Sonnia Brown
Deptford ,NJ
Summary
Forward-thinking Behavioral Counselor offering 5 years of comprehensive experience in correctional behavior counseling. Seasoned professional at building patient rapport while completing daily activities such as patient history documentation, therapeutic intervention and case analysis. Patient and compassionate professional certified in Trauma and Grief Counseling. Committed to implementing effective treatment plans and providing exceptional care.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Behavioral Health Counselor
The School District Of Philadelphia
Philadelphia , PA
08.2022 - Current
- Administered personality assessments, behavioral assessments and assessments of intellectual functioning.
- Facilitated and conducted group and individual therapy sessions to address PTSD, anger management, substance abuse and grief.
- Used Infinite Campus to prepare and maintain diagnostic records, progress notes and federal and state-mandated forms.
- Assisted clients by helping develop skills and behaviors necessary to recover from addiction and modify behavior.
- Implemented psychological interventions and coordinated community resources to assist clients' in community integration.
- Supported clients by providing referrals and linkages to substance abuse, mental and medical services.
- Participated in interdisciplinary staff meetings to implement research-based changes and assess treatment plans.
Crisis Counselor
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia , PA
03.2022 - Current
- Evaluated risk to client or others by gathering information and conducting assessments.
- Used skills such as active listening and collaborative problem-solving daily to connect with patients and address concerns.
- Conversed with individuals in crisis which called or texted hotline for assistance.
- Built safety plans to lower risk of crisis and intervened in specific manners outlined by procedures.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Documented risk to each client and context of concerns.
- Assessed patient behavior, moods and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans.
- Recorded client information on special flow sheets, accurately indicating suicidal precautions, sleep flow and restraints.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
Adolescent Therapist
Fairmount Behavioral Health Hospital
Philadelphia , PA
10.2019 - Current
- Supervised youth in engaging environment to promote security and safety for all ages.
- Arranged and facilitated therapy sessions for individuals, couples and families.
- Utilized DSM for diagnosing and conducted psycho-social assessments.
- Maintained documentation of therapy services provided to each patient according to facility and professional standards, revising as necessary.
- Participated in treatment team meetings and collaborated with other staff to facilitate services for patient as noted in treatment plans.
- Applied psychotherapeutic techniques and interventions in delivery of services to individuals and families to treat diagnosed emotional and mental disorders.
- Coordinated with treatment team, family and residents and implemented discharge planning.
- Communicated closely with other counselors to devise programs and activities based on developmental and academic levels.
- Performed in advocacy capacity for troubled youth to provide access to resources.
- Supervised individuals in small group atmosphere to cultivate safety, independence and structure.
- Monitored youth behavior and offered guidance and support for positive change.
Behavioral Health Technician
Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia, CHOP
Philadelphia , PA
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Kept facility clean, performed basic maintenance and restocked supplies to support program needs.
- Facilitated on-site activities, support groups and outings for clients.
- Escorted patients from unit to meals, activities and visitation areas to maintain standard of safety and security.
- Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention.
- Recognized individuals under influence of drugs or alcohol and typical behaviors associated with each.
- Completed documentation for every incident and forwarded to correct personnel for review.
- Built and maintained positive staff relationships to promote teamwork and better serve clients.
- Observed patient behaviors and mental status and notified RN of unusual or potentially dangerous occurrences.
- Participated in continuous quality improvement and performance improvement activities to enhance effectiveness and increase knowledge.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
- Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
Associate Director of Admissions
Steppingstone Scholars Inc
Philadelphia , PA
08.2010 - 05.2021
- Assisted prospective students with admissions by processing paperwork, arranging and conducting campus tours and conducting follow-up activities.
- Coordinated and participated in campus recruitment events, orientation programs and open houses.
- Conferred with educators to rebalance classes, increase resource utilization and integrate new technology.
- Trained and developed department leaders and management staff for specific projects and ongoing operational needs.
- Optimized student educational strategies with clear advice on course choices, progression and career options.
- Developed online marketing campaigns to relay school's mission to prospective parents and students.
- Explained admissions processes, educational programs, financial assistance and student services to over 3,000 potential students.
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Development
Temple University
Philadelphia PA 08.2006 - 05.2011
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Rosemont College
Rosemont PA 08.2016 - 05.2019
Skills
Psychological interventions
Cognitive behavior therapy
Addiction therapy
Treatment plans
Behavior modification
Group therapy
Trained in indicators of child abuse
Records management
Case documentation
Expertise in crisis intervention techniques
Mental health evaluations
Clinical interventions
Case management proficiency
Knowledge of juvenile justice system
Skilled in intake interviewing
Group psychotherapy expert
Developed and Published Grief Journals for Adults and Children
The grief journals were created to help persons struggling with grief, through writing. It is often difficult to verbalize our feelings, sometimes writing is the safest outlet.
Timeline
Behavioral Health Counselor
The School District Of Philadelphia
08.2022 - Current
Crisis Counselor
University Of Pennsylvania
03.2022 - Current
Behavioral Health Technician
Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia, CHOP
01.2022 - 01.2023
Adolescent Therapist
Fairmount Behavioral Health Hospital
10.2019 - Current
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Rosemont College
08.2016 - 05.2019
Associate Director of Admissions
Steppingstone Scholars Inc
08.2010 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Development
Temple University
08.2006 - 05.2011