Communication Support Specialist
Resume:
Sonya Sherrod
New Haven, CT *************@*******.*** 203-***-****
OBJECTIVE
To secure a position that will allow me to utilize my skills in a professional setting conducive to personal growth. Authorized to work in the US for any employer
EXPERIENCE & LEADERSHIP
Continuum of Care, New Haven, CT - Communication Support Specialist May/2021 - PRESENT
● Establishes rapport and positive working relationships with clients while maintaining professional ethics and boundaries.
● Supports client’s integration into the community providing resources for clients that enable them to secure and maintain affordable housing. Maintains regular contact with clients as defined.
● Coordinates and assists clients with referrals, obtaining and maintaining entitlements, money management, treatment, medical care, transportation, housing, wellness/nutrition, legal services, education and employment, etc.
● Develops, implements, and monitors person-centered plans with the client in all aspects of care, up to and including the intake and discharge processes.
● Enhances a client’s independent living skills by assessing and providing various modalities of teaching and assistance (e.g. modeling, prompting, hands-on assistance).
● Assists the client in identifying potential barriers to achieving his/her aspirations and goals, and links the client to appropriate services to address these obstacles.
● Meets regularly with each client to review progress, mental health stability, upcoming appointments and activities, and discharge planning when appropriate.
● Conducts regular apartment/room inspections and assists the clients in maintaining the cleanliness of their living spaces which may require hands-on assistance.
● Develops and maintains working relationships with families, natural supports, and external providers and advocates on behalf of clients as necessary.
● Facilitates/co-facilitates psycho-educational groups as indicated.
● As applicable, administers breathalyzer tests and urinalysis samples.
● Supervises, monitors, and documents self-administration of client medications as applicable.
● Attends and participates in staff and All-Treater’s meetings, rounds, and supervision.
● Provides additional case management support to the Housing First & Pilots staff and clients as needed. Family Support Group, New Haven, CT — Case Manager January/2012 - March/2021
● Interact with the internal Client Care team.
● Participation in staff meetings and briefings.
● Interact with case managers from the Southwestern CT and South-Central CT Agencies on Aging (SWCAA and SCCAA, respectively).
● Regular communications via telephone, email and in person with all points of contact.
● Conduct daily client visits, scheduled and unannounced.
● Engage in interactions with clients, client’s family members and caregiving staff that foster trust and facilitate change processes as necessary.
● Establish and maintain professional relationships and clear boundaries with clients, their family members and caregiving staff.
● Perform formal evaluations to accurately determine if client needs are being addressed appropriately regarding psycho/social and physical status and environmental conditions.
● Review and monitor plans of care to include revisions as client’s needs change.
● Perform formal evaluations to accurately determine if our clients’ needs are being met appropriately as they relate to the abilities and skill levels of caregiving staff.
● Provide one-on-one education and coaching during on-site visits to assure the highest level of care, service and safety while maintaining compliance with government regulations.
● Embrace caregiving staff providing a responsive point of contact as well as provide on-going support, guidance and mentoring.
● Timely communication with appropriate staff regarding client or caregiving staff issues that require attention/resolution.
● Open new assignments to include conducting evaluations, developing plans of care, orienting caregiving staff
● Assist with introducing and orienting new caregivers on existing client assignments.
● Occasional assistance with transportation of caregivers and clients
● Utilize company vehicle for transportation, occasional use of personal vehicle
● Submit timely and accurate case notes.
● Complete required reporting to comply with state standards and company policies
● Other duties and responsibilities as needed.
Ability Beyond, New Haven, CT -Recovery support specialist April/2009 - November/2011
● Assisting clients in finding integrated, competitive employment.
● Network to identify opportunities in the individual's preferred field through job developing
● Provide supplemental training for the clients on the job
● Support to help clients maintain their employment.
● Goal setting, resume writing, interview skill building, and soft skills and job coaching,
● Provide transportation to clients to job sites for interviews in a safe manner.
● Consistently and accurately completing all required Ability Beyond and funder documentation to expected standards.
● Provide ongoing follow up for each job placement including site visits and arranged meetings away from work sites.
● This is a great opportunity for someone looking to get into human services, recent college graduates, someone looking for a non-office-based role, or anyone looking for a career change! EDUCATION
Gateway Community College, New Haven, CT, Associates in Science of Drug and Rehabilitation - 2018 - 2020 SKILLS
● Documentation skills
● Analyzing information
● Decision making
● Research skills
● Verbal communication
● Written communication
● People skills
● Resolving conflict
● Workforce development
● Research
● CORRESPONDENCE
● Meeting Facilitation
● Team-Player
● Mental Health support
● Computer literacy
● Record maintenance
● Positive attitude
● Individual / Group Counseling
CERTIFICATES:
● CPR - PRESENT
● FIRST AIDE - PRESENT
Contact this candidate