Toni Saxton Clayton
Birmingham,AL
Summary
Dedicated Clinical Mental Health Counselor/ALC and Master Social Worker with 10 years of experience assessing and treating patients experiencing various emotional, mental and behavioral disorders. Successful at accurate diagnoses and working closely with high-risk patients. Adept at consultations for new patients and maintaining relationships with existing ones.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Counselor ALC/Social Worker
Black Women’s Mental Health Institute
01.2021 - Current
- Managed caseloads efficiently while adhering to strict deadlines for case notes submission, improving overall team productivity.
- Consulted with and trained highly skilled mental health and medical staff.
- Reduced client wait times by streamlining the appointment scheduling process and optimizing time management.
- Established successful outreach programs to build strong working relationships with family practices, health and wellness staff members and management personnel.
- Improved client outcomes with thorough assessments, goal setting, and progress tracking.
- Used imaging and relaxation techniques to develop strengthening and safe zones to facilitate processing of trauma.
- Counseled individuals, groups or families to help understand problems, deal with crisis situations and develop realistic action plans.
- Developed culturally sensitive counseling approaches to accommodate diverse client populations and individual needs.
- Enhanced client well-being by implementing evidence-based counseling techniques and treatment plans.
- Maintained confidentiality and upheld ethical standards in all interactions with clients, families, and colleagues.
- Linked clients to other programs and community agencies to enhance treatment processes.
- Expanded community outreach efforts by collaborating with local organizations to provide mental health resources to underserved areas.
Therapist/Social Worker/Substance Abuse counselor
THE BRIDGE INC.
12.2018 - 01.2021
- Counseled individuals, groups or families to help understand problems, deal with crisis situations and develop realistic action plans.
- Worked closely with families to educate them on mental health issues, facilitate open dialogue, and foster a supportive home environment for client recovery.
- Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
- Implemented variety of evidence-based counseling methods to achieve therapy goals.
- Coached clients on effective coping strategies, empowering them to manage symptoms independently outside of therapy sessions.
- Developed strategies to help patients cope with stress and anxiety and build resilience.
- Delivered brief interventions to help clients develop healthy coping skills.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based therapeutic techniques and interventions.
- Compiled detailed client histories using intake forms, interviews and assessments to build complete picture for determining optimal therapeutic approaches.
- Assisted clients with gaining insights, establishing clear goals and planning strategies to reach personal targets.
- Established clear boundaries with clients, maintaining ethical practice standards while preserving the therapeutic relationship.
- Counseled individuals, groups, and families to bring awareness of problems, deal with crisis situations and develop action plans.
- Identified indications of mental deficiency, abnormal behavior, or maladjustment through direct observation.
- Conducted psychoeducational presentations within the community, raising awareness about mental health topics while broadening outreach efforts.
- Facilitated recovery-oriented support groups and psychoeducation workshops.
- Implemented time management strategies to ensure full caseloads were effectively managed, maintaining high-quality care for all clients.
- Wrote reports on clients and maintained required paperwork.
- Maintained detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring effective tracking of progress and continuity of care across providers.
Clinical Social Worker II
Shelby Baptist Medical Center
04.2018 - 11.2018
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Maximized client engagement in treatment by employing motivational interviewing techniques, building rapport, and addressing barriers to change.
- Recommended long-term residential treatment, short-term residential treatment and individualized and group drug counseling for clients with substance abuse issues.
- Provided patient and family education on available resources and self-care strategies.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by implementing effective discharge planning and connecting clients to appropriate community resources.
- Facilitated family meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Developed and facilitated goal-oriented psycho-education and therapy groups to improve residents' quality of life.
- Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments, developing tailored treatment plans, and providing ongoing support.
- Assessed risk factors of patients and made referrals for further services.
- Worked with medical teams, patients and families to implement effective treatment plans.
- Participated in clinical supervision to maintain professional development.
- Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to drive continuity of care.
- Facilitated skill-building groups for clients, focusing on coping strategies, stress reduction techniques, and self-care practices.
- Updated treatment plans on monthly basis with latest intervention strategies and progress notes.
- Organized clinical documentation, treatment plans, and referrals.
Clinical Therapist
Walker Baptist Health Systems
10.2017 - 04.2018
- Identified indications of mental deficiency, abnormal behavior, or maladjustment through direct observation.
- Coordinated care with primary healthcare providers for seamless integration of mental health services into overall patient wellness plans.
- Completed assessments and planned customized treatments, applying wide range of resources.
- Implemented variety of evidence-based counseling methods to achieve therapy goals.
- Developed strong therapeutic relationships with patients, promoting trust and open communication for more effective treatment outcomes.
- Educated families about mental health issues, fostering understanding and support for their loved ones'' treatment process.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering a supportive environment for patients to share experiences and develop coping skills.
- Promoted self-efficacy in patients by setting achievable goals and celebrating progress throughout the therapeutic process.
- Evaluated treatment effectiveness through ongoing assessment, refining interventions to better meet patient needs and facilitate lasting change.
- Wrote reports on clients and maintained required paperwork.
- Served as an advocate for patients within the mental health system, ensuring access to necessary resources and supports.
- Continuously updated clinical knowledge through professional development, staying current on best practices in the field of therapy.
- Utilized evidence-based interventions in individual therapy sessions, tailoring techniques to each patient''s unique needs.
- Planned and organized individual, family and group therapy for patients ranging in ages and issues.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive care, ensuring optimal patient progress.
- Established a safe space for diverse populations by maintaining an inclusive therapeutic environment responsive to cultural differences and unique needs.
- Evaluated patients' goals, as well as mental and practical conditions, to develop individualized courses of treatment.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Senior Social Worker Adult Protective Services
Calhoun County Department of Human Resources/State of Alabama
11.2015 - 10.2017
- Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan.
- Enhanced community resources for clients through collaboration with local agencies and organizations.
- Conducted home visits to assess living conditions and provide personalized support for families in need.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven measures, leading to continuous improvements in service delivery.
- Promoted family reunification through effective case management and advocacy efforts.
- Administered assessments to identify clients' needs and establish treatment plans.
- Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
- Strengthened interagency partnerships by regularly attending meetings and sharing information, resulting in improved service delivery for clients.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
- Reduced recidivism rates by implementing evidence-based interventions tailored to client needs.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Devised and implemented community-based programs to promote mental health awareness.
- Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Facilitated support groups that fostered peer connections, emotional healing, and skill-building opportunities among participants.
In-Home Therapist
Noah's Ark Children and Family Treatment
09.2015 - 10.2017
- Assist families with Medicaid, child-care placement, evaluate client’s medical insurance needs such as applying for Medicaid as needed
- Worked with clinical psychiatrist and primary care physician to review patient progress and update treatment plans.
- Educated family members on mental health issues, enhancing understanding and encouraging full participation in the therapeutic process.
- Built and maintained therapeutic relationships, fostering positive, supportive and empowering client environments.
- Utilized evidence-based techniques to deliver successful treatment.
- Raised awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma through community education and outreach.
- Addressed cultural and diversity issues to provide clients with culturally responsive care.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive case notes, ensuring accurate documentation of client progress.
- Provided timely feedback to clients and families, fostering open communication and promoting goal achievement.
- Designed creative interventions to address specific client challenges, utilizing various modalities such as play therapy or art therapy techniques.
- Helped clients work through emotional and psychological issues in both individual and group therapy sessions.
Clinical Lead Therapist
JBS Mental Health/Mental Retardation Authority
04.2014 - 07.2014
- Intensive 12 week in-home therapy with children/families at risk
- Team Lead Therapist leading in-home team sessions
- Gather information and assessment to build CANS
- Formulate appropriate treatment plans for family
- Provide input and follow-up to link family with additional services
- Assessments and doctor referrals
- Case management referrals
- Hospital referrals
- Clinical evaluations for other services
- CANS certification.
Residential Therapist/Outpatient Therapist
CED Mental Health
03.2013 - 04.2014
- Assisted individuals with addressing disabilities and developing career plans.
- Prepared and maintained records and case files detailing clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided and relevant correspondence.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients in residential settings.
- Educated clients on coping skills, enabling them to manage stressors effectively and improve their mental health.
- Maintained a safe living environment for clients by enforcing house rules and monitoring daily activities.
- Intake evaluations with new consumers
- Monthly individual therapy sessions
- Monthly group therapy sessions
- Individual assessments and doctor referrals
- Prescription referrals
- Providing input and/or follow up to disposition of care
- Individualize treatment plans with consumer with measurable goals and objectives
- Coordinate family involvement with consumers and family members
- Communicate with team on progress and consumers during weekly staff meetings
- Outpatient individual and family therapy.
Outreach Social Worker
Sierra Nevada VA Medical Health Systems
08.2012 - 11.2012
- HCHV initial contact with homeless Veterans
- Outreach with rural and local homeless veterans
- Individual assessments of veteran services in HCHV
- Participate in StandDown to provide needed items and services for homeless veterans
- Link veterans with services connected to housing
- Link veterans with CWT, HVSEP, and other services
- Participate in weekly 5C meeting for veterans on the unit
- Observe and assist with home visit of veterans in HUD-VASH program with Social Worker
- Observe and assist with Court procedures for veterans in the veteran court system.
Family Service Worker
Covenant Services
11.2010 - 07.2011
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Provided protective services for intact families involved with DHR system
- Provided life skills to families and children involved with DHR system
- Coordinated and provided transportation to and from visitation with families and children in DHR system
- Provided weekly and monthly reports to social worker on case update information following visitation with families
- Provided detailed case update information when needed for court reports
- Testified for court cases involved with DHR system on case information and updates
- Coordinated and conducted meeting with families, attorneys, therapists, and health care providers as needed
- Linked families with necessary resources for aftercare services.
Family Preservation Social Worker
Jefferson County Department of Human Resources
12.2009 - 11.2010
- Implemented community outreach programs to promote mental health awareness.
- Increased client engagement in treatment plans by building trusting relationships through empathetic listening and consistent support.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.
- Provided protective services for intact families
- Counseled families and individuals and conducted needs assessments
- Conducted home evaluations, investigated medical and criminal history, and made recommendations to the court concerning child placement and custody
- Filed petitions, completed detailed court reports, and testified in court
- Coordinated and conducted meetings involving attorneys, school officials, therapists, and health care providers
- Provided probationary services to Children in Need of Supervisions (CHINS) cases
- Completed comprehensive family assessments
- Linked families with necessary resources for aftercare services.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL08.2022
Master of Social Work - Adults and their Families
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL05.2012
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL08.2009
Associate of Science - Office Administration Legal/Medical
Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden, AL12.2005
Skills
- Social Work
- Mental Health
- Trauma
- Case Management
- Behavior Modification
- Therapy
- Counseling
- Positive patient experiences
- Mental Health Assessment
- Suicide Prevention
- Social Case Histories
- Family Counseling
Timeline
Clinical Counselor ALC/Social Worker
Black Women’s Mental Health Institute
01.2021 - Current
Therapist/Social Worker/Substance Abuse counselor
THE BRIDGE INC.
12.2018 - 01.2021
Clinical Social Worker II
Shelby Baptist Medical Center
04.2018 - 11.2018
Clinical Therapist
Walker Baptist Health Systems
10.2017 - 04.2018
Senior Social Worker Adult Protective Services
Calhoun County Department of Human Resources/State of Alabama
11.2015 - 10.2017
In-Home Therapist
Noah's Ark Children and Family Treatment
09.2015 - 10.2017
Clinical Lead Therapist
JBS Mental Health/Mental Retardation Authority
04.2014 - 07.2014
Residential Therapist/Outpatient Therapist
CED Mental Health
03.2013 - 04.2014
Outreach Social Worker
Sierra Nevada VA Medical Health Systems
08.2012 - 11.2012
Family Service Worker
Covenant Services
11.2010 - 07.2011
Family Preservation Social Worker
Jefferson County Department of Human Resources
12.2009 - 11.2010
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Jacksonville State University
Master of Social Work - Adults and their Families
The University of Alabama
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
Jacksonville State University
Associate of Science - Office Administration Legal/Medical
Gadsden State Community College
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