DARCHELLE R. PIERCE, B.A., MHS-C
CAREER OBJECTIVE
1)Serve as a change agent by assisting and/or providing the tools necessary for individuals, groups, families and communities to empower themselves to prevent, alleviate or better cope with crisis, trauma, change, and stress, while educating them to function more effectively in all areas of life and living.
2)Ensure consumers receive services that are individualized/client-based, evidence-based, rehabilitative in nature, and strength-based.
3)Identify and use interventions that will help relieve emotional suffering and bring about meaningful living and compassion support in a family system.
EDUCATION
Lincoln University, Lincoln University, PA
- Psychology; Mott Honors Scholarship Program
Temple University, Ambler, PA - Psychology
Eastern University, St. Davids, PA - B. A. Organizational Management, May 2001
Temple University, Harrisburg, PA - Family Development Credentialing, March 2011
Lincoln University, Philadelphia, PA - Master of Human Services with a concentration in Counseling, May 2012
CAREER EXPERIENCE
SOCIAL WORKER / CASEWORKER
2023 – 2024, Commonwealth of PA, Income Maintenance Case Worker -Processed applications for government benefits for individuals and families
who qualified for services with the use of telephone interviews and data entry.
2014 - 2017, Bethany Christian Services, Post Adoption Counselor (Masters Level) - Provided Christian-based post permanency support in the form of advocacy, counseling, education, case management, and research for families who have: 1) Adopted, 2) Permanent legal custodianship (PLC), or 3) Kinship care of children; Facilitated support groups; Created Assessment and Benchmark reports by entering data into the SWAN (State-wide Adoption Network) database; Used the FACES (Family Adaptation and Cohesion Scales) III to assess family cohesion (degree of separation) & family adaptability (ability to change); Used the CAFAS (Child & Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale) to make informed decisions regarding needs of children; Worked with the family to develop Family Support and Respite Plans; Completed Child, Home, & Risk Assessments; Taught Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) strategies to caregivers to provide effective support and treatment for at-risk children.
2012 – 2013, ChildFirst Services, Inc., Casework Coordinator/VP of Case Management- Supervised Professional Caseworkers. Trained case workers in social work techniques and methodologies, oriented workers with appropriate policies, regulations, and procedures, and ensured that work conformed to standards and regulations. Participated in the development of short term and long-range plans and goals for the assigned area, Established and/or monitored current methods and policies, and kept management level personnel abreast of trends and issues in the field and in the department. Completed duties and responsibilities of staff when staff was not available.
2003 - 2011, Office of Children & Youth, Ongoing Caseworker II - Delivered culturally sensitive family preservation services while ensuring the safety and well-being of children in their homes. Provided families with the tools/resources to empower themselves to meet the families’ basic needs and prevent out of home placement. Worked with Treatment Teams and other service providers to develop strategies for family stabilization; Maintained case documentation; Worked with families on goal setting and the development of a strength-based Family Service Plan (FSP). Provided referrals and developed concurrent planning goals. Preparation of court orders and court documentation for juvenile/family court proceedings; Provided expert testimony;
MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST
2022 – Present, Promises of Peace, Volunteer Mental Health Outpatient services, (in-person, virtual or telephonic therapy) to individuals or families in need.
2022, Eagleville Hospital, Mental Health Therapist,
2014 – 2016, NHS Human Services, Outpatient Therapist, Masters Level (Fee-for-Service)
2013 – 2014, Elwyn, Inc., Mental Health Clinician Consultant, Masters Level (Fee-for-Service) -Performed individual, group and family outpatient therapy, as well as individual and group residential treatment for a residential co-occurring male population by using various therapeutic methodologies (i.e. CBT, Trauma Focused, Person Centered, EMDR, Gestalt) for children, adolescents, and adults with mental/behavioral health issues, substance abuse & dual diagnosis, as well as intellectual disabilities. Completed screenings, intakes, assessments and referral services; Worked with consumers to develop and implement treatment plans; Completed client records; Prepared reports and letters; Completed training to maintain required continuing education requirements for employer; Attended and participated in Clinical Supervision; Performed other duties and responsibilities as requested. Worked with Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDT) when necessary as it related to child welfare, educational goals and objectives, and numerous behavioral health service providers; Attended and participated in Clinical Supervision.
ADMINISTRATIVE
2021 - 2022, Comstar Supply, Inc., Human Resources Associate - Performed administrative duties of the Human Resources Department. Also conducted phone screens, resume reviews, and set up interviews. Accomplished research for job titles and salaries. Engaged with staffing agencies to schedule
interviews. Placed job ads on various social media platforms as well as College databases; Carried out Employee Relations duties; and payroll
2019 - 2020, River Oaks Home Care, Administrative Operations -Receptionist duties: -Answered phone calls; -Greeting potential new hires & clients as well as service provider *Administrative Operations duties:-Placed recruitment ads on online platforms, screening candidates from online platforms, -Conducted phone screens, In-person Interviewing, -facilitation of the completion of all new hire paperwork - Miscellaneous.: data entry, background checks, employment verifications, scanning documents, Conducted E-Verifys, OIG, SAMS and Med-checks, and the creation of documents with Microsoft Office software and Google D hire paperwork - Miscellaneous.: data entry, background checks, employment verifications, scanning documents, Conducted E-Verifys, OIG, SAMS and Med-checks, and the creation of documents with Microsoft Office software and Google Documents.
2018 - 2019, Robert Half, Inc., Temporary Employee, - Administrative Assignments (i.e. Receptionist, Administrative Assistant)
HUMAN RESOURCES
1993 - 2003, The Vanguard Group-Progressed through a series of promotions, culminating in responsibility for the coordination of Diversity Programs and statistical reporting for the Human Resources Department relating to the corporate-wide Diversity Initiative. (All positions within Human Resource)
• Diversity Assistant, 6/98 - 4/2003 -Project Management; Statistical report production and analytical data interpretation; Diversity measures; Coordination of activities/events supporting company’s diversity initiatives; College Recruiting; Job Fair representation; Designed promotional marketing material for cultural event activities; Conducted benchmarking/research identifying best practices on corporate diversity initiatives; Diversity initiative presentations; Research report presentation to Senior Management; Liaison between HR and the business units’ Diversity Councils to promote the company-wide diversity initiatives.
• College Relations Assistant, 2/97-6/98 - Coordination of campus visits and on-site student visits; Designed and maintained college recruiting database; Administrative coordination of corporate intern and diversity program; Established and maintained relationships with various college/university Career Centers; Provided customer service support to clients with regard to the corporate college recruitment initiative.
• Administrative Assistant, 12/95-2/97 - Administrative coordination of New Hires Process (including opening/closing personnel requisitions, drug screening verification, etc.); HRIS Report preparation for departments- Benefits, Security, and Payroll; Conducted initial job interviews and telephone screens; Job fair representation; Administrative coordination of the interview and travel schedules of the Employment staff
• Corporate Training Assistant, 7/94-12/95 - Processed course registration and coordinated the scheduling of employees for corporate training programs; Prepared training curriculum reports; Project management; Promotional marketing of course programs and offerings; Administrative support
• Senior Secretary, 2/94-7/94 -Administrative support, Project Management and Customer Service to AVP of Corporate Training and staff
• Secretary, 8/93-2/94 -Administrative support for managers, supervisors, and customer service staff in the company Call Center
1989 - 1993, The PMA Group, Claims Secretary -Administrative support for Claims Representatives and Supervisors/Managers of a Commercial Insurance Company.
SKILLS/COMPETENCIES
Skill Skill Level Last Used/Experience
Assessment (Needs, Risk, Safety) Expert Currently use/15+ years
Case Management Expert Currently use/15+ years
Client Advocacy (Adult, Child, & Family) Expert Currently use/15+ years
Confidentiality Expert Currently use/25+ years
Counseling/Therapy Proficient Currently use/8+ years
Crisis Intervention Proficient Currently use/15+ years
Customer Service Expert Currently use/25+ years
Direct Care Residential Services Proficient 2013 use/5 years
Event Coordination & Planning Expert Currently use/20+ years
Group Facilitation Expert Currently use/20+ years
Intake/Interviewing Expert Currently use/20+ years
Interagency Partnerships / Networking Expert Currently use/20+ years
Interdisciplinary/Multidisciplinary Teams Expert Currently use/20+ years
Problem Solving Proficient-Expert Currently use/35+ years
Project Management Expert Currently use/20+ years
Public Speaking Expert Currently use/20+ years
Research Expert Currently use/20+ years
Trauma Informed Care Proficient Currently use/5+ years
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Proficient Currently use/2+ years
Verbal & Written Communication Skills Proficient-Expert Currently use/35+ years
ADDITIONAL SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
Child Welfare; Expert Court Testimony; Crisis Management; Participatory Defense Advocate; Youth Care Worker; Supervision; Youth Ministry; Youth Advocacy; Family Advocacy, Mediation; Medication Administration; First Aid/CPR; Aptitude to interact and work successfully with a diverse (culturally, socio-economically, race, age, etc.) group of individuals. Exceptional mathematical & statistical skills; Self-motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Types 65-70 wpm. Proficient with Microsoft Office software packages, Human Resources software/databases, desktop publishing software, and state child welfare software and documentation. Basic programing and LAN experience.
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
1302 Arch Street, Norristown, PA 19401
484-***-**** ad4ipk@r.postjobfree.com