Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Helen Thomas

Mississauga

Summary

Efficient and hardworking individual with exceptional adaptability skills. Dedicated to serving the best interests of the organization. Known for consistently delivering high-quality results and exceeding expectations. Adept at quickly understanding complex tasks and effectively implementing solutions. Committed to continuous improvement and always seeking opportunities to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
23
23
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certifications
1
1
Language

Work History

Housing Support Worker

Indwell
08.2024 - Current
  • Skilled in building therapeutic relationships with tenants with a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed approach, promoting hope and trust
  • Coordinate, lead and/or participate in case conferences with outside supports
  • Comfort and familiarity with a harm reduction approach
  • Develop, contribute to, and carry out individual resident support plans, including any relevant assessment tools
  • Work individually with residents to identify and achieve goals as it relates to their individual support needs and recovery
  • Connect residents with supportive community resources, including both clinical and informal supports, facilitating case coordination and case management
  • Confident in utilizing crisis management and intervention skills
  • Respond to resident complaints/concerns with care, compassion, and efficiency
  • Reinforcing residents' life skills, including spiritual, social, and coping skills
  • Assist with intake and orientation of new residents
  • Develop and facilitate relevant group programming
  • Complete required documentation in a thorough and timely manner with a focus on maintaining and protecting tenant health records

Addictions Counsellor

The Salvation Army
11.2021 - 04.2024
  • Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
  • Kept accurate and detailed records to track and document client progress.
  • Increased patient engagement in group therapy sessions by fostering a safe and supportive environment for open communication.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, ensuring continuity of care for clients.
  • Completed required documentation for continued therapy coverage by insurance companies to meet deadlines.
  • Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
  • Supported aftercare planning for continued recovery after treatment.
  • Used knowledge of different treatment modalities to provide clients with individualized options for successful outcomes.
  • Coordinated care with other professionals to provide clients with comprehensive support.
  • Supported and assessed clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devised strategies based on client needs.
  • Participated in community outreach efforts, raising awareness about the availability of local substance abuse treatment resources.
  • Established trusting relationships with clients, creating an open dialogue about their experiences and challenges related to substance abuse.
  • Conducted regular evaluations of program effectiveness, making adjustments as needed to optimize client outcomes.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, facilitating informed decision-making within the treatment team.
  • Improved patient adherence to aftercare programs, providing consistent follow-up support and resources.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, deescalating situations and connecting clients with appropriate resources.

Overnight shelter support worker

Youth Opportunities Unlimited
09.2021 - 11.2022
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Adapted quickly to changing work environments while maintaining high levels of productivity and professionalism under pressure.
  • Helped clients manage and reach individual goals, supporting independent progression and social skills.
  • Enhanced the quality of care for clients by providing personalized support and assistance with daily living activities.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients by consistently demonstrating respect, understanding, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
  • Promoted independence among clients through skill-building exercises and goal-setting initiatives.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, effectively de-escalating challenging situations while maintaining client safety.

RCC worker

The Salvation Army
10.2021 - 12.2021
  • Established strong rapport with clients through empathetic listening skills, leading to higher levels of trust between individuals served.
  • Regularly updated client records to accurately capture progress throughout their recovery journey.
  • Assisted patients in developing coping skills and healthy habits to replace addictive behaviors, strengthening long-term sobriety prospects.
  • Promoted an inclusive and supportive environment for diverse clientele, addressing cultural and linguistic barriers in the treatment process.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering open dialogue and peer support among patients in the recovery process.
  • Enhanced patient engagement and motivation through empathetic communication and rapport-building techniques.

Intervenor

Sensity Deafblind and Sensory Support Network of Canada
06.2021 - 10.2021
  • Utilized effective crisis intervention techniques when necessary, ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.
  • Developed strong rapport with each client by tailoring communication methods according to their specific preferences or limitations.
  • Established trust-based relationships with clients through active listening and empathetic understanding of their unique challenges.
  • Implemented strategies to promote emotional well-being, reducing anxiety and stress levels among clients.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to assess client progress and adjust support plans accordingly.
  • Guided deaf and blind adults through customized day programs.
  • Provided ongoing emotional support during challenging times, helping clients build resilience and coping skills.
  • Maintained professional boundaries while building rapport with clients, establishing trust for effective support delivery.
  • Maintained detailed client records, ensuring accurate documentation of goals, achievements, and areas for improvement.
  • Improved quality of life for clients through compassionate care and assistance with daily tasks.
  • Promoted social integration by organizing group activities and outings within the community.

Overnight support aid

Al hare family
11.2020 - 04.2021
  • Wheelchair assistance
  • Administering medicine
  • Administering suction
  • Administering breast stacking
  • Administering oxygen
  • Personal care

Education

Diploma - Mental Health And Addiction

Sir Sanford Fleming
Peterborough, ON
05.2001 - 04.2021

Bachelor Of Science - Psychology

Mahatma Gandhi University
07.2016 - 04.2019

Skills

  • Individual / Group Counseling
  • Microsoft Word
  • Organizational Skills
  • Strong Verbal Skills
  • Problem solving
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Multicultural competency
  • Case Management
  • Crisis management
  • Microsoft Office
  • Culinary Preparation
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Powerpoint
  • Empathy
  • Group Therapy
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Addiction Counseling
  • Referrals and networking

Certification

WHMIS, Present

Timeline

Housing Support Worker

Indwell
08.2024 - Current

Addictions Counsellor

The Salvation Army
11.2021 - 04.2024

RCC worker

The Salvation Army
10.2021 - 12.2021

Overnight shelter support worker

Youth Opportunities Unlimited
09.2021 - 11.2022

Intervenor

Sensity Deafblind and Sensory Support Network of Canada
06.2021 - 10.2021

Overnight support aid

Al hare family
11.2020 - 04.2021

Bachelor Of Science - Psychology

Mahatma Gandhi University
07.2016 - 04.2019

Diploma - Mental Health And Addiction

Sir Sanford Fleming
05.2001 - 04.2021
Helen Thomas