Sonia Heath
Lompoc,CA
Summary
I'm very compassionate and caring for others. I am trustworthy, honest, and reliable. I am highly skilled at building rapport with clients and co-workers to promote growth during the recovery progress. I am focused on helping client work at and achieve goals set in their recovery. Professional Substance Abuse Counselor with a CAADE 1 Certification and passion for serving all cultures. Dedicated to supporting patients in understanding emotional issues beneath substance abuse, while working towards tangible improvements and relapse prevention. I have supervisory skills and was being trained for the position of assistant supervisor.
I am hardworking, organized, proactive, punctual, and work closely with others. I have knowledge in working with diverse cultures and motivated to learn more.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Youth Treatment Counselor
CADA Daniel Bryant Lompoc
Lompoc, CA
06.2023 - Current
- Enhanced patient progress by addressing problem list and conducting regular assessments.
- Improved communication skills among youth patients through group therapy sessions and interactive activities.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop comprehensive treatment for troubled youths, facilitating their personal growth and development.
- Documented clinical notes thoroughly to ensure accurate records of each patient''s treatment progress, supporting optimal care decisions.
- Conducted individual counseling sessions addressing specific issues such as substance abuse, trauma, or behavioral challenges, fostering positive change in each client''s life.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while working closely with families to provide support and education about treatment goals and progress.
- Developed strong rapport with clients by creating an empathetic atmosphere that encouraged open dialogue about their feelings and concerns.
- Assisted patients in identifying triggers for negative behaviors, empowering them to make healthier choices moving forward.
- Encouraged healthy lifestyle habits through physical activities, nutritional guidance, and mindfulness exercises incorporated into daily routines at the facility.
- Organized recreational outings that promoted team building, cooperation, and positive social interactions among the youths in the program.
- Communicated regularly with outside providers such as schools or probation officers to keep them informed of each client''s progress towards treatment goals.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques using positive reinforcement strategies to discourage destructive patterns while promoting constructive habits within the client population.
- Supported academic success by tutoring individuals struggling academically or providing resources that catered to their unique learning needs.
- Coordinated transitional services for clients to reintegrate into their homes, schools, or communities after completing the program.
- Educated clients on the consequences of substance abuse and addiction through evidence-based prevention programs aimed at reducing risky behaviors.
- Monitored client's progress throughout treatment program.
- Provided individual and group counseling.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Identified and prioritized treatment needs and formulated appropriate treatment plans.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
- Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
- Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth.
- Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Counselor
CADA Project Recovery Lompoc
Lompoc, CA
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Taught substance abuse classes to help clients understand consequences of drug and alcohol use.
- Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
- 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.
- Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Coordinated referrals for addiction services based on individual client needs and preferences.
- Used 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 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.
- Utilized [Type] and [Type] behavioral strategies to promote adherence to care plans, adoption of healthy behaviors and engagement in self-care.
- Supported and assessed clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devised strategies based on client needs.
- 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).
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Kept accurate and detailed records to track and document client progress.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
AOD Counselor
Coast Valley SATC
Lompoc, CA
10.2020 - 07.2022
- Maintained thorough clinical treatment notes.
- Identified treatment goals based on individual diagnosis and history.
- Supported and counseled clients with drug and alcohol addiction.
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions for outpatient clients.
- Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families.
- Developed client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience and client histories.
- Discussed with offenders how such issues as drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems might have played roles in past criminal behavior
- Assessed patients in active drug and alcohol withdrawal and provided interventions to manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Worked closely with team members to deliver project requirements, develop solutions and meet deadlines.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Juggled multiple projects and tasks to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
- Demonstrated self-reliance by meeting and exceeding workflow needs.
- Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and helping to train others.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Improved operations by working with team members and customers to find workable solutions.
- Motivated and encouraged team members to communicate more openly and constructively with each other.
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
- Coordinated referrals for addiction services based on individual client needs and preferences.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
- Implement behavioral strategies to promote adherence to care plans, adoption of healthy behaviors and engagement in self-care.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
Case Management Assistant
Catholic Charities Lompoc
Lompoc
04.2015 - 01.2019
- Prioritized calls, messages and email to smoothly manage case-related communications.
- Handled support tasks such as office supplies and meeting schedules to support senior case managers with workloads.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with patients by successfully resolving issues and responding promptly to phone inquiries.
- Observed safety protocols to minimize accidents and spread of disease.
- Worked with senior staff to further develop plans for cases.
- Maintained confidential patient documentation to prevent data compromise and comply with HIPAA regulations.
- Answered questions and responded to inquiries to deliver high level of service to patients.
- Educated patients on various resources, services and programs to maximize care.
- Recommended improved life choices to enhance client outcomes.
- Assisted social workers with building, coordinating and leading programs delivering high-quality support.
- Located housing and other support services for displaced individuals working through issues.
Cashier
Second time Around Thrift Store
Lompoc
08.2011 - 08.2013
- Collected payments and provided accurate change.
- Completed daily recovery tasks to keep areas clean and neat for maximum productivity.
- Helped customers find specific products, answered questions and offered product advice.
- Worked closely with front-end staff to assist customers.
- Processed sales transactions to prevent long customer wait times.
- Accepted cash and credit card payments, issued receipts and provided change.
- Wrapped items and carefully bagged purchases to prevent merchandise breakage.
- Answered customer questions and provided store information.
- Scanned merchandise using point-of-sale system for accurate purchase totals.
- Discounted purchases by scanning and redeeming coupons.
- Delivered high level of customer service to patrons using active listening and engagement skills.
- Processed refunds for worn, damaged and broken merchandise.
- Used suggestive selling techniques to promote add-on sales.
- Directed trash removal and sanitation procedures to keep aisles and register area organized.
- Recommended complementary and discounted items to customers to increase sales.
- Tracked company inventories, moved excess stock and arranged products to improve sales.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Alcohol/Chemical Dependency Abuse Counseling
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ10.2022
Skills
- Community Resources
- Individual Therapy
- Client Evaluation
- Crisis Management
- Defining Treatment Objectives
- Testing Specimens
- Organizational Skills
- Relationship Building
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Good Work Ethic
- First Aid/CPR
- Microsoft Office
- Flexible Schedule
- Reliable & Trustworthy
- Conflict Resolution
- Planning & Organizing
- Training & Development
- Clinical Documentation
I have completed the following:
Training in
DBT
HIPPA 42 CFR Training
Access Screening
CPR
Co-occurring disorders
Reducing the Harm of Fentanyl Use
Sexual Harassment
Continum if care
Motivational Interviewing
Withdrawal Management
Seeking-Safety
Cultural Diversity
CBT Training
Code of Conduct
Documentation-Cal-Aim
Timeline
Lead Youth Treatment Counselor
CADA Daniel Bryant Lompoc
06.2023 - Current
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Counselor
CADA Project Recovery Lompoc
07.2022 - 06.2023
AOD Counselor
Coast Valley SATC
10.2020 - 07.2022
Case Management Assistant
Catholic Charities Lompoc
04.2015 - 01.2019
Cashier
Second time Around Thrift Store
08.2011 - 08.2013
Bachelor of Science - Alcohol/Chemical Dependency Abuse Counseling
Grand Canyon University