Peer Navigator / Outreach Specialist at Executive Office of the Mayor (2021-01 – 2024-12)
Led daily outreach to consumers/constituents advocating for them to get back on track as DC Residents returning citizens – focusing on homelessness, youths, and adults by building a rapport to better assist individuals in areas they need assistance.
- Leveraged personal and professional experiences to provide tailored guidance to returning citizens, connecting them with local supportive care systems. For example, supported workforce development efforts by connecting constituents with employment opportunities, including CDL training programs, to enhance career prospects.
- Established and maintained strategic partnerships with community organizations to identify and address specific needs of the District's returning citizen population. Planned stakeholder meetings with community members, service organizations, District agencies, and federal agencies to advance support initiatives for returning citizens.
- Collaborated with clients to develop personalized recovery plans, coping strategies, and rehabilitation approaches.
- Proactively responded to client issues, providing timely assistance and resources to address their unique challenges.
- Delivered case management services, ensuring constituents secure proper documentation such as ID, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and access to critical resources (housing, SNAP benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare).
- Spearheaded daily outreach efforts across all eight wards of Washington, DC, advocating for seniors, returning citizens, and youth – fostering community engagement and support.
- Coordinated and executed community outreach events, including setup and management of event tents, ensuring seamless event operations and impactful engagement.
- Advocated for senior citizens by addressing their individual needs, connecting them to resources such as Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security Disability, and other essential services.
- Collaborated with government agencies to provide comprehensive assistance to DC residents, ensuring access to critical resources for housing, education, and healthcare.
- Mentored/supported returning citizens in reintegrating into society by offering guidance on employment opportunities, GED programs, housing resources, and acquiring vital credentials (Social Security cards, birth certificates, and Ids).
- Empowered youth through violence prevention initiatives for a safer community and promoting a positive lifestyle.
- Assisted seniors in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life by addressing their needs and ensuring access to programs and services tailored to their well-being.
- Served as a liaison between community members and government agencies, driving interagency collaboration to resolve issues and improve the quality of life for residents.
- Advocated for underserved populations by attending senior events, listening to their concerns, and offering tailored assistance to improve their overall living conditions.
Certified Outreach Specialist & Peer Support Specialist / Forensic Peer Recovery Coach at Department of Behavioral Health (2018-12 – 2020-08)
Led daily outreach efforts to support at-risk individuals, responding to crisis calls and advocating for those with mental health and substance abuse challenges. Delivered critical services to underserved populations, ensuring community engagement and addressing housing insecurity and other essential needs.
- Facilitated wrap group sessions and scheduled appointments for physical and psychiatric services, emphasizing mental, physical, and emotional wellness to support clients in maintaining a clean and sober lifestyle.
- Provided guidance to at-risk populations by connecting them with educational programs and vocational training – connecting them to NA/AA programs and other recovery resources for long-term personal and professional growth.
- Conducted daily outreach in communities to advocate for seniors, adults, and youth, addressing mental health, homelessness, and substance abuse issues. Maintained ongoing communication with consumers, encouraging them to visit the office regularly to monitor progress and ensure they remained on track with recovery goals.
- Offered timely support by responding to crisis calls, engaging with consumers and assessing immediate needs.
- Provided leadership for FD-12 processes for individuals requiring emergency psychiatric care by collaborating with Crisis Intervention Officers and coordinating transportation to treatment facilities such as Washington Hospital Center, CEPEP, and the Psychiatric Institute of Washington.
- Developed and implemented personalized plans to help individuals achieve and sustain a clean and sober life.
- Assisted clients in enrolling in training programs, creating pathways for personal growth and self-sufficiency.
- Coordinated and attended community events, working with agencies to expand support networks and provide care.
- Advocated for and supported individuals in achieving long-term stability through consistent follow-up and connection to appropriate resources.
Case Manager / Outreach Specialist at United Planning Organization – Methadone Clinic (2017-12 – 2018-09)
Provided direct outreach to the DC community, assisting individuals in overcoming challenges and reintegrating as productive citizens. Supported clients with physical and mental disabilities in accessing housing and essential resources.
- Advocated daily for consumers following methadone treatments, ensuring ongoing support and addressing needs.
- Managed a caseload of individuals with severe mental health and substance use disorders. Delivered intensive support and implemented relapse prevention strategies to promote community stability and long-term recovery.
- Developed and nurtured interagency relationships to advocate effectively for clients, securing access to critical community resources and services.
Peer Outreaching Specialist – Act Team at Community Connections (2016-01 – 2017-12)
Assertive Community Treatment Advocating for Mental Health Homelessness. Conducted daily field outreach to engage with at-risk individuals, providing critical support and resources to help them regain stability and access necessary services.
- Advocated for clients with severe mental health conditions by conducting outreach in the community, distributing literature and pamphlets to raise awareness and connect individuals to essential resources.
- Ensured confidentiality by adhering to HIPAA regulations, discussing client progress only with designated individuals as authorized, and securing client consent to share information.
- Documented daily progress notes after every intervention, maintaining detailed records of each client's progress.
- Provided individualized support to clients with severe mental health illnesses, helping them manage symptoms and live independently within the community.
- Connected clients with necessary services, including medication management, vocational support, housing assistance, and ongoing therapy, to promote long-term wellness and stability.
- Conducted regular home and community visits to ensure continuous care, address emerging needs, and support clients in maintaining a stable, independent lifestyle.
- Facilitated wrap groups to offer peer support and guidance, fostering a sense of community and shared recovery.
- Conducted HIPAA-compliant one-on-one therapy sessions, ensuring confidentiality while providing focused, individualized support for mental health and substance abuse recovery.
