardous material duties including documentation for materials containment, disposal and transfer
Education
Masters - General Mental Health Counseling, Mental Health Track/ LPC
Capella University
03.2017
Bachelors of Art - Psychology
American Military University
08.2012
Skills
- Assertiveness training
- Group therapy facilitation
- Suicide prevention
- Individual counseling
- Grief counseling
- Sexual assault counseling
- Psychological assessment
- Treatment Planning
References
Available upon request
Certification
- Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider, 06/2019
- Certificate in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, 12/2019
- Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professionals (CCJP) Didactic Training, 160 hours
- Matrix Intensive Outpatient Treatment for People With Stimulant Use Disorder
- Sex Offender Awareness Program
- Adult/Child First Aid/CPR Certified
- Re-Entry Training-Cognitive Community Officer, Powhatan Correctional Center, State Farm, VA, Petersburg Federal Training Center, Petersburg, VA
- Boot Camp, United States Marine Corps, 1997
Clearance
Eligible
Personal Information
Citizenship: United States
Accomplishments
- Employee of the Month of May 2023
Timeline
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Counseling Forensics Services
12.2020 - Current
Resident in Counseling- Masters of Art/General Mental Health Counseling
Meherrin River Counseling Services
03.2018 - 06.2020
Therapist, Counselor II
Virginia Center for Behavioral Rehabilitation
07.2017 - 07.2024
Access Clinician Intern- Masters of Art/General Mental Health Counseling
Community Services Board/Behavioral Health Center
07.2016 - 03.2017
Parole and Probation Officer Sex Offender Specialist
Parole and Probation District 8
05.2013 - 07.2018
Radio Operator Supervisor
United States Marine Corp. Reserves
01.2008 - 12.2011
Correctional Officer
Powhatan Correction Center
05.2007 - 05.2013
Primary Marksminship Instructor/Coach
United States Marine Corps
03.2004 - 02.2007
Communications Technician
United States Marine Corps
10.2000 - 03.2004
Masters - General Mental Health Counseling, Mental Health Track/ LPC
Capella University
Bachelors of Art - Psychology
American Military University
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