Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Paula Dorman

Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Summary

Compassionate and highly resourceful Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 5+ years of experience providing telehealth counseling for individuals with substance use and mental health challenges. Passionate about leveraging technology for remote care, patient engagement, and seamless intake processes. Committed to building rapport with diverse groups, helping build positive coping skills, and providing referrals to external resources. Seeking a remote work-from-home position focused on intake or risk assessments, call center work, or clinical support in a telehealth setting.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications

Work History

Substance Abuse Counselor/Clinical Supervisor

TruPath Counseling, LLC
02.2020 - Current
  • Provide telehealth counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
  • Complete telehealth intake assessments to determine patient eligibility and readiness for substance abuse program.
  • Supervise clinicians conducting assessments and counseling services, ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Served as a liaison between clinical staff and administration to address concerns and optimize workflows.
  • Coordinated with healthcare providers to address co-occurring mental health disorders in conjunction with addiction treatment efforts.
  • Contributed to ongoing staff training initiatives, sharing best practices in addiction counseling techniques and approaches.

Substance Abuse Counselor/Clinical Supervisor

SaVida Health
11.2018 - 02.2020
  • Delivered counseling services, screenings and assessments for new patients in substance abuse, treatment.
  • Managed patient inquiries, provided orientation, and psycho-education on MAT services.
  • Conducted both group and individual therapy sessions in an outpatient environment.
  • Trained a team of 5 clinical staff in all aspects of counseling position, ensuring patient engagement, assessment, ethical standards, and treatment planning.
  • Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients' needs, identifying appropriate interventions and therapies for optimal results.

Lead Substance Abuse Counselor

Fairfax Methadone Treatment Center
11.2016 - 10.2018
  • Contributed to ongoing staff training initiatives, sharing best practices in addiction counseling techniques and approaches.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, deescalating situations and connecting clients with appropriate resources.
  • Led intake assessments, evaluating eligibility for services and determining appropriate treatment
  • Reduced substance abuse relapse rates by implementing evidence-based counseling strategies and treatment plans.
  • Provided supervision and mentorship to counseling interns, fostering professional development within the field of addiction treatment.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, ensuring continuity of care for clients.
  • Supported aftercare planning for continued recovery after treatment.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Therapist

Old Dominion Counseling
01.2018 - 07.2018
  • Delivered remote and in-person therapy for individuals with co-occurring disorders
  • Leveraged motivational interviewing techniques to help clients identify personal motivations for change and develop actionable steps toward recovery goals.
  • Coordinated with external agencies such as probation officers or attorneys to ensure continuity of care for clients involved in legal or social service systems.
  • Kept accurate and detailed records to track and document client progress.

Primary Counselor

Fairfax Methadone Treatment Center
05.2015 - 11.2016
  • Conducted intake assessments via telephone, gathering data to determine program eligibility
  • Contributed to an increased success rate of clients achieving long-term recovery by providing ongoing support throughout their treatment journey.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive client care, enhancing overall treatment success rates.
  • Assessed assigned patients and developed individualized treatment plans.
  • Guided group therapy and one-on-one counseling sessions as scheduled.
  • Cultivated a culturally sensitive approach to counseling services, addressing diverse needs within the client population served.

Owner

Paula's Pooches
10.2011 - 08.2016
  • Managed a small dog boarding business caring for up to 10 animals per day.
  • Developed training plans based on initial intake to address behavioral issues
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.

Education

Master of Social Work - Clinical

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
08.2009 - 05.2011

Bachelor of Arts - Biology

George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
08.2001 - 05.2005

Skills

  • Telehealth Counseling
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • CBT
  • Case Management
  • Treatment Planning
  • Online Patient Engagement & Retention
  • ASAM Criteria
  • Clinical Documentation
  • Cultural Competency
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Mindfulness Techniques
  • Crisis management
  • Harm reduction strategies
  • Medication-assisted treatment MAT
  • Psychosocial assessments
  • Excellent communication
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Resource networking
  • Providing community referrals
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Multitasking
  • Clinical supervision
  • Client confidentiality
  • Clinical assessment

Certification

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), VA, FL, 2017 – 2025

Timeline

Substance Abuse Counselor/Clinical Supervisor

TruPath Counseling, LLC
02.2020 - Current

Substance Abuse Counselor/Clinical Supervisor

SaVida Health
11.2018 - 02.2020

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Therapist

Old Dominion Counseling
01.2018 - 07.2018

Lead Substance Abuse Counselor

Fairfax Methadone Treatment Center
11.2016 - 10.2018

Primary Counselor

Fairfax Methadone Treatment Center
05.2015 - 11.2016

Owner

Paula's Pooches
10.2011 - 08.2016

Master of Social Work - Clinical

Virginia Commonwealth University
08.2009 - 05.2011

Bachelor of Arts - Biology

George Mason University
08.2001 - 05.2005
Paula DormanLicensed Clinical Social Worker | Certified Substance Abuse Counselor