Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Sarah Underdue

Alberta,VA

Summary

Diligent Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practioner exercising competency in broad subject-matter counseling therapies, including trauma, substance abuse, crisis, grief and domestic violence. Knowledgeable in youth, adolescent, and adult psychotherapy development; to include the use of social, behavioral, emotional and cognitive strategies. Insightful Counselor familiar with adult dual diagnoses treatment protocols. Adept at responding to emergency situations calmly and respectfully. Passionate about patient support and resource advocacy. Exhibiting expertise in diagnoses and client-centered treatment planning. Enthusiastic LPC and LSATP eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Clear understanding of solution-focused and multi-generational treatment facility and training in various treatment modalities. Motivated to learn, grow and excel in the helping industry. Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Mental Health Professional

Geo Group Inc
Lawrenceville, VA
07.2022 - Current
  • Improved outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive mental health treatment plans
  • Developed a trusting, therapeutic rapport with clients
  • Conducted thorough assessments of new clients to develop individualized treatment strategies
  • Managed crisis situations effectively, deescalating potentially dangerous behavior and ensuring the safety of all involved parties
  • Streamlined clinical documentation processes, maintaining accurate records while reducing time spent on paperwork tasks
  • Provided targeted therapeutic interventions for clients experiencing a variety of mental health challenges, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related issues, and substance abuse concerns
  • Continually expanded professional knowledge through participation in relevant training workshops and conferences to enhance service delivery
  • Managed clients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.

Director of Outpatient Services

Poplar Springs Hospital
Petersburg, VA
07.2021 - 11.2022
  • Facilitated intake assessment, utilization management, and outreach services/marketing
  • Participated in continuous quality improvement and performance improvement activities to enhance effectiveness and increase knowledge
  • Engaged with colleagues in treatment team meetings to promote positive patient treatment outcomes
  • Recommended continuing care and medications to clients and communicated with family members on treatment and discharge plans
  • Treated clients and families with respect and dignity
  • Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions to include day and evening IOP groups virtually and in-person
  • Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations
  • Counseled and mentored clients on substance use and life choices.

Military Family Life Counselor

Strategic Resources Inc
08.2020 - 06.2022
  • Provide private and confidential non-medical, problem-solving, counseling services, in support of the MFLC program to support all active and Reserve component military service members and their families
  • Provided telehealth services to client

Military Family Life Counselor

MHN Government Services
08.2019 - 06.2020
  • Provide private and confidential non-medical, problem-solving, counseling services to Active and Reserve Component military service members and their families
  • SOFA STATUS

Contractor

MEDIKO Correctional Healthcare/Southside Regional Jail
07.2019 - 08.2019
  • This position is 24 hours weekly providing mental health assessment, brief supportive counseling and crisis assessment/intervention for the incarcerated individuals with mental health concerns.

Youth Military Family Life Counselor

Strategic Resources Inc.
06.2019 - 07.2019
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships
  • Provided private and confidential non-medical, problem-solving, counseling services, in support of the Military Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program, to support all active and Reserve component military service members and their families.

Clinical Director

Taylor-Starkewood Enterprises
10.2018 - 06.2019
  • Developed, implemented, revised and evaluated policies and procedures
  • Interviewed and hired highly talented individuals bringing great skills and passion to daily jobs
  • Provide ongoing case management to all patients to implement appropriate treatment plan, adhere to quality models and maximize utilization of services needed to achieve optimal outcomes
  • Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.

Contractor/Military Family Life Counselor

Strategic Resources Inc
08.2018 - 10.2018
  • Provide private and confidential non-medical, problem-solving, counseling services in support of the MFLC program to support all active and Reserve component military service members and their families.

Youth Military Family Life Counselor

MHN Government Services
06.2018 - 08.2018
  • Provide private and confidential non-medical, problem-solving, counseling services, in support of the MFLC Program to support all active and Reserve Component military service members and their families.

Military Family Life Coun

Magellan Health Services
08.2017 - 10.2017
  • Provide private and confidential non-medical, problem-solving, counseling services, in support of the MFLC Program, to support all active and Reserve Component military service members and their families.

Contractor/Military Family Life Counselor

MHN Government Services
09.2016 - 08.2017
  • Provide private and confidential non-medical, problem-solving, counseling services, in support of the MFLC Program, to support all active and Reserve Component military service members and their families
  • Maintained BACO-90 during this period.

Contractor/Military Family Life Counselor

MHN Government Services
09.2015 - 08.2016
  • Provide jprivate and confidential non-medical, problem-solving, counseling services in support of the MFLC program to support all active and Reserve component of military service members and their families
  • Maintained NATO SOFA status.

Military Family Life Counselor

MHN Government Service
11.2014 - 08.2015
  • Provide private and confidential non-medical, problem-solving, counseling services to Active and Reserve Component military service members and their families
  • SOFA STATUS

Contractor/Military Family Life Counselor

Magellan Health Services
08.2013 - 08.2014
  • Provide private and confidential non-medical, problem-solving, counseling services to Active and Reserve Component military service members and their families.

Program Manager/Clinical supervisor/Clinician

Youth Residential Services Of Virginia
09.2007 - 08.2013
  • Supervised ten licensed therapists and six case managers
  • Supervised intakes, assessments and case consultation to ensure the highest quality of mental health and behavior management treatment was provided to all mental health clientele
  • Ensure appropriate documentation was in client files according the requirements or regulatory agencies and was done in a timely and correct manner Staffed and coordinated communication and information exchange between all team members
  • Developed new clinical forms to assure documentation met the requirements of the regulatory agencies
  • Implement new policies and educate staff on changes
  • Assessed patients, determined needs and managed care
  • Developed, implemented, revised and evaluated policies and procedures.

Case Manager

Chesterfield Detention Center
12.2006 - 09.2007
  • Coordinated services with and made referrals to appropriate community providers and resources
  • Attended court hearings and post-dispositional treatment team meetings
  • Conducted skill groups for youths
  • Collaborated with Mental health Clinician in providing mental health support as needed
  • Evaluated IEP for compliance with state and federal requirements regulations
  • Liaised with teachers to develop Individualized Education Programs to provide quality education for students with disabilities
  • Managed support services and fostered communication among social workers, therapists, hospital staff and patients.

Special Education Teacher

Greensville County Public School
08.2005 - 12.2006
  • Prepared lesson plans in alignment with the curriculum framework and pacing guide
  • Provided individual and group instruction to students with special needs
  • Maintained appropriate classroom management
  • Established and maintained a 13 plus IEP caseload
  • Coordinated and facilitated IEP meetings
  • Monitored development of treatment plans according to SOL, IDEA and NCLB
  • Discipline coordinator for the school
  • Provided homebound instructions for the students who were unable to attend school due to behaviors
  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.

Substance Abuse Counselor/Mental Health Counselor

Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice
06.2002 - 08.2005
  • Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning
  • Supported and assessed clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devised strategies based on client needs
  • Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues
  • Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis
  • Provided comprehensive case management services, including creating treatment plans and connecting clients and families to appropriate resources.

Correctional Officer

Brunswick Correctional Center
08.1991 - 04.2002
  • Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls and showers
  • Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs and scheduled activities
  • Inspected work sites and crew trucks for contraband, cleanliness and safety
  • Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups
  • Supervised inmates clearing debris from roadways and drains
  • Arranged for medical and dental care of inmates
  • Identified facility openings and designated inmates to housing units
  • Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals and medical appointments.

Security Police

U.S. Air Force Active Duty
01.1986 - 04.1989
  • Led, managed and performed force protection duties to protect personnel and resources
  • Remained calm and alert especially during emergency situations to maintain order and confidence in authority
  • Executed decisions and actions based on previous experience and good judgment, sometimes revising procedures to accommodate unusual situations
  • Maintained confidentiality of special reports and collected data
  • Reviewed log records to obtain pertinent information relevant to shift
  • Apprehended and detained suspects, searched persons and property and conducted interviews to gather evidence
  • Protected nuclear and conventional weapons systems
  • Patrolled grounds to monitor status and safety of premises
  • Provided for public safety by maintaining order, protecting people and property and promoting good community relations
  • Built excellent rapport and working relationship with community to build trust and improve upon communication.

Education

Master Mental Health Counseling -

Virginia State University
01.2002

Associate of Applied Science Human Services -

Southside Community College Alberta, Va
01.1995

Certificate Law Enforcement -

Southside Virginia Community College Alberta, VA
01.1994

Associate of Applied Science Business Management -

Southside Virginia Community College Alberta, VA
01.1991

Skills

  • Certified Telehealth Provider
  • Certified Supervisor LPC Trainer
  • Dual diagnoses expert
  • Psychotropic medications knowledge
  • Intervention planning
  • Case management proficiency
  • Needs assessment

Certification

  • LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor
  • LSATP- Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner
  • Certified Trainee Supervisor

Timeline

Mental Health Professional

Geo Group Inc
07.2022 - Current

Director of Outpatient Services

Poplar Springs Hospital
07.2021 - 11.2022

Military Family Life Counselor

Strategic Resources Inc
08.2020 - 06.2022

Military Family Life Counselor

MHN Government Services
08.2019 - 06.2020

Contractor

MEDIKO Correctional Healthcare/Southside Regional Jail
07.2019 - 08.2019

Youth Military Family Life Counselor

Strategic Resources Inc.
06.2019 - 07.2019

Clinical Director

Taylor-Starkewood Enterprises
10.2018 - 06.2019

Contractor/Military Family Life Counselor

Strategic Resources Inc
08.2018 - 10.2018

Youth Military Family Life Counselor

MHN Government Services
06.2018 - 08.2018

Military Family Life Coun

Magellan Health Services
08.2017 - 10.2017

Contractor/Military Family Life Counselor

MHN Government Services
09.2016 - 08.2017

Contractor/Military Family Life Counselor

MHN Government Services
09.2015 - 08.2016

Military Family Life Counselor

MHN Government Service
11.2014 - 08.2015

Contractor/Military Family Life Counselor

Magellan Health Services
08.2013 - 08.2014

Program Manager/Clinical supervisor/Clinician

Youth Residential Services Of Virginia
09.2007 - 08.2013

Case Manager

Chesterfield Detention Center
12.2006 - 09.2007

Special Education Teacher

Greensville County Public School
08.2005 - 12.2006

Substance Abuse Counselor/Mental Health Counselor

Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice
06.2002 - 08.2005

Correctional Officer

Brunswick Correctional Center
08.1991 - 04.2002

Security Police

U.S. Air Force Active Duty
01.1986 - 04.1989

Master Mental Health Counseling -

Virginia State University

Associate of Applied Science Human Services -

Southside Community College Alberta, Va

Certificate Law Enforcement -

Southside Virginia Community College Alberta, VA

Associate of Applied Science Business Management -

Southside Virginia Community College Alberta, VA
Sarah Underdue