Latasha N. Stephens
*** ********* ***, *** ****, NY 10024 • 718-***-**** •****************@*****.***
Qualifications Summary and Objective
Program Activity & Engagement Specialist with over 10 Years of experience in Youth Development of foster care affected individuals; with a focus specializing in Young Adults with documented mental illness and cognitive disabilities. Outstanding therapeutic crisis intervention skills. Ability to thrive in high-stress environments whilst paying great attention to detail. Focused on fostering a positive work environment through effective communication, facilitating opportunities for learning and encouraging teamwork.
Skills : Proficient In Microsoft Office, Working with Salesforce, Foothold Technology and comparable platforms. Extensive experience working with youth in foster care, histories of homelessness, and LGBTQ identifying young adults
Formal case management training and implementation of therapeutic responses to behavior plans.
Strong leadership qualities; able to multi-task and ability to complete tasks efficiently. Ability to work well independently as well as on a team
Proficient with Microsoft Office System (including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Publisher and Word Perfect); able to learn proprietary systems/applications quickly and easily.
Professional Experience
The Door- A Center of Alternatives- Supportive Housing, New York, NY
Activity & Engagement Specialist/Administrative Assistant
2016-Present
Curated and executed event activity schedule and curriculum for the entire supportive-housing department, focusing on skills necessary for independent living and successful community integration.
Developed long-lasting professional relationships with outside vendors to coordinate services with program participants.
Perform administrative tasks to support operational function of the program.
Manage and submit all program Requests for Payment. Execute project management activities by taking accountability for project outlines aligned with awarded grants, schedules and budgets.
Plan activities and curriculum that promote positive youth development values, principles and practices.
Provides mentorship and low threshold counseling promoting inclusivity, provides guidance, support and positive reinforcement.
Collaborates with case management team to reinforce individualized service plans.
Resident Assistant
2014 – 2016
Establish rapport with residents to create a culture of consistency and resourceful interventions.
Provides direct supervision of residents during assigned shifts.
Respond and provide crisis intervention and reintegration in programming for residents
Monitor tenants and guest to ensure their compliance with facility norms and expectations
Facilitate groups and activities that promote youth development in the competencies of budgeting, ADL skills, financial literacy, post-secondary education access and employment readiness
Promote job readiness by managing weekly job resource list, provide resume writing assistance, mock interviews, & encouraging professional attire
Post Graduate Center for Mental Health, Bronx, NY
Residential Counselor/ Case Manager
2013- 2014
Provide case-management services to a caseload of 15 or more individuals.
Manage referral process for individual to both governmental and non-governmental community services
Escort individuals to community appointments creating professional relationships with collateral contacts.
Document interactions with individuals and collateral contacts and record progress notes into the Foothold Technology Database
Create and implement Individualized Service Plans and Behavior Plans
Inwood House, New York, NY
Youth Development Counselor
2011-2016
Provide low threshold case management support to expecting and parenting adolescents.
Facilitate Parenting Skills trainings/workshops.
Provide childcare assistance, if deemed necessary.
Advocate for clients in the community
Education and Training
Courses completed towards a bachelor’s degree in social science/Liberal Arts at College of New Rochelle
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certification (TCI)
Certification in Case Management from CUCS
Certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid
Parenting Journey Trainer Certification