Dawn Robertson
Pooler
Summary
I am a Compassionate and Dedicated professional with hands-on experience in and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CARES Restoration Program Director
DBHDD/CorrectHealth
Savannah, Ga
03.2024 - Current
- Led a jail‑based competency restoration program , overseeing program design, clinical operations, staffing, and compliance from inception
- Developed all CARES policy and procedures, Paperwork,Orientation, Rules for the New CARES Jail Restoration Program
- Provide executive oversight of all clinical services, including: Psychiatric services, Psychological services, Competency education and legal skills training,Group and individual therapy
- Ensure treatment interventions are: Evidence‑based
Trauma‑informed, Appropriate for a custodial environment - Serve as primary point of contact with: Judges, Prosecutors, Defense attorneys, Public defenders, Court administrators
- Ensure timely and accurate submission of Competency status reports, Progress updates, Discharge summaries
- Supervise, and develop multidisciplinary staff (Counselors, Peer Specialists, Nurses) , ensuring adequate training in forensic and correctional care
- Implemented forensic treatment and competency education model aligned with Georgia statutes, court orders, and DBHDD standards
- Oversee court reporting, restoration determinations, and compliance with judicial court timelines
- Oversee procedures for managing: Aggression, Self‑harm risk
Behavioral crises - Ensure staff are trained in: De‑escalation,Suicide prevention
Emergency response - Oversee preparation and submission of court‑ordered competency restoration reports and status updates
- Led quality improvement initiatives resulting in improved restoration rates, reduced length of stay, and enhanced court satisfaction
- Established operational partnerships with Sheriff's Office leadership, courts, District Attorneys, Public Defenders, and behavioral health authorities
- Ensures the program operates in compliance with court orders, correctional regulations, mental health standards, and ethical practice , while balancing public safety, participant rights, and treatment outcomes.
- Direct and oversee all clinical, educational, and rehabilitative services related to competency restoration
- Ensure program compliance with court orders, state statutes, correctional policies, and professional standards
- Serve as the primary liaison with courts, attorneys, judges, jail administration, and behavioral health authorities
- Oversee preparation and submission of court reports , progress updates, and restoration determinations
- Manage program operations within the jail , balancing treatment needs with safety and security requirements
- Recruit, supervise, and develop multidisciplinary staff to include counselors, peer specialists and nurses ensuring adequate training in forensic and correctional care
- Monitor program performance, including restoration rates, length of stay, and quality outcomes
- Lead budget management, contract compliance, and funding accountability
- Lead quality improvement, risk management, and critical‑incident oversight
- Advocate for a humane, legally sound treatment of justice‑involved individuals with mental illness within Georgia's forensic system (Jail overcrowding, IST backlogs Diversion alternatives)
Group Facilitator/Life Coach
Contractor
Savannah/Pooler/Augusta/Virtual, GA
08.2016 - Current
- Assisted with creating a safe space for individuals to express their feelings without judgement or interruption.
- Encouraged active participation and engagement among members of the group.
- Observed dynamics within the group in order to adjust approach accordingly throughout the session.
- Conducted group meetings under circumstances of emotional stress and conflict, dealing appropriately with uncooperative clients.
- Offered a non-judgemental approach when working with diverse populations from various backgrounds.
- Integrated evidence-based practices into session work such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness Meditation Techniques.
- Utilized active listening skills to foster trust between coach and client during sessions.
- Guided clients on the path towards self-discovery by exploring core values, beliefs, and behaviors.
Lead Counselor Subcontractor
Helping Hands Behavioral Solutions, LLC
Waycross/Pooler GA
09.2020 - 12.2025
- Provided individual, couple and family counseling for a diverse DFCS and community clientele
- Developed and implemented individualize, Couple and Family counseling plans to meet the needs of diverse clients.
- Encouraged positive change by helping individuals recognize patterns of negative thinking that may be contributing towards symptoms of distress.
- Worked with clients to develop treatment plans and smart goals.
- Established appropriate boundaries with clients while providing a safe space for them to express themselves freely.
- Conducted assessments to identify client strengths and weaknesses in order to create a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs.
- Assisted clients in developing insight into their own behavior by exploring current relationships, past experiences and future goals.
- Educated clients on mental health topics including self-care strategies, coping skills and lifestyle changes that can improve overall well-being.
- Collaborated with other professionals such as psychiatrists and social workers to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
Crisis Stabilization Unit Lead Therapist /Discharge Coordinator
Crisis Stabilization Unit /Universal Health Services
Savannah, GA
01.2018 - 03.2020
- Provided clinical training, coaching, and consultation to staff on therapeutic interventions, treatment planning, and maintained 100 % documentation standards
- Developed and delivered staff trainings promoting evidence‑based, trauma‑informed care
- Supported onboarding, professional development, and clinical skill‑building across multidisciplinary teams
- Developed individualized treatment plans for clients based on assessments of their needs, strengths, and preferences.
- Engaged in outreach activities within the community by attending meetings, workshops, conferences, representing the agency's mission statement.
- Taught patients education on nutrition, exercise habits, sleep hygiene.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress notes using electronic medical records software.
- Utilized crisis intervention skills such as defusing and debriefing techniques in order to prevent escalation of behavior.
Dual Diagnosis Unit /30 Day Rehab Lead Therapist
Universal Health Services/Coastal Behavioral Health
Savannah, GA
07.2013 - 01.2019
- Led clinical training initiatives to enhance staff competency, treatment quality, and adherence to evidence‑based practices
- Mentored clinicians and frontline staff through supervision, case consultation, and skills development
- Provided oversight of day program activities, ensuring that all participants followed safety protocols and procedures.
- Collaborated with other mental health professionals to develop comprehensive care plans for clients.
- Educated families about the importance of mental health awareness and self-care strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of clinical documentation including progress notes and discharge summaries.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to address issues such as depression, anxiety, anger management, and substance abuse.
- Conducted assessments to identify client strengths and weaknesses in order to create a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs.
- Participated in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss case progress and develop effective treatment strategies.
- Provided individual counseling sessions to clients with substance use disorder, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Education
Master of Education - Counseling/Psychology
Troy State University
12-2004
Skills
- Competency Restoration Training
- Correction Environment Training
- CPR and First Aid Training
- Suicide Risk Assessments
- Crisis Stabilization
- Certified HIV Intervention Counseling
- Certified Relapse Prevention Counseling
- Biopsychosocial Assessments
- Case Management Proficiency
- Clinical Documentation Mastery
- Public Speaking Abilities
- Outreach Programming
- Specialize in Treatment and Discharge Planning
- Crisis Response
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Expertise
- Individual Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Couple Counseling
- Life Coaching
- Certified Grief Specialist
- Parenting Skills Educator
Certification
- Certified Anger Management Specialist
- Certified Grief Specialist
- Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist
- Shoplifting and Theft Intervention Specialist
- Certified Opioid Treatment Clinician
- HIV Early Intervention Specialist
- Certified Parent Instructor
- Love and Logic Facilitator
- MRT Facilitator
- Certified Transformational Life Coach
- Certified Relationship/Marriage Coach
- Certified Therapeutic Art Coach
Timeline
CARES Restoration Program Director
DBHDD/CorrectHealth
03.2024 - Current
Lead Counselor Subcontractor
Helping Hands Behavioral Solutions, LLC
09.2020 - 12.2025
Crisis Stabilization Unit Lead Therapist /Discharge Coordinator
Crisis Stabilization Unit /Universal Health Services
01.2018 - 03.2020
Group Facilitator/Life Coach
Contractor
08.2016 - Current
Dual Diagnosis Unit /30 Day Rehab Lead Therapist
Universal Health Services/Coastal Behavioral Health
07.2013 - 01.2019
Master of Education - Counseling/Psychology
Troy State University