ANDREW DODSON

• Veteran Advocacy and Peer Support: Provided individualized, recovery-oriented peer support services to military veterans and individuals experiencing substance use disorders, utilizing personal experience, professional training, and evidence-based recovery principles to promote long-term recovery, personal growth, independence, and successful community reintegration.
• Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) Group Facilitation: Facilitated structured Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) groups designed to strengthen moral reasoning, personal accountability, decision-making skills, and positive behavioral change. Guided participants through therapeutic exercises, group discussions, and self-reflection activities to encourage responsible decision-making and reduce behaviors associated with substance use and criminal justice involvement.
• Veterans Treatment Court Support: Worked directly with veterans participating in Veterans Treatment Court programs, providing mentorship, recovery guidance, accountability, and individualized support. Assisted participants in navigating court-related requirements, addressing barriers to recovery, accessing community resources, and developing the skills necessary for successful program participation and long-term stability.
• Community-Based Peer Support Services: Delivered comprehensive community peer support services to individuals navigating substance use recovery, mental health challenges, and significant life transitions. Assisted clients with identifying recovery goals, strengthening coping mechanisms, developing independent living skills, and establishing sustainable support networks within their communities.
• Clinical Documentation and Treatment Coordination: Maintained accurate, detailed, and confidential client records, including progress notes, individualized treatment goals, service documentation, and discharge planning information. Ensured documentation reflected client progress, treatment participation, recovery objectives, and continuity-of-care needs while adhering to organizational policies and confidentiality standards.
• Community Resource Coordination and Client Advocacy: Coordinated referrals and connections to community-based organizations, healthcare providers, behavioral health professionals, housing assistance programs, and recovery support services. Advocated for clients by identifying barriers to treatment and connecting individuals with resources necessary to promote stability, recovery, and improved quality of life.
• Substance Use Disorder Education and Prevention: Developed and delivered educational classes addressing substance use disorders, the physical and psychological effects of drugs and alcohol, addiction-related consequences, relapse prevention strategies, and the importance of personal accountability. Encouraged active participation through structured discussions and practical education designed to increase awareness, promote healthier decision-making, and support sustained recovery.
• Outpatient Group and Individual Counseling Support: Facilitated structured group and individual recovery-focused sessions within an outpatient treatment setting, assisting clients in identifying behavioral patterns, addressing substance use challenges, developing healthy coping strategies, and establishing realistic recovery goals. Promoted a supportive, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment that encouraged client engagement, self-awareness, accountability, and continued progress toward recovery.
• Recovery Planning and Client Engagement: Collaborated with clients to identify personal strengths, recognize obstacles to recovery, establish achievable goals, and develop individualized strategies for maintaining sobriety and improving overall well-being. Encouraged ongoing participation in treatment, peer support programs, and community-based recovery resources.
• Professional Collaboration and Continuity of Care: Worked collaboratively with multidisciplinary treatment professionals, peer support specialists, community organizations, and justice-system partners to support coordinated services and comprehensive recovery planning. Promoted effective communication, appropriate referrals, and continuity of care to help clients successfully transition between levels of treatment and community-based support.

Integrated Care of Greater Hickory | 2022–2024

• Peer Support and Recovery Services: Delivered individualized, recovery-oriented peer support services to individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and barriers to independent living. Utilized professional training, lived experience, and person-centered approaches to encourage recovery, promote self-sufficiency, and support long-term personal stability.
• Housing Program Management and Oversight: Oversaw daily operations and administrative responsibilities associated with three sober living residences, supporting a structured, safe, and recovery-focused living environment. Assisted residents with housing stability, program expectations, personal accountability, and the development of independent living skills necessary for successful community reintegration.
• Office Administration and Operational Leadership: Managed essential office operations, including administrative coordination, recordkeeping, scheduling, internal communication, and organizational support. Assisted with streamlining daily workflows, maintaining operational efficiency, and ensuring effective coordination between staff, clients, and community service providers.
• Housing Coordination and Community Resource Development: Coordinated housing-related services and community support initiatives to help individuals secure stable living arrangements and access essential resources. Assisted with referrals for behavioral healthcare, substance use treatment, transportation, employment assistance, and other services supporting long-term recovery and independence.
• Individualized Recovery Planning and Client Advocacy: Supported individuals in developing personalized recovery plans, establishing measurable goals, identifying barriers to success, and strengthening healthy coping strategies. Provided consistent mentorship, encouragement, and accountability to help clients maintain recovery progress and achieve greater personal independence.
• Community Resource Navigation and Service Coordination: Connected individuals with behavioral health providers, housing programs, social service agencies, and community-based recovery organizations. Facilitated communication and referrals to promote continuity of care, reduce barriers to accessing services, and improve client engagement with available support systems.
• Resident Support and Independent Living Development: Assisted sober living residents with navigating everyday challenges, maintaining recovery-oriented routines, strengthening interpersonal relationships, and developing practical life skills. Encouraged personal responsibility, healthy decision-making, and positive community involvement to support successful transitions toward independent living.
• Professional Collaboration and Program Support: Collaborated with organizational leadership, treatment professionals, community partners, and peer support personnel to coordinate services, address resident needs, and support the effective operation of housing and recovery programs. Maintained professionalism, confidentiality, and a commitment to client-centered care throughout all administrative and direct-service responsibilities.

Family Preservation Services | 2022

• Individualized Peer Support and Recovery Assistance: Provided compassionate, person-centered peer support services to individuals experiencing substance use disorders, behavioral health challenges, and barriers to recovery. Utilized lived experience, professional training, and recovery-oriented strategies to promote emotional well-being, strengthen coping skills, encourage personal accountability, and support long-term stability and independence.
• Peer Support Facilitation and Client Engagement: Facilitated structured individual and group peer support sessions designed to establish trust, encourage open communication, and promote meaningful participation in recovery services. Fostered a supportive, nonjudgmental environment that empowered individuals to share experiences, identify personal strengths, develop achievable goals, and build confidence throughout the recovery process.
• Clinical Documentation and Service Coordination: Maintained accurate, thorough, and confidential documentation of client interactions, progress notes, service coordination activities, and recovery-related developments in accordance with agency policies and applicable confidentiality requirements. Supported continuity of care by documenting client needs, progress toward established goals, and referrals to appropriate community-based resources.
• Crisis Intervention and De-escalation: Responded to individuals experiencing emotional distress, behavioral health crises, or recovery-related challenges by applying crisis intervention techniques, active listening, and appropriate de-escalation strategies. Prioritized client safety, emotional stabilization, and a supportive environment while following organizational protocols and coordinating additional assistance when necessary.
• Recovery Advocacy and Community Support: Assisted individuals in identifying obstacles to recovery, navigating available support services, and strengthening connections with behavioral health professionals, treatment programs, and community resources. Encouraged self-advocacy, personal responsibility, and the development of sustainable recovery support networks.

2011–2017 | Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): 11B – Infantryman

Units: 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division | 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division

Combat Deployment: Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Afghanistan | 2012–2013

Military Recognition: Expert Infantry Badge (EIB)

• Military Leadership and Personnel Management: Honorably served six years in the United States Army, advancing to the rank of Sergeant (E-5) and assuming leadership responsibilities within an Infantry Rifle Platoon. Supervised, mentored, and trained soldiers while maintaining high standards of discipline, professionalism, accountability, operational readiness, and mission performance.
• Combat Leadership and Tactical Operations: Led infantry squad personnel during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Directed tactical movements, coordinated team responsibilities, and maintained situational awareness in high-pressure environments while prioritizing personnel safety, mission accomplishment, and effective decision-making.
• Team Development and Soldier Mentorship: Provided direct leadership, professional development, and mentorship to junior enlisted soldiers, emphasizing teamwork, personal responsibility, resilience, and adherence to military standards. Fostered unit cohesion and individual growth through hands-on instruction, performance guidance, and consistent leadership.
• Operational Planning and Mission Execution: Assisted in planning, coordinating, and executing tactical missions, including combat patrols, reconnaissance operations, route assessments, and area security assignments. Evaluated operational requirements, identified potential risks, and adapted mission strategies to changing conditions while maintaining coordination with higher leadership.
• Training and Readiness Management: Conducted practical training and instruction in weapons proficiency, tactical movement, land navigation, field operations, communication procedures, and combat readiness. Reinforced Army training standards and operational procedures to ensure soldiers maintained the knowledge, discipline, and technical skills necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Risk Assessment and Decision-Making: Demonstrated sound judgment and decisive leadership in challenging and rapidly evolving operational environments. Assessed potential threats, communicated critical information, and implemented appropriate tactical responses to support mission objectives while minimizing unnecessary risk to personnel.
• Communication and Team Coordination: Maintained effective communication between squad members, platoon leadership, and supporting personnel to ensure coordinated mission execution. Delivered clear instructions, communicated operational updates, and supported the timely exchange of mission-critical information.
• Adaptability and Performance Under Pressure: Demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and composure while operating in demanding combat environments. Successfully balanced mission requirements, personnel welfare, and operational priorities while maintaining professional standards and effective team performance.
• Military Experience and Veteran Advocacy: Developed firsthand knowledge of military culture, leadership expectations, deployment experiences, and the unique challenges faced by service members. Applied military leadership principles, teamwork, and mentorship experience to establish a strong foundation for supporting fellow veterans through personal transitions, community reintegration, and recovery-oriented services.