THERESA DESOUZA
Madras,OR
Summary
CAREER SUMMARY Strong background providing counseling services to clients with substance abuse and chemical dependency. Extensive experience in variety of counseling services used to provide a variety of assessments, creating appropriate level of client treatment planning concerning chemical dependency, co-occurring disorders, PTSD disorders and individual recovery treatment programs to help establish healthy behaviors and provide coping strategies. Proven ability to build client trust during each treatment plan phase and while promoting personal dignity, self-esteem, and communication skills building. Exemplary record recognizing client needs, showing professional empathy, providing appropriate counseling techniques, and needed emotional client support. Proven achievement using communication skills to work collaboratively with social service agencies in a professional manner to promote cooperation among funding agencies while adhering to confidentiality and code of ethics. Results-oriented Clinical Supervisor focused on maximizing quality and efficiency of care for addiction and mental health clients. Top-notch skills include planning, solving problems and managing conflicts. Prepared to apply 18 years of experience to dynamic new role.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SUD Clinician
BestCare Treatment Services
10.2020 - Current
- Assessed patients, determined needs, and managed care
- Implement new policies and educate staff on changes
- Participated in CBT, MRT, DBT and evidence-based clinical audits and leveraged data to improve research-based methodologies within clinical areas
- Responded to crisis situations with calm and professional approach to optimize support
- Monitored, analyzed, and corrected staff performance and worked with CEO to raise standards of practice
- Implemented ongoing learning strategies such as tutorials, instructional modules, and supervised hands-on sessions to help clinical staff improve understanding of ethics, code of conduct, and care best practices
- Worked with other clinical directors to develop clinical/peer support staff through education, evaluation, performance management and competency improvement
- Lead and directed team of 12 clinical personnel and support staff
- Developed, implemented, revised, and evaluated policies and procedures
- Maintained compliance with OAR's standards in all areas of operations
- Monitored, analyzed, and corrected staff performance and worked with CEO to raise standards of practice
- Identified clinicians and staff training needs and devised training programs to close gaps
- Provide ongoing case management to patients to implement appropriate treatment plan, adhere to quality models and maximize utilization of services needed to achieve optimal outcomes
- Developed and adjusted work schedules for 12 staff
- Facilitate hiring of qualified Clinical/Peer Support personnel by interview applicants and making recommendations for employment
- Developed improvement plans to solve problems and improve lagging areas
- Implemented best practice standards for billing resulting in substantial reduction of accounts receivable delays
- Devised and introduced initiatives and projects to maintain or improve existing facilities, allowing for maximization of capital component of Medicaid's per diem rate
- Recruited, hired, and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with statutory, regulatory, and local, state, and federal guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability
- Defined testing protocols, quality assurance initiatives and clinic policies and procedures
- Trained CADC(R) and CRM(i) interns preparing them for certification.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based clinical practices and interventions.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration for better patient care through effective communication and teamwork.
- Delivered high-quality patient care by conducting thorough assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing therapeutic support.
- Reduced hospital readmissions with comprehensive discharge planning and follow-up care coordination.
- Optimized clinic workflow by streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and reducing wait times for patients.
- Developed tailored treatment plans to address the unique needs of each patient and promote optimal recovery.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores through empathetic listening, clear communication, and timely resolution of concerns.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry best practices, attending conferences and participating in continuing education opportunities.
- Served as a mentor to new clinicians, providing guidance on techniques, documentation standards, and ethical considerations in practice.
- Collaborated with primary healthcare providers to ensure seamless integration of mental health services into overall patient care plans.
- Conducted group therapy sessions to facilitate skill development, coping strategies, and emotional processing among participants.
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies when needed, ensuring immediate safety measures were in place for at-risk patients.
Clinical Supervisor
Turning Points
10.2017 - 08.2022
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based treatment plans and clinical interventions.
- Developed comprehensive clinical training program for new hires to ensure consistent quality of care.
- Streamlined documentation processes, reducing administrative workload for clinicians and improving efficiency.
- Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely assessments, treatment planning, and progress monitoring.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by conducting regular audits of clinical records and procedures.
- Served as liaison between clinical staff and administration to address concerns and optimize workflows.
- Implemented performance improvement initiatives focused on enhancing client experience and service quality.
- Provided supervision to therapists in training, offering guidance and feedback on their professional development journey.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care for clients with complex needs, ensuring comprehensive support was provided across all domains of life functioning.
- Established strong referral networks with local healthcare providers that facilitated seamless coordination between services.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Lead and directed team of 50 clinical personnel and support staff.
Lead Program Counselor
Deer Ridge Correctional Facility, Community Education Center
01.2017 - 03.2017
- Enhanced client progress by utilizing evidence-based counseling techniques and individualized treatment plans.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency.
- Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
- Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement.
- Implemented and developed core counseling programs to meet each individual's specific and varying needs.
- Conducted evaluations to help patients develop measurable treatment goals.
- Promoted mental health awareness within the community through participation in educational events and presentations.
- Communicated regularly with other professionals involved in the client''s care for coordinated service delivery efforts.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
AOD Clinician/DUI Instructor
BestCare Treatment Services
04.2016 - 11.2016
- Assisted with delivery of individual and group counseling services
- Facilitated CBT, DBT, MRT, and other groups
- Created and facilitated DUI program according to OARs including developing curriculum
- Assessments, Treatment Planning, Screenings
- Crisis intervention.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based clinical practices and interventions.
- Delivered high-quality patient care by conducting thorough assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing therapeutic support.
- Served as a mentor to new clinicians, providing guidance on techniques, documentation standards, and ethical considerations in practice.
- Conducted group therapy sessions to facilitate skill development, coping strategies, and emotional processing among participants.
AOD Counselor/DUI Instructor
Community Recovery Resources
02.2012 - 05.2015
- Utilized curriculum additional materials to conduct drug and alcohol educational groups, facilitated process groups
- Assisted in intake and assessment of new clients
- Collected program co-payments and program fees to ensure proper billing and attendance requirements were met
- Facilitated managed care and out-patient groups
- Conducted face to face one on one's specializing in crisis intervention
- Worked with 1st and multiple DUI offenders
- Utilized ADM for client services, recorded notes in DAP, BIRP, and FIRB formats, Treatment planning, assessments, and scheduling of all clients
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues
- Completed required documentation for continued therapy coverage by insurance companies to meet deadlines
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
Counselor/DUI Instructor
Terra Nova Drunk Driving School
06.2012 - 02.2013
- Conducted court-ordered face-to-face interviews, educational classes and therapeutic interventions for drivers convicted of first or multiple DUI offenses
- Managed caseload of 60 clients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders
- Assessed clinical risk and danger to children and families and determined appropriate level of response and intervention
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits
- Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement
- Assessed patient behavior, moods, and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
Community Service Coordinator
WestCare
12.2011 - 06.2012
- Assist with delivery of individual and group counseling services for California parolees
- Completed required clinical documentation including implementation of Individual Treatment Plan, daily group notes and weekly reviews
- Attend interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and provide input throughout client's care
- Assist with crisis intervention safety plans
- Insure proper client care and implementation of approved group and individual counseling curriculum
- Worked as case manager to ensure coordination of care for criminal justice clients reintegrating into society by overseeing multiple AOD programs
- Ensure adherence to WestCare program policies and outside contract compliance
- Act as client advocate with other social service agencies regarding client medical, dental, and housing services
- Provide input to client treatment needs, assist other staff members to identify treatment needs and collaborate with treatment team to develop specific options to meet needs of participants
- Collaborate with mental health to access social and community services for clients who have been diagnosed with co-occurring disorders
- Referred and educated clients about various outside community agencies that could appropriately addressed client needs for food, shelter, clothing, employment, and other basic needs.
Lead AOD Counselor
The Effort
04.2006 - 03.2011
- Supervised staff of 10 junior counselors
- Provided comprehensive counseling to clients with substance abuse problems, at risk for substance abuse issues or were diagnosed with chemical dependency/ co-occurring disorders
- Integrated full continuum of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders treatment plans to make lasting live changes to successfully maintain substance-free lifestyle.
Advantage Coordinator
Sam's Club
09.2003 - 02.2005
- Facilitated educational co-ed groups and approved credit applications
- Handled over 100 calls per shift signing up new customers, retrieving customer data, presenting relevant product information, and cancelling services
- Quickly and accurately answered customer questions, suggested effective solutions, and resolved issues to increase customer satisfaction 100%
- Welcomed, greeted, and assisted guests in high-traffic store, generating increase of revenue in business
- Delivered excellent customer service, resulting in consistent 100% customer satisfaction rating
- Contacted clients to verify account information and maintain accuracy, resulting in 100% increase in client satisfaction.
Shift Monitor/Counselor
Alpha Oaks/Cornerstone
02.2002 - 09.2003
- Served as residential recovery home counselor for women's facility
- Provided care to participants in crisis and provided safe environment, recovery home orientation and crisis intervention to alcohol and drug during acute client emotional and physical distress
- Utilized Informed Consent to advise clients the nature and goals of residential recovery home including program, rules, governing participant conduct and infractions leading to disciplinary action or program discharge
- Discussed hours of available services and counseling treatment schedule to promote emotional stability
- Identified and evaluated participant's strengths, weaknesses, problems and needs for development of treatment plan
- Ranked participant problems needing resolution and worked with clients to established agreement upon both immediate and long-term goals and resources to be used
- Led up to 12 individual sessions per week and 10 group therapy meetings
- Managed 5 bed detox, including medication management.
Education
Associate of Arts - Human Resources Development
American River College
Sacramento, CA1990
Skills
- Operating Plans Development
- Process Implementation
- Employee Performance Evaluations
- Employee Supervision
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Policy and Program Development
- Clinical Staff Management
- Medicare Compliance
- Accreditation Coordination
- Patient Care Assessment
- Facility Oversight
- Patient Advocacy
- HIPAA Guidelines
- Problem Resolution
- Medical Recordkeeping
- Records Management
- Patient Relations
- Patient Care
- Behavioral Interventions
- HIPAA
- Direct Patient Care
- Psychopharmacology knowledge
- Technology proficiency
- Multidisciplinary Approach
- Diagnosis Formulation
- Ethical Practice
- Clinical Quality Improvement
- Patient Education
- Patient Health Education
- Treatment Planning
Certification
- CADCII
- NAADAC MEMBER
- NCAC1
- CRM
Accomplishments
Addiction Severity Index/Treatment Planning, Motivational Engagement/MRT, CBT, DBT, Cultural Competence, Document/Treatment Planning/and many more
Timeline
SUD Clinician
BestCare Treatment Services
10.2020 - Current
Clinical Supervisor
Turning Points
10.2017 - 08.2022
Lead Program Counselor
Deer Ridge Correctional Facility, Community Education Center
01.2017 - 03.2017
AOD Clinician/DUI Instructor
BestCare Treatment Services
04.2016 - 11.2016
Counselor/DUI Instructor
Terra Nova Drunk Driving School
06.2012 - 02.2013
AOD Counselor/DUI Instructor
Community Recovery Resources
02.2012 - 05.2015
Community Service Coordinator
WestCare
12.2011 - 06.2012
Lead AOD Counselor
The Effort
04.2006 - 03.2011
Advantage Coordinator
Sam's Club
09.2003 - 02.2005
Shift Monitor/Counselor
Alpha Oaks/Cornerstone
02.2002 - 09.2003
Associate of Arts - Human Resources Development
American River College
- CADCII
- NAADAC MEMBER
- NCAC1
- CRM
Similar Profiles
SHAWN SweetSHAWN Sweet
Administrative Assistant at BestCare Treatment ServicesAdministrative Assistant at BestCare Treatment Services
Patricia MasonPatricia Mason
Executive Director at Akron Treatment Services, Pinnacle Treatment CentersExecutive Director at Akron Treatment Services, Pinnacle Treatment Centers
Logan CookLogan Cook
Medical Assistant at Pinnacle Treatment Center (Martinsville Treatment Services)Medical Assistant at Pinnacle Treatment Center (Martinsville Treatment Services)