To obtain a position in management, program administration, or direct care, assisting those who suffer from developmental, mental health issues, and or suffer from addiction. This position will afford me the opportunity to develop and implement programs to reduce risk management, develop curriculum, as well as execute goals and objectives of the agency/program.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Licensed Behavioral Health Therapist
Psychiatric Emergency Response Services (PERS)
10.2023 - Current
Conduct crisis assessments and provided therapeutic interventions for individuals in psychiatric emergencies who present to the emergency room and or on the medical floor
Collaborate with law enforcement to include the police and or magistrate to coordinate care for patients
Utilized evidence-based therapies to address mental health crises in a timely and effective manner
Demonstrated strong communication skills and a calm demeanor in high-pressure situations
Conduct individual, group, and/or family therapy; provide staff consultation/supervision, and education
Responsible for the provision of social work/counseling services to patients receiving care in the inpatient and outpatient behavioral health setting
Collaborate with patients, families, healthcare team members, and community agencies to develop and implement plans to address identified needs
Evaluate effectiveness of plans and initiate changes as needed.
Behavior Health Utilization Management Care Coordinator
Sentara Health Plans
10.2022 - 10.2023
Responsible for review of clinical information received from providers ensuring clinical data is substantial enough to meet Medical Necessity Criteria to authorize services as needed
Requires knowledge of managed care contracting, Medical Necessity, CMHRS services, BH (Behavioral Health) and ARTS (Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services) services, DMAS protocols, clinical protocols and clinical review requirements
Requires knowledge of contractual, regulatory and compliance requirements for government payers, self-funded and commercial payers
Ensures appropriate and accurate information is entered into the claims system for processing of payment.
Admissions Counselor
Groups Recover Together
01.2021 - 10.2022
Provide clinical oversight, ensure compliance with clinical documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge/transition plans
Develop programming/curriculum for inpatient substance use facility
Responsible for determining appropriateness for treatment and determining LOC (Level of Care) per ASAM requirements
Serve as the Clinical Director and assume all professional and clinical liabilities associated with clinical programming
Provide clinical supervision and training to staff and develop employee professional development plans
Chair weekly interdisciplinary treatment team meetings
Provide family, group and individual therapy as staffing pattern necessitates
Ensure compliance with all governing bodies including State, Local, Federal, and CARF regulations.
Resident in Counseling
Alpha Counsellors Services Inc. (ACSI)
01.2018 - 06.2022
Provide weekly group and individual clinical supervision to QMHP's
Conduct training such as Person-Centered Treatment Planning for QMHP's
Manage a limited caseload of co-occurring mental health and or substance use disorders in an outpatient setting
Complete assessments, as well as service authorization request with designated Insurance MCO
Conduct individual, group and family counseling, provide educational sessions, and discharge/aftercare planning
Review/sign off on treatment plans and progress notes for Mental Health Skill Building (MHSS), and Intensive In-Home Services (IIHS) and Therapeutic Day Treatment (TDT)
Perform utilization reviews for all programs, address issues of clinical outcomes, documentation standards, case management, discharge planning, and referral development
Ensure policy and procedures are updated according to State, Federal Medicaid and MCO guidelines.
Clinical Advisor (Independent Contractor)
Lotus Recovery Centers
09.2021 - 09.2021
Provide clinical oversight, ensure compliance with clinical documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge/transition plans
Develop programming/curriculum for inpatient substance use facility
Responsible for determining appropriateness for treatment and determining LOC (Level of Care) per ASAM requirements
Serve as the Clinical Director and assume all professional and clinical liabilities associated with clinical programming
Provide clinical supervision and training to staff and develop employee professional development plans
Chair weekly interdisciplinary treatment team meetings
Provide family, group and individual therapy as staffing pattern necessitates
Ensure compliance with all governing bodies including State, Local, Federal, and CARF regulations.
Telehealth Counselor (part-time)
Pinnacle Treatment Center
06.2020 - 09.2021
Assess individuals for the appropriateness of medication assisted treatment (MAT), and Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP), Conducted remote counseling sessions through secure video platforms with clients facing diverse mental health and substance use issues
Utilized therapeutic techniques to help clients navigate challenges in a supportive, nonjudgmental manner
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated care and effective treatment plans for clients
Maintained appropriate documentation and confidentiality of sessions in compliance with ethical guidelines
Responsible for the coordination and continuity of care from admission through discharge and follow-up
Counsel patients in crisis situations by identifying patient resources and coping abilities to help them cope and take steps to resolve crisis
Develop and perform treatment plan reviews and participate in case conferences.
Admissions Coordinator
Riverside Behavioral Health Care (RBHC)
11.2018 - 09.2021
Conduct assessments of adolescents and adults seeking acute psychiatric inpatient treatment and/or substance use/addiction treatment
Determine appropriate level of care and make referrals for those who do not meet inpatient criteria
Conduct assessments on children, adolescents, and adults at RBHC and coordinate with Riverside Regional Medical Center regarding referrals for assessment and/or admission
Conduct recertification and authorizations with third party payors
Provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served, initiating age-appropriate treatment and aftercare plans, utilizing knowledge of community resources.
EAP Triage Consultant
Anthem Value Options-Military One Source
01.2020 - 04.2021
Conduct intake assessments to evaluate individuals' appropriateness for the program
Provide individual support as needed, such as crisis intervention, referrals to other resources, consulting with outside parties involved in the members' treatment
Participate in discharge decisions, in coordination with the physician and clinical supervisor, based on member progress in treatment
Accountable for compliance activities associated with caseload clinical supervisor, based on member progress in treatment
Respond appropriately to active suicidal individuals, to include reporting to appropriate military authorities.
Clinical Director
Safe Harbor Behavioral Health Care (SHBHC)
01.2018 - 04.2019
Responsible for the day-to-day client care operations to include but not limited to the development and management of a high-quality treatment program, development, and management of a cohesive clinical team, contributing to, and working collaboratively with business development on a comprehensive community relation, referral development program
The development and management of clinical strategic planning, efficient personnel and fiscal management, direct management of QMHP's, Counselors, Utilization Review, and Behavioral Health Technicians
Implement and meet standards and regulations of licensing entity, The Joint Commission and other regulatory standards including Managed Care Organizations (MCO), federal and state guidelines to include DEA regulations and HIPPA guidelines
Responsible for the formulation, revision and implementation of policies and procedures; maintain manual and program policies
Establish structured supervision of staff, address issues of clinical outcomes, documentation standards, efficient case management, discharge planning, referral development and team performance
Assess individuals to determine the appropriate level of care using the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria; carry cases as census deem necessary
Review and sign off on all assessments and treatment plans
Ensure appropriate diagnosis in conjunction with facility psychiatrist
Complete discharge planning and refer to community resources, where the individual resides to ensure continuity of care.
Program Manager/Clinical Administrator
Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board/Hampton Roads Clinic
01.2017 - 11.2018
Oversee operation of the program to include: staff recruitment; training and supervision; client programming development and evaluation
Develop and managed program budgets and expenditures, ensuring financial sustainability
Public speaking presentations; develop long and short- term program goals; develop policy and procedures
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal guidelines, including DEA as well as CARF, HIPPA, and awarded grant guidelines
Oversaw compliance with regulatory standards and implemented quality improvement initiatives
Developed and implemented training programs to support staff professional development and growth.
Program Director
Sellati & Co. Inc. /Virginia Beach Methadone Clinic
08.2013 - 10.2016
Supervised and mentored staff to foster professional growth and ensure program success
Developed and maintained partnerships with key stakeholders to support program objectives
Maintain high knowledge of federal, state, program regulations and policies to ensure program accreditation
Ensure all policies comply with state, federal, DEA, and HIPPA and CARF guidelines
Review the therapeutic value of treatment, responsible for mentoring all employees, offer supervision, supply feedback, affecting a correction plan
Monitor program budget, ensuring financial sustainability and efficient resource allocation.
Executive Director (Under Contract)
Chesapeake Bay Alcohol Safety Action Program
10.2012 - 01.2013
Responsible for day-to-day operations of the program that provide screening, education, and probation of offenders Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Manage personnel staff of over thirty individuals, program planning and evaluation
Develop and provide oversight and management of the program, budget preparation and management of million plus dollar budget
Write and manage grants as well as administer programs, strategic planning, and interaction with the courts, policy board and elected officials
Ensure compliance with all policies, State and Federal guidelines, including HIPPA
Established and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering community partnerships and collaborations.
Board Chairman
South-Eastern Virginia ASAP Policy Board
04.2007 - 12.2012
Led strategic initiatives and facilitated board discussions to drive organizational growth and success
Oversaw financial management and ensured compliance with regulations to safeguard stakeholders' interests
Developed collaborative relationships with executive team and stakeholders to achieve shared goals
Chaired board meetings, managed agendas, and fostered a culture of transparency and accountability.
Director of Substance Abuse Services
Alpha Counsellors Service Inc
12.2007 - 10.2012
Prepare court reports and testimony in court as needed
Write requests for proposal of services and Led team in developing and implementing evidence-based treatment programs for addiction recovery
Oversaw staff training and development to maintain high-quality care and compliance with regulations
Collaborated with community partners to enhance support and advocacy for individuals affected by substance abuse
Managed budget and resources to ensure comprehensive and accessible services for clients
Develop substance use treatment programs and curriculum for varying levels of addiction
Provide outpatient substance use treatment to include individual and group therapy, conduct substance abuse assessments, case management, and refer to the appropriate level of treatment
Provide emergency and crisis intervention, write grants and coordinating with referring agencies
Provide substance abuse treatment at local jail.
In Home Substance Abuse Counselor
Tidewater Regional Group Home Commission-TRGHC
01.2003 - 01.2008
Monitored progress and adjusted treatment goals based on client needs and assessment
Conducted group therapy sessions to facilitate peer support and skill-building activities
Collaborated with families and community resources to implement comprehensive treatment plans
Provided individualized counseling and support to clients struggling with substance abuse issues
Develop treatment plans, and document progress and update as needed
Provide 24-hour on call crisis counseling
Complete reports and submit to the courts
Serve as an agent of the court during legal proceedings, law enforcement matters, and academic and community programs.
Adult Probation & Parole Officer
Suffolk Probation & Parole
12.2003 - 12.2007
Conducted home visits to assess offender living conditions and compliance with parole terms
Coordinated with treatment providers to ensure offenders received necessary services and support
Prepare pre-dispositional reports for the court to use for sentencing
Prepared comprehensive reports for court hearings detailing offender progress and compliance with supervision; and provide testimony as needed
Conducted drug testing and monitored offender behavior to detect violations and address accordingly
Provide substance abuse treatment to those who suffered with addiction.
Juvenile Probation Officer
Hampton Court Services Unit
04.1998 - 12.2003
Serve as an agent of the court during legal proceedings, law enforcement matters, academic and community programs
Provide counseling, monitor activity in the community, and make referrals for services for juveniles and their families
Prepare pre-dispositional reports for the court to use for sentencing
Education
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Addiction Counseling) -
Walden University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
01.2010 - 05.2018
M.A. Human Services (Marriage & Family Counseling) - undefined
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
01.2008 - 05.2009
B.S., Criminal Justice - undefined
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NC
01.1984 - 05.1988
Skills
Develop Budgetsundefined
Licensing Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor, Virginia Board of Counseling, 0701011702
Board Approved Supervisor for CSAC & CSAC-A, Virginia Board of Counseling, 2010
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), Virginia Board of Counseling, 0710102126
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC), Virginia Certification Board, 1272
Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ICADC), International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC), 829541
Timeline
Licensed Behavioral Health Therapist
Psychiatric Emergency Response Services (PERS)
10.2023 - Current
Behavior Health Utilization Management Care Coordinator
Sentara Health Plans
10.2022 - 10.2023
Clinical Advisor (Independent Contractor)
Lotus Recovery Centers
09.2021 - 09.2021
Admissions Counselor
Groups Recover Together
01.2021 - 10.2022
Telehealth Counselor (part-time)
Pinnacle Treatment Center
06.2020 - 09.2021
EAP Triage Consultant
Anthem Value Options-Military One Source
01.2020 - 04.2021
Admissions Coordinator
Riverside Behavioral Health Care (RBHC)
11.2018 - 09.2021
Resident in Counseling
Alpha Counsellors Services Inc. (ACSI)
01.2018 - 06.2022
Clinical Director
Safe Harbor Behavioral Health Care (SHBHC)
01.2018 - 04.2019
Program Manager/Clinical Administrator
Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board/Hampton Roads Clinic
01.2017 - 11.2018
Program Director
Sellati & Co. Inc. /Virginia Beach Methadone Clinic
08.2013 - 10.2016
Executive Director (Under Contract)
Chesapeake Bay Alcohol Safety Action Program
10.2012 - 01.2013
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Addiction Counseling) -
Walden University
01.2010 - 05.2018
M.A. Human Services (Marriage & Family Counseling) - undefined
Mental Health Rehab and Addictions Support Worker at VIHA - Psychiatric Emergency ServicesMental Health Rehab and Addictions Support Worker at VIHA - Psychiatric Emergency Services