Sharla Stroud LCSW
Elberton,GA
Summary
Compassionate and caring LCSW with 30 years of employment experience in varying human services environments. Extremely skilled at building trust with diverse individuals to promote client growth during recovery and treatment processes. Adds value to any organization in need of great collaboration, interpersonal, and multitasking abilities. Meets tight deadlines every time. Outgoing and friendly with strong drive to succeed. Flexible, communicative team member with organizational skills. Experience in substance abuse treatment, community mental health, correctional mental health, hospice/medical social work, discharge planning and locating and linking patients with much needed resources.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
LCSW
CHE Behavioral Health Services
Bainbridge, GA
06.2024 - Current
- Provided psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and families.
- Conducted initial assessments of clients to determine presenting issues and develop treatment plans.
- Created documentation including assessment notes, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries and referrals.
- Maintained accurate records of clinical activity in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed.
- Developed individualized therapeutic interventions based on diagnosis and best practices in the field of mental health counseling.
- Assisted clients in developing coping skills to better manage symptoms of mental illness or emotional distress.
- Utilized a variety of techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices during sessions.
- Monitored client's progress throughout the course of therapy by tracking goals set in treatment plan.
- Documented all interactions with clients according to agency policy and procedures.
Mental Health Unit Manager
Centurion
Hartwell, GA
07.2023 - 06.2024
- Created reports on departmental activities for senior management review.
- Ensured that the unit was compliant with safety standards and protocols set by the organization.
- Implemented new technologies to streamline workflow processes within the unit.
- Evaluated existing procedures for potential improvements in efficiency or cost savings measures.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless integration of services provided by the unit.
- Adhered to company-wide policies regarding confidentiality of information.
- Actively participated in recruitment efforts by interviewing potential candidates.
- Provided training sessions for newly hired personnel on relevant skills required for their roles.
- Managed team of 7 employees and ensured their productivity.
- Monitored daily operations, ensuring compliance with case management regulations.
- Provided guidance, coaching, and mentoring to staff members.
- Conducted performance reviews for all unit personnel.
- Developed effective strategies to improve employee morale, motivation, and engagement.
- Coordinated ongoing educational objectives to enhance staff competencies in safety, quality and core measures.
- Oversaw offender care to promote quality mental and psychological treatment.
- Analyzed offender records to determine efficiency and effectiveness of care.
- Identified and oriented new staff members before deployment to assigned stations.
- Initiated audit process to evaluate thoroughness of documentation and maintenance of facility standards.
- Communicated with offenders with compassion while keeping mental health information private.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall offender care and response times.
- Established solid relations with leadership and staff by attending required meetings and coordinating interdepartmental information exchanges.
- Created monthly schedules for staff to keep track of assigned duties
- Directed, supervised and evaluated medical, clerical or maintenance personnel.
- Provided supervision for all staff assigned under myself
LCSW/ Qualified Metal Health Professional
Mediko/Athens/Clarke County Jail
Athens, Georgia
04.2023 - Current
- Documented services and collected required data for evaluation.
- Wrote timely and accurate case notes to inform follow-up for effective, successful case management.
- Coordinated psychosocial assessments, treatment plans and progress notes.
- Maintained confidential case documentation through electronic health records system.
- Maintained thorough case history records and wrote detailed reports.
- Diagnosed disorders according to DSM-IV criteria and used ICD-10 codes for documentation.
- Adjusted treatment plans with current interventions and progress updates.
- Organized personalized discharge plans to oversee safe and effective reintegration.
- Served as agency liaison among other service providers, community organizations and government entities
- Maintained lists of resources helpful to clients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team of mental health case managers and disability workers.
- Administered conflict resolution strategies to help patients resolve disputes.
- Scheduled psychiatric appointments for all mental health patients in the jail.
- Responded to suicide calls.
- Evaluated inmates for suicidal/homicidal ideation and placed on observation if needed to keep them safe.
LCSW/Therapist
JACJLC
Dahlonega, GA
05.2021 - Current
- Assessed patients to identify individual needs and created care plans to address objectives and goals as identified during evaluation.
- Supported and counseled clients with drug and alcohol addiction.
- Identified problem areas impacting participants' ability to successfully complete treatment.
- Completed progress notes and other pertinent paperwork in compliance with state regulations.
- Collaborated with team members to monitor treatment progress and improve individual clients' plans.
- Conducted therapeutic individual and family therapy sessions.
- Adhered to HIPAA confidentiality requirements by safeguarding files.
- Referred clients to external resources for additional support.
- Gauged and documented effectiveness of interventions and treatments.
- Helped clients deal with substance abuse, mental illness and other concerns by delivering personalized counseling support.
LCSW/Mental Health Counselor
Centurion
Hartwell, GA
11.2022 - 04.2023
- Documented service plans, treatment reports and progress notes.
- Collaborated closely with treatment team to appropriately coordinate client care services.
- Provided individual and group mental health counseling in alignment with evidence-based practice and clinical models.
- Conducted intake interviews, case recording and test interpretation to assist in obtaining treatment for clients.
- Recorded comprehensive patient histories and coordinated treatment plans with multi-disciplinary team members.
- Executed appropriate risk-assessment and mitigation strategies.
- Applied advanced counseling techniques to define patient issues.
- Documented services and collected required data for evaluation.
- Guided clients in development of skills and strategies for dealing with individual problems.
- Maintained confidential case documentation.
- Wrote timely and accurate case notes to inform follow-up for effective, successful case management.
- Conducted therapy, provided crisis intervention and educated patients.
- Adjusted treatment plans with current interventions and progress updates.
- Organized personalized discharge plans to oversee safe and effective reintegration.
- Conducted therapy, provided crisis intervention and educated patients and families.
- Coordinated psychosocial assessments, treatment plans and progress notes.
- Maintained thorough case history records and wrote detailed reports.
- Diagnosed disorders according to DSM-IV criteria and used ICD-10 codes for documentation.
- Gave presentations to interdisciplinary team members, including clinical documentation and therapeutic observations.
- Served as agency liaison among other service providers, community organizations and government entities
- Provided excellent service to patients through personable communication.
- Documented observations, interventions and concerns in patient charts and electronic systems, sustaining continuum of care from admission through to discharge.
- Managed scheduling of psychiatric appointments for all individuals in the jail on a mental health caseload
LMSW
Alliance Recovery Center
Athens, GA
01.2022 - 11.2022
- Attended meetings, training, conferences and seminars to advance professional knowledge.
- Offered community resources and referrals to support client basic needs.
- Organized and secured case records and reports to maintain confidentiality of client treatment
- Supported and counseled clients with drug and alcohol addiction.
- Educated patients on detox and withdrawal, medications, addiction, recovery, coping skills and community resources.
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions for outpatient clients.
- Completed progress notes and other pertinent paperwork in compliance with state regulations.
- Developed effective treatment plans for 50 patients in MAT facility setting.
- Tracked participant attendance, contributions and progress according to objectives.
- Provide Addictions Therapy to US Probation System clients as extra duties to this position.
LMSW
Advantage Behavioral Health Systems
Elberton, GA
07.2021 - 01.2022
- Attended meetings, training, conferences and seminars to advance professional knowledge.
- Offered community resources and referrals to support client basic needs.
- Organized and secured case records and reports to maintain confidentiality of client treatment
- Provided individual and family therapy and support under direction of experienced staff.
- Evaluated clients and formulated individualized service plans outlining short-term and long-term goals.
- Recorded comprehensive case notes and follow up documentation for all clients.
- Performed psychosocial assessments and evaluations of current needs.
- Evaluated and addressed individual client needs and concerns.
- Worked with severely mentally ill and dually-diagnosed adults.
- Collaborated with internal and external providers to obtain patient medications.
- Collaborated with the court system, schools and child protective services regarding identified, at-risk children.
- Developed discharge plans and summaries for patients leaving services.
Hospice/Medical Social Worker
Homestead Hospice
Greenwood , SC
11.2020 - 07.2021
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Counseled patients on ongoing basis to assist with challenges.
- Set up family meetings with guidance from physicians.
- Gathered community resources and coordinated referrals to obtain services.
- Documented services and collected required data for evaluation.
- Communicated with relatives of patients about diagnoses and treatment programs.
- Coordinated psychosocial assessments, treatment plans and progress notes.
- Guided clients in development of skills and strategies for dealing with individual problems.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of professionals as well as patients and families to determine appropriate treatment options.
- Helped patients navigate healthcare system and care options by educating on relevant subject areas and answering questions throughout treatment process.
- Provided education and support to patients' family members.
- Educated clients on options to assist in making informed decisions.
- Counseled clients or patients individually to assist recovery from illness and to adjust to life.
- Assist with processing grief and acceptance of terminal diagnoses.
Therapist/Substance Abuse Counselor
October Road Inc.
Asheville, NC
02.2020 - 11.2020
- Facilitated Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, and Early Recovery groups weekly in-person and via telehealth forum.
- Facilitated multiple weekly groups with up to 20 participants each focusing on mindful meditation, DBT, and CBT skills, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to determine effective treatment plans.
- Documented staff information, including service plans, treatment reports, and progress notes.
- Performed a comprehensive level of care assessments for each patient.
- Responded to emergency situations and provided crisis support.
- Improved operations by working with team members and customers to find workable solutions.
- Revised treatment plans in consultation with clinical psychiatrist based on patient progress.
- Handled all delegated tasks, including completing and filing paperwork for prior authorizations for billing of services through private insurance agencies.
Mental Health Case Manager/Therapist
South Carolina Department of Mental Health/Beckman Center
Abbeville, SC
08.2018 - 11.2019
- Completion of Initial Clinical Assessment for intake purposes.
- Completion of Plan of Care for purposes of treatment.
- Completion of progress notes.
- Scheduling appointments.
- Completing judicial papers for involuntary commitment for mental health.
- Completion of judicial papers for involuntary commitment for substance abuse.
- Treatment of individuals with substance abuse issues as well as mental health issues.
- Case closures.
- Completion of monthly progress summaries and compliance paperwork.
- Completion of Daily Activity of Living Assessments.
- Participation in Interdisciplinary staffing meetings.
- Provided counseling for relapse prevention, social issues and mental health problems.
- Provided a wide variety of individual, group and familial counseling intervention strategies utilizing CBT and DBT methodologies to assist patients.
- Assisted clients with identifying feelings and behaviors by asking open-ended questions.
- Collaborated closely with treatment team to appropriately coordinate client care services.
- Delivered seamless care, minimizing misuse and diversion through close collaboration with peers.
- Recorded comprehensive patient histories and coordinated treatment plans with multi-disciplinary team members.
- Referred clients to other programs and community agencies to enhance treatment processes.
- Efficiently gathered information from families and social services agencies to inform development of treatment plans.
- Used aromatherapy as natural way to help patients cope with stress, chronic pain, nausea and depression.
- Taught clients anger management techniques, relaxation skills, impulse control, social skills, emotional coping skills and functional living skills.
On-Call Crisis Therapist
South Carolina Department Of Mental Health
Abbeville , South Carolina
07.2019 - 11.2019
- Applied abilities in techniques like active listening and collaborative problem-solving to make positive impact.
- Offered counseling and stabilization support to reintroduce calm in crisis situations.
- Collected and documented information from each client about concerns and any available contextual details.
- Developed safety plans to minimize crisis risk and intervene with specific procedures.
- Assessed risk to client, loved ones or general public through established evaluation procedures.
- Helped clients deal with substance abuse, mental illness and other concerns by delivering personalized counseling support.
- Educated family members and helped each support clients by improving coping techniques.
Social Services Case Manager
GA Department Of Family And Children's Services
Madison, GA
08.2017 - 08.2018
- Certified in the state of Georgia for CPS track.
- Experience with Interviewing Perpetrators.
- Experience Interviewing Victims.
- Participating in Staffings.
- Certified in Solution Based Casework.
- Determining Present Danger.
- Experience in Collection and Organization of Data for Family Functional Assessments.
- Interviewing collateral witnesses on the telephone.
- Working with parents and children with substance abuse and mental health issues and the court system.
- Experience working with GA Shines.
- On-call experience.
- Case Closures.
- Worked with community resources to engage youth in pro-social activities and help families access services.
- Coordinated all activities involving birth parents in conjunction with in-home support counselors.
- Met with clients to determine the necessary services and make treatment recommendations.
- Interviewed clients to assess situations, capabilities,and problems.
- Entered client data in a centralized database and maintained up-to-date case records for all clients.
- Referred family members to outside support options to assist with coping during times of increased stress.
- Conferred with clients to discuss options and goals for various services.
Targeted Case Manager
Florida Therapy Services Inc.
Marianna, FL
04.2016 - 08.2017
- Complete Mental Health Certifications.
- Create Individual Service plans.
- Complete Targeted Case Management Assessments.
- Complete Prior Authorizations for service units.
- Complete Progress Notes.
- Maintain compliance items and paperwork.
- Work with patient's with dual diagnosis of Substance abuse and Mental Health Issues.
- Provide guidance and direction to individuals with mental health issues.
- Maintain client confidentiality.
- Attend medication appointments with clients.
- Advocate for client community resource needs.
- Help clients apply for Medicaid and disability benefits.
- Attend Client staffing meetings with program director for collaboration on client progress and treatment recommendations.
- Documented services and collected required data for evaluation.
- Guided clients in development of skills and strategies for dealing with individual problems.
- Arranged for medical, mental health or substance abuse treatment services according to individual needs or court orders
- Prepared all required treatment records and reports.
- Counseled patients on an ongoing basis to assist with challenges.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of professionals, as well as patients and families, to determine appropriate treatment options.
- Gathered community resources and coordinated referrals to obtain services.
Behavioral Program Specialist/Shift Supervisor
Sunland Training Center
Marianna, Florida
10.2015 - 12.2016
- Worked with and assisted patients with developmental disabilities.
- Supervise direct care staff and their interactions with clients/patients.
- Collect unit and program data.
- Ensure client/patient activities of daily living are completed daily.
- Maintain state records of incident reporting.
- Maintain daily log of activities.
- Facilitate team treatment meetings, Ensure that staff completes documentation correctly daily.
Senior Supervisor I
Unit Treatment and Rehabilitation, Florida State Hospital
Chattahoochee, FL
06.2015 - 10.2015
- Worked with individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities.
- Supervise direct care staff and their interactions with clients/patients.
- Approve timesheets.
- Approve staff leave.
- Collect unit and program data.
- Ensure client/patient ADL's are completed daily.
- Maintain state records of incident reporting.
- Maintain daily log of activities.
- Facilitate team treatment meetings, Ensure that staff completes documentation correctly daily.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Unlimited Path
Chipley, FL
02.2015 - 07.2015
- Counsel inmates one on one about substance abuse issues.
- Teach Education lecture about mental health, substance abuse issues and coping techniques.
- Maintain client confidentiality.
- Maintain state records of treatment.
- Complete Bio-Psychosocial Assessments.
- Create an Individual Service Plan for client treatment.
- Maintain weekly and monthly notes.
- Facilitate Process Groups.
- Attend Client staffing meetings with program director for collaboration on client progress and treatment recommendations Mental Health Case Management.
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions for outpatient clients.
- Conducted chemical dependency program orientation sessions
- Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users.
- Discussed with offenders how such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems might have played roles in past criminal behavior
- Maintained thorough clinical treatment notes.
- Developed comprehensive treatment plans focusing on accurate diagnosis and behavioral treatment of problems.
Targeted Case Manager
Access Family Services Compass Adult Care
Asheville, NC
07.2007 - 02.2008
- Supervised and directed treatment plans for assigned case load.
- Maintain weekly and monthly notes.
- Maintain state records of treatment.
- Evaluate client progress.
- Maintain client confidentiality.
- Attended quarterly treatment plan meetings.
- Reported to state agency/corporate compliance boards.
- Made and attended health appointments with client.
- Attend Client staffing meetings with program director for collaboration on client progress and treatment recommendations.
- Delivered an exceptional level of service to each customer by listening to concerns and answering questions.
- Coordinated psychosocial assessments, treatment plans and progress notes.
Group Home Supervisor
Envisions Inc
Greeneville, TN
06.2006 - 07.2007
- Maintained records for resident funds, bank accounts and petty cash using [Software].
- Created work schedule in advance, promoting adequate coverage for shifts.
- Communicated with families or advocates to discuss resident needs and progress.
- Supervised staff training and development by acting as role model and instructing staff on how to appropriately interact with residents.
- Initiated positive relationships with residents, staff and other individuals by being respectful, actively listening and asking appropriate questions.
- Resolved concerns regarding staff, residents and care to maintain standards throughout group home.
- Supervised group home for 3 residents with behavioral and developmental disabilities issues by motivating direction of a 10-member team.
- Monitored performance of 10-staff members to gauge work efficiency and improve overall productivity.
- Hired, interviewed and trained new staff members and created staff schedules.
Group Home Supervisor
Alternatives Inc
Greeneville , TN
09.2004 - 12.2005
- Create behavioral modification treatment plans for individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral issues.
- Attend team treatment and rehab meetings.
- Collect data on program implementation.
- Maintain state records of treatment.
- Supervise staff.
- Arrange medical appointments for clients.
- Reviewed and assessed staff processes, reducing hazards posed for residents and staff while promoting regulatory compliance.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Recruited well-qualified candidates to fill vacancies and offer residents unparalleled care.
Education
Completion of SIPS/SOPS Certification by Yale University -
Yale University
New Haven, CT2019
Master of Social Work -
Western New Mexico University
2018
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Saint Leo University
2014
Associates - Business Administration
American Intercontinental University
2012
High School Diploma -
Malone High School
Malone Florida05.1991
Skills
- Scheduling appointments
- Assessment and Diagnosis
- Documentation
- Program implementation
- Plan of Care
- Group therapy coordination
- One-on-one support
- Treatment planning
- Compliance requirements
- Progress evaluations
- Extensive DSM-V knowledge
- Parenting skills educator
- Criminal law knowledge
- Suicide risk assessments
- Testing urine specimens
- Individual therapy
- Crisis management
- Case management
- Medicaid familiarity
- Dual diagnosis
- Substance abuse treatment
- Patient advocacy
- Community outreach
- Relapse assistance
- Intervention tactics
- Outpatient services
- Family counseling
- Supervision
- Computer skills
- Leadership
- Organization
- First Aid/CPR
- Discharge Summaries
- Discharge Planning
- Effective customer communication
- Customer support and assistance
- Microsoft Office
- Reliable and trustworthy
- MS Office
- Organizational skills
- Long-term Care
- Medical Advocacy
- Client's Rights
- Family Member Counseling
- Environmental Impediments Management
Affiliations
Phi Alpha Honor Society
License and Certifications
LCSW- GEROGIA # CSW008262
References
REFERENCES
Grant Snyder/ADACT British Columbia 902-307-9337
Shawnna Marie Mead/ Circuit 14 Parent-Youth Coordinator Bonifay, Florida 850-326-6152
Heather Rodriguez/MHC Centurion, Anderson South Carolina, 413-426-0303
John F. Lenahan Ed. D/ Educator, Clarke County School System Elberton, Ga 570-690-3735
Stefanie Butcher Greenwood, SC 864-871-7106
Tammie Yost/ Owner JACJLC Dahlonaga, Ga 706-403-2777 or 404-386-2905, tyost@jacjlc.com
Timeline
LCSW
CHE Behavioral Health Services
06.2024 - Current
Mental Health Unit Manager
Centurion
07.2023 - 06.2024
LCSW/ Qualified Metal Health Professional
Mediko/Athens/Clarke County Jail
04.2023 - Current
LCSW/Mental Health Counselor
Centurion
11.2022 - 04.2023
LMSW
Alliance Recovery Center
01.2022 - 11.2022
LMSW
Advantage Behavioral Health Systems
07.2021 - 01.2022
LCSW/Therapist
JACJLC
05.2021 - Current
Hospice/Medical Social Worker
Homestead Hospice
11.2020 - 07.2021
Therapist/Substance Abuse Counselor
October Road Inc.
02.2020 - 11.2020
On-Call Crisis Therapist
South Carolina Department Of Mental Health
07.2019 - 11.2019
Mental Health Case Manager/Therapist
South Carolina Department of Mental Health/Beckman Center
08.2018 - 11.2019
Social Services Case Manager
GA Department Of Family And Children's Services
08.2017 - 08.2018
Targeted Case Manager
Florida Therapy Services Inc.
04.2016 - 08.2017
Behavioral Program Specialist/Shift Supervisor
Sunland Training Center
10.2015 - 12.2016
Senior Supervisor I
Unit Treatment and Rehabilitation, Florida State Hospital
06.2015 - 10.2015
Substance Abuse Counselor
Unlimited Path
02.2015 - 07.2015
Targeted Case Manager
Access Family Services Compass Adult Care
07.2007 - 02.2008
Group Home Supervisor
Envisions Inc
06.2006 - 07.2007
Group Home Supervisor
Alternatives Inc
09.2004 - 12.2005
Completion of SIPS/SOPS Certification by Yale University -
Yale University
Master of Social Work -
Western New Mexico University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Saint Leo University
Associates - Business Administration
American Intercontinental University
High School Diploma -
Malone High School
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