Carieta Smith
Rome
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Human Services expert with over 5+ years of experience empowering individuals with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities to achieve greater independence and enhance quality of life. Expertise in designing and implementing tailored service plans and skill-building programs that align with person-centered goals. Committed to fostering dignity, inclusion, and personal growth through evidence-based habilitation strategies, with a strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability to meet evolving needs.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Assistant
OPWDD
Rome NY
05.2025 - Current
- Assisted individuals with daily living activities and personal care tasks.
- Facilitated personal hygiene, mobility, and transportation needs of clients, improving their overall quality of life.
- Monitored individual progress to ensure safety and well-being, quickly addressing any concerns that arose.
- Delivered emotional support to clients during challenging situations, fostering resilience and stability.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment for clients at all times.
- Documented client progress and reported observations to supervisors regularly.
- Observed changes in behavior or physical health conditions; reported any concerns immediately to supervisor.
- Assisted with administering medications according to established guidelines.
- Transport clients to medical appointments and events.
Cashier
Turning Stone Casino
Verona NY
10.2024 - 01.2026
- Accepted cash and credit card payments, issued receipts, and provided accurate change to ensure smooth customer transactions.
- Scanned items and processed transactions efficiently at the register.
- Assisted customers with purchases and provided accurate change.
- Managed large cash transactions accurately at the register, ensuring financial integrity and customer satisfaction.
- Adhered to safety procedures while handling cash and products.
- Followed company security procedures for handling large sums of money.
- Answered customer questions and provided information about Casino offerings, enhancing customer experience
Employment Specialist
Kelberman Center
Rome, NY
01.2023 - 05.2025
- Developed employment skills programs to prepare participants for future careers.
- Matched clients with qualified job roles aligned with their skills and interests.
- Searched for qualified job candidates using computer databases, media advertisements or employee referrals.
- Guided clients in exploring job opportunities and career paths.
- Facilitated job readiness workshops to prepare candidates for interviews.
- Collaborated with community organizations to expand resource availability for clients.
- Maintained contact with employers regarding hiring needs, labor law requirements, wage information.
Director Head of Group
YMCA of the Greater Tri Valley
Rome, NY
04.2019 - 09.2025
- Established a safe environment that supported children's physical and mental well-being.
- Supervised children, ensuring safety and engagement during activities.
- Establish positive relationship with children and family.
- Assisted students with after-school homework, fostering a focused environment for academic support.
- Enforced OCFS documentation policies for children aged 6 to 14, ensuring compliance and safety standards.
Direct Support Professional
Upstate Cerebral Palsy
Rome, NY
03.2019 - 01.2025
- Provided support to children with developmental disabilities between ages 13 and 21.
- Supported children facing emotional and behavioral challenges in a therapeutic setting.
- Facilitated goal-setting and coping skill development for children in care.
- Supported individuals with daily living activities and personal care to enhance their quality of life.
- Oversee the safety and well-being of the individuals that reside in the residence.
- Implemented engaging activities to promote client participation and enjoyment.
- Encouraged clients to make independent choices in daily activities.
- Communicated effectively with team members regarding client needs and preferences.
Teachers Assistant
Rome City School District
Rome, NY
09.2019 - 12.2020
- Worked one-on-one with special needs students to help navigate through school challenges.
- Assisted a child one-on-one with diapering, emotional support, and physical needs.
- Supported learning for children ages 6-8 in classroom settings.
- Instruct students in proper classroom procedures and behavior.
- Assisted teachers in preparing instructional materials and classroom activities.
- Supervised children during activities to promote safety and active engagement.
Youth Advocate
Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency Inc
Utica, NY
03.2017 - 12.2019
- Oversaw youth and volunteers during organized outings to ensure a positive and safe experience.
- Supervise children's/youths of different ages ranging from 6 years to 17 years.
- Supported cognitively delayed youth by addressing their individual needs.
- Assist emotional behavioral children/youths. I worked on coping skills and setting goals for themselves.
- Assist with the mobility of physically disabled youth i.e. wheelchair.
- Monitored and maintained the safety of individuals at Developmental Disability Services Offices (DDSO).
- Facilitated board game sessions to enhance social interaction.
- Perform activities with children both indoor and outdoor (arts and crafts, sports).
- Visit different places and supervise/monitor the children on the bus.
- Ensured safe transport of youths to scheduled appointments.
- Assisted with application process for program enrollment.
- Maintain documentation (notes, Intake, shift forms, brief contacts, and other paperwork).
- Led youth outreach programs to promote community involvement and engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY05-2019
Jane Adams Awards -
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY05-2019
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Borough Of Manhattan Community College Of The City University Of New York
New York, NY05-2016
Diploma -
Bronx Academy of Health Careers High School
The Bronx, NY06-2013
Employee of the week -
Rye Playland Amusement Park
2015
Skills
- Patient care
- CPR certification
- Client documentation
- Documentation
- Records management
- Effective communication
- Active Listening
- Emotional resilience
- Supervision
- Fast learner
- Empathy and patience
- Multitasking and organization
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Direct Support Assistant
OPWDD
05.2025 - Current
Cashier
Turning Stone Casino
10.2024 - 01.2026
Employment Specialist
Kelberman Center
01.2023 - 05.2025
Teachers Assistant
Rome City School District
09.2019 - 12.2020
Director Head of Group
YMCA of the Greater Tri Valley
04.2019 - 09.2025
Direct Support Professional
Upstate Cerebral Palsy
03.2019 - 01.2025
Youth Advocate
Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency Inc
03.2017 - 12.2019
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Borough Of Manhattan Community College Of The City University Of New York
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Jane Adams Awards -
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Diploma -
Bronx Academy of Health Careers High School
Employee of the week -
Rye Playland Amusement Park