MARK BLOCKSOM April **, ****

ad46cc@r.postjobfree.com

602-***-****

Lifewell/New Arizona Family

Re: Peer Support Specialist

Dear Hiring Manager,

I possess a comprehensive set of skills that will be valuable to Lifewell. With my educational background, work history, and lived experience, I have an established foundation working with the diverse community of people who are struggling with addiction and overcoming the obstacles encountered in the process of recovery.

I am very adaptable and able to take a leadership role as well as an openness to learning and working under the supervision of others. I understand and am proficient at other necessary aspects of this work, i.e., documentation, being part of a team, willingness to do whatever necessary to accomplish the goals set forth in an individual's treatment plan, and an awareness of how my professionalism reflects on your organization.

Having been the recipient and beneficiary of treatment services as well as having worked as a provider/counselor in the behavioral healthcare field, I have the experience and desire necessary to excel as a Peer Support Specialist. I know I’m good working with people. I’m empathic, perceptive, knowledgeable, and I understand this population.

As someone whose life has been drastically affected by addiction, I have a personal passion for working in this field. As a result of some monumentally bad decisions made during a relapse, I was sentenced to a term in prison and was recently (17 mos.) released. During this time, I have worked to resolve a number of issues. Having accomplished this, I am once again ready to rejoin the workforce. I have been out of the field for awhile now but am looking for an opportunity to get back involved. Having learned an extremely hard lesson I am even better equipped to be effective in serving your organization and clientele.

I know I possess the qualities and skills for this position and look forward to an opportunity to interview and demonstrate why I am an ideal candidate.

Respectfully,

Mark E. Blocksom

MARK BLOCKSOM

ad46cc@r.postjobfree.com

602-***-****

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

• Over 10 years of behavioral health and addictions/recovery experience.

• Excellent ability to establish trust and rapport with others.

• Currently in Recovery 2+ years

• Valid AZ Driver’s License-Clean 39-month MVR

• Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (C.S.A.C) prior to licensure requirement.

AREAS OF STRENGTH

Counseling

• Counseled clients on issues such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and other maladaptive behaviors.

• Helped clients identify relapse triggers and other obstacles to recovery.

• Assisted clients in developing and implementing successful recovery strategies.

• Maintained case management for substance abuse cases.

Communication

• Ability to connect with clients in a genuine and empathic manner through active listening, displaying vulnerability, and sharing personal struggles they can relate to.

• Utilized active listening to identify ways for clients to engage and participate.

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Facilitation

• Created a safe space for members to participate and to have an effective group interaction.

• Encouraged clients to be honest in their sharing by being direct when necessary.

• Proactively identified distracting behaviors from participants and addressed them early on.

WORK EXPERIENCE

San Pedro Valley Behavior Health 2 years Oracle, AZ

Substance Abuse Coordinator

Southern Arizona Aids Foundation (SAAF) 4 years Tucson, AZ

Wellness Program Coordinator

Amity Inc. (Residential Therapeutic Community) 4 years Tucson, AZ

Substance Abuse Counselor

EDUCATION

Arizona State University Tucson, AZ

Bachelor of Social Work Candidate - 110 Credit hours completed.

Pima Community College Tucson, AZ

General Studies w/specialty in Substance Abuse

CURRENT

Volunteer with ValleyWise Health Voices of Hope (VOH) as a public speaker educating on HIV/AID

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