Wytonia L. Darden
Raleigh,NC
Summary
I am an Experienced, knowledgeable professional that is ready to positively contribute to a Care Manager position, Extensive work experience in the Mental Health field and a breadth of understanding in the related fields, including substance abuse and developmental/intellectual disabilities. Knowledgeable of substance abuse and addiction conditions and co-occurring mental illnesses, Recognized for planning abilities and clear, direct communication style.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Carolina Outreach
Durham, NC
02.2022 - Current
- Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and shared this information with others struggling during recovery.
- Provided ongoing assessment, problem-solving and skill teaching to assist individuals with activities of daily living.
- Increased awareness of and supported participation in self-help and advocacy organizations.
- Fostered relationships with partner agencies and other interested parties to build pipeline of supportive services.
- Assisted individuals in identifying and re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports to build support system..
- Communicated with individuals' family members, offering information and insight into support services available at community level.
- Participated in clinical staffing meetings and coordinated with clinical staff to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
- Transported individuals to medical appointments and support meetings whenever needed.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Assessed patient behavior, moods and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans.
- Helped patients to deal with realities of MH/SU/DD diagnoses and develop coping skills.
- Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments.
- Organized clinical interventions and treatment plans for patients suffering from chronic pain disorders.
Transition Coordinator
Freewill Baptist Children’s Home
Middlesex, NC
10.2021 - 01.2022
- Asked appropriate open-ended questions to discover individual needs and requirements.
- Educated individuals on available educational materials, videos and online sites.
- Provided extensive support to patients and helped with acclimation to new settings.
- Prepared and maintained records and case files detailing clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided and relevant correspondence.
- Consulted with interdisciplinary teams to enhance coordination of care, establish medical clearance and determine optimal timing of further interventions.
- Customized vocational exploration activities to identify self-determined rehabilitation needs and goals.
- Mobilized case management system to document service delivery and case progress.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
In Reach Transition Peer Support Specialist
Eastpointe
Kinston, NC
06.2021 - 10.2021
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
- Listened and responded to customer requests and forwarded necessary information to superiors.
- Interpreted clients' needs and introduced services to fit specific requirements.
- Attended training programs to deepen professional skillset and assisted in training fellow store associates on existing and new training programs.
- Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
- Provided ongoing assessment, problem-solving and skill teaching to assist individuals with activities of daily living.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and shared this information with others struggling during recovery.
- Observed strict regulations and procedures regarding each individual to maintain confidentiality of personal and health information.
- Participated in clinical staffing meetings and coordinated with clinical staff to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Identified service gaps and located needed housing and work placement resources for individuals.
- Improved clients' coping with routine life activities such as food budgeting and rental payments.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Certified Peer Support Specialist
RHA Health Services
New Bern, NC
05.2019 - 05.2021
- Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and shared this information with others struggling during recovery.
- Provided ongoing assessment, problem-solving and skill teaching to assist individuals with activities of daily living.
- Increased awareness of and supported participation in self-help and advocacy organizations.
- Observed strict regulations and procedures regarding each individual to maintain confidentiality of personal and health information.
- Assisted individuals in identifying and re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports to build support system..
- Participated in clinical staffing meetings and coordinated with clinical staff to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
- Transported individuals to medical appointments and support meetings whenever needed.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Assessed patient behavior, moods and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans.
- Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments.
Employment/Vocational Specialist
Pathways To Life, Inc
Greenville, NC
09.2017 - 05.2019
- Utilized Microsoft office to create portfolios of available jobs and types of work to correlate with clients' specific professional profile.
- Counseled unemployed individuals to determine suitable vocational goals, interests and aptitudes.
- Reviewed job orders and employment applications to match applicants with job requirements, successfully assisting clients in finding suitable employment.
- Engaged in vocational exploration to help clients identify work skills and aptitudes.
- Conducted ongoing placement assistance by preparing resumes and helping clients develop appropriate interviewing skills.
- Led and organized individual and group career counseling and employability workshops to facilitate job placement.
- Developed career and education plans based on individual needs.
- Counseled clients one-on-one regarding current situation, desires, aptitudes, education and employment history.
- Assisted clients in building successful job search strategies.
- Connected with business and recruiters to build relationships and increase opportunities for students.
- Worked with team to continuously improve career and placement opportunities.\
- Provided individualized counseling approaches based on socioeconomic status and cultural background.
- Helped determine possible vocations and build application documents.
- Enhanced community outreach to bring in new candidates, highlight programs and meet targets.
Day Treatment Qualified Professional
Access Family Services
New Bern, NC
12.2016 - 09.2017
- Delivered planned services in context of guidance relationship with supportive counseling.
- Developed written plan of services in conjunction with program participants.
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Consulted with other staff members regarding treatment plans as deemed appropriate by team leader.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments.
- Involved clients' family members in planning social service programs.
- Prescribed and monitored psychiatric medications and recommended clinical interventions for acute conditions.
- Assisted patients with therapy exercises as specified by care team.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Residential Advisor/Mental Health Tech
Strategic Behavioral Health Center
Garner, NC
06.2015 - 11.2016
- Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
- Observed patient behaviors and mental status and notified RN of unusual or potentially dangerous occurrences.
- Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Supported patients needing medical care to relieve patient anxiety and promote positive outcomes.
- Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
- Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
- Escorted patients from unit to meals, activities and visitation areas to maintain standard of safety and security.
- Attended therapeutic educational group meetings and supported patients with guidance from RN or [Type] medical professional.
- Charted on each patient daily.
- Treated clients and families with respect and dignity.
- Counseled and mentored clients on substance use and life choices.
Social Worker II/Residential Supervisor II, WestCare
NC Girls
Manson, NC
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Advocated for client rights and sought solutions by tracking and monitoring legislation and arranging and attending meetings with congressional lawmakers and staff.
- Recommended long-term residential treatment, short-term residential treatment and individualized and group drug counseling for clients with substance abuse issues.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of school psychologists, teachers and administrators to create and implement Individualized Education Plans.
- Encouraged socialization and engagement through therapy, music therapy and social activities.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Developed Functional Behavioral Assessment and Positive Behavioral Intervention Plan to identify cause of problem behavior, formulate strategies to address behavior and teach new behavioral skills.
- Delivered comprehensive therapeutic services to children, adolescents and adults to support child welfare and prevention services.
- Maintained record of daily individual activities, behaviors and pertinent incidents for patient analysis and assessment.
- Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan.
- Administered assessments and developed academic goals based on specific disabilities and barriers to learning.
- Developed and facilitated goal-oriented psycho-education and therapy groups to improve residents' quality of life.
- Offered therapeutic services and crises intervention to emotionally disturbed children and adolescents.
- Completed detailed charts to summarize interactions with patients and booked follow-up sessions.
- Interviewed clients, families or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Changing Season Treatment Services, Inc
Tarboro, NC
07.2011 - 09.2012
- Conducted assessments and reviewed assessment packages to determine the appropriate level of substance abuse and mental health treatment
- Provided documentation on group and individual progress notes, and restraint, accident, and elopement incident reports, and discharge plans and summaries
- Studied case histories, court judgments and backgrounds to improve upon and continue appropriate treatment
- Developed correspondence with probation and parole officers in regards to daily coordination of the client’s treatment
- Attended updated trainings, educational lectures, and conducted individual sessions, and dispensed, chartered, and monitored medications
- Skilled at providing individual and group guidance services, define goals and plan actions related to problems of scholastic, educational and personal-social nature to clients
- Serving people to make and sustain independence and to support that defend their choices, dignity, and rights.
- Supported and assessed clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devised strategies based on client needs.
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Education
Certification in Substance Abuse - Human Services
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC06.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Soc/Social Work
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NC06.2000
Skills
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Medication Administration
- Customer Satisfaction
- Dynamic Communication Skills
- Team Meetings
- Scheduling Medical Appointments
- Supporting Daily Living Needs
- Effective Listening
- Individual Counseling
- Group Activities
- Arranging Transportation
- Community Outreach Programs
- Privacy and Confidentiality
- Emotional Support
- Community Resources and Education
- Communications Strategies
- Intervention Strategies
- Effective Working Relationships
- Client Goal Planning
- Behavioral Interviewing
Timeline
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Carolina Outreach
02.2022 - Current
Transition Coordinator
Freewill Baptist Children’s Home
10.2021 - 01.2022
In Reach Transition Peer Support Specialist
Eastpointe
06.2021 - 10.2021
Certified Peer Support Specialist
RHA Health Services
05.2019 - 05.2021
Employment/Vocational Specialist
Pathways To Life, Inc
09.2017 - 05.2019
Day Treatment Qualified Professional
Access Family Services
12.2016 - 09.2017
Residential Advisor/Mental Health Tech
Strategic Behavioral Health Center
06.2015 - 11.2016
Social Worker II/Residential Supervisor II, WestCare
NC Girls
01.2013 - 01.2015
Substance Abuse Counselor
Changing Season Treatment Services, Inc
07.2011 - 09.2012
Certification in Substance Abuse - Human Services
Pitt Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Soc/Social Work
Elizabeth City State University
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