Deserie Priest
Yucaipa
Summary
Caring Peer Support Specialist build trust and rapport. Compassionate and empathetic with genuine concern for the well-being of peers.
Compassionate Peer Support Specialist with relevant experience in providing emotional, psychological, and practical assistance to individuals facing various challenges. Strengths include strong empathetic communication skills, ability to inspire trust and motivate others towards positive change. Demonstrated impact in previous roles through successful implementation of peer-led initiatives and programs that fostered community engagement and individual empowerment.
Compassionate counselor with experience across diverse settings, including schools and community health organizations. Skilled in developing tailored counseling strategies that address individual needs, fostering emotional growth and resilience. Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with clients from varied backgrounds, leading to significant improvements in mental well-being and life satisfaction.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
Windsor csu
San Bernardino
10.2024 - Current
- Facilitated peer support groups to enhance community engagement and emotional well-being.
- Assisted clients in navigating mental health resources and services effectively.
- Developed educational materials to promote awareness of mental health issues.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to create individualized support plans.
- Conducted outreach initiatives to connect with underserved populations in the community.
- Provided crisis intervention support during challenging situations for clients and families.
- Trained new staff on peer support techniques and best practices for effective assistance.
- Assisted clients with developing healthy coping skills to manage stressors.
- Actively listened and responded empathetically when interacting with clients.
- Helped individuals overcome harmful drug and alcohol addictions.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress through use of electronic medical record system.
- Coordinated referrals for additional services as needed based on client needs.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals in need of emotional and mental support.
- Encouraged open communication between all parties involved in the client's case.
- Conducted assessments to identify needs, strengths, and resources of clients.
- Aided individuals by developing wellness plans and advance directives to achieve goals.
- Helped individuals overcome discrimination, stigmas and trauma by providing encouragement and community resources.
Behavioral Health Technician
Aurora Mental Health & Recovery
Beaumont
04.2024 - Current
- Monitored client progress and documented observations accurately and thoroughly
- Served as a role model for individuals in recovery by demonstrating personal commitment to sobriety
- Provided transportation assistance as needed, ensuring clients could access necessary appointments and services
- Promoted a positive therapeutic environment by fostering trust, respect, empathy, and cultural sensitivity towards all clients served
- Assisted clients in developing coping skills and strategies to prevent relapse
- Maintained accurate and confidential client records in compliance with legal and ethical standards
- Educated clients on the physical effects of substance abuse, withdrawal symptoms, relapse prevention strategies, and coping mechanisms
Classroom activity specialist
Hemet Unified School District
Hemet
10.2023 - Current
- Organized and planned monthly field trips, providing a safe, happy, and fun environment for the children
- Provided help with homework
- Assist students with assignments
- Outside aid
- Behavior tech
- Directing students to and from different locations on campus.
- Managing behaviors from students
- Communicating with parents
- Actively involved with students during play time paying close attention to student needs.
- Approachable, empathetic, patient, and able to build trust with kids.
Life skills instructor
Desert Arc
Palm Desert
03.2017 - 06.2023
- Modeled positive behavior Skills as well as good problem-solving and relationship-building abilities to improve clients' social integration.
- Supported people with developmental disabilities and autism in building multi-faceted skills to promote independence and self-confidence.
- Coached clients through difficult life circumstances.
- Maintained detailed, confidential client files.
- Providing direct client care
- Creating treatment plans
Behavioral Disability Technician
Behavior Frontiers
Riverside
11.2022 - 05.2023
- Observe and record patient behavior
- Observing patient conditions
- Assist patients with daily physical activities
- Facilitate developmentally appropriate daily schedules
- Record student behavior and provide a safe environment for students.
- Writing up reports, safety regulations, and preventative maintenance plans.
Education
Social Work
San Bernardino Valley College
San Bernardino, CA 03.2022 - 08.2025
General -
San Andreas High school
Highland, CASkills
- Teaching
- Communication skills
- Classroom experience
- Experience with children
- Special education
- Experience working with students
- Organizational skills
- Computer skills
- Customer service
- Microsoft word
- Community outreach
- Mental health awareness
- Crisis intervention
- Client assessment
- Conflict resolution
- Recovery assistance and support
- Arranging transportation
- Appointment scheduling
- Mental health advocacy
- Mental health services
- Planning skills
- Peer support ethics
- Boundary setting
- Safety protocols and procedures
- Teamwork and collaboration
- File and record keeping
- Child development
- Crisis response
- Problem-solving skills
Awards
- 1 Award for Outstanding Patient Advocacy
- 1 Award for Outstanding Supporting Patients Needs
Languages
English
Timeline
Peer Support Specialist
Windsor csu
10.2024 - Current
Behavioral Health Technician
Aurora Mental Health & Recovery
04.2024 - Current
Classroom activity specialist
Hemet Unified School District
10.2023 - Current
Behavioral Disability Technician
Behavior Frontiers
11.2022 - 05.2023
Social Work
San Bernardino Valley College
03.2022 - 08.2025
Life skills instructor
Desert Arc
03.2017 - 06.2023
General -
San Andreas High school