Alana Alaspa
Cloquet,Minnesota
Summary
Caring, empathetic Substance Abuse Counselor with 10 plus years of employment in substance use disorder and mental health recovery settings. Exceptionally talented at building rapport with diverse settings to promote client honesty and growth during recovery processes. Seek to leverage abilities and pursue employment in social worker/counseling treatment setting focused on substance abuse, mental health, and individuals from various backgrounds. Skilled Counselor with strong background helping diverse clients overcome personal challenges and cope with triggering situations. Focused on facilitating exploration of issues, developing individualized plans and developing important skills. Licensed by the state of Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substance Use Disorder Counselor
Center For Alcohol And Drug Treatment - Clear Path
11.2021 - Current
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
- Treating patients with substance use disorders on opioids by identifying root cause of use and assisting them with progression to sobriety with assistance of medication assisted treatment.
- Developed goal-orientated psychoeducational and activity groups to improve clients level of functioning.
- Led supportive group discussions and educational sessions with clients and family members.
- Maintained assigned case load of 50 clients and provide case management.
- Adhere to state,federal and program regulations.
- Develop contracts for patients with barriers inclusive detox and maintenance programs.
- Ongoing communication, social networking, and treatment coordination with coworkers, treatment providers and community.
- Work within program's quality assurance guidelines.
- Participate in professional development training throughout year; participate in safety training.
- Follow established company policies and those outlined in program policies and employee handbook.
- Implement crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
Substance Use Disorder Counselor
State Of Minnesota Department Of Corrections
10.2022 - 11.2022
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Substance Use Disorder Counselor
Nystrom & Associates, LTD
01.2018 - 11.2021
- Educated on Minnesota statutes, chapter 245 G to provide treatment services to assist and support individual efforts to recovery from substance use disorder.
- Participated and educated on 1115 demonstration substance use disorder system reform.
- Counseled adolescent and adults ages 12 plus addressing co-occurring disorders.
- Completed comprehensive assessments, comprehensive assessment summaries, making appropriate level of care and referral to suitable treatment setting as well as case management with referrals and insurance.
- Conducted individualize and group therapy sessions for adult and adolescent level 2.1 and 1.0.
- Obtained completed releases of information confirming to all state and federal expectations from clients for key stakeholders.
- Maintained thorough clinical treatment notes such as: weekly treatment plan reviews, individualized treatment plans, DAANES admissions and discharge, free notes, treatment coordination notes etc.
- Identified treatment goals based on individual diagnosis and history.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Familiar with lab screenings/records and conducted when clinically justifiable.
- Collaboration and case management with referrals (probation, social workers, child protective services, law enforcement, funders, and parents/guardians on consistent basis.
Substance Use Disorder Counselor
Genesis Recovery Services
10.2016 - 11.2017
- Supported and assessed clients struggling with substance use disorders or other barriers and devised strategies based on client needs.
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol use issues.
- Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
- Implemented and conducted curriculum through teaching and completed comprehensive assessment using Rule 25 CD assessment tool, making recommendations for appropriate level of care and referral to suitable treatment setting as well as case management with referrals and insurances.
- Maintained client records in timely manner in accordance with State and Federal requirements.
- Participation in multidisciplinary meetings with other professionals.
- Participated in professional and training development.
- Treatment coordination among coworkers and outside resources.
Security Counselor
Minnesota Sex Offender Program
10.2012 - 01.2015
- Focused work with specialized population to civilly committed sex offenders as defined in section 246B.01.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Maintained confidentiality through stringent handling of charts and data.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Worked with care team to assess client needs and discuss collaborative treatment efforts.
- Ensure safety, security, and control maintained within facility through consistent and systematic application of established policies and procedures.
- Competent in use of security, electrical, mechanical, electronic, and all other equipment associated with position.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Minnesota Indian Primary Residential Treatment
10.2012 - 01.2015
- Counseled at risk adolescents ages 13 to 18 years old.
- Conducted individual, group and family counseling sessions for co occurring program.
- Assessed, developed, implemented, and revised individualized treatment plans.
- Provided professional documentation of clients progress notes through individual, group and family sessions.
- Utilized crisis management and deescalation skills.
- Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments.
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
Adult Mental Health Case Manager
Human Development Center
10.2008 - 04.2011
- Worked with individuals diagnosed with severe persistent mental illness.
- Helped patients receive appropriate, high-quality care with reasonable results.
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
- Increased referral rates by providing excellent service and building meaningful relationships with patients and caregivers.
- Educated patients and loved ones about different treatment options and outside care approaches to reduce barriers and provide resources.
- Provided transportation for clients to social activities and appointments.
Internship Student
Child Protective Services
01.2008 - 06.2008
- Wrote descriptive and accurate impending and present danger assessments and family functioning assessments.
- Assisted families in navigating government agencies and accessing entitlement benefits.
- Collected information through observation and interviews with children, parents, relatives and neighbors.
- Reviewed existing case records for available information to formulate plans of treatment and develop short- and long-term goals.
- Facilitated supportive services and counseling for family members to address special concerns.
- Investigated home conditions to protect children from harmful environmental areas.
- Attended hearings and depositions in family court.
- Maintained case records and legal documentation.
- Developed plans to strengthen family units.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Collaborated with community program leaders and advocates to make resources accessible to those in need.
- Completed home welfare checks to align with state and program guidelines.
- Organized activities for birth parents and in-home support counselors.
Internship Student
Duluth Bethel Rehabilitation Center
01.2007 - 06.2007
- Developed patient care plans and documented progress toward goals.
- Led individual and group counseling sessions to meet variety of therapeutic needs for recovering individuals.
- Developed professional relationships with referring agencies to improve communication related to intakes and to increase business for facility.
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
- Coordinated referrals for addiction services based on individual client needs and preferences.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Education
Chemical Dependency Certificate - Addiction
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
Cloquet, MN07.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
The College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth, MN05.2008
Associate of Science - Human Services
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
Cloquet, MN06.2006
Occupational Certificates - Preschool And School Age Child Development
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
Cloquet, MN05.2005
Associate of Arts -
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
Cloquet, MN05.2005
Skills
- Client evaluation
- Crisis/Case management/Critical Thinking/Team Building
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Multitasking
- Leadership
- Treatment Coordination/Networking
- Experienced in diverse populations
- Experienced and educated on harm reduction, medication assisted treatment, and various treatment modalities
- Clinical Assessments
- Skilled in intake interviewing
- Counseling
- HIPAA
- Mental Health Support
- Self-care strategies
- Motivational Interviewing
- Expertise in crisis intervention techniques
- Family Dynamics
- Case management proficiency
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Knowledge of juvenile justice system
- Psychotropic medications knowledge
- File and Record Keeping
- Group facilitation
- Intervention Support
- Group Counseling
- Data Confidentiality
- Case Management
- Crisis Management
- Patient Advocacy
- Patient Referrals
- Support Group Facilitation
- Regulatory Compliance
Accomplishments
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor through Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy since March, 2012.
- Additional 30 hours adolescent training through Edens Group, 2018.
- 40 hours domestic abuse and violence training.
- Certified American Safety & Health Institute Pediatric CPR, AED, and First Aid for Children, Infants, and Adults.
- Currently in the process of obtaining clinical supervisor certificate through Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.
Certification
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Timeline
Substance Use Disorder Counselor
State Of Minnesota Department Of Corrections
10.2022 - 11.2022
Substance Use Disorder Counselor
Center For Alcohol And Drug Treatment - Clear Path
11.2021 - Current
Substance Use Disorder Counselor
Nystrom & Associates, LTD
01.2018 - 11.2021
Substance Use Disorder Counselor
Genesis Recovery Services
10.2016 - 11.2017
Security Counselor
Minnesota Sex Offender Program
10.2012 - 01.2015
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Minnesota Indian Primary Residential Treatment
10.2012 - 01.2015
Adult Mental Health Case Manager
Human Development Center
10.2008 - 04.2011
Internship Student
Child Protective Services
01.2008 - 06.2008
Internship Student
Duluth Bethel Rehabilitation Center
01.2007 - 06.2007
Chemical Dependency Certificate - Addiction
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
The College of Saint Scholastica
Associate of Science - Human Services
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
Occupational Certificates - Preschool And School Age Child Development
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
Associate of Arts -
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
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