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
Similar Profiles
Miranda GuitardMiranda Guitard
Addictions and Mental Health Worker- Peer Support at Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addictions and Mental Health ServicesAddictions and Mental Health Worker- Peer Support at Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addictions and Mental Health Services
SERENA NGOSERENA NGO
Communication Assistant at Canadian Mental Health AssociationCommunication Assistant at Canadian Mental Health Association
Patrice WalkerPatrice Walker
CSP Case Manager at Milwaukee Mental Health AssociationCSP Case Manager at Milwaukee Mental Health Association