Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Languages
Accomplishments
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Veronica Castro

Shafter

Summary

Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor III with 20 years of experience in Drug and Alcohol counseling as well as in mental health. Dynamic professional in substance abuse treatment and prevention, skilled in multidisciplinary collaboration and progress monitoring. Strong background in individual counseling and group facilitation, aiming to enhance recovery support and treatment effectiveness for diverse populations.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Substance Abuse Specialist

Kern High School District
Bakersfield
05.2022 - Current

Conducted comprehensive needs assessments with PBIS-Tier II Team to identify campus requirements.

Administered TCU Drug Screen 5 for precise drug screening evaluations.

  • Employed evidence-based interventions targeting mild to severe substance use challenges.
  • Utilized Matrix Model tailored for teens and young adults during intervention sessions.
  • Led group discussions and individual sessions centered on behavior change strategies.
  • Formulated personalized behavior change plans for students based on individual needs.
  • Established practices for progress monitoring to evaluate intervention effectiveness.
  • Educated families on addiction issues to strengthen support for recovery.

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

Legacy Behavioral Services Inc.
Bakersfield
03.2019 - Current

Delivered substance abuse counseling to criminal justice population and developed treatment plans.

  • Supervised counselors to uphold program goals and maintain professional standards.
  • Conducted audits on case files and reviewed documentation to ensure compliance.
  • Collaborated with probation officers monthly to provide client updates and facilitate support.
  • Performed comprehensive assessments to track client progress and identify obstacles, connecting clients to resources.
  • Facilitated individual and group sessions with evidence-based curricula, focusing on the Matrix Model and Seeking Safety< Living In Balance methodologies.

Mental Health Counselor

Kern Behavioral Health And Recovery Services
Bakersfield
12.2017 - 05.2022
  • Implemented mental health case management services, focusing on client rehabilitation and recovery initiatives.
  • Worked closely with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate support for individuals facing mental health challenges.
  • Applied crisis intervention techniques effectively during high-stress situations to minimize risks.
  • Conducted intakes and one-on-one counseling while leading group therapy sessions for diverse issues.
  • Ensured adherence to documentation standards.
  • Conducted intakes and one-on-one counseling while leading group therapy sessions for diverse issues.
  • Ensured adherence to documentation standards mandated by federal and state agencies.
  • Directed staff efforts in launching an Employment Program, securing employer partnerships for youth placements.
  • Developed supportive relationships with clients, identifying their needs for tailored interventions.
  • Facilitated group sessions aimed at developing coping mechanisms and social skills among participants.




Mental Health Counselor

College Community Servces
Taft
09.2012 - 12.2017
  • Provided individual and group counseling sessions to support client mental health.
  • Facilitated crisis intervention and conflict resolution during critical situations.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
  • Educated clients and families on coping strategies and mental health resources.
  • Provided individual and group counseling to clients struggling with mental health issues.
  • Provided counseling for relapse prevention, social issues and mental health problems.
  • Documented service plans, treatment reports and progress notes.
  • Applied advanced counseling techniques to define patient and family issues.
  • Offered referrals to community resources that could assist clients in meeting their needs.

Journey Substance Abuse Counselor

Center Point Inc.
Delano
06.2005 - 09.2010
  • Conducted assessments including SAPC, TCU, and ASI Lite to evaluate client needs.
  • Facilitated psycho-educational groups focusing on communication skills, anger management, and coping strategies.
  • Organized team-building exercises to enhance cooperation among participants.
  • Assisted clients in understanding substance abuse issues through supportive discussions.
  • Maintained confidential client records and case notes in accordance with ethical standards.
  • Served as liaison between Correctional Counselor and Substance Abuse program.
  • Ensured compliance with state requirements by obtaining and maintaining proper licensure.
  • Managed record keeping and data collection to track program outcomes.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Bachelors Degree in Human Services

University Of Phoenix
Bakersfield, CA
05-2012

Skills

  • Evidence-based interventions
  • Substance abuse assessment
  • Treatment planning
  • Group facilitation
  • Crisis intervention
  • Compliance auditing
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration
  • Progress monitoring
  • Conflict resolution
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Cultural competence
  • Behavior change strategies
  • Individual counseling
  • Harm reduction strategies
  • Experience in Co-occurring disorders
  • Substance abuse screening
  • Continuing care planning
  • Recovery planning
  • Client confidentiality
  • Relapse prevention
  • Specimen testing
  • Anger management
  • Providing community referrals
  • Boundary setting
  • Crisis management

Affiliations

  • I am one of the leaders in (PODER) Providing Opportunities for Development, Empowerment and Resilience for 2 yrs.
  • Mentor for Lions Club- Leos Program for youth.

Languages

English
Professional
Spanish
Professional

Accomplishments

  • Received Employee Excellence Award.
  • Received recognition for piloting Independent Placement Services.
  • Recognition for Best Quality Assurance team.

Certification

  • Certified Anger Management Specialist II
  • Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor III
  • Wellness Coach II
  • ASIST Trained
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Cognitive Behavior Intervention Substance Abuse certified
  • Matrix Model Certified
  • Seeking Safety Certified
  • Transition to Independence Process (TIP)
  • CISM Trained- Disaster Team 2 yrs.
  • Certified in (ART) Anger Replacement Therapy
  • Mental Health First Aid Certified

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Substance Abuse Specialist

Kern High School District
05.2022 - Current

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

Legacy Behavioral Services Inc.
03.2019 - Current

Mental Health Counselor

Kern Behavioral Health And Recovery Services
12.2017 - 05.2022

Mental Health Counselor

College Community Servces
09.2012 - 12.2017

Journey Substance Abuse Counselor

Center Point Inc.
06.2005 - 09.2010

Bachelor of Science - Bachelors Degree in Human Services

University Of Phoenix
Veronica Castro