Devoted Substance Abuse Counselor with extensive experience in substance abuse treatment. Skills in gathering, analyzing and interpreting information and making appropriate recommendations, Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively lead staff.
Overview
1
1
Certification
2
2
years of post-secondary education
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Clinical Counselor for Richland County Drug Court
Insight Educational and Treatment Services
Columbia, SC
04.2025 - Current
Collaborated with drug court team, including judges, probation officers, and attorneys, to provide comprehensive reports on client progress
Conduct substance abuse assessments and determine appropriate treatment plans
Provide individual, and group counseling services
Monitor client progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
Provided crisis intervention to address immediate client needs and support safe recovery environments
Attended court proceedings and provided testimony.
Maintained confidentiality and upheld ethical standards to ensure trust and integrity in client interactions
Maintained comprehensive records of client interactions and treatment plans
Continually educate oneself on addiction recovery best practices
Mental Health Professional II
G. Werber Bryan Psychiatric Hospital
Columbia, SC
06.2023 - Current
Conduct individual therapy for referred patients, providing consultation to the treatment team regarding progress, ongoing needs.
Conduct therapeutic groups to provide active treatment and enhance patient engagement.
Develop individualized Positive Behavioral Support Plans (PBSPs) with the treatment team to address specific patient needs.
Complete discipline specific admissions assessment, consult with the treatment team regarding treatment needs.
Complete designated examiner exams for court to ensure compliance with legal standards.
Monitor individuals' practices to ensure that auditing standards are met.
Facilitated team operations by coordinating administrative tasks to improve efficiency. by managing various administrative tasks, ensuring smooth workflow. to support team operations. as assigned by supervisor.
Clinical Counselor
Waypoint Recovery Rehab Center
Cameron, SC
02.2022 - 06.2023
Conduct individual and group therapy for young adults/adults that need intervention for substance use, abuse and addiction
Utilized evidence-based therapies (CBT, DBT, psycho-educational, client-centered, expressive) to develop personalized post-treatment strategies for sustained sobriety.
Identify treatment goals based on individual diagnosis and history.
Educate patients on detox and withdrawal, medications, addiction, recovery, coping skills and community resources.
Participate in co-joint counseling with patients and their families.
Educated patients on detox, withdrawal, medications, addiction recovery, coping skills, and available community resources to enhance understanding and support recovery efforts.
Facilitated co-joint counseling sessions with patients and families to strengthen support systems and improve treatment outcomes.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug
Beaufort, SC
04.2016 - 12.2021
Perform intake assessments for new patients; interview patients, identify physical, emotional and social issues related to alcohol and other drug abuse; discuss court order obligations; and explain counseling programs policies procedures, available services and expectations.
Provided immediate crisis management and intervention to support individuals in distress during critical situations.
Managed case load by organizing priorities and scheduling appointments.
Administers urine screening test and breathalyzer test for patient, and documents drug test results in a file.
Prepared letters, correspondence and records; prepared caseload summaries and operational and statistical reports; and conducted financial assessments and established fee agreement.
Consulted with Court officials during judicial hearings and commitment procedures; ensured patient compliance with court-ordered obligations.
Human Services Coordinator
Kirkland CI Intermediate Care Service Unit
Columbia, SC
09.2013 - 12.2015
Provided behavioral modification, counseling, and crisis intervention services to adults with chronic mental illness in an intensive-level correctional facility.
Managed a caseload of 30 patients in a correctional facility.
Developed and wrote treatment plans, and process notes.
Facilitated substance abuse and conflict resolution groups for incarcerated males, promoting rehabilitation and interpersonal skills.
Coordinated with site supervisor to assess and facilitate the appropriate level of services for inmates in crisis.
Evaluates prisoners behaviour, determines when progress has been made through treatment programs.
Executed administrative support tasks to enhance team operations.
Records Analyst III
Division of Inmate Records
Columbia, SC
10.2011 - 06.2013
Conducted manual audits of inmates scheduled for Max-Out, Court Ordered, and Supervised Furlough II releases to ensure accuracy of data entered in an automated system.
Reviewed and processed legal documents for all inmates within 60 days of scheduled max-out, ensuring timely compliance with legal requirements.
Performed screening audits on inmates scheduled for max-out to ensure compliance with release protocols.
Conducted record review audits and sentence time/credit verifications as needed.
Reviewed inmate records for accuracy in sentence time and credit verification.
Provided technical assistance to institutional staff, judges, attorneys, and other law enforcement agencies.
Records Analyst II
Division of Inmate Record
Columbia, SC
09.2007 - 10.2011
Interpreted legal documents regarding the removal of detainees and new indictments for offenders.
Coordinated with local law enforcement to facilitate timely pickup of inmates.
Monitored max-out adjustment list daily to ensure coordination of the release of inmates.
Informed institutional staff of detainee status changes to ensure operational continuity.
Entered and revised data in computer system to maintain accurate records.
Ensure that detainee files are maintained and that proper computer entries are completed in a timely and accurate manner.
Grievance Coordinator
Kirkland/Broad River Correctional Institution
Columbia, SC
11.2006 - 09.2007
Investigated grievances, conducted impartial inquiries including interviews with affected parties, and prepared actionable recommendations based on findings.
Reviewed and researched SCDC policies, relevant/mandated statutes, disciplinary tapes, and documentation related to grievances.
Interpreted medical records and any documentation as it pertains to grievance.
Mediated problems with affected parties considering both sides and offering solutions in order to solve the problem at the lowest possible level.
Mediated disputes between affected parties, facilitating discussions to reach mutually acceptable solutions at the lowest level possible.
Processed and forwarded appeals to Central Office/Deputy Director level, ensuring compliance with established protocols.
Interpreted rules and regulatory policies for daily operations.
Caseworker/Record Manager
Kershaw Correctional Institution
Kershaw, SC
03.2005 - 11.2006
Evaluated inmate records to determine eligibility for institutional assignments, ensuring appropriate placements.
Managed custody changes, facilitated employment opportunities, and organized treatment programs for inmates.
Interpreted legal documents for all inmates assigned as it relates to the classification policy.
Conducted periodic reviews and evaluated inmate progress, interviewed inmates, and counseled with inmates as it related to their general institutional adjustment or related problems. Kept them informed of detainee status.
Conducted periodic reviews and evaluated inmate progress, interviewed inmates, and counseled with inmates as it related to their general institutional adjustment or related problems. Kept them informed of detainee status.
Assisted with inmate cell assignments, ensuring proper orientation and initial job placements.
Facilitated inmate participation in community activities, enhancing their integration into community life.
Mailroom/Contraband/Property Officer
Effingham County Prison
Springfield, Georgia
01.2004 - 03.2005
Issued staff uniforms through an automated inventory system and ordered staff uniforms through an automated system for inventory
Maintained proper accountability of property entering the property room accountability of all property entering the property room
Inspected incoming and outgoing mail for contraband at the facility incoming and outgoing mail for contraband
Managed commissary orders for timely inmate handout
Assistant Business Office Manager
Effingham County Prison
Springfield, Georgia
01.2004 - 03.2005
Managed checking accounts for inmates and recreational department to ensure accurate financial oversight
Processed checks and money orders from other institutions with detailed itemized statements for clarity and tracking
Prepared requisitions for payment of invoices
Prepared requisitions for invoice payments to maintain timely financial operations
Maintained inmates and recreational department checking accounts
Answered incoming telephone calls and recorded messages for staff follow-up.
Assisted in answering telephone calls and taking messages
Shift Lieutenant
Manning Correctional Institutional
Columbia, SC
01.2003 - 01.2004
Supervised 10 officers, 2 Corporals, and 2 Sergeants assigned to shift
Assisted shift Captain in managing leave and attendance records to ensure adequate staffing
Verified nightly attendance count using an automated system to ensure accuracy.
Prepared employees' yearly evaluations
Verified nightly attendance count using automated system to ensure accuracy.
Administrative Office Lieutenant
Manning Correctional Institutional
Columbia, SC
07.2000 - 01.2003
Supervised 8 officers and 6 sergeants in housing, transportation, key control, and armory operations, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and efficient resource management
Coordinated transfers to hospitals, courts, law enforcement agencies, and other institutions, facilitating timely and secure movement of individuals in custody
Logged daily inmate movements in a journal to ensure accurate tracking of transfers.
Maintained daily inmate movement journal, accurately tracking and documenting inmate transfers to ensure accountability and operational efficiency
Conducted automated release audits
Prepared employee yearly evaluations
Key Control/Armory Sergeant
Manning Correctional Institutional
Columbia, SC
07.1999 - 07.2000
Maintained master control inventory of 1,000+ keys and locks to ensure security and access management
Conducted daily inventory of $17,000 in armory equipment to ensure accurate tracking and availability
Oversaw accountability processes for equipment and personnel to ensure compliance and security. and serviced over 50 weapons
Shift Sergeant
Kershaw Correctional Institution
Kershaw, South Carolina
04.1998 - 07.1999
Conducted tours and inspections of assigned areas to maintain safety and compliance
Facilitated employee leave requests and attendance, and processed employee disciplinary
Ensured accuracy of reports and timely submission to support operational integrity
Housing Unit Sergeant
Kershaw Correctional Institution
Kershaw, South Carolina
06.1996 - 04.1998
Led briefings with 8 unit officers and performed routine inspections of work and living areas, security doors, control gates, lighting systems, and security equipment to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards
Monitored inmate grooming compliance, maintained accountability, and ensured timely completion of all assigned duties and tasks to uphold facility standards
Supported preparation of employee evaluations to enhance the performance assessment process
Field Officer Farm Detail
Manning Correctional Institution
Columbia, South Carolina
Ensured orderly environment, minimizing risk of escapes and enhancing overall security.
Maintained order while efficiently executing daily duties and tasks to support institutional operations.
Monitored inmate movement within Manning Correctional Institution, adhering to security protocols to ensure safety.
Maintained order and completed daily duties and tasks in a timely manner.
Ensured orderly environment and prevented the possibility of escape
Education
MA - Mental Health
South University of Columbia
Columbia, SC
BA - Business Management
University of Phoenix
Columbia South Carolina , SC
09.2008 - 01.2011
Skills
Substance abuse assessment
Treatment plan development
Individual counseling
Group counseling
Case management
Addiction recovery
Crisis management
Upper management level
Legal compliance
Certification
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (ADC), 2002
Special Training
Hostage Negotiator (Sitcom Team with Department of Correction for 3 years)
Trauma Inform Care Training
Crisis Prevention Training
Psych/Armor Training
Timeline
Lead Clinical Counselor for Richland County Drug Court