CATHERINE N. THOMAS
Summary
Dynamic Workforce Specialist with a proven track record at Educational Data Systems Inc., excelling in customer service and public relations. Adept at creating impactful solutions for employment challenges, I effectively managed casework and facilitated community engagement, resulting in enhanced participant success and satisfaction. Proficient in MS Office, I ensure seamless program operations.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Workforce Specialist
Educational Data Systems Inc. (EDSI)
Lancaster, PA
04.2013 - 12.2016
- Provide workforce development services by assisting promote unsubsidized employment, self-sufficiency and smooth program operations for our government clients in the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Essential Functions:
- Provided individualized assessment of work and referrals to appropriate community service or social service agencies when needed.
- Created solutions to client attendance problems while maintaining their database.
- Assisted in preparation of project participation placement and reports etc.
- Provided consistent and comprehensive case management and follow-up.
- Built a professional one-on-one working relationship with participants to aid in identifying and eliminating challenges that were hindrances to obtaining and retaining employment.
- Ensured participants follow through with planned activities as outlined in contract with funding agencies.
Research & Development Coordinator
The Supply Education Group Inc.
Long Island City, New York
04.2013 - 12.2014
- Provided strategic planning and leadership in implementation of Student Leaders Understanding My slums (SLUMs) curriculum programs for school going youths drop outs. Scope of responsibilities included; operations, program development, travel and boarding logistics, marketing, public relations and community outreach.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Led successful efforts in identifying and selecting potential schools that partnered with the Supply Schools Network in an effort to implement the SLUMs curriculum to students.
- Successfully carried out Participatory Planning Workshops with school’s stakeholders comprising of board members, teachers, parents and students.
- Effectively organized travel, boarding and planning logistics towards the SLUMS curriculum training of about 25 secondary school teachers.
- Facilitated 6 grad students in carrying out Civic Engagement Research with Form One students in 13 community secondary schools, while successfully translating documents from English to the local Swahili language.
- Built a cohesive team environment through training staff/ leadership development and diversity initiatives, which resulted to 6 community secondary schools joining the Supply Schools Network and recording a high student enrollment.
Lead Counselor
Developmental Disability Resource Center (DDRC)
Denver, Colorado
02.2007 - 08.2012
- Joined the organization while attending college and worked as a counselor in provision of both direct care and social services to individuals living with physical, social, and mental developmental disabilities.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Created opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to participate fully in the community, notably the annual summer camp.
- Assisted the Program Manager in periodic training of both existing and newly recruited
- Staff, while ensuring efficient administrative support to other department heads in the organization.
- Chaired strategic quarterly meetings with the Program Manager, staff and other department heads in discussing and evaluation of staff’s performances.
- Provided support to the finance department and ensured smooth running of programs, timely processing of payments and accountability.
- Awarded the 2010 Dynamo Employee Above and Beyond Award in recognition of my attributes demonstrated at work.
Victim Assistant - Internship
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Denver, Colorado
01.2012 - 05.2012
- Worked alongside other victim assistance advocates in educating, informing, and campaigning for victim’s rights in the justice system.
- Assisted with the bi-weekly outreach panel within the Denver Metro Area, whose aim was to address issues facing both victims and offenders after the accident.
- Updated and maintained the communication database.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Criminology, Minor in Sociology & Communication
University of Denver
Denver, Colorado06.2012
Study Abroad -
American University of Rome
Rome, ItalySkills
- Customer service
- Public relations
- Communication
- Organization
- MS Office efficiency
- Office procedures
- Event coordinator
- Travel logistics
Achievements And Awards
- DU’s Study Abroad Ambassador Program, 01/01/11, University of Denver
- Pike’s Peak scholarship, 01/01/10, University of Denver
- 2010 Dynamo Employee Above and Beyond Award, 01/01/10
Organizations And Associations
- Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) - International Sociology Honor Society, Member, 01/01/12
- Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) - International Honor Society, Member, 01/01/09
- Catholic Charities, Volunteer, 01/01/07
- Young Men Christian Association (YMCA), Member, 01/01/00
Timeline
Workforce Specialist
Educational Data Systems Inc. (EDSI)
04.2013 - 12.2016
Research & Development Coordinator
The Supply Education Group Inc.
04.2013 - 12.2014
Victim Assistant - Internship
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
01.2012 - 05.2012
Lead Counselor
Developmental Disability Resource Center (DDRC)
02.2007 - 08.2012
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Criminology, Minor in Sociology & Communication
University of Denver
Study Abroad -
American University of Rome