Mental Health Program Manager

VICTOR VELAZQUEZ

**** ******* *** *, #**********, WA 98118

Phone: 253-***-****

PROFILE

Experienced non-profit leader and peer support consultant with over 20 years in program development, community advocacy, and empowering underserved communities. Leveraging lived experience in healthcare, social services, and mental health, I am dedicated to advancing disability inclusion and justice for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Certified in de-escalation and pursuing Certified Peer status in Washington State.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Patient Advocate Seattle Roots Seattle, WA

Led focus groups and resolved patient grievances to improve clinical services and ensure equitable access to care for low-income patients.

Connected individuals with appropriate care and advocated for their needs, demonstrating capability transferable to supporting individuals with IDD.

Director of Training & Recruitment Exponents, Inc. New York, NY November 2012 – November 2022

Managed $5M+ annual budget across 3 clinics serving 10,000+ low-income patients.

Advised on mental health clinic expansion, improving access by 15%.

Boosted new student retention by 75% via psycho-educational onboarding for 200+ participants.

Expanded training by 40% with 15+ new curriculum modules.

Secured $500K+ in grants renewals through data-informed evaluations.

Reduced dropout rates by 25% through needs assessments and skills workshops.

Streamlined workflows, reducing training program setup time by 30%.

Developed and implemented an evaluation process for program progression.

Recruited agency participants and developed strategic marketing plans.

Assistant Director of Education Exponents, Inc. New York, NY February 2008 – November 2012

Assisted in training the ARRIVE 24 class curriculum.

Analyzed training needs and collaborated with the counseling department in student identification and assistance.

Managed day-to-day training administrative duties.

LEADERSHIP & VOLUNTEER ROLES

Board of Directors: Finance & Program Committees Country Doctor Community Health Centers (CDCHC)/Seattle Roots Community Health Seattle, WA June 2023 – Present

Serve as a key member of the Finance Committee, overseeing financial affairs and promoting the organization’s fiscal health.

Contribute to the Program/Personnel Committee, monitoring clinic program utilization and reviewing personnel policies.

Serve as a patient grievance committee when requested.

Review and make recommendations on personnel and program portions of the Operating Budget.

Experience transferable to supporting individuals with IDD as board members on the King County Board for Developmental Disabilities.

EDUCATION

Associate of Arts, Social Sciences (Cum Laude, GPA: 3.58/4.0) Canisius College Buffalo, NY 1997 – 1999

SKILLS

Disability Justice & Equity: Knowledge of equity, racial, disability, and social justice principles and practices.

Program & Project Management: Strategic project management, program development, curriculum design, budget oversight, and grant compliance.

Community Engagement & Advocacy: Building inclusive relationships across diverse backgrounds.

Communication & Training: Effective communication, public relations, critical thinking, educational training, and proficiency in translating complex information.

Problem-Solving & Analysis: Needs assessment, data-informed decision-making, grievance resolution, and process improvement.

Peer Support: Expertise in peer-driven solutions and empowering individuals.

Technical Proficiency: Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint).

Languages: Spanish (Intermediate).

Specialized: De-escalation Specialist.

CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

CCAR Recovery Coach Academy Trainer (TOT-20160360): February 2017 – Present

De-escalation-Basic Tools for Social Workers: Certificate received April 12, 2017

HIV/AIDS Counseling Aide: May 2004 – Present

Certified Peer Status in Washington State: Actively pursuing

International Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (IDADC): Expired 2025

Credentialed Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC Level 2): Expired 2025

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