Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Websites
Timeline
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Deborah R Breese

Summary

Experienced professional with 20+ years in human services, specializing in improving quality of life for individuals. Proficient in counseling, program evaluation, and management in private, non-profit, correctional, and public service settings. Currently offering support to individuals facing various life challenges at a county/state crisis call center, including the homeless, incarcerated, mentally ill, and those dealing with substance abuse.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

DWI Counselor

Life Changes, Inc. – DWI Centers
02.2020 - Current
  • Implement the State of North Carolina Statute and Administrative Rule with NC DWI offenders.
  • Teach the Prime for Life program developed for ADETS (Alcohol Drug Education Traffic School).
  • Educate individuals who have been arrested and required by law to attend programs concerning driving while impaired in an effort to prevent future problems.
  • Evaluated client progress using standardized assessment tools, adjusting treatment approaches as necessary.
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Educated clients on available strategies for dealing with problems, community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.


Licensed Clinician

Alliance Healthcare -MCO for Wake, Johnston, Cumberland, Durham Counties
02.2015 - Current
  • Conducting telephonic screening, triage, and referral functions for individuals seeking services.
  • Respond to escalated calls identified as high risk (urgent or emergent) due to potential agitation, psychosis, active suicidality/homicidality, intoxication, withdrawal, or medical necessity.
  • Implemented crisis intervention strategies when needed, ensuring immediate safety measures were in place for at-risk patients.
  • Facilitated crisis intervention sessions, ensuring safety and providing immediate support to individuals in distress.

Federal Community Corrections Monitor

The TROY House
08.2007 - 01.2017
  • Monitor the movement of United States Federal Offenders whose served sentence has been stepped down to a community-based residential re-entry center.
  • Record data to confirm the person's probationary/parole compliance.
  • Promoted a culture of responsibility among offenders through consistent enforcement of rules and expectations within their communities.

Therapist, Group Facilitator, Crisis Stabilization/SAIOP Asst.

Durham Center Access - Community Care Agency - Hope Centre for Advancement
01.2013 - 02.2015
  • Assessed clients, developed PCP's and Crisis Plans for BH tx participants.
  • Counseled clients in pursuing behavioral health and substance abuse tx.
  • Facilitated, educated, coached clients using individual and group therapy.

Team Leader/ Qualified Professional (QP)- Assertive Engagement Team

Housing for New Hope, Inc.
08.2007 - 01.2013
  • Led team of QPs and Peer Specialists in implementing intensive case management of housing solutions for vulnerable populations - the chronically homeless, severely and persistently mentally ill, and substance abusers.
  • Maintain documentation for the local mental health entity (Alliance Behavioral Healthcare).
  • Ensure policies and procedures are met for state quality assurance and measurements.

Youth Service Counselor Technician/ Behavioral Specialist

NC Dept. of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
11.2003 - 08.2007
  • Teach and refresh students in basic Math, Reading, History, and English concepts while redirecting youth's behavior.
  • Foster individual counsel, encourage socialization practices using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, utilize the TET method (including verbal judo), facilitate group counseling/training.
  • Provide residential care and treatment for adjudicated juveniles.
  • Maintain written and electronic records pertaining to behavior.


Corrections Counselor II/ Diagnostic-Assessment Counselor/ Corrections Officer

PA Dept. of Corrections
08.1997 - 10.2003
  • Counseled individuals and families in crisis, prepared treatment plans, created and presented workshops/groups.
  • Assisted in the design and presentation of Child Abuse Awareness month activities and programs. Secured speakers for panel discussions and planned schedules for video viewings.
  • Maintained a revolving caseload of newly committed inmates.
  • Compiled Bio-psychosocial history using standardized assessment tools.
  • Facilitated sessions for Parent's Anonymous groups.
  • Ensured care, custody, and control of all inmates based on state policy.

Second Assistant Manager/ Swing Manager

Mc Donald's Corporation
06.1990 - 08.1997
  • Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with company standards and policies.
  • Trained and mentored team members to enhance performance and service quality.
  • Maintained personnel records, prepared payroll, conducted performance reviews and facilitated team meetings.


Education

Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling (Rehabilitation Counseling)

North Carolina Agricultural And Technical University
Greensboro, NC
05.2013

Master of Public Administration -

North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC
05.2007

Skills

  • Counseling

  • Program Evaluation

  • Crisis Management

  • SA Treatment

  • Case management

  • Client advocacy

Affiliations

  • American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) - 2006 to 2010
  • North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board - (NCSAPPB) - 2008-present
  • National Rehabilitation Counseling Association - (NCRA) - 2009-2021
  • Rehabilitation Counseling Association (Student Chapter - NC A&T) 2010-2012
  • Chi Sigma Iota (Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society) - 2011 - present
  • Golden Key (International Honour Society) - 2012- present

Timeline

DWI Counselor

Life Changes, Inc. – DWI Centers
02.2020 - Current

Licensed Clinician

Alliance Healthcare -MCO for Wake, Johnston, Cumberland, Durham Counties
02.2015 - Current

Therapist, Group Facilitator, Crisis Stabilization/SAIOP Asst.

Durham Center Access - Community Care Agency - Hope Centre for Advancement
01.2013 - 02.2015

Federal Community Corrections Monitor

The TROY House
08.2007 - 01.2017

Team Leader/ Qualified Professional (QP)- Assertive Engagement Team

Housing for New Hope, Inc.
08.2007 - 01.2013

Youth Service Counselor Technician/ Behavioral Specialist

NC Dept. of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
11.2003 - 08.2007

Corrections Counselor II/ Diagnostic-Assessment Counselor/ Corrections Officer

PA Dept. of Corrections
08.1997 - 10.2003

Second Assistant Manager/ Swing Manager

Mc Donald's Corporation
06.1990 - 08.1997

Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling (Rehabilitation Counseling)

North Carolina Agricultural And Technical University

Master of Public Administration -

North Carolina Central University

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