Raena Thomas
Lodi,NJ
Summary
As a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) in a substance abuse rehab center, I support clients through their recovery by assisting in therapy sessions, monitoring progress, and collaborating with clinical staff. Possess strong communication, empathy, and patience, excelling in providing exceptional care and support in challenging environments. My passion for this work is deeply personal, as I lost my uncle to an overdose two years ago. This experience has given me a unique understanding of the challenges of addiction, strengthening my empathy and commitment to helping others on their recovery journey. In addition to my BHT role, I’ve gained valuable skills from my past work as a bartender, teacher, server, and lifeguard. These roles have enhanced my ability to connect with diverse individuals, communicate effectively, and remain calm under pressure—all of which support my work in rehabilitation and recovery.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavioral Health Technician
DJ Housing
West Milford, NJ
03.2024 - Current
- Maintained client and employee areas in good working order and with adequate supplies.
- Engaged in regular communication with medical personnel regarding any changes in patient status or condition.
- Provided emotional support to clients and patients dealing with difficult situations.
- Provided crisis intervention services to patients in need.
- Conducted intake interviews with new patients to complete forms, assess mental health condition or obtain treatment history.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions with multiple patients.
- Maintained accurate and detailed records of patient care, condition, progress, and concerns.
- Identified behaviors associated with substance abuse and recognized signs of being under influence of alcohol or drugs.
Bartender
Crystal Springs Resort
Hamburg, NJ
06.2021 - 03.2024
- Upsold customers from shelf to premium brands to help boost sales.
- Attended regular training sessions to stay updated on new products or trends.
- Cleansed glasses with sanitizing solution after each use.
- Remained calm and poised during busy periods, promoting great customer service to guests.
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Provided drink suggestions to customers based on their preferences.
Server
Crystal Springs Golf Club
Hamburg, NJ
04.2020 - 03.2024
- Explained menu items, describing ingredients and cooking methods upon request.
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Presented menus and answered questions regarding items.
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Ensured that each guest was served courteously, quickly, and efficiently.
Teacher
Little Genuis Academy
Whippany, NJ
09.2023 - 02.2024
- Utilized technology such as interactive whiteboards and online resources to enhance instruction.
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Received recognition for contributions to innovative concepts in classroom instruction.
- Maintained a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain classroom discipline.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
- Evaluated students on monthly basis and adjusted lessons accordingly to incorporate improvements.
- Tested students' comprehension of subject matter through quizzes, tests and projects.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
Lifeguard Manager
Crystal Springs Resort
Hamburg, NJ
04.2018 - 06.2021
- Patrolled recreational areas before athletes, patrons and general public arrived to identify potential safety hazards.
- Assisted in the recruitment process for new lifeguards, interviewing applicants, making hiring decisions and conducting orientation sessions.
- Performed regular inspections of pool facilities to identify potential hazards or areas of improvement in terms of safety standards.
- Administered immediate and comprehensive first aid to injured and distressed patrons.
- Supervised maintenance tasks such as cleaning filters, testing chemicals and inspecting equipment for signs of wear or damage.
- Answered questions about facility hours, policies and programs.
- Updated training manual by incorporating new information.
- Consulted medical protocol to administer CPR, bandage wounds and clean injuries.
- Organized special events such as swimming competitions or educational activities designed to promote water safety awareness.
Lifeguard
Crystal Springs Resort & Minerals Resort
Hamburg, NJ
04.2015 - 03.2020
- Gave thorough and detailed instructions on safety procedures to patrons to prevent accidents.
- Instructed patrons on proper use of diving boards, slides, ladders.
- Monitored behaviors for safety violations and took steps to prevent further violations.
- Maintained constant surveillance of patrons in the swimming area at all times.
- Adhered strictly to emergency action plans.
- Maintained accurate records of incident reports, pool chemicals, and patron counts.
- Responded quickly to medical emergencies in the pool area.
- Prepared detailed incident reports following accidents or other incidents.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ05-2024
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Sussex County Community College
Newton, NJ09-2021
High School Diploma -
Vernon Township Highschool
Vernon, NJ05-2019
Skills
- Activity monitoring
- ADL support
- Crisis handling
- Report writing
- Progress monitoring
- Patient observation
- Behavioral management
- Conflict de-escalation
- Mental health support
- Suicide prevention
- Crisis intervention
- Trauma-informed care
- Substance abuse experience
- Nonverbal communication
- Medication administration
Affiliations
- pilates
- nutrition
- fitness
- yoga
- cooking
- long walks outside
- hiking
- 5ks
Certification
- CPR
- BLS
- First Aid
- NARCAN training
Languages
ASL
Professional
Italian
Limited
Timeline
Behavioral Health Technician
DJ Housing
03.2024 - Current
Teacher
Little Genuis Academy
09.2023 - 02.2024
Bartender
Crystal Springs Resort
06.2021 - 03.2024
Server
Crystal Springs Golf Club
04.2020 - 03.2024
Lifeguard Manager
Crystal Springs Resort
04.2018 - 06.2021
Lifeguard
Crystal Springs Resort & Minerals Resort
04.2015 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Sussex County Community College
High School Diploma -
Vernon Township Highschool
Similar Profiles
Jose AvilesJose Aviles
Mobile DJ Owner at DJ Music Mobile DJ and LightingMobile DJ Owner at DJ Music Mobile DJ and Lighting
Alexander PoultonAlexander Poulton
Gas Main Layer at DJ UtilitiesGas Main Layer at DJ Utilities
Luke SeagerLuke Seager
Strategic Marketing & Artist Partnerships Manager at Phase DJStrategic Marketing & Artist Partnerships Manager at Phase DJ
JADEN MIRANDAJADEN MIRANDA
Bingo Worker at Boys And Girls Club of LodiBingo Worker at Boys And Girls Club of Lodi
Nathalie De Los SantosNathalie De Los Santos
Front Desk Receptionist at ValleyFront Desk Receptionist at Valley