Family Counselor

OVERVIEW
I am seeking a position as a counselor that will allow me to promote healthy relationships by providing tools that manage conflict and aid in improving communication. I have assisted individuals, couples, children and families to deal with stress, avoid crises, and improve their overall coping skills. My education and training have prepared me to incorporate important research and therapeutic interventions into my counseling and I also have considerable experience conducting sessions with diverse groups of people.

EDUCATION
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, November •••••, Hofstra University
Master of Arts in Social Science, May •••••, Binghamton University
Bachelor of Arts in English, May •••••, Binghamton University

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Multisystemic Therapist, The Childrens Village, •••••June •••••November •••••
Bronx, N.Y
Completed weekly treatment plans
Conducted home visits twice a week per family to provide family counseling
Prepared psychosocial paperwork for each family
Completed Family Assessment and Service Plans (FASPs)
Led family team conferences that focused on family strengths, concerns, and methods intended to address concerns
Remained in contact with school faculty, doctors, therapists, ACS, and community organizations to remain informed about client progress
Updated family contacts in Promis and maintained progress notes in Connections
Provided families with referrals for extended treatment services
Supplied families with funds for housing services and transportation
Remained available for on call services and crisis situations
Prepared safety plans to help families overcome safety concerns


Case Planner, Community Mediation Services, •••••April •••••June •••••
Jamaica, N.Y
Performed home visits twice a month per family in order to provide individual and family counseling
Recorded visits and maintained progress notes in Promis and Connections computer systems
Participated in family team conferences to discuss family strengths, concerns, and ideas to aid in the achievement of casework objectives
Accompanied clients to family court to speak on their behalf
Conducted school visits to meet with school staff to discuss the academic performance and attendance of the clients
Contacted service providers such as probation officers, ACS, and therapists to learn more information regarding client progress
Completed referrals for services outside of the agency when necessary
Helped families to obtain aid such as housing subsidies, furniture, and food when they do not have the financial resources
Maintained availability to intervene in crisis situations
Completed safety assessments to ensure that the family residence was free of hazards

INTERNSHIPS

Baldwin Council Against Drug Abuse, ••••• September •••••November •••••
Baldwin, N.Y
Completed intakes for new clients and conducted weekly counseling sessions
Performed toxicology screenings
Created treatment plans
Maintained notes regarding counseling sessions
Communicated regularly with the Department of Probation and family treatment courts to discuss monthly updates of client progress
Presented clients in case conferences and led discussions regarding client needs
Collected fees and aided in maintaining financial records

Louis Armstrong Middle School,••••• December •••••June •••••
East Elmhurst, N.Y
Provided weekly counseling sessions for students and their families
Constructed treatment plans
Co-led group family therapy sessions
Managed records of client progress
Presented clients in case conferences in order to assess their needs and to discuss ideas concerning the improvement of their academic performance and family relationships.

Mercy First, ••••• October •••••May •••••
Syosset, N.Y
Administered weekly counseling sessions to students and their families.
Prepared treatment plans.
Documented notes regarding progress of students.
Intervened in crisis situations to help maintain order and to offer guidance.
Participated in conferences focusing on student behavior, home environments, foster care, and possible referrals to new facilities.
Consulted with principal and teachers to discuss ways to improve student behavior and academic performance.

RELEVANT SKILLS
Engaging and forming a bond with families
Empowering families
Effective listening and communication training
Stress and conflict management
Self-esteem building
Substance abuse counseling

RELEVANT WORKSHOPS
Domestic Violence and Sensitivity Training
Gang Awareness and Intervention
Working With Survivors of Sexual Assault
Working With Teens in Same Sex Relationships