D A N I C A H A W K I N S

**** **** ****** ** ***. B, Decatur, GA 30032

770-***-****

adr8c0@r.postjobfree.com

OBJECTIVE

Obtain a mental healthcare position that will enable me to utilize my vast experience, creativity, educational background and ability to work well with people

EDUCATION

University of West Georgia, Carrolton GA August 2017- December 2019

Masters (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Chi Sigma Iota Honors Society

Georgia State University, Atlanta GA December 2010

Bachelor of Arts Psychology

Hope Scholar, National Society of Collegiate Scholars

GPA 3.75- Magna Cum Laude

WORK EXPERIENCE

Riverwoods Behavioral Health

Riverdale, GA Behavioral Health Associate October 2020- December 2021

•Monitored individuals’ behavior, while ensuring emotional and physical safety

•Conducted group therapy for adolescents, adults and geriatrics for their goal, objectives and interventions to assist for their recovery

•Helped treatment team to communicate progress to the individual and his/her support system to gain understanding of the individual's support needs

•Maintained the cleanliness of the hospital space while documenting individual progress of the ability to maintain order among the patients

•Assisted in the activity of daily living for adolescents and adults with a wide range of psychological issues

•Facilitated processing groups for patients with issues that include depression, schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety

•Accurately recorded and assisted with vital signs and personal belonging sheets

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Atlanta, GA Activity Therapist August 2011- December 2015

•Contributed to the implementation of personal treatment plans for individuals

•Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare members to ensure patients are receiving optimal care

•Spearheaded the Forensic Community Integration Program by collecting funds in a timely manner and organizing the events

•Observed, analyzed, and recorded clients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed

•Prepared notes on clients to document progress, as well as challenges

•Aided in the development and implementation of individual treatment plans for adults with developmental and/or mental health disabilities

•Participated in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings

•Supplied problem resolution to clients, co-workers, and other agencies

•Monitored deadlines to ensure timeliness of responses to questions, complaints, and general issues on each individual’s unit

•Facilitated group sessions in a therapeutic setting with 1-28 clients and introduced a variety of therapeutic activities that help with social, emotional, spiritual and physical growth

•Encouraged clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting life skills and leisure activities, such as sports, games, music, arts and crafts, and gardening

•Planned social events for the patients to increase positive social interaction and to display appropriate behavior

•Conferred with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs

•Demonstrated working knowledge of the DSM-IV assessment of different psychological disorders

•Interviewed clients to understand the social and economic aspects of their case

•Supplied appropriate recommendations to other team members which benefits both the client and hospital

•Conducted initial interviews with clients to gather basic information regarding social history, criminal history, physical history and psychological complaints

•Prepared detailed reports to ensure that policies and procedures are maintained

CERTIFICATIONS/ TRAININGS

•Heart Saver CPR/ First Aid Certified

•Automated External Defibrillator Certified

•Safety Care Certified

•Integrated operator training and certification for Accu-Chek

•Cognitive Behavior Therapy training: Beck Institute

•MindSet Safety Certified

•Trained in EMR

KEY SKILLS

•Knowledge of exercise programs such as yoga, aerobics, walking for wellness, and relaxation techniques

•Having a responsible attitude, remaining calm under pressure and possessing superb decision-making skills

•Ability to utilize the results of the recreation therapy assessment tool to document and interpret the progress/regression of a client

•Ability to plan, develop and structure social program activities per policies and procedures

•Able to build a positive rapport with staff, as well as the patients

•Advanced proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Google Drive Suite, Gmail, etc.

•Assigning tasks to staff and clearly explaining how those duties are to be done

•Ability to learn innovative programs and applications

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