Erica Dumas
Biloxi
Summary
Certified Peer Support Specialist with 10+ years of experience in mental health advocacy, crisis intervention, and recovery support. Skilled in crisis response, case management, and therapeutic group facilitation, with a strong ability to empower individuals navigating substance use disorders and concurring mental health challenges. Adept at leveraging professional training and lived experience to build trust, foster resilience, and create supportive environments that promote hope and positive change.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sober Living House Manager
Magdalene House
09.2025 - 04.2026
- Maintained a structured recovery environment for 5 residents, ensuring 100% adherence to schedules, rules, and treatment plans.
- Provided 24/7 crisis intervention, resolving 50+ resident conflicts with a 100% safety record.
- Conducted and documented over 100 random drug and alcohol screenings with 100% accuracy under program policy.
- Supported medication self-administration for 5 residents, ensuring correct timing, documentation, and comprehension.
- Completed and maintained all resident documentation—including incident reports, progress notes, and discharge summaries—with zero HIPAA violations.
- Coordinated and transported residents to 12-step meetings, medical appointments, and employment obligations, supporting treatment compliance and stability.
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Mental Health Association Of South Mississippi
03.2025 - 11.2025
- Improved quality of life for 20+ individuals by providing personalized peer support in substance use and mental health recovery.
- Conducted 30+ group sessions on various topics related to mental health challenges, resulting in increased knowledge and coping skills & contributing to a 20% improvement in group attendance rates.
- Enhanced group attendance by 20% through leading 30+ targeted mental health sessions to build coping skills.
- Facilitated access to vital resources for 20+ clients by providing advocacy and tailored referrals.
Employment Training & Placement Specialist
Mississippi Center for Reentry
09.2024 - 02.2025
- Conducted assessments to identify client employment needs and barriers to reentry.
- Collaborated with 25 employers to secure job opportunities for clients in diverse industries.
- Provided ongoing support and coaching to clients throughout the job search process.
- Facilitated monthly workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, and job search strategies.
Success Coach/Career Development Manager
Goodwill Industries Of South Mississippi
10.2020 - 09.2024
- Delivered case management and career development services to 600+ clients annually, achieving a 75% job placement rate across diverse populations.
- Created tailored action plans with set objectives and resources, achieving an 85% success rate in goal attainment.
- Created & implemented a new career development program “Career Compass” for all 200 Goodwill employees, achieving 15 internal promotions.
- Collaborated with MDRS vocational rehabilitation counselors to support clients with disabilities, achieving a 75% permanent placement rate in competitive employment.
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Beacon Behavioral Hospital
09.2009 - 12.2011
- Conducted detailed psychosocial assessments at admission and throughout patient stays to optimize clinical decision-making.
- Enhanced treatment efficacy by collaborating with interdisciplinary teams of 10+ to provide comprehensive mental health care.
- Monitored patient behaviors, administered prescribed medications, and intervened in aggression or self-harm incidents, maintaining a record of 0 incident reports.
- Led daily group therapy sessions for diverse populations, covering coping skills, anger management, substance abuse recovery, and relapse prevention.
- Addressed multiple volatile situations and violent outbreaks, reestablishing the safety and security of patients and staff.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing/Psychology
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS08-2009
Skills
- Behavior modification techniques
- Conflict de-escalation
- Documentation skills
- Patient observation
- Group facilitation
- Case documentation
- Substance abuse experience
- Medication administration
- Safety management
- Professional boundaries maintenance
- Multicultural competence
- Conflict resolution
Certification
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Mississippi Department of Mental Health
Peer Bridger Certification
Mississippi Department of Mental Health Certified Trauma Informed Coach
The Centre for Healing, ID Afa03daO
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health Association of South MS
WRAP I- Wellness Recovery Action Plan Mental Health Association of South Mississippi Standard First Aid, CPR/AED
American Red Cross
Smart Recovery Facilitator
Smart Recovery
SAMHSA SOAR
National Association of Social Workers
Professional Memberships
- NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
- Association of Mississippi Peer Support Specialists
- National Association of Peer Supporters
- Mississippi Reentry Coalition
- The National Association of Reentry Professionals
- Mississippi Formerly Incarcerated Caucus
- Mississippi CIT Association
- American Nurses Association
- NAMI Mississippi
- Board Member - Mississippi Center for Reentry
Timeline
Sober Living House Manager
Magdalene House
09.2025 - 04.2026
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Mental Health Association Of South Mississippi
03.2025 - 11.2025
Employment Training & Placement Specialist
Mississippi Center for Reentry
09.2024 - 02.2025
Success Coach/Career Development Manager
Goodwill Industries Of South Mississippi
10.2020 - 09.2024
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Beacon Behavioral Hospital
09.2009 - 12.2011
Bachelor of Science - Nursing/Psychology
University of Southern Mississippi