Teresa Sands
Las Vegas
Summary
Passionate advocate dedicated to supporting individuals affected by Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and promoting the rights of people who use drugs. With personal experience in long-term recovery, I aim to reduce stigma and raise awareness of available community resources. Possessing strong skills in harm reduction strategies and crisis intervention, I organize impactful workshops and outreach initiatives that empower those impacted by SUD. Actively contribute to policy development for equitable access to addiction services. Through collaboration, I strive to build supportive networks and deepen understanding of substance use issues while constantly seeking opportunities to expand my skills and drive meaningful change.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Admissions Coordinator
Virtue Recovery Center
12.2023 - Current
- Guide individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and mental health challenges on their recovery journey
- Implement collaborative problem-solving and verbal de-escalation strategies to support clients
- Confirmed all insurance benefits met standards of admissions as dictated by policy.
- Assisted in patient admission process based on federal and state laws.
- Completed preliminary paperwork for incoming and outgoing patients.
- Developed admissions policy, outlining rules and procedures compliant with government regulations.
Outpatient Case Manager
CrossRoads of Southern Nevada
07.2023 - 12.2023
- Provided case management services while employing crisis intervention and verbal de-escalation techniques
- Utilized critical thinking to assess and address client needs effectively
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
Patient Engagement Manager
Landmark Recovery
03.2022 - 06.2023
- Delivered direct patient care and advocacy, focusing on crisis intervention and de-escalation of high-stress situations
- Met with clients to understand needs and develop proactive solutions.
- Collaborated with sales, delivery and service teams to manage seamless client experiences.
- Consulted with teams on established best practices and process improvements.
Patient Advocate
Landmark Recovery
09.2021 - 03.2022
- Advocated for patient needs and provided crisis intervention, utilizing critical thinking skills to resolve issues
- Responded to patient concerns and questions with compassionate and knowledgeable service.
- Worked effectively with staff from all departments to coordinate resolutions.
- Assisted patients in understanding individual rights and responsibilities in regards to care, coverage, and payment.
- Entered details into computer systems and managed database of information.
- Developed patient-centered care plans to meet individual needs.
- Facilitated communication between patients, families and healthcare providers to support comprehension.
Patient Engagement Specialist
Landmark Recovery
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Engaged with patients directly, applying critical thinking and patient care strategies to enhance recovery outcomes
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Assisted in transferring patients, beds and patient care equipment to other rooms adhering to necessary safety precautions.
- Maintained clean and safe environment to promote patient safety and comfort.
- Applied administrative knowledge and courtesy to explain procedures and services to patients.
- Helped address client complaints through timely corrective actions and appropriate referrals.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV01-2028
Bachelor of Science - Human Services, Addiction Studies, Addiction Medicine, Community Outreach and Human Service Work
Indiana Institute of Technology
Fort Wayne, IN01.2025
Skills
- Human Rights Advocacy
- Crisis Counseling
- Community Engagement
- Teamwork
- Grassroots Lobbying
- Verbal De-escalation
- Critical Thinking
- Addiction Recovery Support
- Training and mentoring
- Risk mitigation
- Mentorship
- Benefits administration
Certification
- Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, IC&RC, 08/01/23, 08/01/25
- Overdose Prevention, CrossRoads of Southern Nevada, 08/01/23
Timeline
Admissions Coordinator
Virtue Recovery Center
12.2023 - Current
Outpatient Case Manager
CrossRoads of Southern Nevada
07.2023 - 12.2023
Patient Engagement Manager
Landmark Recovery
03.2022 - 06.2023
Patient Advocate
Landmark Recovery
09.2021 - 03.2022
Patient Engagement Specialist
Landmark Recovery
01.2021 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Science - Human Services, Addiction Studies, Addiction Medicine, Community Outreach and Human Service Work
Indiana Institute of Technology
- Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, IC&RC, 08/01/23, 08/01/25
- Overdose Prevention, CrossRoads of Southern Nevada, 08/01/23
Master of Social Work - Social Work
University of Nevada, Reno
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