Dynamic mental health professional with a proven track record in fostering client self-advocacy and developing tailored care plans at Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County. Achieved significant client progress through the effective application of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and active listening techniques. Expertise in building therapeutic relationships and facilitating group support sessions showcases strong intuitive insight and exceptional communication skills. Committed to enhancing client outcomes through innovative therapeutic strategies.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Outreach Counselor
Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County
05.2021 - 11.2024
Conducts Pre-Screening to ensure that the client is eligible for services
Conducts risk assessment
Collaborates with other service providers and community organizations
Skilled in de-escalation techniques
Facilitates client self-advocacy and/or advocates on behalf of clients
Reviews confidentiality, and make sure there is informed consent
Identifies counseling goal(s) with clients based on their strengths and needs
Provides one-on-one counseling through Simcoe County’s court diversion program
Ran, and operated group diversion programming (Stop Shop Theft, Anger and Substance Use, Alcohol and Drug Awareness)
Developed new psychoeducational presentations to fit client needs (Suicide Awareness, Concurrent Disorders, Healthy Relationships)
Co-facilitates a ten-week Dialectical Behavioural Informed Support group, a six-week Cognitive Behavioural Support Group, and a Four-week Anger Management Support Group
Facilitated a six-week Female Empowerment psychoeducation group
Fosters a positive working environment for staff and residents
Server
Swiss Chalet
01.1999 - 07.2023
Provided quality customer service – maintained courtesy and professionalism in all situations
Managed company funds – ensured all money was accounted for
Exhibited impressive multi-tasking
Maintained high attention to detail
Completed tasks to ensure the cleanliness of the restaurant
Family Support Worker
Bridgeway Family Homes
04.2019 - 08.2019
Worked with high-needs children in foster care
Assessed the practical and emotional needs of clients and created comprehensive care plans
Provided emotional support to clients through active listening and counselling
Helped clients participate in leisure activities
Assisted clients with de-escalation and anger management techniques
Advised clients on practical issues
Clinical Case Manager/Addictions Counselor
Ontario Addiction Treatment Centre
01.2012 - 07.2015
Helped clients navigate the Methadone Maintenance Program
Provided provision of addiction counseling
Provided support/assistance with mental health issues
Assisted clients with outside agencies
Managed clients' methadone dose requests alongside the clinic doctor
Community Worker
United Way of Halton Hills
01.2015 - 05.2015
Conducted a Community Needs Assessment
Facilitated, organized, and led a community forum
Identified gaps in community services
Collected, disseminated and charted data
Completed cost analysis of current and projected services
Networked with multiple social service agencies
Residential Counselor (Contract work)
Salvation Army
05.2011 - 08.2011
Maintained daily logs
Wrote case notes
Provided ongoing support
Linked clients with appropriate services
Helped clients complete their assessment tools
Education
Social Determinants of Health -
University of Michigan
01.2025
Registered Social Worker -
OCSSSW
01.2025
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Workshop -
Lakehead
10-2024
Men and Healing Training: Truth Telling Training -
10.2023
Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Calming the Emotional Storm Certification -
12.2022
Bereavement 101/102 Certification -
03.2022
Honors Bachelor of Social Work -
04.2020
Situation Table Certification -
06.2013
Concurrent Disorders Certification -
University of Toronto
07.2012
Opioid Dependency Treatment Certification -
University of Toronto
05.2012
Skills
Active Listening
Strong Intuitive Insight
Empathetic
Clear written and oral communication
Friendly Demeanor
Non-judgmental
Timeline
Outreach Counselor
Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County
05.2021 - 11.2024
Family Support Worker
Bridgeway Family Homes
04.2019 - 08.2019
Community Worker
United Way of Halton Hills
01.2015 - 05.2015
Clinical Case Manager/Addictions Counselor
Ontario Addiction Treatment Centre
01.2012 - 07.2015
Residential Counselor (Contract work)
Salvation Army
05.2011 - 08.2011
Server
Swiss Chalet
01.1999 - 07.2023
Social Determinants of Health -
University of Michigan
Registered Social Worker -
OCSSSW
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Workshop -
Lakehead
Men and Healing Training: Truth Telling Training -
Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Calming the Emotional Storm Certification -
Bereavement 101/102 Certification -
Honors Bachelor of Social Work -
Situation Table Certification -
Concurrent Disorders Certification -
University of Toronto
Opioid Dependency Treatment Certification -
University of Toronto
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