Decarius
McClearn
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
***********@*****.***
EDUCATION
Hampton University, Hampton, V A
Bachelor of Arts earned May of 1999; Inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha-April 1998; Graduated with
honors with 3.3 GPA
Massachusetts School of Law, Andover, MA
Juris Doctor earned June of 2004
OBJECTIVE
To obtain a position at an academic, legal or human services organization that allows me the space to use my knowledge, education, and work experience and presents opportunities for growth and elevation.
OVERVIEW OF QUALIFICATIONS
An Educational, Legal, and Human Services professional who is skilled at research, oral and written communication, public speaking, negation, case management networking with community organizations, and team building. Dedicated to working in challenging and diverse environments and committed enriching and improving organizations.
SKILLS
Kronos, outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe, Lotus Notes, Starfish, Banner, West Law, Lexus Nexus, and Northpoint
EXPERIENCE
Office of Children & Family Services Highland Residential Center-Youth Support Specialist
April 7, 2022-Present
Assist in establishing a relationship of confidence and trust with youth residents. Supervise and guide youth. Create a safe, healthy and therapeutic living environment that supports the acquisition and utilization of pro-social skills for residents. Develop youths’ positive attitudes towards personal hygiene, appearance, manners, work and study habits. Attend case conferences, community and staff meetings. Establish rapport and attempt to allay anxieties and tensions. Supervise and/or assist youth during various work assignments. Assist in establishing and maintaining relationships with youths’ families.
Project More Transitions - Case Manager
May 12, 2021-April 6, 2022
Provide case management services for clients recovering from chemical dependence. Work closely with Dutchess County Probation, Diversion and the Courts to place clients in the proper treatment facility on their way to recovery. Maintain client charts, conduct Psycho-Social Assessments and Risk Assessments. Conduct drug tests on clients during the intake process. Coordinate with doctors to ensure that clients receive continuity of medical care during their recovery. Counsel and advocate on behalf of clients. Certified Moral Recognition Therapy Facilitator and a trained naloxone trained overdose responder.
Dutchess Community College — HSE Program Coordinator
September 29, 2019 – August 31, 2020
Worked closely with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and to develop plans for
program implementation, marketing, and improvement. Oversees instructors.
Compiles, reviews, and prepares data reports for the HSE Program. Conducts
supervisions and quarterly staff meetings for HSE Instructor training and
professional development. Networks with other community organizations to create
partnerships that will benefit the program and community. Coordinate design and
publication of printed materials for the program. Deals directly with the Office of
Student Advocacy and Accountability to advocate for students with behavioral
issues within the program.
Dutchess Community College — HSE Instructor/Coordinator
September 2014 - September 30, 2019
Instructed and prepared students to earn their High School Diploma. Created
engaging lesson plans and contextualized lessons that inspired and edified students
at the Dutchess County Jail. Submitted TASC applications on behalf of students.
Coordinated and planned test dates with BOCES and the Dutchess County Jail.
Newburgh Enlarged School District — Home Teacher
October 2012 - June 2013
Provided tutoring, assignments, and proctored final exams for students in the
school district that were unable to attend class due to sickness or suspension.
Fine Olin & Anderman LLP — Social Security Disability Specialist
October 2012 - December 2014
Maintained a caseload of clients in various stages of the SSA benefits applications
process. Assisted applicants with completing all relevant SSA paperwork and
collect additional information as needed. Assisted applicants with phone or
in-person interviews at the local SSA office.
Finkelstien & Partners LLP — Paralegal
April 2007 - December 2014
Performed discovery work on several pharmaceutical cases that were all settled
successfully. Including settlements for drugs such as Avandia, Lexapro, Neurontin,
and Chantix. Prepared various documents for case resolution and tort claims. Aided
in legal document production by performing complex research of medical
documents, medical terminology, and reverse address searches. Prepared discovery
documents for exchange with opposing counsel. Conducted legal research. Drafted
complaints and various legal motions.
Volunteers of America — Supervisor/Case Manager
September 2004 - March 2006
Provided case management services for homeless clients in order to obtain housing
and employment on their behalf. Maintained charts of clients and conducted
monthly audits of client’s charts. Conducted Psycho-Social Evaluations on clients
to assess health, housing, and employment needs of clients. Supervised staff of
eight case managers and a program of over 200 homeless clients.
Community Affiliations & Awards
Financing Your Freedom, LLC — Chief Operating Officer
Organized and facilitated seminars about financial literacy in the City of Newburgh.
Life Chapel Newburgh — Elder and Sunday School Teacher
Firemen’s Exempt Black Heritage Committee — 2017 Honoree for Community Service
The Grooved Podcast--Co-Host