Brenda Stoeckmann
Keene,NH
Summary
Experienced Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor skilled in fostering collaborative partnerships and delivering tailored support. Known for effectively assessing client needs and advocating for reasonable accommodations to ensure optimal outcomes, contributing to successful transitions for diverse populations.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
State of NH, Dept. of Education, Vocational Rehabilitation
Keene, NH
08.2019 - Current
- Develop strong rapport with high school and adult participants in order to effectively support them through the intake process, comprehensive assessments, and identification of key employment factors including strengths, priorities, abilities, and concerns
- Tailor counseling approaches to individual needs so participants may make informed choices around strengths, goals, aspirations, and potential barriers
- Support participants through informed choice to create successful individualized rehabilitation plans for participants based on comprehensive assessments
- Travel regularly to area high schools to work with school staff and provide Transition Services to students
- Collaborate with area mental health agency to provide additional support services for mutual participants
- Collaborate with service providers and community resources to ensure appropriate services and supports are being provided.
- Prepare and maintain thorough and accurate case files and documentation
- Conduct ongoing evaluations to monitor participant's progress and adjust support strategies
- Advocate for reasonable accommodations, supporting clients in overcoming workplace barriers
- Monitored client progress through regular follow-up meetings, adjusting plans as needed for optimal success
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to guide meaningful conversations about goals, aspirations, and potential barriers
- Actively participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices
Child Protection Worker
State of NH, Dept of Health & Human Services, Division of Children, Youth, and Families
Keene, NH
10.2017 - 07.2019
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to evaluate child safety and family dynamics.
- Developed and implemented individualized service plans to address specific needs of children and families.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure collaboration among service providers and stakeholders.
- Provided crisis intervention and support during high-stress situations for families in need.
- Maintained detailed documentation of all case activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with court and agency policies and procedures.
- Maintained confidentiality at all times, adhering to strict ethical guidelines governing the handling of sensitive client information.
- Provided crisis intervention services to protect children from harm or abuse in emergency situations.
- Developed individualized service plans that addressed specific needs identified during assessments, resulting in better-targeted interventions for each child''s situation.
- Investigated home conditions to protect children from harmful environmental areas.
- Conducted ongoing evaluations of case progress, adjusting intervention strategies as needed to ensure optimal outcomes for children and their families.
- Wrote accurate and detailed court reports advocating for the best interests of children in court proceedings, presenting well-researched recommendations for custody or placement decisions.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
Employment Counselor Specalist
State of NH, Department of Health & Human Services
Keene, NH
10.2005 - 07.2017
- Provided career counseling to clients, assessing needs and developing personalized employment plans.
- Conducted workshops on job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation for diverse populations.
- Collaborated with community organizations to enhance resources and support services available to job seekers.
- Monitored client progress, adjusting action plans based on individual performance and feedback received.
- Mentored new team members by sharing insights gained from years of experience in the field of employment counseling.
- Implemented case management system upgrades to streamline processes and enhance overall efficiency.
- Stayed current on labor market trends, enabling informed discussions with clients about potential career paths.
- Managed individual caseloads effectively, ensuring timely follow-ups with clients on their progress.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Buckhannon, WV05-1985
Skills
- Disability knowledge
- Collaborative partnerships
- Client advocacy
- Assessment skills
- Individualized planning
- Case management
- Career planning
- Problem-solving
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Professional ethics
- Interpersonal skills
Timeline
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
State of NH, Dept. of Education, Vocational Rehabilitation
08.2019 - Current
Child Protection Worker
State of NH, Dept of Health & Human Services, Division of Children, Youth, and Families
10.2017 - 07.2019
Employment Counselor Specalist
State of NH, Department of Health & Human Services
10.2005 - 07.2017
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
West Virginia Wesleyan College