Professional Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with demonstrated success in vocational and career planning. Strong dedication to client advocacy with proven history of implementing resources to meet individual objectives.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation
08.2023 - Current
Prepare and maintain records and case files detailing clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, and relevant correspondence.
Evaluate diagnostic data to determine eligibility and needed services.
Assist clients in exploring career options and vocational goals.
Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to guide meaningful conversations about goals, strengths, functional limitations, and potential barriers.
Coordinate community resources and secure referrals.
Monitor client progress through regular follow-up meetings, adjusting plans as needed for optimal success.
Maintain thorough case documentation, ensuring accurate records and efficient service delivery.
Administer preliminary and comprehensive vocational assessments.
Conduct labor market research to better inform clients of potential career opportunities.
Advocate for reasonable accommodations, supporting clients in overcoming workplace barriers.
Support clients during both pre-employment preparation and post-placement adjustment periods for long-term success in the workforce.
Actively participate in professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices.
Recreation Therapist
Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation
09.2022 - 08.2023
Increased patient motivation by incorporating creative modalities such as art, music or sports into therapy sessions.
Implemented evidence-based practices to ensure the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
Enhanced patient rehabilitation by designing and implementing customized therapy plans.
Recorded and monitored patient progress to document responses to therapy.
Facilitated group activities to foster social interaction, communication skills, and self-expression among patients.
Facilitated group recreation sessions to promote independent community-based recreation.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care and improved treatment outcomes.
Maintained accurate records of patient progress through regular documentation and evaluation of therapeutic interventions.
Educated patients on creating positive coping skills and healthy personal goals.
Developed schedules of activities and community outings to create expressive outlets for residents.
Served as a liaison between patients, families, staff members, and physicians regarding treatment approaches.
Developed individualized goals and objectives for patients, promoting progress in emotional and cognitive wellbeing.
Conducted assessments to evaluate patient needs and develop appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Created individualized treatment programs in collaboration with physicians and recommended specialist referrals.
Instructed patients in activities and techniques such as writing, music, or art designed to meet specific physical or psychological needs.
7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Independence School District
06.2021 - 06.2022
Evaluated academic skills of each student through verbal assessments, graded assignments, and standardized tests.
Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
Helped students develop academic, social and emotional skills for long-term success.
Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice.
Increased student motivation by incorporating creative projects that allowed students to demonstrate content mastery in various formats.
Assessed student writing using rubrics aligned with state standards, ensuring consistent evaluation criteria across all assignments.
Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing innovative teaching techniques and multimedia resources.
Fostered a supportive learning environment that celebrated diversity and nurtured the unique talents of each individual learner.
Established positive relationships with students, parents, and fellow educators through open communication channels.
7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
St. Joseph School District
07.2015 - 07.2018
Created lessons and materials (alternative formative and summative assessments, interactive notebook uses, graphic organizers, Project Based Learning, whole brain teaching, critical thinking and collaborative activities such as “break out” rooms, and scaffolded reading/writing materials) based on contemporary teaching and learning research.
Practiced established teaching and learning methods (Marzano, Frayer, scaffolding).
Designed and maintained personal classroom website.
Used recorded and interpreted data to assist in goal setting.
Collaborated with content and grade-level teams on long-term planning and goals.
Attended and participated in professional development activities, including independent research, attending content-related conferences, and training in education technology.
Communicated with students, parents and guardians, and other school staff via telephone, email, and in-person meetings.
Managed timely and accurate student performance data.
Education
No Degree - Post-Baccalaureate Educator Certification
Avila University
Kansas City, MO
12-2014
Bachelor of Liberal Arts -
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO
12-2001
Skills
Case Management
Vocational Evaluations
Return-to-Work
Career Counseling & Guidance
Verbal & Written Communication Skills
Service Coordination
Client Needs Assessment
Rehabilitation Treatment Planning
Transferable Skills Analysis
Individual and group counseling
Planning and Coordination
Community Resources
Active Listening Skills
Coordinating Services
Timeline
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation
08.2023 - Current
Recreation Therapist
Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation
09.2022 - 08.2023
7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Independence School District
06.2021 - 06.2022
7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
St. Joseph School District
07.2015 - 07.2018
No Degree - Post-Baccalaureate Educator Certification
Wire Refurbishing Trainee: (AGY Wire Contract) at SC Department of Vocational RehabilitationWire Refurbishing Trainee: (AGY Wire Contract) at SC Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at NC Division of Vocational RehabiliationVocational Rehabilitation Counselor at NC Division of Vocational Rehabiliation