Tanwanda Smith
Chester,SC
Summary
To obtain a focused mobile crisis counselor position utilizing a skillset in delivering caring and compassionate support to address mental health, substance use and/or intellectual disability concerns. Well-versed in leading both one-on-one and group counseling sessions to improve client well-being and coping skills development. Seven-year history of advocating for clients to obtain resources and enhance support networks. Adept at optimizing program operations to maximize support. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher
Elementary
08.2022 - Current
- Created safe and disciplined environment for 12 students to learn.
- Developed lesson plans and instructional materials which can be adapted to meet needs of each student.
- Assisted with daily living skills, where applicable, encourage development of self-help skills.
- Participated in professional growth/development opportunities.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures
- Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
Counselor
McLeod Center
11.2016 - 03.2023
- Promoted sobriety of 12 clients with linkage to recovery supports within community during and after treatment
- Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
- Acted as client advocate to coordinate required services or resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
- Developed and expanded referral system of service providers to assist clients in attaining services.
- Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
- Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
- Conducted evaluations to help patients develop measurable treatment goals.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
- Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Organized clinical interventions and treatment plans for patients suffering from chronic pain disorders.
- Facilitated weekly group sessions to encourage self-reflection and problem-solving
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits
- Organized clinical interventions and treatment plans for patients suffering from chronic pain disorders
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis One and Axis Two disorders
- Developed treatment plans to help clients build self-confidence and resilience
- Assessed patient behavior, moods, and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans
- Supervised meetings with family members to help create support system for clients
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served
- Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence
- Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients
- Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients
Call Center Agent
Master’s Media
07.2013 - 04.2020
- Provided 100 + inbound and outbound call services to meet various needs of clients; greet clients with pleasant tone, maintaining appropriate tone throughout call.
- Helped large volume of customers every day with positive attitude and focus on customer satisfaction.
- Adhered to company policies and scripts to consistently achieve call-time and quality standards.
- Responded to customer calls and emails to answer questions about products and services.
- Analyzed and escalated complaints, issues and grievances to designated departments for investigation and response.
- Stuff, label, seal, and sort envelopes in between calls; fulfill any other administrative duties as requested.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to every customer by leveraging extensive knowledge of products and services and creating welcoming, positive experiences.
- Addressed customer account discrepancies and concerns.
- Maintained and encouraged customer loyalty through courteous and efficient resolution of disputes, complaints and discrepancies.
- Verified accurate responses to questions and inquiries by maintaining advanced product knowledge.
- Received multiple positive reviews acknowledging dedication to excellent customer service.
- Placed outbound customer service or customer satisfaction calls to follow up on issues
- Learned and maintained in-depth understanding of product and service information to offer knowledgeable and educated responses to diverse customer questions
- Boosted customer service satisfaction ratings through consistent quality control
- Educated customers on company systems, form completion, and access to services
- Attended telephone skills and program information training sessions to boost aptitude
- Processed debit and credit card and electronic check payments
- Compiled status and performance reports for team leaders to address company strengths and weaknesses
- Leveraged sales expertise to promote products and capitalize on upsell opportunities
- Approved and terminated customer contracts upon request
- Collaborated with shipping team to track shipments, verify orders and handle product returns
- Established and fostered strong internal and external relationships through application of excellent interpersonal skills
Residential Counselor
New Hope Treatment Center
10.2016 - 04.2017
- Ensured safety of 15 residents.
- Monitored and documented client progress toward meeting goals and objectives.
- Addressed behavioral and emotional needs of residents through activities and interventions, increasing resident socialization, interpersonal, and social skills.
- Encouraged clients to develop self-advocacy skills and to become active participants in own treatment plans.
- Provided continuing education and assistance with program rules and expectations.
- Supported residents in coping with emotions and fears through one-on-one sessions.
- Managed aggressive behaviors by using only facility approved de-escalation and behavior management techniques
- Communicated behavior choices to residents by outlining positive and negative consequences of choices.
- Resolved conflicts by performing in-time crisis intervention and enforcing discipline and behavior metrics.
- Immediately reported potential disruptive behaviors that may cause harm to management
- Delivered frequent summaries on resident progression and regression in treatment to provide recommendations towards treatment plan for success.
- Collaborated with case managers to maintain continuity of care and to provide referrals to treatment programs.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive individualized treatment plans for high-risk clients in residential setting.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community resources to provide additional support services.
- Educated clients on managing mental health disorders and identifying signs and symptoms of relapse.
- Provided crisis management and intervention during emergency situations.
- Solved grievances and complaints by collaborating with residents.
- Facilitated smooth transition of new residents into residential program.
- Developed and enforced safety policies and procedures to drive safety and well-being of residents.
- Coordinated activities and events to create safe, positive and inclusive environment.
- Assisted residents in adhering to treatment plans by setting up medical appointments, arranging transportation, coordinating services, and providing emotional support
- Supervised team of residential counselors while managing 24-hour residential facility for adults with mental health disorders
- Coordinated with other professionals to develop interdisciplinary treatment plans
Education
M.S.W -
Winthrop University
05.2016
Skills
- Active and Empathic Listener
- Assessment Skills
- Collaborator
- Crisis Intervention
- Effective Communicator
- Culturally Competent
- Behavior Management
- Caseload Management
- Technology Integration
- Group and Individual Instruction
- Counseling
- Documentation
Certification
- LCAS- Licensed Clinical Addition Specialist
Timeline
Teacher
Elementary
08.2022 - Current
Counselor
McLeod Center
11.2016 - 03.2023
Residential Counselor
New Hope Treatment Center
10.2016 - 04.2017
Call Center Agent
Master’s Media
07.2013 - 04.2020
M.S.W -
Winthrop University
- LCAS- Licensed Clinical Addition Specialist
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