Beth Forde
Westchester,IL
Summary
An experienced and strategic non-profit leader who has developed and implemented programming for those with intellectual and physical disabilities, job seekers from under-resourced communities, Veterans, and those facing serious mental illness. Conducts outreach to community organizations with a track record of successful partnership engagement and relationship management. Provides training and education to both job seekers and corporate partners.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Peer Workforce Development
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
01.2023 - 08.2023
- Supervised trainers and apprentices for DBSA's Peer Support Specialist Program and explored Peer Support Specialist Registered Apprenticeship Program
- Led career training and placement services for individuals with mental health diagnoses
- Conducted employer outreach in Chicago and Cook County's BIPOC communities and guided teams on retention service provision
- Developed and revised job readiness training curriculum
- Collaborated with federal and state stakeholders for national and local advocacy efforts
- Developed and implemented cohesive marketing plans to further department and agency initiatives.
Senior Case Services Technician
Disability Services of America
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Provided 'Ticket to Work' career and benefits counseling services to Social Security beneficiaries with Intellectual/Developmental, Mental Health, and/or physical disabilities
- Assisted in developing ADA accommodation plans and provided guidance on compliance to both employee and employer.
Director of Community Employment
Aspire
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Supervised teams of Employment Specialists across Cook, Lake and DuPage County and Southern Wisconsin for a non-profit that supports and provides training, and employment services to individuals with I/DD, Mental Health, and/or physical disabilities
- Facilitated and directed three contracts, including IL Department of Rehabilitative Services and WI Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Responsible for communication with contractors, providing necessary and timely reporting and ensuring quality service provision
- Developed partnerships with community organizations and employer partners to assist them in envisioning and creating a more inclusive workforce and to connect clients with available roles.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Dayton
Dayton, OhioSkills
Team Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Workforce Development
- Program Management and Assessment
- Outreach and Partner Relationship Management
- Education & Training
- Presentation
- Career Readiness & Placement
- HIPAA, EEOC, ADA Compliance and Risk Assessment
- Budget Oversight and Reporting
- Sales, Marketing & Fundraising
- MS Office Suite, Google Workspace
- CRM - Salesforce, EveryAction, Zoho
- Project Management - Trello, Smartsheet
- LMS - Absorb
Education Training
- Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP)
- University of Dayton, Ohio - BS, Psychology
Memberships Partnerships
- NAWDP (National Association of Workforce Development Professionals)
- N.A.P.S (National Association of Peer Supporters)
- SHRM – Society for Human Resource Management
- Workforce GPS - Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
- Chicago Cook County Workforce Partnership
Timeline
Director of Peer Workforce Development
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
01.2023 - 08.2023
Senior Case Services Technician
Disability Services of America
01.2021 - 01.2022
Director of Community Employment
Aspire
01.2015 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Dayton
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