Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Sara Blask

Dodgeville,Wisconsin

Summary

Hello,

I have been working as a license Substance Abuse Counselor for the state of Wisconsin for about 3 years now. In that time, I have worked with individuals that are suffering through addiction and mental health disorders. I have done both group counseling and individual counseling in different setting. I worked in a Methadone clinic, sober living, and outpatient facilities. I have done work with families and also with couples and working with them as like a conflict resolution professional. I have counseled people that are from many different backgrounds, where I am currently employed the Spanish population is huge, and I have been able to learn and fit they needs for the care that is required. I continue to complete webinars and training that keep providing me with better counseling skills. I have taken a training of DBT and also anger management. I have been working under supervision from people who are licensed as LPCs with ICS and also working a long side with Psychiatrist as well. I can provide a letter from LPC ICS holder stating that I have completed over 2000 hours working with individuals that do have a mental health diagnosis.

In my course work which I can provide, it will be documented that I have done many different classes that may not been label the same, but have the same concept as what UW Superior is offering.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

AODA Counselor

Lafayette County Human Services
Darlington, WI
10.2023 - Current
  • Participated in staff meetings, trainings and other office-related duties.
  • Assisted with intake process prior to caseload assignment.
  • Elevated overall client satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing empathetic support throughout the recovery process.
  • Educated families about the nature of addiction disorders while supporting their involvement in the recovery process.
  • Increased client engagement in the therapeutic process through the provision of support and resources tailored to their specific needs.
  • Advocated for clients'' needs during case management meetings, resulting in tailored care plans that addressed their unique challenges.
  • Met with assigned clients to formulate and carry out clinical goals.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions for clients, resulting in increased self-awareness, coping skills development, and peer support networks.
  • Promoted long-term success in recovery by connecting clients with appropriate aftercare resources including sober living homes or outpatient programs.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client progress notes, assessments, treatment plans, discharge summaries, and referrals in compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing acute distress or relapse events, ensuring safety and appropriate care coordination.
  • Boosted treatment retention rates by fostering strong therapeutic relationships with clients, built on trust and understanding.
  • Continually updated knowledge of evidence-based practices in AODA counseling through regular professional development activities.
  • Contributed to a multidisciplinary team approach by collaborating with other professionals such as medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, case managers, and probation officers to ensure optimal client care.
  • Promoted positive change within the community through collaboration with local organizations to provide outreach, education, and prevention services related to addiction and mental health disorders.
  • Assisted clients in identifying triggers and implementing effective coping strategies to prevent relapse during their recovery journey.
  • Enhanced client recovery by providing compassionate and comprehensive AODA counseling services.
  • Provided outreach and educational activities in community.
  • Improved client progress by conducting thorough assessments and evaluations of their substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues.
  • Evaluated assigned clients and formulated treatment plan goals.
  • Developed individualized treatment plans for clients, leading to improved outcomes in addiction recovery.
  • Increased awareness about AODA counselor role and responsibilities within the organization, leading to improved interdepartmental collaboration.
  • Served as a liaison between clients and community resources, ensuring access to necessary services for sustained recovery.
  • Monitored client progress to make necessary adjustments for client success.
  • Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
  • Coordinated care with other professionals to provide clients with comprehensive support.
  • Supported aftercare planning for continued recovery after treatment.
  • Supported and assessed clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devised strategies based on client needs.
  • Kept accurate and detailed records to track and document client progress.
  • Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
  • Provided crisis intervention to address clients' immediate needs and prevent harmful behaviors.
  • Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

AODA Counselor

Madison East CTC
Madison, WI
04.2021 - 10.2023
  • Participated in staff meetings, trainings and other office-related duties.
  • Assisted with intake process prior to caseload assignment.
  • Elevated overall client satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing empathetic support throughout the recovery process.
  • Educated families about the nature of addiction disorders while supporting their involvement in the recovery process.
  • Increased client engagement in the therapeutic process through the provision of support and resources tailored to their specific needs.
  • Advocated for clients'' needs during case management meetings, resulting in tailored care plans that addressed their unique challenges.
  • Met with assigned clients to formulate and carry out clinical goals.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions for clients, resulting in increased self-awareness, coping skills development, and peer support networks.
  • Promoted long-term success in recovery by connecting clients with appropriate aftercare resources including sober living homes or outpatient programs.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client progress notes, assessments, treatment plans, discharge summaries, and referrals in compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing acute distress or relapse events, ensuring safety and appropriate care coordination.
  • Boosted treatment retention rates by fostering strong therapeutic relationships with clients, built on trust and understanding.
  • Continually updated knowledge of evidence-based practices in AODA counseling through regular professional development activities.
  • Contributed to a multidisciplinary team approach by collaborating with other professionals such as medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, case managers, and probation officers to ensure optimal client care.
  • Promoted positive change within the community through collaboration with local organizations to provide outreach, education, and prevention services related to addiction and mental health disorders.
  • Assisted clients in identifying triggers and implementing effective coping strategies to prevent relapse during their recovery journey.
  • Improved client progress by conducting thorough assessments and evaluations of their substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues.
  • Evaluated assigned clients and formulated treatment plan goals.
  • Developed individualized treatment plans for clients, leading to improved outcomes in addiction recovery.
  • Increased awareness about AODA counselor role and responsibilities within the organization, leading to improved interdepartmental collaboration.
  • Served as a liaison between clients and community resources, ensuring access to necessary services for sustained recovery.
  • Monitored client progress to make necessary adjustments for client success.
  • Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
  • Coordinated care with other professionals to provide clients with comprehensive support.
  • Supported aftercare planning for continued recovery after treatment.
  • Supported and assessed clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devised strategies based on client needs.
  • Taught substance abuse classes to help clients understand consequences of drug and alcohol use.
  • Kept accurate and detailed records to track and document client progress.
  • Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
  • Provided crisis intervention to address clients' immediate needs and prevent harmful behaviors.
  • Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
  • Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
  • Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
  • Completed required documentation for continued therapy coverage by insurance companies to meet deadlines.
  • Coordinated referrals for addiction services based on individual client needs and preferences.
  • Displayed sensitivity to 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).

AODA Counselor-LTE

Attic Correctional Services
Darlington, WI
06.2022 - 08.2022

Completed Women's Group for OWI Court

  • Elevated overall client satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing empathetic support throughout the recovery process.

House Mentor

Recovery Pathways
Dodgeville, WI
09.2021 - 08.2022
  • Served as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and dedication within the mentorship program environment.
  • Enhanced mentee performance by providing personalized guidance and support.
  • Served as role model for mentees by demonstrating strong values and ethical standards.
  • Guided mentees in overcoming challenges by sharing personal experiences and offering practical advice.
  • Assisted mentees in developing self-confidence and positive self-image.
  • Offered constructive feedback on mentee progress, enabling them to refine their skills and enhance their potential.
  • Monitored mentee performance consistently, identifying areas of improvement and adjusting mentorship approaches accordingly.
  • Promoted positive relationships between mentees and other peers and adults to encourage social resilience and connection.
  • Promoted a growth mindset among mentees, encouraging them to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
  • Assisted mentees in setting and achieving educational and career goals to encourage independence.
  • Assisted mentees in setting achievable goals and creating realistic action plans for personal and professional growth.
  • Continually assessed own mentoring performance, seeking feedback from peers and mentees to ensure ongoing personal and professional growth.

Education

Certificate - Mental Health Counseling

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
09.2022

No Degree - Substance Abuse And Other Disorder

UW-Flex Program
Madison, WI
03.2020

Master of Science - Psychology

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
11.2019

High School Diploma -

Dodgeville High School
Dodgeville, WI
05.2010

Skills

  • Ethics and confidentiality
  • Relapse Prevention
  • Dual Diagnosis Treatment
  • Assessment skills
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Multicultural Competence
  • Self-care strategies
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Behavior Modification
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Referral Networking
  • Individual Counseling
  • Empathy Development
  • Group therapy facilitation
  • Continuing education
  • Psychoeducation
  • Anger Management
  • Family therapy
  • Substance Abuse Counseling
  • Clinical Documentation
  • Clinical assessment
  • Community Resources
  • Providing community referrals
  • Community Engagement
  • Goal Setting
  • Client Confidentiality
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Life Skills Training
  • Individual Therapy
  • Intervention Planning
  • Crisis Management
  • Boundary Setting
  • Case Management
  • Outreach activities
  • Specimen testing
  • Family Counseling
  • Referral Coordination
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Records Review
  • Proficiency in DSM-5
  • Client Counseling
  • Progress Reporting
  • Crisis Response
  • Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)

Certification

CSAC

  • CSAC - Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (17062-132)

Timeline

AODA Counselor

Lafayette County Human Services
10.2023 - Current

AODA Counselor-LTE

Attic Correctional Services
06.2022 - 08.2022

House Mentor

Recovery Pathways
09.2021 - 08.2022

AODA Counselor

Madison East CTC
04.2021 - 10.2023

Certificate - Mental Health Counseling

Capella University

No Degree - Substance Abuse And Other Disorder

UW-Flex Program

Master of Science - Psychology

University of Phoenix

High School Diploma -

Dodgeville High School
Sara Blask