Derek Johnson
Motivated and resilient professional leveraging 3 years of sustained personal recovery and proven team leadership experience to excel as a Recovery Specialist. Expert in rapid crisis de-escalation, conflict resolution, and empathetic active listening within high-stress environments. Dedicated to delivering compassionate, trauma-informed care, modeling long-term stability, and supporting clients through behavioral health milestones.
Work History
Line Cook
2 Years 3 Months- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely service during peak hours, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Prepared ingredients and menu items following established recipes and presentation standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations to adhere to health and safety regulations.
- Adapted quickly to changing menus and special requests, ensuring high-quality meal delivery.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Boosted employee morale through positive attitude, willingness to assist others when needed.
Shift Leader
2 Years 8 Months- De-escalated high-stress situations and customer conflicts through active listening and verbal techniques, enhancing customer satisfaction and maintaining a positive environment. [1]
- Mentored, trained, and onboarded a diverse team of 10+ crew members, fostering an inclusive environment and supporting their personal growth. [1]
- Practiced situational awareness and maintained calm body language and a neutral tone of voice during high-stress rushes to keep the environment grounded.
- Provided non-judgmental support and assistance to vulnerable community members or individuals experiencing distress who entered the establishment.
- Guided the team through high-volume, high-pressure shifts by keeping morale high and reducing workplace panic or stress.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, improving overall satisfaction ratings.
- Conducted performance evaluations for staff, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Collaborated with other shift leaders to maintain consistent standards across all shifts, promoting a cohesive workplace culture.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through prompt and courteous service, addressing concerns immediately.
- Enforced company policies and regulations with employees.
- Provided ongoing training for new hires, fostering a positive team atmosphere that encouraged growth and development.
- Resolved conflicts between team members in a professional manner, preserving strong working relationships in the process.
- Developed strong communication skills among staff members by encouraging open dialogue during shift meetings or one-on-one discussions.
Education
GED
Skills
Accomplishments
LIVED EXPERIENCE
Recovery Mentor & Advocate | 3 Years Sustained Recovery (2023 – Present)Overcame Chronic Homelessness: Successfully navigated housing systems and community resources to transition from long-term homelessness to stable, independent living.
Sustained Long-Term Recovery: Overcame a 10+ year history of substance use disorder, maintaining 3 consecutive years of continuous, verified recovery and personal stability.
Navigated Care Networks: Acquired deep, firsthand knowledge of social service agencies, harm reduction models, detox/treatment networks, and community-based support structures.
Modeled Resilience & Transformation: Utilized personal milestones to inspire hope, break down stigma, and demonstrate the realistic steps required to rebuild a life from the ground up.