BERTIA SWANS
Buffalo,New York
Summary
Experienced in coordinating community events that cater to clients who have mental health and substance abuse issues. Experienced in youth and elderly programming. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Results-focused management skills with a proven ability to build trust and rapport. Strategic planner and clear communicator with an adaptable approach. Adept at managing concurrent objectives to promote efficiency and influence positive outcomes.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Housing Specialist
Western New York Of Independent Living
Niagara Falls, NY
10.2022 - Current
- Identify housing opportunities for individuals who are in need of housing in order to leave a nursing home, as well as for those who have unstable housing after leaving a nursing home.
- Monitors progress towards service plan goals.
- Seek out affordable housing options and residences for people in need.
- Develops and implements strategies to enhance quality of social services.
- Assists eligible Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) participants through all steps necessary for enrollment, including filling out housing applications, obtaining household goods and / or support for moving expenses, arranging unit inspections etc.
- Conducts follow-up after subsidy is initiated, including but not limited to, verifying occupancy of unit and continued eligibility for program.
- Track and report on all activities using New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) statewide project database/ Welligent
- Work to identify landlords, public housing and private housing in the region which may be suitable for individuals enrolled in the OHS program in the future.
Program Director
Total Package Sports
Buffalo, NY
10.2021 - 10.2022
- Worked with leadership to set strategic goals and objectives for the program.
- Achieved the goal of assisting in writing and obtaining a state grant.
- Managed day-to-day operations of the basketball summer camp.
- Monitored program performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Developed and implemented program evaluation systems to assess program impact.
- Supervised program staff, managing and evaluating performance to provide high-quality services to program participants.
- Facilitated programming by coordinating resources and deliverables between departments.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to promote program awareness and participation.
- Established program policies and procedures to comply with regulatory requirements.
- Oversaw staff schedules and assignments to handle programming demands.
- Networked, organized and obtained guest speakers for the program.
- Recorded and provided all students and mayor summer youth workers with program documentation.
- Supervised mayor summer youth workers.
- Supervised media programming team and provided feedback to drive quality programming.
Activities Coordinator
Orchid Adult Day Care Center
Tonawanda, NY
10.2021 - 10.2022
- Collaborated with other team members and plans special trips and activities for seniors.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to plan daily activities and operations to meet targets.
- Implemented a comprehensive activity program to correspond with the needs and interests of participants.
- Researched ideas for programs and activities, utilizing participants' suggestions and feedback to align with delivery objectives.
Peer Support Specialist
WNYIL Renewal Center Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
01.2021 - 09.2021
- Maintained strict data confidentiality and privacy on information related to individuals.
- Shared details regarding recovery and wellness principles focused on helping others struggling to stay focused on personal recovery journeys.
- Assisted others through dynamic relationships built on trust and utilized effective listening and interpersonal skills.
- Instilled hope by promoting positive self-disclosure and actively listening to client needs.
- Helped individuals overcome discrimination, stigmas and trauma by providing encouragement and community resources.
- Delivered compassionate care to increase comfort and psychological, social and spiritual well-being.
- Empowered clients to tackle challenging situations with better and more diverse coping skills.
Housing Intake Specialist/ Outreach Navigator
Restoration Society
Buffalo, NY
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Identified and enforced best practices to bolster operational efficiency and prioritize tasks.
- Meeting with persons in a housing crisis to determine the primary need and urgency of the crisis.
- Provide comprehensive housing assessments for the HMIS system.
- Assist individuals with application procedures.
- Developed practical lines of communication to become relatable to individuals from all walks of life.
- Collect all documentation from clients practicing guidelines within the Privacy Act and HIPAA laws.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Organized and Participated in Marketing Events.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Offered personalized support to individuals needing HARP services, helping connect each with available resources and relevant team members.
- Publicized HARP program via multifaceted outreach strategies targeted on improving information and participation.
- Increased referrals by calling on target groups, organizations and professionals.
Community Engagement Coordinator/ Family Partner
Community Action Organization Of Erie County
Buffalo, NY
11.2017 - 09.2019
- Collaborated with and incorporated community-based programs to meet various needs and monitored each program's effectiveness...Mayor Summer Youth and YDC Programs.
- Consulted with local government representatives to understand community needs and strategize response plans.
- Reinvented a successful Senior Program.
- Planned and executed many community events and workshops.
- Supervised a staff of 7 employees.
- Responsible for timesheets, monthly reports, and transportation.
- Along with programming for the JFK, Edward Saunders, Angola Southtowns and The Pratt Willer Community Centers.
- Liaison between families and community resources.
- Record keeping, home visits, bridged the gap between teachers and parents.
Education
High School Diploma -
Kensington High School
Buffalo New YorkSkills
- Creative and Innovative
- Reliable and Professional
- Excellent Customer Service
- High Motivated &Organized
- Team Player & Self Starter
- Data Collection And Entry Confidential Data Protection
- Senior Programming Community Outreach And Recruiting
- Collaborating And Partnerships
- Special Event Planning/Event Coordination
- Cultural Awareness
- Volunteer Work With Prominent Political Influencers
Business
Owner and operator of Soulz Journey LLC &
Godsbeauty Braiding LLC
Timeline
Housing Specialist
Western New York Of Independent Living
10.2022 - Current
Program Director
Total Package Sports
10.2021 - 10.2022
Activities Coordinator
Orchid Adult Day Care Center
10.2021 - 10.2022
Peer Support Specialist
WNYIL Renewal Center Buffalo
01.2021 - 09.2021
Housing Intake Specialist/ Outreach Navigator
Restoration Society
08.2020 - 08.2021
Community Engagement Coordinator/ Family Partner
Community Action Organization Of Erie County
11.2017 - 09.2019
High School Diploma -
Kensington High School
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