Patricia Alvarez
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Accomplished VR Counselor with VBA Veteran Readiness & Employment, adept at client advocacy and counseling. Enhanced service delivery by streamlining intake processes, empowering veterans through tailored employment plans. Skilled in conflict resolution and building rapport, with a focus on supporting individuals with hearing loss and mental health challenges. Passionate about fostering self-sufficiency and well-being.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
VR Counselor With Veterans
VBA Veterean Readiness & Employment
08.2021 - Current
- Facilitated individualized counseling sessions to assess veterans' needs and develop tailored employment plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate services and resources for veterans' successful transitions.
- Evaluated client progress and adjusted action plans to ensure alignment with personal career goals.
- Advocated for veterans' interests by connecting them with community resources and support networks.
- Streamlined intake processes, improving efficiency in service delivery and enhancing client experiences.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
- Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
- Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
- Advocated for clients' needs, connecting them with community resources to support their well-being.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
VR Counselor
State of Colorado Department of Labor & Employment
02.2011 - 08.2021
- Primary case load for 10+ years was working with individuals with hearing loss.
- Guided individuals in career exploration and job search strategies.
- Developed and implemented personalized employment plans for diverse populations.
- Facilitated workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, and job readiness.
- Collaborated with community organizations to enhance resource availability for clients.
- Evaluated client needs through assessments to provide tailored support services.
- Mentored junior counselors in effective counseling techniques and best practices.
- Analyzed labor market trends to inform clients of emerging opportunities.
- Enhanced program efficiency by streamlining case management processes and documentation methods.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Wartburg College
Waverly, IASkills
- Skilled in working with individuals who have hearing loss
- Learning disability awareness & ADA
- intake interviewing
- Building rapport
- Client advocacy
- Adept at conflict resolution
- Client records management
- Empathy development
- Social work
- Counseling
- HIPAA
Certification
- CRCC, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor : 2029
Timeline
VR Counselor With Veterans
VBA Veterean Readiness & Employment
08.2021 - Current
VR Counselor
State of Colorado Department of Labor & Employment
02.2011 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Wartburg College