Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Austin Kelso

Des Plaines,Illinois

Summary

Dedicated Social Worker & Senior Employment Specialist who provides exceptional professional care and implements appropriate interventions. Utilizes variety of resources to identify unique needs and assist vulnerable populations. Adept at establishing strong rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Employment Specialist

Josselyn
06.2023 - Current
  • -Managed a caseload of 35 disabled clients of all ages seeking assistance with joining the workforce.
  • -Collaborated with the Division of Rehabilitative Services to ensure clients were receiving the highest level of support. -Successfully followed the blueprint to success provided by the IPS model.
  • -Assisted clients with job leads, mock interviews, career profiles, and developing overall skills to successfully find employment and retain it.
  • -Supported the Employment Specialists in the department by instructing them on completing IMCANs and vocational assessments.
  • -Made community connections with businesses to place clients in positions that make them feel comfortable and successful in the workplace.

Director of General Assistance

Maine Township
11.2019 - 06.2023
  • -Managed the General Assistance Department of 5 full-time staff, administering financial aid to 335 residents, monthly.
  • -Presented the annual General Assistance budget of $700,000 for approval by the Township Supervisor, Board of Trustees, and Township constituents.
  • -Compiled monthly statistics of residents serviced and the assistance provided in order to forecast future financial expenditures.
  • -Administered the Township General Assistance (welfare) program following laws, rules and regulations of the State of Illinois Public Aid Code and adopted TOI (Township Officials of Illinois) General Assistance Handbook.
  • -Stayed up to date on new laws and practices introduced to the General Assistance program and interpreted the General Assistance program as it related to the individual needs of the township’s residents.
  • -Successfully revamped the MaineLines transportation program resulting in more residents qualifying for this reduced fare service.

Maine Stay Youth & Family Services Office Manager

Maine Township
08.2016 - 11.2019
  • -Customer service representative to the therapist’s and psychiatrist’s clients, managing the different personalities of all clients.
  • -Introduced new payment software to better balance all incoming payments from all clients.
  • -Processed the clients insurance ensuring a portion of their charge is covered.
  • -Clerical and administrative work.
  • -Processed sensitive paperwork and developed a filing system for the department ensuring confidentiality of the client’s files.

Seasonal Deputy Assessor

Maine Township
05.2016 - 08.2016
  • -Assist residents appeal their property taxes in the hope of getting the amount lowered by researching similar property’s tax levels.
  • -Helped residents apply for property tax exemptions to lower their property tax amount (Home Owners Exemption, Senior Exemption, Disabled Veterans Exemption, and the Senior Freeze).
  • -Handled and packaged necessary documentation to be sent to the Cook County Assessor.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - English

Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL
01-2014

Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts

Oakton Community College
Des Plaines, IL
01-2012

Skills

  • Communication
  • Problem Resolution
  • Attention to Detail
  • IMCANs Software Proficiency
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Quality Assurance

References

Ravi Kalani

Josselyn Center

Manager of IPS/Employment Services

630-561-0401


Laura J. Morask

Former elected Supervisor of Maine Township

Law Office at 713 Devon Avenue Park Ridge, IL

312-391-7491


Susan Moylan-Krey

Elected Assessor of Maine Township

1700 Ballard Rd. Park Ridge, IL

847-977-8710

C21smoylan@msn.com


Doriene Prorak

Assistant to the Supervisor of Maine Township

1700 Ballard Rd. Park Ridge, IL

847-489-7722


Keli Stonitsch

Human Resources Maine Township/MNASR

1000 Civic Center Dr. Niles, IL

847-588-8000

Timeline

Senior Employment Specialist

Josselyn
06.2023 - Current

Director of General Assistance

Maine Township
11.2019 - 06.2023

Maine Stay Youth & Family Services Office Manager

Maine Township
08.2016 - 11.2019

Seasonal Deputy Assessor

Maine Township
05.2016 - 08.2016

Bachelor of Arts - English

Roosevelt University

Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts

Oakton Community College

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Austin Kelso