Cheryle Parrish
Lunenburg
Summary
Dedicated Regional Victim Advocate specializing in trauma-informed care and community outreach. Enhanced victim satisfaction through effective communication and relationship building while actively participating in crisis response initiatives, including Critical Incident Stress Management and Victim Crisis Assistance and Response Team. Provided critical support during high-profile incidents, including shootings at University of Virginia and Old Dominion University.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Victim Advocate
VADOC
Richmond, VA
11.1998 - Current
- Led community outreach initiatives to foster partnerships with local organizations focused on victim assistance.
- Developed and implemented educational programs to raise awareness about victim rights and available support systems.
- Increased victim satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing timely updates on case progress.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on trauma-informed practices in victim advocacy services.
- Developed supportive relationships with clients by displaying empathy, active listening skills, and cultural sensitivity throughout all interactions.
- Maintained accurate client records and ensured confidentiality of sensitive information, adhering to strict data protection policies and procedures.
- Analyzed feedback from victims to refine advocacy strategies and improve service delivery effectiveness.
- Supported continuous improvement of program services by actively participating in program evaluations and implementing recommended changes based on feedback received from clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
- Promoted community awareness of available victim services through public speaking engagements and educational presentations.
- Enhanced organizational reputation by maintaining professional conduct when representing the agency at meetings, conferences, or public events.
- Strengthened community partnerships by regularly networking with regional service providers, fostering collaboration in serving crime victims more effectively.
- Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
- Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to provide effective interventions for clients.
Cognitive Counselor
VADOC
Lunenburg, VA
03.2009 - 03.2017
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify cognitive and emotional needs of individuals in correctional settings.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' cognitive abilities, identifying areas of strength and growth opportunities.
- Developed and implemented tailored cognitive intervention strategies to enhance decision-making skills.
- Implemented evidence-based practices in cognitive counseling, ensuring optimal outcomes for clients.
- Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions, fostering a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Promoted a safe and judgment-free environment for clients during individual and group counseling sessions.
- Established rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication throughout the counseling process.
- Empowered clients to develop self-awareness and coping skills through guided self-reflection exercises.
- Monitored progress of clients, adjusting treatment plans based on ongoing evaluations and feedback.
- Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans as needed for continued improvement.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic approaches to rehabilitation and reentry planning.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
- Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.
- Analyzed program effectiveness through data-driven insights, advocating for policy changes that align with best practices in cognitive counseling.
- Stayed current on industry best practices by attending professional development workshops and conferences related to cognitive counseling techniques.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
- Upheld strict ethical standards in all professional interactions, maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to industry best practices.
- Recognized by peers for exceptional listening skills and ability to communicate complex concepts effectively during team meetings.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals established by management in terms of client caseloads and successful treatment outcomes.
- Maintained detailed case notes for each client session, supporting continuity of care within the treatment team setting.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Managed a diverse caseload of clients, ensuring timely and effective support., managing clients, balancing workload and prioritizing client needs.
Education
Master of Arts - HS Counseling: Crisis Response And Trauma
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA08-2021
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Bluefield College
Bluefield, VA07-2006
Skills
- Conflict resolution
- Crisis intervention
- Crisis management
- Crisis response strategies
- Victim rights advocacy
- Organizational skills
- Case management
- Case documentation
- Referral coordination
- Victim assessment techniques
- Client education
- Community outreach
- Program development
- Support group coordination
- Collaboration
- Teamwork
- Interpersonal skills
- Relationship building
- Communication skills
- Effective communication
- Written communication
- Active listening
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Task prioritization
- Task juggling
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Problem-solving
- Analytical thinking
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Conflict resolution
- Client empowerment techniques
- Continuous improvement
- Cultural competence
- Community engagement
- Strategic planner
- Goal setting
- Self motivation
- Attention to detail
- Violence prevention
- Analytical skills
- Victim rights advocacy
- Needs assessment
- Referral coordination
- Victim assessment techniques
- Strategic planner
- Violence prevention
- Community engagement
- Cultural competence
- Client assessment
Accomplishments
Assisted over 3000 victims with post-conviction services.
Assist thirteen facilities, nine Parole & Probation Districts and twenty nine counties/cities in Virginia with training and victim advocacy.
Train staff for VIP (Victim Impact Program) to new facilitators.
State Representative for SSCA (Southern States Correctional Association).
Certification
NACP (National Advocate Credentialing Program-Advanced) certified
# N74-247-8986
ACA member #10715930
VGEA member #38629
Timeline
Cognitive Counselor
VADOC
03.2009 - 03.2017
Regional Victim Advocate
VADOC
11.1998 - Current
Master of Arts - HS Counseling: Crisis Response And Trauma
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Bluefield College