Susan Rynkiewicz, LCSW, LADC

• Designed and implemented treatment services for a 90-client housing unit, collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to deliver evidence-based care tailored to client needs.
• Applied extensive expertise in forensic populations, recidivism, trauma, mental illness, and addiction to improve client outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Conducted psychosocial assessments, developed treatment plans, and provided individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and forensic-specific support.
• Ensured compliance with Department of Corrections (DOC) policies, procedures, and relevant laws, while maintaining proficiency in Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Trained staff on mental health awareness, burnout prevention, and trauma-informed care, enhancing team resilience and client support.

Improved client outcomes and retention by conducting personalized individual counseling sessions, developing tailored action plans, and supporting patients in adopting healthy coping strategies suited to their unique needs.

• Promoted self-awareness in clients through insightful reflection exercises during individual counseling sessions that facilitated personal growth and healing.

• Provide expert consultations on substance abuse issues to Department of Children and Families (DCF) staff, enhancing their ability to address client needs effectively.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments and referrals for DCF clients, leveraging extensive knowledge of Connecticut's treatment providers, including self-help, outpatient and inpatient programming, detoxification, and local collaborations.
• Develop and deliver in-service training on substance abuse topics to DCF staff, improving their understanding and response to related challenges.
• Serve as a member of the Institutional Review Board, contributing to oversight and ethical review processes.

• Served as a Senior Management team member, directing interagency collaboration across three residential treatment facilities for foster care youth: The Pleasantville Cottage, The Edenwald Center, and The Graham School.
• Ensured contract compliance between Arms Acres and contracted agencies through Memoranda of Agreements, while coordinating communication and programming with host agencies.
• Maintained compliance with OASAS, JHACO, state, and county regulations, upholding accreditation standards through diligent monitoring and audits.
• Spearheaded program development, implementation, continuous quality improvement, and statistical analysis to optimize operational effectiveness and service delivery.
• Coached and trained new hires to understand job responsibilities and requirements, mentoring staff through professional development to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and growth.

• Transformed a small satellite clinic into a fully licensed NYS OASAS and JCHACO accredited clinic, overseeing all aspects of development and licensure.
• Coordinated care with treatment teams at The Pleasantville Cottage School and The Edenwald Center, collaborating with families, managed care companies, and legal personnel to ensure comprehensive support.
• Led program development initiatives to enhance clinic services and operational efficiency.
• Conducted intake assessments, individual counseling, group therapy, and discharge planning, while facilitating referrals to higher levels of care as needed.
• Served as a field instructor for master's-level social work interns, providing mentorship and hands-on training.
• Delivered educational in-service trainings to staff, enhancing knowledge and skills in relevant areas.
  

• Performed assessments, individual counseling, group therapy sessions, and discharge planning to support client progress and recovery.
• Coordinated treatment with families, referral sources, managed care companies, legal personnel, and the multi-disciplinary treatment team to ensure holistic care.
• Acted as a field instructor for master's-level social work interns, providing guidance and supervision to support their professional development.

• Conducted initial psychosocial chemical assessments, individual counseling sessions, group therapy, didactic sessions, and discharge planning to address client needs comprehensively.
• Coordinated treatment with families, referral sources, managed care companies, legal personnel, and the multi-disciplinary treatment team to ensure integrated and effective care.

• Taught Addiction Counseling 1
• Proficient in Blackboard, PowerPoint, Smartboard Technology
• 99% student rating

• Teaches all courses in the OASAS-approved 350-hour CASAC-T program, preparing students to begin careers as substance abuse counselors, with a 100% student satisfaction rating.
• Enhance student understanding through interactive, engaging lectures designed using Zoom, Blackboard, PowerPoint, and Smartboard technology, showcasing proficiency in online teaching and learning.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, fostering clear subject matter discussions and effectively supporting student success in a virtual learning environment.