Alicia Southern
North Tonawanda,NY
Summary
Dedicated professional with focus on intellectual disability services, bringing valuable experience in personalized care and support planning. Adept at working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve impactful outcomes. Known for reliability, adaptability, and deep understanding of client needs and behavioral management.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional
WNYDDSO
10.2025 - Current
- Developed individualized support plans for clients with intellectual disabilities, enhancing their quality of life.
- Implemented behavioral intervention strategies to promote positive outcomes in client behavior and interactions.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on best practices in disability support and advocacy techniques.
- Monitored client progress through regular assessments, adjusting care plans to meet evolving needs effectively.
- Advocated for clients' rights and access to resources within the community, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on case management and client engagement strategies.
- Analyzed program effectiveness, recommending improvements based on feedback from clients and stakeholders.
- Established trust and rapport with clients, providing a safe and supportive environment for growth and development.
- Contributed to the development of organizational policies, procedures, and guidelines related to service delivery for clients with intellectual disabilities.
Developmental Assistant III
WNYDDSO
03.2025 - 10.2025
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess client needs and develop tailored intervention strategies.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on effective communication techniques and behavior management strategies.
- Monitored client progress, documenting changes in behavior and skill development to inform program adjustments.
- Developed resources for families to promote understanding of services provided by WNYDDSO.
Developmental Assistant III
WNYDDSO
07.2023 - 03.2025
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on effective communication techniques and behavior management strategies.
- Mentored new staff on organizational policies and procedures, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Maintained detailed records of each client, ensuring accurate documentation of their progress and achievements.
- Developed trustful rapport between myself as a Developmental Assistant and the individuals I provided care for, building an environment centered around respect and understanding.
- Conducted training needs analysis to identify knowledge, skills and competencies required to complete job tasks.
- Implemented creative strategies to engage clients in social activities, promoting integration into the community.
- Led initiatives to improve service delivery processes, enhancing overall client satisfaction and engagement.
Program Coordinator
WNYDDSO
05.2015 - 07.2023
- Built a strong and trusting rapport with the individual's and their families.
- Applied concise time-management to meet deadlines.
- Coordinated program logistics, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Analyzed data to evaluate program effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement and strategic growth.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various policies and procedures.
- Reviewed employee performance and deliver constructive feedback to improve performance.
- Develops and maintains working knowledge of employer guidelines and regulatory rules.
- Assisted in administrative tasks to support community and program initiatives.
- Liaised between employers and employees about employment opportunities.
Developmental Assistant II
WNYDDSO
08.2013 - 05.2015
- Built relationships with interdisciplinary team to facilitate the individual's objectives.
- Partnered with interdisciplinary teams to implement treatment plans.
- Discussed available services with the individuals by outlining procedures to facilitate smooth engagement in program processes.
- Maintained thorough and accurate records outlining program operations and participant progress.
- Observed safety protocols.
- Partnered with Care Coordinators to coordinate programs to deliver high-quality support.
- Recommended improved life choices to enhance the individual's outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to the individual's serviced.
- Produced reports, spreadsheets, and trend forecasts to enhance decision-making processes.
- Implemented individualized support plans to enhance client independence and quality of life.
- Supported individuals with developmental disabilities in daily living activities and personal care.
Developmental Assistant I Supervisor
WNYDDSO
09.2011 - 05.2015
- Assisted upper supervision in providing care for individuals with developmental disabilities and intellectual disabilities.
- Record keeping.
- Medication charting
- Trainings
- Conduct team meeting.
- Conduct staff meetings.
- Staff evaluation
Developmental Assistant
WNYDDSO
10.2007 - 09.2011
- Day to day advocacy
- Guidance
- Provide support in all facets of the individual's life.
- Completing and assisting with ADL's
Education
Bachelor of Science - Clinical Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH11.2024
Ph.D. - Divinity
National School of Theology
Dover, Delaware06.2017
Skills
- Leadership and supervision
- Emotional regulation
- Disability rights advocacy
- Confidentiality adherence
- Individualized support planning
- Networking and relationship building
- Mental health support
- Social skills training
- Multicultural competence
- Data collection
- Ethical practice
- Family engagement
- Progress monitoring
- Community integration
- Communication strategies
- Documentation proficiency
- Transition planning
- Vocational training
- Person-centered planning
- Adaptive skill development
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
- Functional assessment
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Scheduling proficiency
- Data management
- Social integration
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Assessment administration
- Progress evaluations
- Job readiness training
- Cognitive and behavioral development
- Teamwork and collaboration
Timeline
Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional
WNYDDSO
10.2025 - Current
Developmental Assistant III
WNYDDSO
03.2025 - 10.2025
Developmental Assistant III
WNYDDSO
07.2023 - 03.2025
Program Coordinator
WNYDDSO
05.2015 - 07.2023
Developmental Assistant II
WNYDDSO
08.2013 - 05.2015
Developmental Assistant I Supervisor
WNYDDSO
09.2011 - 05.2015
Developmental Assistant
WNYDDSO
10.2007 - 09.2011
Bachelor of Science - Clinical Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University
Ph.D. - Divinity
National School of Theology