Sandrea Lawton
Columbia,SC
Summary
Talented Counselor adept at handling high caseloads without sacrificing quality of care. Operates in high-pressure environments while recommending best resources and courses of action to benefit patient needs and return each to optimal quality of life. Empathetic and high energy leader. Solutions based driven individual dedicated to improving health, safety, and quality of life of marginalized populations.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Counselor 2
New Seasons Treatment Center
10.2023 - Current
- Supports and assesses clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devises strategies based on client needs.
- Follows all HIPPA confidentially laws regarding client records.
- Completes intake, orientation, and psychosocial assessments with clients.
- Identifies issues, analyzes information and provides solutions to problems.
- Provides counseling and support to clients with opioid substance abuse disorders.
- Keeps accurate and detailed records to track and document client progress.
- Uses knowledge of different treatment modalities to provide clients with individualized options for successful outcomes.
- Monitored client progress to make necessary adjustments for client success.
- Developed individualize treatment plan goals based on patient input.
- Educates clients on Medication Assisted Treatment and Harm Reduction Strategies.
CEO
FlowerChild Infusions LLC
05.2010 - Current
- Performs standard operating procedures to provide quality service, practices, and enhance clients' experience.
- Builds relationships with businesses, schools, and other organizations through in-person and online communication tools to increase awareness about Apiculture and conduct educational tours with
hives. - Devised new promotional approaches to boost customer numbers and market penetration while enhancing engagement and driving growth.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Drove implementation of new market expansion to over 15 counties to propel business and adapt to market changes.
- Identified 7+ new revenue generation opportunities to maximize bottom-line profitability.
Public Health Programs Manager
CJ & Associates Consulting
11.2011 - 10.2023
- Manages over 15+ public health program grants.
- Determines target demographics and devised strategic marketing initiatives to reach target audiences.
- Establishes goals and procedures for solicitation, funds management and disbursement.
- Facilitates courses and webinars for technical assistance with grant recipients.
- Develop SOP's and project metrics for grant outcomes to be met.
- Deliverers outstanding service to clients to maintain and extend relationship for future business opportunities.
- Authored detailed work plans to meet business priorities and deadlines.
- Oversaw public health programs and enhanced health outcomes across South Carolina.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Crossroads
03.2022 - 07.2022
- Supports and assesses clients struggling with opiate addiction by utilizing evidence-based strategies per client needs.
- Works with client's in developing individualized treatment plans and goals based on their input.
- Provides counseling, harm reduction efforts, and support to each client.
- Coordinates referrals for addiction services based on individual client needs and preferences.
- Provides comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected 50+ clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Displays sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Resolves problems and provides exceptional service to each client.
Human Services Coordinator II
SC DHEC
10.2019 - 12.2021
- Conducted field investigation activities to locate, interview, and refer individuals suspected of having sexually transmitted diseases to treatment.
- Maintained an ongoing caseload of over 30+ clients.
- Performed duties in accordance with state and federal standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote a safe working environment.
- Obtained blood samples from patients.
- Documented case notes daily and coordinated follow-up for seamless case management.
- Coordinated program referrals for community-based resources.
- Educated clients about living with HIV, preventing further transmission, benefits, and challenges of HIV care and treatment and access to resources.
- Distributed condoms to promote use for HIV-infected individuals and populations at the highest risk of acquiring HIV.
- Traveled to community and street venues to conduct various types of STD/ HIV tests.
- Maintained accurate records and full compliance with government regulations and agency guidelines.
Patient Care Coordinator
Palmetto Primary Care Physicians
12.2018 - 10.2019
- Ensured availability of treatment records and filed insurance for payment.
- Applied administrative knowledge and courtesy to explain procedures and services to patients.
- Assisted patients in filling out check-in and payment paperwork.
- Balanced deposits and credit card payments each day.
- Generated monthly statements to check outstanding balances.
- Followed document protocols to safeguard the confidentiality of patient records.
- Upheld confidentiality requirements and regulatory compliance guidelines.
ADSAP Clinical Counselor
LRADAC
09.2016 - 08.2018
- Managed caseload of 80+ patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Compiled detailed client histories using intake forms, interviews, and assessments to build a complete picture for determining optimal therapeutic approaches.
- Implemented a variety of evidence-based counseling methods to achieve therapy goals.
- Leverages excellent oral and written communication skills to interact professionally with staff and clients.
- Referred clients to other specialists, institutions, or support services as necessary.
- Evaluated patients' goals, as well as mental and practical conditions, to develop individualized courses of treatment.
- Counseled individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, and develop realistic action plans.
- Collected information about individuals or clients using interviews, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
Outpatient Clinical Counselor
LRADAC
02.2017 - 05.2017
- Facilitated 3-hour groups for clients in Outpatient Services including; Emotionally Healthy Men, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, and Recovery Management.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Assessed patient behavior, moods and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans.
- Displayed sensitivity to the cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Kept abreast of new and developing information in the AOD field by attending professional conferences and workshops.
- Mitigated injuries and de-escalated life-threatening events through effective crisis intervention and coordination of emergency services.
Project Liaison
Hope Health
09.2012 - 09.2016
- Delivered evidence-based curriculums for HIV Prevention for 2 educational institutions.
- Increased Hep-C awareness and prevention strategies in rural communities.
- Educated targeted groups on condom usage and safer sex practices to reduce HIV transmission.
- Managed a grant-funded program for health education and prevention services to rural colleges.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules, and conflicts.
- Adhered to budget requirements with excellent planning and consistent expense monitoring.
- Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to clients.
- Built successful project plans covering objectives, resources, and staffing to meet schedules.
- Engaged students with an understanding of health education and specific disease prevention and treatment strategies.
- Helped programs improve outreach efforts and resulted in fresh designs for educational materials and visual aids.
Medicaid Specialist
UWASC
03.2012 - 09.2012
- Followed guidelines when reviewing applicant data to determine eligibility for economic assistance.
- Communicated with people from various cultures and backgrounds on the application process.
- Kept up-to-date with labor market information and professional developments by visiting training providers, professional bodies, and employers.
- Reviewed applications for different aid programs and determined which qualification criteria for individuals.
- Documented all communication with applicants and inputted information into the system using MED's.
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, and engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
Benefits Counselor
SC Thrive
02.2010 - 03.2012
- Provided knowledgeable advice on benefits eligibility and coverage to over 100+ callers per day.
- Screened callers for eligible services based on requirements.
- Resolved issues and inquiries from plan participants regarding health and benefits and deductions through telephone, email, and in-person interactions.
- Observed strict procedures to maintain data and plan participant confidentiality.
- Explained benefits to participants in easy-to-understand terms in order to educate each on available options.
- Answered questions and built interest with friendly and knowledgeable support.
- Collected documents and checked applications for completeness before submission.
Education
Associate of Science - Environmental Engineering Technology
Central Carolina Technical College
Sumter, SC07.2025
Bachelor of Science - Public Health
American Public University System
Charles Town, WV2014
High School Diploma -
Ridge View High School
Columbia, SC05.2006
Skills
- Program Management
- Substance Abuse Treatment
- Field Investigations
- Community Health Initiatives
- Maternal and Child Health
- Federal Directives
- Therapy Modalities
- Case Management
- Treatment Planning
- Crisis Intervention
- Training and Development
- Disease Control Management
- System Improvements
- Prevention Strategies
- Strategic Vision
- Grants Coordination
Certification
- Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) SCAADAC - In process
- Certified Disease Intervention Specialist, SCDHEC - 2019
- Certified Healthcare Marketplace Navigator Healthcare.gov - 2016
- PRIME for Life and Prime Solutions Certified
- OSHA 10 & OSHA 30
Timeline
Counselor 2
New Seasons Treatment Center
10.2023 - Current
Substance Abuse Counselor
Crossroads
03.2022 - 07.2022
Human Services Coordinator II
SC DHEC
10.2019 - 12.2021
Patient Care Coordinator
Palmetto Primary Care Physicians
12.2018 - 10.2019
Outpatient Clinical Counselor
LRADAC
02.2017 - 05.2017
ADSAP Clinical Counselor
LRADAC
09.2016 - 08.2018
Project Liaison
Hope Health
09.2012 - 09.2016
Medicaid Specialist
UWASC
03.2012 - 09.2012
Public Health Programs Manager
CJ & Associates Consulting
11.2011 - 10.2023
CEO
FlowerChild Infusions LLC
05.2010 - Current
Benefits Counselor
SC Thrive
02.2010 - 03.2012
Associate of Science - Environmental Engineering Technology
Central Carolina Technical College
Bachelor of Science - Public Health
American Public University System
High School Diploma -
Ridge View High School
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