Carissa Duro

Inquiring for a Lifelong Career.

Plymouth, MA 02360

adu1nj@r.postjobfree.com

+1-508-***-****

My name is Carissa A Duro, and I am a 33 year old woman, and I have been in recovery for 3 years now. I am looking to fulfill my lifelong dream, which is working as a Substance Abuse/Mental Health Counselor, in a treatment facility. I have always loved helping others, and I had sort of taken on the 'caretaker' role at a young age. I experienced what alcohol/drug abuse and addiction did to people I loved, that have passed on, as well as people I I love, that are still alive, either recovering or actively using. And of course, I have experienced the most when it comes to addiction and substance abuse, because I became addicted too, which is why I am empathetic to those that are still out there suffering. As we all know drugs and alcohol are mind and mood altering substances, that if you abuse them, can turn into a disease, and it does not only affect your physical health, but also your mental health or behavioral health. The reason behind this is because many of times someone suffers a dual diagnosis, which is when a patient suffers from a mental health disorder as well as a substance abuse disorder. The hardest part is trying to figure out if the patient used drugs/alcohol to self medicate because of their mental health disorder, or if the patient claims he or she suffers from panic attacks/ anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, etc., because of their substance abuse disorder. All of this spikes my interest, and I would love to go back to school for my LADAC, and reach my main goal which is to become a Substance Abuse/Mental Health Counselor. I love helping others, especially when it comes to Addiction. I have had a great amount of experience working in this field so far, as well as 2 years education background, when I became certified in Substance Abuse, and my own personal experience; which I mentioned earlier that I have been in recovery for 3 years. I have wanted to make this my career now for 10 years, and I plan on achieving this goal. It is so rewarding, in my opinion, when you have a 'caregiver' role, because you are the front line; you hold an important position. I am very passionate and enthusiastic about this kind of work. I feel like this is the path I was meant to follow, and the opportunity I was searching for. I am beyond grateful for the work experience I have been given so far up to this point, however, I would like to expand my horizons to bigger and better things. I feel like I would make a great asset to your company because I am very compassionate, empathetic, passionate, enthusiastic, and motivated when it comes to addiction and the solution. I am very confident that if you take a chance on me, I can prove to you that I would bring a lot to the table. I have excellent customer service, interpersonal, communicative, motivational, problem-solving, redirection, computer, secretarial, leadership, as well as team player skills. I deal with things head on, and I believe there is a solution to every problem, it is just a matter of finding it. I am a good listener, and I always try my best to deescalate a situation. If I can talk the client down from making a silly mistake and making matters worse, the outcome will be a lot better. For example: I believe redirecting the client(s), and turning a negative into a positive, by pulling the client aside and let them know you are always available to talk, and/or giving him/her something like an activity to do; which both examples will get their mind off of what happened. If the situation did escalate, it could have gotten out of hand because this is the stage where the clients are most vulnerable because they are newly clean, anywhere from 24 hours to 14 days, in ATS (detox). Because the clients are withdrawing off of all kinds of hard drugs, alcohol, pills, emotions are at an all time high and low or both and any and all in between. Many of these clients also have mental issues as well, which have been self-medicating their whole lives, and the rest, because they have been abusing drugs/alcohol for so long, they developed mental issues along the way. I am not just looking for another temporary job, I would love to continue to follow my career path and turn my dreams into a reality. I am an extremely hard, dedicated worker. I am always punctual but almost always early. I am always honest and loyal. I wear my heart on my sleeve, but I always follow the rules and enforce them when needed. I am always willing to go that extra mile, and I always keep a positive attitude no matter what. I am very good at redirection, like I had said earlier, and listening to make sure the client's(s') needs are met. I try to be as fair as possible, and I always try to encourage, whether it is the clients or staff. I believe it is extremely important to work as a team. I am very personable, and I use comedy sometimes because 'laughter' is the best medicine. I do not leave until all my work is complete to the best of my ability, and I am always willing to lend a helping hand. Most of all, I never give up on anything, whether it is personal or work-related. Finally, with practice, I have learned how to

'disassociate'; I do not bring my work home with me, or bring home to work. With the proper training, I am a fast learner. Please, take a chance on me, and I promise I will not disappoint. I would like to thank you for taking the time and to read my resume, and I am looking forward to speaking with you. Sincerely,

Carissa A Duro

508-***-****

adu1nj@r.postjobfree.com

Willing to relocate to: Brockton, MA - Middleboro, MA - Quincy, MA Authorized to work in the US for any employer

Work Experience

Recovery Specialist

Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. - South Weymouth, MA March 2019 to September 2022

I worked as a Direct Care Staff/Recovery Specialist at Spectrum in Weymouth. I worked with all male population on ATS/CSS, so I basically observed and recorded the clients E behavior and documented the whole day. I always did my best to lend an open ear and try to make their stay as comfortable as possible. We were allowed to educate the clients on knowledge, words of wisdom, and encouragement, long as we keep the focal point on them We do room checks every half hour to ensure the supervision, well-being and safety of each client, as well as the staff. Basically, I was a caregiver and I looked out for their best interest, while maintaining the "code of ethics" and boundaries. We accompanied them to their appointments, meals, and any other destination. I kept up with the clients' coffee and made sure they had enough sugar and creamer, emptied the trash regularly, swept and mopped and laundry every other day. I also facilitated 2 groups a day-goals' group and wrap-up group. I administered their medication on CSS and lastly, I completed the end of shift report. Recovery Specialist

High Point Treatment Center - Plymouth, MA

January 2019 to March 2019

I worked as a Direct Care Staff/Recovery Specialist at High Point in Plymouth. I worked with female and male population on ATS/CSS, so I basically observed and recorded the clients behavior and documented the whole day. I always did my best to lend an open ear and try to make their stay as comfortable as possible. We were allowed to educate the clients on knowledge, words of wisdom, and encouragement, long as we keep the focal point on them We do room checks every half hour to ensure the supervision, well-being and safety of each client, as well as the staff. At this detox, because there is male and female clients, we have our work cut out for us. We had to make sure the females and males were not in each others rooms, and that they were not interacting in a sexual manner. Basically, I was a caregiver and I looked out for their best interest, while maintaining the "code of ethics" and boundaries.' We accompanied them to their appointments, meals, and any other destination. I kept up with the clients' coffee and made sure they had enough sugar and creamer, emptied the trash regularly, swept and mopped and laundry every other day. And I had to complete the end of shift report, and send it out. Job title - required

Hostess/Busser

TGI Friday's - Plymouth, MA

August 2018 to January 2019

When I first came in the morning, I cleaned and sanitized the booths, chairs, doors, windows, bathrooms, and floors. Finally, I put out the OPEN sign and unlocked the doors. My duties while working was greeting the customers, asking how many and grabbing that many menus, bring them to their table while making conversation, give them the menus and pick something you like from the menu and tell them it is really good, and finally let them know who they are going to have as a waitress. I was always busy bussing the dirty tables to help the waitresses out, and I would run drinks and food for them as well to help out where I could. Then, when their food is ready or almost ready, I would run over and tell the customer(s). I did all the to-go orders, and I was made head hostess' because they felt that I was a better leader than some of the others. Lunch and Dinner hours were always the busiest, so I would give each one a task, depending on their individual qualities, and the rest of the day and/or night would run nice and smooth. Server/Busser

The Lobster Hut - Plymouth, MA

April 2017 to November 2018

I opened and closed so I had a lot to do. When I first came in the morning, I did all the prep for the food. Then, I started stocking all the condiments, filled the ice machine, and then putting out the ketchup, salt and pepper and then started cleaning the windows and doors. Then I set up the patio the same way, got wine and the kegs ready, grabbed the tartar sauce and cocktail sauce and put it out, and then I cleaned the bathrooms. Finally, I put out the OPEN sign and unlocked the doors. My duties while working was greeting the customers, taking their order, giving them their number, giving the cooks the order, and getting them their drinks. Then, when their food is ready I call the number and the customer comes up to the counter to grab their food. After each customer left I sanitized the tables and then started to close the restaurant.

Sales Associate

Savers - Plymouth, MA

July 2016 to February 2017

I worked as a Sales Associate at Savers in Plymouth, and my job was mainly behind the scenes because it is a thrift shop that gets mainly pre-owned items from customers, other outlet stores, or other Savers within the area. I worked in the clothing department, so when the trucks would pull up out back me and the other workers would receive the items and then start sorting them based on the type of clothing it was, the condition it was in, the color, and the brand. We did have a reference to help us, as well as a list of the prices because the next thing we did was pricing the items. This was the hardest part because it takes the longest because not everyone is always going to agree on the quality of the item, and there is a lot of margin for error here, and usually the managers have to approve it so it does get backed up for this reason. It is like an assembly line; everyone has their job based on what they bring to the table, so everything runs smooth. Next, the clothing items, like all the other items, have to get ticketed, which is what happens after they get priced. The prices come up in the computer, so we can can make sure the right price for the correct item is going to print out, then we check to make sure the tickets are in the same order of the clothing items on the rack. The next part is crucial because it is the last step before the racks get rolled out onto the floor. I always make sure the tickets match up to the items before I start tearing them off and take the ticketing gun and attach them to the items. This is where mistakes happen if you try to rush. This is why always check my work to make sure it is correct before rolling out the rack and putting the clothing items away on the floor, which is the last step. Finally, I would sort the items on the rack out back before I go onto the sales floor to make it easier to put everything away. The pants were together, the shirts, sweatshirts, and so on. Assistant Manager

Endless Summer Tanning Salon - Plymouth, MA

July 2002 to September 2011

I started off as a Sales Associate at Endless Summer Tanning and moved my way up the ladder and became Assistant Manager a few years later. I studied, took an exam and became certified in skincare. I also attended tanning expos and seminars.. My job consisted of customer service, administration, and retail and sales work. I would greet the customers, check them in, make sure they have protective skincare such as tanning lotion and eyewear, see if they would like to purchase a package or a different kind of tanning lotion or after tanning moisturizer, and if they did I made change and ran each transaction through the computer and if it was a card through the machine. And then I would put them in the bed or stand-up booth for the recommended amount of time, and start the timer. After the customer was finished with their session, I would ask them if they would like to schedule another appointment, I would book them and thank them, and finally I would sanitize the bed or booth.. I would answer the phones and schedule appointments and then at the end of my shift I would prove the drawer. Education

Some College in Clinical Psychology

Curry College - Plymouth, MA

August 2008 to June 2010

High School Education in English Literature

Sacred Heart High School - Kingston, MA

August 2001 to June 2005

Intermediate School Education in Art History

Sacred Heart High School - Kingston, MA

August 1999 to June 2001

Middle school education in Creative Writing

Sacred Heart Elementary School - Kingston, MA

August 1993 to June 1999

Skills

• Employee Orientation

• Microsoft Outlook

• Individual / Group Counseling

• Behavioral Therapy

• Mental Health Counseling

• Social Work

• Addiction Counseling

• Crisis Intervention

• Motivational interviewing

• Behavioral Health

• Research

• Group Therapy

• Curriculum Development

• Intake Experience

• Crisis Management

• Child & Family Counseling

• Program Development

• Applied Behavior Analysis

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Behavior Management

• Case Management

• Medication Administration

• Presentation Skills

• Autism Experience

• Meeting Facilitation

• Classroom Management

• Tutoring

• Special Education

• Conflict Management

• Teaching

• Program Management

• Experience with Children

• Healthcare (5 years)

• Filing

• Home care

• Administrative experience (10+ years)

• Clerical experience (10+ years)

• Merchandising

• Patient monitoring

• Safety plans

• Account management

• Medical terminology

• EMR systems

• HIPAA

• Cake decorating

• Management

• Food service

• Customer service

• Guest services

• Front desk

• Hospitality

• Employment & labor law

• Data collection

• Sales

• Leadership

• Organizational skills

• Communication skills

• Computer skills

• Word processing

• Telecommunication

• Time management

• Phone etiquette

• Medical records

• Web design

• Microsoft Access

• Writing skills

• Inventory control

• English

• iOS

• Windows

• Baking

• EHR systems

• Typing

Certifications and Licenses

Substance Abuse Certificate

August 2010 to Present

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

PTCB Certification

Food Handler Certification

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