Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Tessa Hicks

Anderson,IN

Summary

Dynamic Women's Director and Certified Recovery Specialist at Grace House with a proven track record in client advocacy and strategic recovery planning. Enhanced program effectiveness through innovative initiatives, fostering community engagement and collaboration. Skilled in resource navigation and problem-solving, empowering women to overcome challenges and achieve personal growth. Committed to delivering impactful services and mentoring staff for professional development.

Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities. Experienced in handling numerous projects at once while ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Women's Director

Grace House
08.2022 - 11.2024
  • Evaluated program effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes for optimal results.
  • Designed engaging outreach materials that effectively communicated the mission, goals, and objectives of the organization.
  • Established strong relationships with local organizations and businesses for support and funding opportunities.
  • Increased community involvement through the organization of empowering events for women.
  • Organized educational workshops, seminars, and conferences addressing pertinent topics affecting women''s lives.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive services for women in need.
  • Advocated on behalf of clients, providing a voice for their concerns and ensuring access to appropriate resources.
  • Empowered clients by equipping them with essential tools needed to overcome challenges faced in personal or professional life.
  • Mentored staff members, fostering professional growth and promoting a positive work environment.
  • Enhanced women''s programs by developing innovative strategies and initiatives tailored to their needs.
  • Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
  • Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
  • Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
  • Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
  • Managed volunteer programs focused on providing community services to underserved populations.

Certified Recovery Specialist

Grace Recovery and Wellness
03.2021 - 11.2024
  • Completed checklists, shift documentation and recordkeeping following agency policies and procedures.
  • Served as a liaison between patients and clinical staff members; effectively communicated concerns or suggestions for improved treatment.
  • Conducted telephone admission screenings and offered related client assistance.
  • Advocated for client needs within treatment facilities, addressing any barriers or challenges that may impede their progress in rehabilitation programs.
  • Led educational workshops on topics related to substance abuse prevention, harm reduction strategies, and healthy coping mechanisms.
  • Maintained detailed case notes, ensuring accurate documentation of client progress and treatment adjustments.
  • Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication throughout the recovery process.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care and support for clients in recovery.
  • Connected clients with community resources such as housing, employment assistance, and mental health services to promote successful reintegration into society post-treatment.
  • Upheld strict confidentiality standards in all interactions, ensuring the privacy and dignity of clients throughout their recovery journey.
  • Educated families on addiction recovery processes, offering guidance on how best to support their loved ones through rehabilitation.
  • Coordinated care plans between various healthcare providers, ensuring seamless transitions throughout the recovery journey.
  • Arranged community initiatives to build supportive networks for improved rehabilitation.
  • Supported clients with compassionate, empathetic face-to-face counseling.

Behavioral Health Technician

Grace Recovery and Wellness
03.2021 - 11.2024
  • Established rapport with diverse populations by utilizing strong cultural competence skills during interactions with both patients and their families alike.
  • Utilized creative problem-solving abilities to address complex patient needs and overcome barriers to treatment success, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism and ethical conduct.
  • Built and maintained positive staff relationships to promote teamwork and better serve clients.
  • Completed documentation for every incident and forwarded to correct personnel for review.
  • Conducted client rounds to check on residents.
  • Recognized individuals under influence of drugs or alcohol and typical behaviors associated with each.
  • Adhered to strict confidentiality guidelines while managing sensitive patient information, maintaining privacy and trust among clients.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, successfully de-escalating situations and ensuring patient safety.
  • Performed client intake procedures according to internal standards for new admissions.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing electronic health record systems for efficient data entry and retrieval purposes related to clinical documentation requirements within the field of behavioral health.
  • Delivered compassionate care under challenging circumstances, consistently demonstrating resilience and adaptability when faced with unexpected obstacles or setbacks in patient progress.
  • Searched resident belongings prior to and during stays.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering a supportive environment for patients to share experiences and discuss coping strategies.
  • Contributed to continuous quality improvement initiatives within the facility, enhancing overall service delivery and patient satisfaction levels.
  • Prepared and submitted daily status reports to management.
  • Facilitated on-site activities, support groups, and outings for clients.
  • Intervened with clients' challenging behaviors by reinforcing therapeutic alternatives and coping mechanisms.
  • Kept accurate records by documenting progress and adhering to prescribed behavior plan.
  • Worked as part of collaborative team to address changing needs of children and families.
  • Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs, and anecdotal notes.
  • Used Azzly and Kipu to document patient information, progress notes, and treatment plans.
  • Supported patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Treated clients and families with respect and dignity.
  • Charted on each patient daily.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Addiction Counseling

Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN
11-2027

Associate of Science - Human Services

Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN
07-2025

GED -

Taylor County Education Center
Campbellsville, KY
09-2017

Skills

  • Teamwork
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Effective time management
  • Relapse prevention
  • Professional boundaries
  • Client advocacy
  • Family support
  • Resource navigation
  • Strategic recovery planning
  • Peer support
  • Documentation

Certification

CPR Certified

CAPRC 2 (Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach)

Completed Naloxone/NARCAN training


Timeline

Women's Director

Grace House
08.2022 - 11.2024

Certified Recovery Specialist

Grace Recovery and Wellness
03.2021 - 11.2024

Behavioral Health Technician

Grace Recovery and Wellness
03.2021 - 11.2024

Bachelor of Science - Addiction Counseling

Indiana Wesleyan University

Associate of Science - Human Services

Indiana Wesleyan University

GED -

Taylor County Education Center