Christina Petito

Christina Petito - •- PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY NONPROFIT PROFESSIONAL Counseling ~ Case Management ~ Results-Oriented Dynamic professional with experience coordinating provider services and offering client care for mission-oriented organizations. Expertise employing counseling methods that empower clients to respond to problems and develop coping skills. Proficient interacting with people on all levels from different cultural backgrounds. Additional experience in connecting with clients and delivering case management for diverse and under-served populations. Highly skilled at creating unique treatment plans that individualize care and center around the person. Strong work ethic with capacity to function well under pressure and display a high level of competence in a rapidly evolving world. SKILLS • Client Advocacy • Group Facilitation • Public speaking • Social Perceptiveness • Interpersonal Communication • Cultural Awareness • Trauma Informed • Individualized Person-Centered Care EXPERIENCE Director of Residential Services and Addictions Counselor, 2020 - Current ALLEGANY COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE Wellsville, NY  Revived a lifeless two-tier, 27-bed, long-term substance abuse treatment program back to a thriving organization by providing holistic, person-centered, full-service solutions for each resident.  Provided direct counseling services in both individual and group settings.  Reestablished broken relationships with outside agencies and bridged gaps between the residential program and community resources.  Increased and stabilized the staffing with higher educated and more qualified team members.  Created a collaborative, team-based culture among employees, improving overall attitudes and moral by offering leadership rather than rulership.  Directed and delegated responsibilities to appropriate staff and provided coaching on job duties.  Maintained records as required by agency policies and NYS regulations.  Implemented policies, practices, and procedures approved by the Board of Directors. Addictions Counselor, 2018 - 2020 ALLEGANY COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE Wellsville, NY  Provided direct counseling services in both individual and group settings to clients.  Completed assessments of new clients to the program.  Created person-centered comprehensive treatment plan goals with each client, monitored, and documented progress to help the client move forward within their individualized care.  Participated in clinical treatment team consultations and attends weekly meetings. Coordinator of IRA Program, 2016 - 2017 ASPIRE OF WNY Buffalo, NY  Oversaw a 21-bed site and provided full-service solutions for a dual diagnosis program.  Developed individual program plans and collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to broaden programming and integrate services.  Identified processes and efficiencies to support program initiatives and boost productivity in alignment with established goals.  Created a high-level of team performance by mentoring individuals, issuing performance evaluations, and providing clear, concise directions for a staff of 16.  Ensured compliance with agency labor relations systems for related services. Youth Empowerment Worker, 2015 - 2016 NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SERVICES Erie and Niagara Counties  Delivered sensitive material regarding at-risk behavior and medical issues to youth and adults one-on-one and through education workshops and small group meetings.  Planned, coordinated, and presented comfortably and accurately sensitive material regarding sexuality, STD and HIV risk reduction, and family planning to both youth and adults.  Delivered comprehensive, evidence-based, medically accurate, age and stage appropriate, sexuality education workshops / sessions; Ability to engage a school age and youth audience.  Located venues for delivery of evidence-based programming; Participate in outreach activities  Followed through with commitments including meeting established timelines; Completed reports & paperwork on time. Medicaid Service Coordinator, 2013 - 2015 PEOPLE INCORPORATED Erie & Niagara Counties, Buffalo, NY  Facilitated development of the individualized service plans and performed regular reviews upon meeting with the individual to assess progress and present needs.  Met deliverables of the individualized service plan by referring individuals to requested and needed services ranging from mental health counseling, healthcare, education, social connections, recreation, etc.  Assisted individuals with applying for financial, medical, and legal benefits through navigation of the OPWDD service system.  Advocated for individuals’ rights and strictly maintained confidentiality. Program Coordinator, 2013 - 2014 PEOPLE INCORPORATED Buffalo, NY  Guided individuals and employees entering into the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, educating them through process.  Coordinated meetings with service providers and maintained continuous contact with each family to ensure that quality care delivered.  Managed and addressed crises.  Grew the program client base by double through networking in the community and developing new relationships with other agencies across Western New York. EDUCATION ALFRED STATE COLLEGE, Alfred, NY  Advanced CASAC NYS Certification, 2020 MEDAILLE COLLEGE, Buffalo, NY  Master of Arts, Psychology, 2016 BUFFALO STATE COLLEGE, Buffalo, NY  Bachelor of Science, Social Work and Psychology, 2013