.

Kevin

SchraerResume of Kevin Schraer, Recreation and Research Specialist

KEVIN SCHRAER, M.S. PO Box 23761, Tucson, AZ 85734

abp700@r.postjobfree.com * Cellular 618-***-****

Recreation Administrator / Social Sciences Researcher / Social Worker

Summary

Educated and motivated professional with a Bachelors in Social Work, Masters in Recreation Administration, and Doctorate in Education in 2012. I received Thesis of the Year for my research regarding youth recreational needs in an impoverished rural area. My research has been published in The American Journal of Recreation Therapy. I am a strong researcher and have professionally combined recreation and social work since 1991.

Experience

Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Tucson, Arizona 2010 to Present

Recreation Specialist

To provide a wide variety of recreational and leisure programming to federal prisoners which enhances institutional security, relieves stress, anxiety, and tension amongst inmates, while teaching and facilitating cooperation and teamwork. Activities increase physical health due to exercise and mental stimulation due to social interaction. Brought in special guests, including multi-Grammy winner George Winston for a concert and music workshop. Enter, track, and analyze recreational data with computer software. Knowledge and implementation of American Correction Association standards. Conducted research regarding the recreational needs of physically challenged inmates which was used to create programming. Supervision of inmate work crews in recreation areas. Budgeting, inventory, and procurement of recreational equipment.

Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Florence, AZ 2008 to 2010

Recreation Specialist

Created, organized and implemented recreation and leisure programs for individuals at a federal detainment facility. Ability to work with and assist a diverse population of people from around the world with different backgrounds and ethnicity. Knowledge and implementation of National Detention Standards. Budgeting and oversight of physical improvements to teh recreation area. Conducted the first research regarding recreation and leisure within a detainment facility.

Center for Comprehensive Services, Carbondale, Illinois 2008 to 2008

Rehabilitation Counselor

Counseled and assisted individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Created, implemented, and oversaw new recreation and leisure programs with clients. Organized Special Olympics events for individuals with TBI. Evaluated individuals and wrote treatment plans key to successful rehabilitation. Worked closely as a team with other professionals, such as counselors, social workers, neuroscientists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.

The Delta Center, Cairo, Illinois 2006 to 2008

Street Outreach Program Coordinator

Creation, operation, and oversight of a Street Outreach Program which assisted at-risk youth in an impoverished rural area. Particular focus was upon runaway and homeless youth. Successfully wrote two major grants which funded operations. Worked with a diverse population of young people experiencing a wide variety of issues and problems, including abuse, truancy, physical challenges, and lack of adult supervision. Raised funds and purchased an old gym which was renovated and used to serve up to eighty youth per night. Organized sports leagues for youth competition. Regular speaker at national conferences regarding at-risk youth. Provided tutoring, counseling, and mentoring to hundreds of young people. Recruited volunteers and worked closely with other community non-profit organizations.

Good Samaritan Homeless Shelter, Carbondale, Illinois 2007 to 2008

Homeless Shelter Coordinator

Operation and oversight of a non-profit homeless shelter which provided emergency services to those in need of short-term and long-term housing. Met with residents daily to assess needs and monitor progress towards goals. Wrote and implemented treatment plans with residents to pursue goals. Worked closely with community social service agencies to assist residents. Provided counseling and referral of residents for additional assistance including medical, mental health, and physical challenges. Responded to emergencies and crisis situations within the homeless shelter.

Southern Illinois University Achieve Program, Carbondale, Illinois 2005 to 2005

General Tutor

Tutoring and progress monitoring of college students diagnosed with learning disabilities. Assisted students with assignments, studying, presentations, organization, and time management regarding a wide range of college subjects. Met with students individually and as groups to promote effective study habits and successful learning. Interacted with Professors and advocated on the behalf of students to ensure classroom goals were met.

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 2003 to 2004

Researcher

Completion of a year-long study regarding recreational use in the Shawnee National Forest. Surveyed recreational users who visited Lusk Creek Wilderness Area. Entered and analyzed data using statistical software. Made recommendations, suggestions, and wrote a lengthy report to the USDA Forest Service, who used the information I gave them as their current Management Plan.

Cardinal Health Care, Energy, Illinois 1999 to 2002

Nursing Home Administrator

In charge of operating a long-term care skilled nursing facility consisting of services for the geriatric, developmentally disabled, and those diagnosed with mental illness. Knowledge of state and federal requirements and the assurance we were operating within those guidelines daily. Creation of recreation and leisure programs for nursing home residents, including field trips. Meeting and working with families whose loved ones resided at the nursing home. Trained employees regarding conflict resolution and teamwork. Achieved Medicare certification during my administration, which the nursing home had never been able to obtain since it opened in 1974.

New Horizons, Columbia, Missouri 1998 to 1999

Mental Health Case Manager

Social worker assisting individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness to live and participate as an active, contributing member of their respective communities while decreasing the need for psychiatric hospitalizations. Helped clients with money management, counseling, job skills, education, health issues, daily living skills, and medication management. Created and implemented recreation and leisure programming such as art, sports, and music. Held groups in which we would discuss a wide variety of topics including current events, personal hygiene, and social skills.

Missouri Division of Family Services, Columbia, Missouri 1997 to 1998

Social Worker

Coordinated and implemented the services and goals to reunite children in foster care with their biological parents whenever possible, and to arrange the best alternative when that did not occur, such as adoption. Trained individuals to be effective foster parents. Worked closely with other professionals, including juvenile officers, therapists, law enforcement, psychologists, and attorneys. Created and arranged recreational activities for youth in foster care, such as sports leagues. Worked with youth in the Juvenile Justice System.

Colorado Department of Social Services 1996 to 1997

Social Worker Worked with youth in the Juvenile Justice System. Investigated reports of child abuse and neglect. Licensed foster homes and trained foster parents. Provided family reunification services. Worked closely with Juvenile Officers, Police Officers, Attorneys, Teachers, Therapists, and Psychologists. Assisted and supervised children in foster care with participation in recreational activities, particularly outdoor winter activities.

Missouri Division of Family Services 1995 to 1996

Social Worker Worked with youth in the Juvenile Justice System. Investigated reports of child abuse and neglect. Worked closely with Juvenile Officers, Police Officers, Attorneys, Teachers, Therapists, and Psychologists. Licensed foster homes and trained foster parents. Facilitated family reunification of children in foster care when possible. Raised funds for children in foster care to participate in sports, such as Little League.

Dakota Boys Ranch 1992 to 1995

Direct Child Care Staff Supervised and interacted with children diagnosed with mental illness and/or personality disorders. Created treatment plans and goals for youth. Organized and oversaw various recreation and leisure programs. Administered medications as a certified Med-Tech. Assisted youth with the process of problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Emmaus Homes 1991 to 1992

Direct Care Staff Supervised and interacted with residents diagnosed with severe mental challenges in a home-like setting. Administered medications to residents. Created and implemented personal goals with residents. Organized recreational events for residents.

United States Army 1988 to 1991

Infantryman Combat veteran of Desert Storm with 101st Airborne. Stationed in Goppingen Germany and Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Squad leader of a mortar platoon.

Education

Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona 2012

Ph.D., Education

GPA: 3.8. Actively pursuing a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis on Behavioral Health. I am currently at the top of my class. My dissertation is in regards to how exercise affects the brain.

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 2007

M.S., Recreation Administration

GPA: 3.5. I received a Masters degree in Recreation Administration and was awarded Thesis of the Year.

Lael College, St. Ann, Missouri 1994

B.S., Social Work

GPA: 3.8. I received a Bachelors in Social Work and graduated near the top of my class.

Skills Supervision, leadership, and training of team members. Proficient with Microsoft Office and SPSS statistical software. Ensure compliance with organizational policy, state rules, and federal regulations. Budgeting, financial forecasting, procurement, and grant writing. Recruitment and retention of participants and community support. Effective communication and building of interpersonal relationships. Strong research abilities to assess needs, improve programming, and discover the interconnectedness of variables. Passionate about helping others, honored to be a part of the journey, and thrilled to watch others improve and succeed.

Publications

"Leisure time activities, free time boredom, and aggressive behavioral tendencies among at-risk youth in a poverty area: Implications for recreational therapy." American Journal of Recreation Therapy. Weston, MA: Weston Medical Publishing, November 2010, 35-47. The primary purpose of this study was to examine sociobehavioral characteristics [ie, leisure time activities, free time boredom (FTB), and aggressive behavioral tendencies] of at-risk youth in an area of general poverty. The participants of this study were attendees of an after-school program provided by a local social service agency, and the majority of the participants was African American (n = 75, 87.2 percent). This study examined their leisure participation patterns as well as barriers to leisure participation and desired facilities in the area. This study also revealed the participants' perceived FTB level and aggressive behavioral tendencies. This article, lastly, suggests guidelines for therapeutic recreation practitioners who work with youth at-risk in poverty areas.

Affiliations

Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, 2009

Training

CPR and First Aid, March 2011

Honors

Thesis of the Year, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois. Thesis of the Year Recipient for my research regarding recreational needs of at-risk youth in an impoverished area.

Volunteer

Higher Ground After School Program, Tucson, Arizona 2010 to Present

Recreational Administrator and Tutor

Volunteer with the Higher Ground After School Program which has partnered with Tucson Unified School District. Higher Ground serves at-risk youth in southwest Tucson who need mentoring, tutoring, socialization, and physical activity. The young people we work with tend to stay in school, raise their grades, experience less violence, learn teamwork through sports, and pursue college.

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