Vanessa M Buso
San Diego
Summary
Knowledgeable Prevention Specialist with proven background in implementing effective prevention programs. Skillfully collaborated with community organizations to reduce substance abuse and foster healthy behaviors. Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment and program development to meet community needs.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Alcohol Abuse Prevention Specialist
Marine Corps Community Services Department - Substance Assessment Counseling Center
09.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
- Serves as the current Alcohol Prevention Specialist serving the active-duty Marine's and families on Air Station Miramar. Conducting ongoing assessments monthly to the surrounding units on base; to include some reserve components. Developing and collaborating to create the annual Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Alcohol Abuse and Drug Demand Reduction Prevention Plan. Aligns the Alcohol Prevention Program with Marine Corps Order 5300.17A in order to execute a comprehensive, standardized, and effective Substance Abuse Program SAP throughout the Marine Core. Assist the Marines in their mission in implementing key SAP elements of prevention, deterrence, identification, early intervention, counseling services, and aftercare. Provides alcohol screening program coordinator guidance, alcohol screening program log, sample unit monthly breathalyzer testing results report, sample SACC/Resilience education branch quarterly breathalyzer testing results report. Develops curriculum for active-duty members based on their needs, adjust instructions and teachings to align with adults developmental needs, coordinates, and submits recommendations to include plans and policies that reflect the relationships of chemical dependency. Develops and presents presentations and communicates effectively at command/senior officer level briefings, media representatives, and at professional training workshops. Collaborates with various stakeholders to coordinate prevention efforts. Provides instructional systems to the public educational services on base by utilizing evidence-based curriculums to support prevention education on illegal drug use and alcohol abuse to military and families, support groups, and youth groups. Participates in the early intervention program to deliver didactic portions of outpatient treatment tracking for substance abuse counseling centers, aftercare and pretreatment groups to address or reduce alcohol misuse. Monitors program status through outreach and participate in command inspections to assist commands regulatory requirements. Collects statistics to prepare and submit reports and project papers. Assists the Drug Demand Reduction program with Unit inspections, pertaining specifically to the breathalyzer component and is assigned as an inspector during units Command General Inspection Program CGIP. Conducts assessments of local military and civilian communities, alcohol misuse, and preventions to develop, coordinate, and submit alcohol/substance abuse prevention plans; develop apply existing and/or new surveys to update the Substance Abuse Program ; participate and organize events that offer preventions of abuse and create awareness and effects of life; conduct inspections to ensure compliance with policies and regulations; and develop presentations to diverse audience to influence, motivate and/or share to implement, discuss issues, advice to enhance the mission objectives. Develops coordinated plans for reducing risk factors and promoting protective factors for increased resiliency within the community. Overseeing program compliance with local guidance and ensuring program fidelity. Serves as consultant and advisor on prevention communications, programming, planning, and processes. Evaluates the effectiveness of prevention communications campaigns. Submits daily Blotter updates and monthly reports. Prime for Life Instructor. Authentic Speaker Program Coordinator.
- Supervisor: Joe Orduna (8583071336)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Military Treatment Coordinator
Pawnee Mental Health Services
11.2023 - 08.2024
- Company Overview: 814 Caroline Ave
- Served as the Principal Behavioral Health Provider to all 10 counties in Kansas. Participated on the steering committee with the VA /VHA. Assisted mental health team members, therapist, patient navigators, crisis department, by entering patient referrals into the medical system. Scheduled, coordinated, and monitored tasks for rehabilitation activities of assigned treatment teams caseloads. Oversee continued maintenance of Pawnee’s military and veteran treatment program. Developed, reviewed, and refined policies and procedures on all activities related to military and veteran’s treatment. Provided care for Veterans that’s consisted with clinical mental health guidelines created by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), including guidelines contained in the Uniform Mental Health Services Handbook. Provided clinical care and services for veterans that adhere to SAMSHA’s principles of recovery, VHA recovery, and other VHA guidelines. Ensured that every veteran is assigned a Principal Behavioral Health Provider (PBHP). Provided general case management to include evaluation of social, psychological and physical needs, and the development of a service treatment plan for all clients. Educated clients on service availability, application procedures, and veteran rights. Maintained highly developed professional skills to be able to perform all clinical services and make recommendations regarding diagnosis, level of care, and treatment planning. For additional services collaborated outreach resources through private local, state, and federal sources.
- Supervisor: Becky Woodward (573137494)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Army Community Service Specialist
US Army Community Services MWR
01.2023 - 11.2023
- Company Overview: 7264 Normandy Dr
- Provided education services to Active duty service members and their families to include these programs: Army Family Action Plan, Army Family Team Building, Army Volunteer Corps (AVC) Employment Readiness Program (ERP), Exceptional Family Member Program, Family Advocacy Program (FAP) strengthens Families and enhances resiliency by supporting victims of domestic violence, helping new parents, and assisting Family members. Financial Readiness, Information and Referral, Mobilization, Deployment and Stability and Support Operations, Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG) leaders, Relocation Readiness, SHARP - The Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program is the Army’s integrated, proactive effort to end sexual harassment and sexual assault within our ranks. Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC), Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) Suicide Prevention, Family & MWR, Survivor Outreach Services (SOS). Coordinated, developed curriculum, prepared materials for meetings, classes and events, in order to develop and educate others. Collected data and feedback after all classes and training in order to analyze test results and adjust any course designs, content or methods of instructions. Organized and facilitated meetings, special events, schedules, takes minutes, and provides administrative support and follow-up on matters. Provides training and cross coverage for other administrative personnel during times of increased demand. Mobilization/Deployment (MOB/DEP) Conducted packets for NEO and Crisis Management exercises. Updates SOP’s for Crisis Management Simulation. Assist (AFTB) Army Family Team Building, staff with instructing classes and assist with AFTB class curriculum to include answering program related questions or make phone calls on behalf of program manager. Schedule all classes for the week. Ensures all accreditation binders are within standards. Responsible for recording volunteer hours in VMIS. Back-up OPOC for AFTB and MOB/DEP. Assisted with EFMP Exceptional Family Member Program on installation as a non-clinical case liaison and instructor. Served as a liaison and worked closely with military families to coordinate services and supports with health care professionals, military and community service agencies, recreational programs, and special education resources. Assisted primary Social Worker to manage, monitor and support service member and their family members progress from enrollment through transition during service and end of service.
- Supervisor: Jane Brookshire (7854772764)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Human Resource Assistant (Employee Relations)
US Army Civilian Human Resource Agency (CHRA)
12.2022 - 01.2023
- Company Overview: 300 Marshall Avenue
- Plans, develops, and provides administrative personnel management assistance to the organization in coordination with the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC). Initiates and tracks RPAs and inputs actions involving both Federal Wage System and General Schedule positions. Informs employees on procedures to obtain payment of bills and reimbursement of expenditures due to their injury. Ensured managers understand the applicable laws or regulations which could impact the case. Conducted initial review and processing for traumatic and occupational injury claims worldwide. Utilized HR laws, executive orders, federal and department regulations, internal policy directives, written instructions, verbal instructions and manuals to solve issues. Provided customer service and guidance to individuals with various technical expertise levels and backgrounds with minimal supervision. Maintained and fostered relationships with internal and external stakeholders, such as federal organizations, professional organizations, schools, universities, and military installations. Demonstrated effective written and oral communications with respect to delivering presentations and providing input for briefings, project papers and correspondence to customers with minimal supervision. Demonstrated sound recruitment knowledge and representing employers at conferences, conventions, professional organizations, job fairs, and other recruitment events.
- Supervisor: Amanda Fowler (7852392500)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Substitute Teacher Special Education
Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA)
05.2020 - 06.2021
- Company Overview: Osan Air Force Base
- Served as substitute teacher and promoted as long-term substitute for the last 3 month of the year. Assigned special education department as 1:1 aid, while assisting main special education teacher for continuous process improvements. Provided supervision, oversight, and accountability for all students in compliance with school policies, guidance, and standards. Taught students by selecting, developing, adapting, and implementing appropriate state instructional methods and techniques. Evaluated individual and group academic progress using criterion-referenced tests, periodic standardized tests, oral tests, or other relevant evaluative methods. Monitored, assisted, coached, taught, and implemented students individualized education program (IEP), including 504 plans. Worked directly 1:1 with students in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade at elementary school on the Osan Air Force military base.
- Supervisor: Kendal Winkle (7551196)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Mental Health Technician/Unit Secretary
Sharp Hospital
10.2016 - 01.2018
- Company Overview: 8695 Spectrum Center Blvd
- Served as unit secretary and oversaw all staffing needs and operations of company. Consulted with doctors, nurses, and other mental health professionals. Attended daily report, clinical, supervision and or treatment team meetings. Worked with recruiting agencies to fill vacancies in timely manner. Provided support in the candidates screening and hiring processes. Nurtured relationships with both employees and external vendors. Achieved all requirements for compliances for joint commission or license requirements for the company, while continuing to provide exceptional customer service.
Foster Parent Consultant
San Diego Center for Children - Special Families Department
10.2014 - 01.2018
- Company Overview: 3002 Armstrong st
- Provided direct services, support, and case management for foster parents and children placed in foster homes within the agency. Facilitated services that the family will need to meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the children. Communicated with social workers about daily activities, behaviors, and related issues. Recruited, trained, and worked as the primary support for foster parents. Conducted home visits, available by phone on an as need basis, and co-led the weekly foster parent meeting. Assisted in providing and leading planned activities for program participants. Established a program environment that promotes positive interactions with other children and adults. Maintained files, records, and case-related documents in a well-organized manner. Prepared accurate and proficient reports and made oral and written presentations of facts for reports.
Unit Secretary & Mental Health Technician
San Diego County Mental Health
06.2012 - 11.2015
- Company Overview: 3255 Camino del Rio South
- Maintains unit filing and paperwork system that’s assigned by Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse. Monitored patients' physical and emotional well-being and reported to medical staff. Worked on various medical units, including Emergencies services (ICU), dual diagnosis, detox programs, therapy, geriatrics and active-duty military. Provided 1:1 group therapy, while handling admissions and discharges and assisting charge nurse, medical doctors, the psychology department officials by using best fit practices. Supervised all staffing needs and operations of the hospital unit. Consulted with doctors, nurses, and other mental health professionals. Attended clinical & treatment team meetings. Liaised with the intake department in facilitating beds for incoming patients, while adhering to all healthcare management procedure rules and expectations to support design of quality of care and providing exceptional customer service.
Human Resources Specialist 42A
US Army
11.2010 - 11.2011
- Company Overview: US Army
- Served as NCO Non-Commision'd Officer and spearheaded 100 junior enlisted soldiers, managed personnel and provided technical guidance on administrative functions. Distributed work amongst personnel and ensured timely accomplishment of duties. Interpreted and explained human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, and regulations. Establish suspense reports for military evaluations, awards, and actions to ensure on time processing. Represented the organization at personnel-related hearings boards. Prepared letters, memorandums, standard operating procedures, and other correspondence in response to inquiries or instruction. Prepared leave, submitted travel vouchers, pay advances, leave forms, and other finance documents. Provided guidance and assistance on procedures, instruction, and regulations to other support clerical personnel. Compiled personnel transition packets for soldiers being moved to various duty locations. Independently analyzed and developed cases of the most complex variety involving all kinds of actions. Tracked civilian pay, monetary awards, leave, and similar data used for budget purposes. Received and reviewed all incoming mail for the organization. Reviewed and processed Officer Personnel Reports, Enlisted Personnel Reports utilizing Evaluation Entry System (EES). Scheduled, conducted, and documented office visits and followed up on corrective actions. Maintained standard operating procedures (SOP) for various personnel actions which included overseas reassignment, processing awards, evaluations, academic education reports, retirement packets, promotions, correspondence, status reports, leave, and finance actions.
Motor Vehicle Operator 88M
US Army
10.2001 - 10.2010
- Company Overview: US ARMY
- Ensured that vehicle safety equipment and other operating equipment. Scheduled and performed preventive maintenance on tactical government vehicles. Performed safety inspections and complete vehicle repairs in a timely and consistent manner. Responsible for loading, balancing, and security of transporting all safety-related goods ammunition, supplies, fuel, and weapons. Created and managed transportation policies, solved contracting problems relating to the issuance, allocation, and maintenance of the programs assigned, implemented changes to improve the program’s performance and accountability. Supervised and developed life cycle cost analysis for projects including performing cost benefit analysis and economic evaluations for the current supply programs. Assisted with the revision of logistical training courses to include job aids, lesson plans, reports and metrics. Performed fiscal year planning and forecasting to develop, execute, monitor, and provide input for the annual logistics budget.
Education
Bachelor's degree - Psychology
University of Phoenix
San Diego, CA07.2013
Technical or occupational certificate -
Prime For Life
Lexington, KY10.2024
Master's degree - Marriage and Family Therapy
National University
San Diego, CASkills
- Mental health awareness
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Suicide prevention
- Psychosocial intervention skills
- Health education
- Substance abuse prevention
- Outreach planning
- Harm reduction strategies
Accomplishments
Presidential Volunteer of the year award held 2020-2024
Affiliations
Humphreys United Spouses Club (Non-Profit Organization) - Vice President (Volunteer)
Certification
- Prime for Life Instructor 4.5, 16.0, 420
- CPI & Pro-Act Certified Tova Certified | DOD Secret Clearance (active) | Trauma Informed Care | DODEA Child/Youth Cert
- MS 365Office | Typing 60 wpm | CPR/First Aid/AED, American Red Cross (EXP: July 2025)
Timeline
Alcohol Abuse Prevention Specialist
Marine Corps Community Services Department - Substance Assessment Counseling Center
09.2024 - Current
Military Treatment Coordinator
Pawnee Mental Health Services
11.2023 - 08.2024
Army Community Service Specialist
US Army Community Services MWR
01.2023 - 11.2023
Human Resource Assistant (Employee Relations)
US Army Civilian Human Resource Agency (CHRA)
12.2022 - 01.2023
Substitute Teacher Special Education
Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA)
05.2020 - 06.2021
Mental Health Technician/Unit Secretary
Sharp Hospital
10.2016 - 01.2018
Foster Parent Consultant
San Diego Center for Children - Special Families Department
10.2014 - 01.2018
Unit Secretary & Mental Health Technician
San Diego County Mental Health
06.2012 - 11.2015
Human Resources Specialist 42A
US Army
11.2010 - 11.2011
Motor Vehicle Operator 88M
US Army
10.2001 - 10.2010
Master's degree - Marriage and Family Therapy
National University
Bachelor's degree - Psychology
University of Phoenix
Technical or occupational certificate -
Prime For Life
Availability
- Job Type: Permanent, Temporary, Term, Detail, Seasonal, Summer, Presidential Management Fellows, Recent graduates, Multiple, Internships, Intermittent, Telework
- Work Schedule: Full-time, Part-time, Shift work, Intermittent, Job sharing, Multiple Schedules
Desired locations
San Diego, California, United States; Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
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