Susan Blacker

Self-directed, motivated, and creative employee

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, public speaking and presentation skills
• Able to work well independently and as a team member
• Strong organization and collaboration skills
• Proficient computer skills
• Client centered work ethic, trauma informed practice
• Strong ability to build, foster, and maintain relationships
• Remote employee with 6 years’ experience
• Current Education in Clinical Supervision

Employee & Family Assistance Program Counsellor - TELUS Health - Lethbridge, Alberta

(2022-09)

• Provide Video & Telephone short-term solution focused counselling to a diverse set of clients dealing with various presenting issues of concern (Depression, Anxiety, Relationships, Suicidal Risk Assessment, Addictions, Self-Harm, Stress, Grief and Loss)
• Evaluate client’s needs and work collaboratively to set objectives, and develop a strategy to achieve them within the terms and conditions of the clients EAP plan
• Manage the administrative requirements as dictated by TELUS Health clinical models
• Clinically manage high-risk cases including clients who are a threat to self or others
• Provide Assessment, Referrals and Case management to large capacity caseload
• Refer clients to community of external resources
• Utilize various theoretical orientations including Solution Focused, Person Centered, Trauma Informed, Strength Based, Acceptance and Commitment, Expressive Arts modalities, CBT, Attachment theory, Relational Self Awareness, Feminist and Narrative Therapy
• Adhere to the Ethical Code of Conduct for Certified Canadian Counsellors
• Engage in regular Peer and Clinical Supervision

Canadian Certified Counsellor/Owner - Rose & Thorn Counselling - Lethbridge, Alberta

(2026-09)

Part Time Private Practice

• Provide virtual individual counselling to adult women experiencing relationship concerns, life transitions, stress, self esteem concerns, and menopause emotional changes
• Integrate client centered, solution focused, attachment informed, narrative informed practices according to client needs
• Complete clinical documentation, treatment planning, informed consent, risk assessment and ongoing evaluation in accordance with professional and ethical standards
• Maintain an independent caseload while managing referrals, scheduling and continuity of care
• Active member of the Southern Alberta Women in Business Association for networking and professional development

Contract Onsite Counsellor - LifeWorks - Lethbridge College, Lethbridge, Alberta

(2017-09 - 2022-09)

5 Year Contract Completed

• On-site counsellor providing in-person, telephone, and video counselling modalities to all Lethbridge College Student’s
• Provide Assessment, Referrals, and Case management to all clients on caseload
• Assess clients and collaboratively set counselling goals and establish strategies to attain goals
• Refer clients to community or external resources
• Ensure ability of crisis/emergency appointments
• Experience with various mental health concerns including Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Addictions, Disordered Eating, Sexual Assault, Relationship Issues, Grief, and Suicidal ideation/risk
• Collaborate with other departments within the Lethbridge College: Academic and Career Advisors, Accessibility Services, Student Support Specialist, Wellness Service Doctors and Nurses, Psychiatrists
• Adhere to the Ethical Code of Conduct for Certified Canadian Counsellors
• Utilize various Theoretical Orientations including Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative Therapy, Person Centered and Expressive Arts Modalities Therapeutic Arts Master Practitioner- Canadian Institute Art Therapy

Career and Academic Counsellor - Palliser Regional Schools - Coaldale/Coalhurst, Alberta

(2013-08 - 2017-09)

• Support academic success and high school completion through course planning aligned to high school diploma requirements as well as student’s post-secondary and career/employment aspirations
• Assist students in the career planning process: self-awareness (personal assessment) exploration and discovery, action planning, and decision making in individual and large group settings
• Assist students and parents in all facets of planning for post-secondary education: applications, financial assistance, scholarships, bursaries, and awards
• Promote and provide a program that enables parents and school staff to become active partners in the education and career plans of their children
• Provide on-going communication with parents with regards to information such as application and scholarship deadlines, job fairs, and graduation requirements
• Liaison with community organizations to provide students with career related programming and possible apprenticeship or employment opportunities

Employee and Family Assistance Program Counsellor - Homewood Human Solutions - Lethbridge, Alberta

(2014-05 - 2017-09)

Contract

• Provide short-term, highly focused, solution-oriented counselling to address a variety of concerns such as depression, anxiety, interpersonal skills, workplace challenges, relationship issues, suicidal ideation and risk, stress management and addictions
• Client base of individual adults
• Adhere to professional standards and best practices
• Engage in clinical consultation with clinical management as required
• Adhered to the Ethical Code of Conduct for Alberta Psychologists
• Utilized various Theoretical Orientations including Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative Therapy, and Expressive Arts Modalities

Personal Counsellor - Medicine Hat College - Medicine Hat, Alberta

(2010-09 - 2011-04)

Practicum Experience — Counselling Services

• Provided personal mental health counseling to Medicine Hat College Students
• Experience with various mental health concerns including Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Addictions, Disordered Eating, Anger Management, Relationship Issues, Grief, and Suicidal Risk/Ideation
• Familiar with numerous psychological assessments
• Collaborated with other departments within the Medicine Hat College including Academic and Career Advisors, and Disability Services
• Adhered to the Ethical Code of Conduct for Alberta Psychologists
• Utilized various Theoretical Orientations including Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative Therapy, and Expressive Arts Modalities

Practicum Placement Coordinator - Reeves College - Lethbridge, Alberta

(2011-05 - 2013-08)

Practicum Experience

• Secure practicum placements for all qualified students through established contacts as well as developing new placement arrangements
• Monitoring practicum placements by liaising with host organizations and students to ensure a positive experience for all parties
• Maintain accurate and complete records on practicum placements
• Follow-up with program graduates; provide employment search/career placement support as required
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships within the community; seeking opportunities to promote Reeves College and building a diverse network of practicum hosts

Employment Specialist - Reeves College - Lethbridge, Alberta

(2011-05 - 2013-08)

Practicum Experience

• Instruct Customer Relations and Interpersonal Skills, and Career Employment Search Skills courses
• Enhance student school experience to assist in the successful program completion and obtain postgraduate employment
• Assist in all aspects of Career process including Cover letter and resume writing, interview skills, job search, and maintenance skills

Medical Office Assistant Diploma Instructor - Reeves College - Lethbridge, Alberta

(2011-05 - 2012-09)

Practicum Experience

• Instructed Medical Office Assistant Curriculum inclusive of the following courses: Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Disease, Pharmacology, Medical Billing, Medical Transcription, Medical Office Procedures & Clinical Procedures
• Provided an encouraging and supportive learning environment
• Followed criteria and mandates and set by Alberta Education & Learning

Master of Education - Counselling Psychology - University of Lethbridge (2011)

Bachelor of Education - University of Lethbridge (1997)

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology Major - University of Lethbridge (1994)