Sarah Schwable (Slusher)
Cincinnati
Summary
Caring, empathetic Substance Abuse Counselor with eight years of experience in Addictions settings. Exceptionally talented at building rapport with different patient groups to encourage honesty and growth in recovery from substance abuse related issues. Committed to helping patients understand emotional issues underlying substance abuse patterns. Documented strengths in Motivational interviewing and CBT.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Program Director
Volunteers of America Ohio and Indiana
11.2024 - Current
- Led cross-functional teams for successful project execution and timely delivery of milestones.
- Regularly reported on program metrics to senior leadership stakeholders providing insight into successes and areas needing improvement.
- Improved residential re-entry program quality by developing and implementing innovative program strategies.
- Managed a team of staff members, providing ongoing training, support, and performance evaluations for continuous improvement.
- Developed strong community partnerships to enhance resources and opportunities available to residents within the program.
- Enhanced residents'' experiences with personalized care plans tailored to individual needs and preferences.
- Maintained a safe living environment for all residents through consistent adherence to health and safety regulations.
- Cultivated a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusivity throughout the residential community.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support was provided for each resident''s unique needs.
Program Director/Clinical Director
New Season Treatment Center
10.2023 - 11.2024
- Oversees clinical integrity and milieu of program and supervision of staff providing clinical and direct care services.
- Facilitates outcomes-focused, evidence-based programs in identified areas of community need.
- Facilitats outcomes-focused, evidence-based programs in identified areas of community need.
- Conducts assessments and chart reviews to verify accuracy and compliance with regulations and requirements of licensing and funding sources.
- Collects and entered evaluation data according to program evaluation plan to devise strategic improvements.
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
- Recruits, hires and trains all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
IOP Counselor
DeCoach Rehab Centre
06.2023 - 10.2023
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Coordinated referrals between agencies to ensure seamless transitions for clients receiving multiple services.
- Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
- Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
Executive Director
Pinnacle Treatment Services
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Aligned department vision, goals, and objectives with company strategy to achieve consistently high results.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
- Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
- Built and maintained strong company teams by hiring and training qualified staff to create positive and productive work environments.
Program Director/Clinical Director
New Season Treatment Center
11.2020 - 09.2022
- Oversees clinical integrity and milieu of program and supervision of staff providing clinical and direct care services.
- Facilitates outcomes-focused, evidence-based programs in identified areas of community need.
- Facilitats outcomes-focused, evidence-based programs in identified areas of community need.
- Conducts assessments and chart reviews to verify accuracy and compliance with regulations and requirements of licensing and funding sources.
- Collects and entered evaluation data according to program evaluation plan to devise strategic improvements.
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
- Recruits, hires and trains all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
Clinical Therapist
Britelife Recovery
07.2020 - 06.2021
- Completed assessments and planned customized treatments, applying wide range of resources.
- Delivered quality, comprehensive and well-integrated clinical services in alignment with patient needs.
- Planned and organized individual, family and group therapy for patients ranging in ages and issues.
- Applied various therapeutic methods to treat patients in [Type] facilities.
- Counseled individuals, groups or families to help understand problems, deal with crisis situations and develop realistic action plans.
- Leverages excellent oral and written communication skills to interact professionally with staff and clients.
- Offered perspective on effectiveness of treatments concerning conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Referred clients to other specialists, institutions or support services as necessary.
Clinical Supervisor
Spectrum Health Systems
04.2019 - 12.2020
- Assessed patients, determined needs and managed care.
- Implement new policies and educate staff on changes.
- Developed, implemented, revised and evaluated policies and procedures.
- Lead and directed team of seven clinical personnel and support staff.
- Provide ongoing case management to patients to implement appropriate treatment plan, adhere to quality models and maximize utilization of services needed to achieve optimal outcomes.
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
HealthQwest
03.2018 - 04.2019
- Outpatient Medication-Assisted treatment facility.
- 12 Core Counseling functions including intake, assessment and screening, case management, and documentation.
- Working with clients to establish rapport and build relationships to initiate recovery.
- Case management.
- Linked clients to other programs and community agencies to enhance treatment processes.
- Provided psychotherapy incorporating cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and play-therapy to treat wide range of psychological problems in patients.
- Formulated comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plans to facilitate and optimize follow-up by social workers by conducting thorough clinical interviews.
- Offered individual outpatient therapy to adult clients with wide range of psychological problems.
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
New Season Treatment Center
07.2016 - 03.2018
- Outpatient MAT treatment facility.
- 12 Core Functions including intake, assessment and screening, case management, and documentation.
- Working with clients to establish rapport and build relationships to initiate recovery.
- Assisted clients in navigating the complex process of accessing community resources, resulting in improved overall wellbeing.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, contributing to continuous improvement in service delivery and outcomes measurement.
- Provided vocational counseling and job readiness training for clients, supporting their successful transition to stable employment following treatment completion.
- Reduced relapse rates through consistent follow-up appointments and support services.
Office Manager
Shank and Co
11.2010 - 01.2016
- Managed budgets, appointment scheduling, employee and event itineraries and accounts to improve productivity initiatives.
- Established workflow processes, monitored daily productivity and implemented modifications to improve overall performance of personnel.
- Established and developed strong administrative team by delivering ongoing coaching and motivation and fostering career advancement.
- Prepared meeting materials and took clear notes to distribute to stakeholders.
Lead Retail Consultant
Sprint
03.2013 - 07.2016
- Met key performance objectives for sales and customer satisfaction on consistent basis.
- Oversaw sales floor with practiced eye and dedication to timely customer service.
- Liaised with customers, management and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN2025
Bachelor's of Science - Substance Abuse Counseling
University of Cincinnati
Clifton, Cincinnati, OH12.2015
Certification
LCDCIII - OH
CADC - KY
Board Approved Supervisor - KY
CADCII - GA
CCS - GA
ICADC
ICCS
SAP - OH, KY, GA
Affiliations
- Kappa Delta Sorority
- The National Society of Leadership and Success - Sigma Alpha Pi
- Junior League of Cincinnati
Timeline
Senior Program Director
Volunteers of America Ohio and Indiana
11.2024 - Current
Program Director/Clinical Director
New Season Treatment Center
10.2023 - 11.2024
IOP Counselor
DeCoach Rehab Centre
06.2023 - 10.2023
Executive Director
Pinnacle Treatment Services
09.2022 - 05.2023
Program Director/Clinical Director
New Season Treatment Center
11.2020 - 09.2022
Clinical Therapist
Britelife Recovery
07.2020 - 06.2021
Clinical Supervisor
Spectrum Health Systems
04.2019 - 12.2020
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
HealthQwest
03.2018 - 04.2019
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
New Season Treatment Center
07.2016 - 03.2018
Lead Retail Consultant
Sprint
03.2013 - 07.2016
Office Manager
Shank and Co
11.2010 - 01.2016
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Walden University
Bachelor's of Science - Substance Abuse Counseling
University of Cincinnati