Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

About Me

Over nearly the past 15 years I have been in the counseling field, helping individuals in one way or the other. I recently created a program for ex-offenders from scratch. This is a new journey for me, helping ex-offenders learn life and reintegration skills. Helping them find and maintain employment, and better their lives. I started out working in the field in Substance Abuse treatment, helping educate individuals and families on the toll of chemical dependency. I find working with the ex-offender population a bit more of a challenge.

One thing that makes it even harder is living under the cloud of a State Grant Funded program.

Work History

• Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
• Workforce Specialist
• November 2009 to Present

• • Created and designed the Second Chance Program in 6 weeks.
  • Conducts intake interviews and needs assessments for ex-offenders.
  • Provides counseling to participants focusing on assessment needs.
  • Provides case management services connecting with appropriate agencies for additional needs and assistance.
  • Provides career guidance and vocational counseling as appropriate.
  • Assists in formulating and implementing an Individualized Plan for Career Development for ex-offenders.
  • Assists in conducting intensive work readiness, job maintenance skills, and soft skills training with participants.
  • Coordinates and/or assists in the provision of substance abuse counseling.
  • Provides written reports and case file documentation as required.
  • Communicates with and serves as a liaison between the person served and other agencies involved.

• Indiana Department of Child Services
• Investigator
• April 2008 to September 2009

• Investigated reported incidents of child abuse, or neglect.
  • Made a determination of whether or not the incident is substantiated.
  • Developed recommendations to a Juvenile court for disposition.
  • Conducted child and family team meetings.
  • Assessed level of risk to the child for additional injury or harm, including whether the child is in imminent danger, and may recommend removal of the child from the family as the situation warranted.
  • Performed needs assessments to determine treatment options for families and children.
  • Testified in either Juvenile or Criminal Court of Law concerning the needs of the families and children.
  • Maintained case files and develops briefing reports for the community child protection team, in-office case staffing or out-of-home placement agency staffing.
  • Developed plans with families and children in their home to divert children from the juvenile justice system.

• The Morton Center
• Counselor
• November 2003 to Febuary 2008

• • Administered therapy to chemically dependent individuals by providing individual, group and family counseling to help clients identify and resolve personal chemical dependency issues.
  • Utilized assessment and diagnostic tools and forms to gather information pertaining to client history to assist in developing accurate assessments and treatment planning.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of individual, group and family counseling sessions and activities adhering to established regulations and licensure standards.
  • Provided information to clients on chemical dependency and related issues through educational sessions which may include presentations, films, etc.
  • Consulted with client referral sources on issues related to client treatment and therapy progress.

• Starbucks
• Shift Supervisor
• November 2002 to March 2004

• • Ordered supplies for store on weekly basis.
  • Made bank deposits.
  • Cash control.
  • Reorganized store for more efficient use.
  • Supervised employees.
  • Ensured inventory was accurate.
  • Ordered supplies from various vendors.
  • Completed daily sales numbers of thousands of dollars.

• Encore Tickets
• Ticket Broker
• March 2001 to March 2002

• • Was responsible for selling concert, sports, and theater tickets. Sold over 50,000 tickets to various sporting and musical events.
  • Provided accurate locations of seating in over 500 venues and stadiums internationally.
  • Advertised company through website www.encoretickets.com, alterations and verbal promotions.

• GA Highlands Treatment Services
• Counselor
• January 1994 to January 2009

• • Encouraged open communication in group settings.
  • Provided individual and group counseling to individuals suffering from addictions and mental disorders.
  • Educated individuals in the 12-step process.
  • Led individuals through emotional difficulties and breakthroughs.
  • Led anger management groups.
  • Provided Activity Therapy sessions.
  • Organized patient information.
  • Created aftercare and treatment plans.
  • Created family bonding and understanding.

Education

• University of West Georgia
• BA, Psychology, Sociology
• 1987 - 1993