James Wilson
Erie
Summary
Dynamic Certified Peer Specialist with a proven track record at the Mental Health Association of NW PA, skilled in trauma-informed care and relapse prevention. Successfully empowered clients through goal setting and recovery planning, fostering resilience and self-determination. Demonstrated empathy and strong documentation skills to enhance client outcomes and support holistic wellness initiatives.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Peer Specialist
Mental Health Association of NW PA
07.2024 - Current
- Conducted assessments and documented updates in EHR.
- Helped individuals set realistic goals based on personal life situations and strengths.
- Contributed to the continuous improvement of organizational policies and procedures by attending ongoing training sessions and participating in internal program evaluations.
- Established trust-based relationships with clients using shared lived experience as a foundation for meaningful connections.
- Promoted a positive recovery culture within the organization by serving as a role model for hope, resilience, and self-determination.
- Developed and implemented innovative peer-led programming that focused on holistic wellness, including physical fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness activities.
- Assisted clients in setting and achieving personal goals by providing support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
Sober Living House Manager
Liberty House
05.2024 - Current
- Delivered educational workshops on life skills and relapse prevention strategies, empowering residents to maintain long-term recovery success.
- Established strong relationships with local service providers to ensure access to appropriate resources for residents'' needs.
- Monitored resident medication adherence, collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate dosage and administration.
- Provided crisis intervention support as needed, demonstrating empathy and understanding during challenging situations.
- Facilitated open communication among residents through weekly house meetings, fostering a supportive community atmosphere.
- Successfully managed conflict resolution among residents, maintaining a peaceful and harmonious living environment.
- Provided ongoing support for residents transitioning out of the sober living home, offering resources and guidance as needed.
- Maintained accurate records of resident progress, regularly updating case files and reporting updates to relevant parties.
- Enhanced the safety of the sober living environment by conducting regular room inspections and enforcing house rules.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations governing sober living homes through meticulous record-keeping practices.
- Promoted a culture of accountability by regularly reviewing resident adherence to program requirements and addressing any issues promptly.
Dry Cleaner Customer Service Representative
Chido's Dry Cleaners
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Communicated effectively with dry-cleaning technicians about special requests or concerns related to customers'' items.
- Resolved customer complaints and concerns, thereby improving overall customer experience.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean and organized work environment for optimal efficiency.
- Trained new employees on company policies and procedures, fostering a positive work culture for all staff members.
- Provided exceptional support to coworkers during peak business hours, promoting teamwork and camaraderie among staff members.
- Displayed excellent time-management skills by prioritizing tasks efficiently under pressure without compromising attention to detail.
- Inspected finished garments thoroughly before returning them to customers, ensuring quality standards were met consistently.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing friendly and efficient service at the counter.
- Operated cash registers proficiently while maintaining accuracy during end-of-day closing procedures for smooth financial operations.
Youth Advocate/Violence Prevention Specialist
Westinghouse Wrestling
01.2020 - 03.2023
- Enhanced youth engagement by implementing innovative programs and activities tailored to their interests.
- Conducted assessments to determine types of services individuals required.
- Coordinated events that promoted social interaction among peers, strengthening connections within the community.
- Facilitated group sessions addressing topics such as conflict resolution, self-esteem building, and decision making.
- Championed diversity inclusion through outreach initiatives targeting underrepresented populations within the community.
- Assisted youth in setting achievable goals by providing guidance and support throughout their journey towards success.
- Collaborated with community organizations to provide comprehensive support services for at-risk youth.
- Developed and executed individualized action plans, resulting in improved academic performance and personal development.
- Managed volunteer recruitment efforts, facilitating a strong workforce dedicated to empowering young people in the community.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation in compliance with organizational standards and confidentiality guidelines.
- Connected clients with necessary resources such as tutoring services or mental health counseling for holistic well-being enhancement.
Laborer/Forklift Operator
Manpower Temporary Services
04.2014 - 01.2020
- Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
- Expanded skill set through continuous learning of new techniques, tools, and equipment related to laborer tasks.
- Improved worksite efficiency by maintaining clean and organized work areas.
- Performed general housekeeping and cleaning tasks.
- Promoted a positive work environment by demonstrating strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Maintained high-quality workmanship through attention to detail and adherence to industry standards.
- Upheld company reputation for quality workmanship through dedication to best practices within the laborer role.
Metal Grinder/Laborer/Forklift Operator
McConway & Torley
02.2008 - 04.2014
- Increased production output by streamlining the workflow and optimizing equipment usage.
- Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot issues, resulting in faster problem resolution.
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback on existing processes and suggesting modifications for increased efficiency.
- Complied with federal regulations regarding hazardous materials handling, ensuring a safe work environment for all employees involved in the grinding process.
- Enhanced metal grinding efficiency by implementing new techniques and processes.
- Acquired advanced knowledge on various types of metals and their unique properties, enabling informed decisions on grinding method selection for each project.
- Ensured timely completion of projects by coordinating efforts with other departments as needed.
Maintenance Technician/Event Planner/Ministerial Intern
Macedonia Baptist Church
10.2007 - 10.2008
- Operated varied hand and power tools to complete repairs.
- Used problem-solving skills to alleviate issues efficiently with minimal supervision.
- Troubleshot equipment breakdowns and performed preventive maintenance.
- Followed work orders and specifications for machine and equipment replacement, repair, or maintenance.
- Inspected and maintained equipment to keep items in top working condition.
- Completed daily, weekly, and monthly checklists on building equipment to maintain records of scheduled maintenance procedures.
- Contributed to a safer work environment, promptly addressing any identified hazards or concerns.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction in facility areas by maintaining high standard of cleanliness and functionality.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, regularly suggesting and implementing process enhancements.
Journeyman Plumber
Alescio Plumbing
03.2005 - 10.2007
- Mentored apprentice plumbers in proper techniques, safety protocols, and industry standards for quality workmanship.
- Maintained a safe working environment by adhering to OSHA regulations and following industry best practices.
- Installed valves, hangers, supports, and flanges inside piping systems.
- Selected type and size of piping required for each project.
- Filled pipe systems with water and air to determine location of leaks.
- Solved complex plumbing problems by leveraging extensive knowledge of tools, equipment, materials, and techniques used in the trade.
- Reduced project costs by accurately estimating materials and labor required for plumbing installations and repairs.
- Measured, threaded, and cut materials to correct angles.
- Delivered outstanding customer service by explaining complex technical terms in layman''s language while addressing client concerns and queries.
- Minimized water damage during emergencies with rapid diagnosis and repair of leaks or burst pipes.
- Preserved client property integrity while performing invasive procedures such as pipe replacement or re-routing through careful planning and execution.
Line Cook/Prep Cook
Mitchel's Fish Market
05.2004 - 03.2005
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
Food Distribution Volunteer
Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank
09.1998 - 05.2002
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities to serve program needs.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
- Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
- Communicated with staff members to stay informed about volunteer opportunities and events.
- Represented organization positively and professionally while providing community with much-needed services.
- Mentored new volunteers, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment.
- Completed daily domestic tasks in shelters and group homes to assist people in need.
- Collaborated with other nonprofit organizations to develop joint initiatives that benefited the broader community at large.
Education
High School Diploma -
Westinghouse High School
Pittsburgh, PASkills
- Trauma experience
- Social skills
- Mental health awareness
- Self-care techniques
- Relapse prevention
- Documentation
- Goal setting
- Life skills coaching
- Recovery planning
- Behavior modeling
- Empathy development
- Substance abuse support
- Living skills
Certification
- Certified Peer Specialist
Timeline
Certified Peer Specialist
Mental Health Association of NW PA
07.2024 - Current
Sober Living House Manager
Liberty House
05.2024 - Current
Dry Cleaner Customer Service Representative
Chido's Dry Cleaners
03.2023 - 03.2024
Youth Advocate/Violence Prevention Specialist
Westinghouse Wrestling
01.2020 - 03.2023
Laborer/Forklift Operator
Manpower Temporary Services
04.2014 - 01.2020
Metal Grinder/Laborer/Forklift Operator
McConway & Torley
02.2008 - 04.2014
Maintenance Technician/Event Planner/Ministerial Intern
Macedonia Baptist Church
10.2007 - 10.2008
Journeyman Plumber
Alescio Plumbing
03.2005 - 10.2007
Line Cook/Prep Cook
Mitchel's Fish Market
05.2004 - 03.2005
Food Distribution Volunteer
Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank
09.1998 - 05.2002
High School Diploma -
Westinghouse High School
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