Cheree Williams
Mount Laurel
Summary
Compassionate Lead Direct Support Professional known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in behavioral support, crisis intervention, and development of individual service plans. Excel in communication, empathy, and leadership, ensuring meaningful support and positive outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SR Program Associate
Bancroft
Mount Laurel
03.2025 - Current
- Provided assistance to individuals with daily activities such as personal care, meal preparation and medication reminders.
- Developed relationships with families of those receiving services to ensure continuity of care.
- Accompanied individuals on outings to promote independence and integration into the community.
- Monitored individuals' behaviors, documented observations, reported any changes or concerns to supervisor.
- Monitored client's well-being, safety, and comfort under physician direction.
- Accompanied or transported clients to appointments, errands and social activities.
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
- Followed care plan and directions to administer medications.
- Tracked and reported clients' progress based on observations and conversations.
- Leveraged database management system to track and report service hours, details of activities and progress on goals.
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
- Assisted clients with maintaining good personal hygiene.
- Helped clients adjust to new lifestyles during periods of incapacitation or recuperation.
- Recorded client status progress and challenges in logbooks and reports.
- Planned and prepared healthy meals and snacks for clients and provided assistance with eating when necessary.
MILIEU MANAGER
NORTH STAR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Anchorage
04.2023 - 02.2024
- Coordinates staff assignments and role models appropriate communication with Nurse/Nurse Manager/Clinical Director as needed.
- Demonstrates an understanding of FTE/staffing ratio and safety requirements; acts proactively to ensure adequate coverage of units while minimizing unnecessary overtime; reviews staff schedule and ensures that call-ins and OT authorization are completed in a timely manner.
- Gives appropriate and timely feedback to less experienced staff regarding patient care duties, documentation, milieu management, etc.
- Ensures unit orientation training to new MHS staff assigned to the floor is completed upon assignment to unit in allotted time span and provides ongoing formal training to less experienced staff.
- Provides immediate supervision and directions to MHS staff as assigned by Clinical Director.
- Completes and provides input for 30-, 90-day, and annual performance evaluations of MHS II staff.
- Consistently demonstrates appropriate and effective delegation, clearly communicating expectations and timetables, routinely proactively evaluating satisfactory completion of tasks.
- Ensures documentation reflects treatment plan goals and provides timely, useful information for treatment plan revision; monitors MHS staff's documentation; ensures patient location log and status-based check sheets are complete and accurate.
- Communicates regularly and discusses issues with other members of the multidisciplinary team regarding patient care concerns while ensuring interventions are based on familiarity with patient history, assessments, and treatment plan.
- Attends change of shift reports if possible, or provides accurate information to the Nurse/Nurse Manager before report.
- Ensures policy is followed during any physical interactions with patients while teaching/role modeling de-escalation techniques and instilling the goal of minimizing all potential escalating interactions and power struggles.
- Displays and monitors unit activities to ensure good boundaries in maintaining professional relationships with patients.
- Developed individual service plans that incorporated evidence-based practices into each client's care plan.
- Implemented behavior modification programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
- Conducted regular meetings with interdisciplinary team members to discuss client progress or changes in care plans as needed.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant policies and regulations related to the milieu setting.
- Participated in professional development activities such as trainings, workshops or conferences related to milieu programming.
MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST LLL
NORTH STAR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Anchorage
10.2022 - 04.2023
- Gives appropriate and timely feedback to less experienced staff regarding patient care duties, documentation, milieu management, etc.
- Ensures unit orientation training to new MHS staff assigned to the floor is completed upon assignment to unit in allotted time span and provides ongoing formal training to less experienced staff.
- Provides immediate supervision and directions to MHS staff as assigned by Clinical Director.
- Completes and provides input for 30-, 90-day, and annual performance evaluations of MHS II staff.
- Consistently demonstrates appropriate and effective delegation, clearly communicating expectations and timetables, routinely proactively evaluating satisfactory completion of tasks.
- Ensures documentation reflects treatment plan goals and provides timely, useful information for treatment plan revision; monitors MHS staff's documentation; ensures patient location log and status-based check sheets are complete and accurate.
- Communicates regularly and discusses issues with other members of the multidisciplinary team regarding patient care concerns while ensuring interventions are based on familiarity with patient history, assessments, and treatment plan.
- Attends change of shift reports if possible, or provides accurate information to the Nurse/Nurse Manager before report.
- Ensures policy is followed during any physical interactions with patients while teaching/role modeling de-escalation techniques and instilling the goal of minimizing all potential escalating interactions and power struggles.
- Displays and monitors unit activities to ensure good boundaries in maintaining professional relationships with patients.
- Coordinated medical appointments and monitored health care needs of clients.
- Mentored new employees on job duties associated with being a lead DSP.
- Encouraged independence among clients while promoting their self-advocacy skills.
- Served as an advocate for individuals receiving services by representing their interests at meetings or hearings.
- Led team meetings to discuss client progress and provide guidance on service delivery techniques.
- Collaborated with other professionals including case managers, therapists, physicians, family members.to ensure comprehensive care plan implementation.
- Assisted clients with developing social skills by engaging them in community activities such as volunteering or recreational outings.
- Provided crisis intervention during emergency situations and de-escalated difficult behaviors when needed.
- Trained new staff members on safety protocols and best practices for providing quality services to individuals with disabilities.
- Supervised medication administration according to prescribed instructions from a physician or nurse practitioner.
MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 11
NORTH STAR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Anchorage
08.2022 - 10.2022
- Educated clients about healthy lifestyle choices, self-care strategies, and relapse prevention methods.
- Assisted in developing action plans for individuals at risk of suicide or self-harm behaviors.
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans tailored to the needs of each client.
- Maintained accurate records of all sessions, including case notes and progress reports.
- Advised families on how best to support their loved ones who are struggling with mental illness.
CASE MANAGER
HEARTS AND HANDS OF CARE
Anchorage
01.2021 - 08.2022
- Collaborated with medical professionals to coordinate treatment plans for clients.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers, lawyers, employers and other stakeholders involved in a client's case.
- Facilitated communication between clients, families, caregivers, social services and other agencies to ensure client needs were met.
- Participated in professional development activities related to case management best practices.
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients in emergency situations.
- Compiled reports on cases and submitted them to supervisors as required.
- Conducted home visits to assess the safety of living environments for clients.
- Provided referrals to appropriate health care providers or other community resources.
- Assessed clients' needs, developed service plans and monitored progress towards goals.
- Participated in regular team meetings and in-house training sessions to boost group effectiveness.
- Assisted individuals with eligibility for available benefits.
RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT COUNSELOR
BIRCHWOOD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Anchorage
02.2020 - 02.2021
- Participated in team meetings to share information on client progress or changes in condition.
- Led recreational activities such as art classes, music programs, and sports events to support therapeutic goals.
- Facilitated psycho-educational groups focused on topics such as anger management techniques or stress reduction skills.
- Monitored medication side effects and reported any changes in behavior or mood due to medications prescribed by psychiatrists.
- Collaborated with other professionals such as psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers to coordinate care for clients.
- Performed crisis intervention duties during emergencies involving suicidal thoughts or violent behavior.
- Attended workshops and trainings related to residential treatment counseling practices.
- Counseled individuals and families in crisis situations to help them cope with their issues.
- Developed discharge planning documents that outline steps needed after leaving the facility.
RESIDENTIAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
AK CHILD & FAMILY
Anchorage
07.2019 - 09.2020
- Engaged in professional development activities to stay abreast of current trends in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.
- Maintained detailed records of sessions including progress notes, daily logs, incident reports and program updates.
- Developed individualized treatment plans for each client that included goals and objectives.
- Implemented evidence-based practices such as discrete trial teaching and natural environment teaching.
- Educated families about ABA principles so they can effectively implement them at home.
- Instructed clients in social skills training techniques such as positive reinforcement, prompting, and shaping behaviors.
- Observed clients during both structured and unstructured activities to identify potential areas for improvement or reinforcement.
- Provided crisis management when needed by utilizing de-escalation techniques such as redirection or calming strategies.
- Conducted functional assessments, collected data, and implemented behavior plans based on assessments.
- Monitored client's progress towards identified goals through data collection and analysis.
- Encouraged positive behavior by providing rewards or praise for desired behaviors.
- Assisted in the development of communication systems using visual supports such as picture exchange systems.
- Provided direct behavioral intervention services to children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
- Attended workshops and seminars related to Autism Spectrum Disorder and ABA best practices.
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
THE ARC OF ANCHORAGE
Anchorage
04.2016 - 01.2019
- Monitored individuals' behaviors, documented observations, reported any changes or concerns to supervisor.
- Developed relationships with families of those receiving services to ensure continuity of care.
- Provided assistance to individuals with daily activities such as personal care, meal preparation and medication reminders.
- Collaborated with other staff members to develop individualized service plans for each participant.
- Assisted individuals with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Provided guidance and support to ensure safety of individuals served.
- Instructed individuals in self-advocacy skills to increase autonomy and decision making abilities.
- Encouraged positive behavior through modeling appropriate responses and reinforcing desired behaviors.
- Accompanied individuals on outings to promote independence and integration into the community.
- Accompanied or transported clients to appointments, errands and social activities.
- Advocated for disabled individuals to foster communication and self-expression and achieve goals.
Group Home Manager
The Tungland Corporation
Phoenix
03.2013 - 12.2015
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Planned weekly menus based on nutritional requirements of each resident and maintained food inventory levels accordingly.
- Conducted initial assessment of clients' needs and determined appropriate services for them.
- Recruited, hired, trained and supervised new personnel within the facility according to state regulations.
- Implemented strategies for conflict resolution between residents when disputes arose.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists to provide comprehensive care services for clients.
- Developed, implemented, and monitored individual service plans to ensure that the clients received quality care.
- Performed daily assessments of client behavior changes or physical health status.
- Participated in meetings with state licensors or other stakeholders regarding program standards and outcomes.
- Provided crisis management interventions as needed to address behavioral issues in a timely manner.
- Served as a liaison between families and guardians and agency staff ensuring proper communication among all parties involved.
- Responded quickly and appropriately to emergency situations by implementing safety measures when needed.
- Organized recreational activities such as field trips or social events for residents in order to enhance their well-being.
Direct Support Professional
The tun
Phoenix
06.2011 - 10.2013
- Encouraged positive behavior through modeling appropriate responses and reinforcing desired behaviors.
- Provided assistance to individuals with daily activities such as personal care, meal preparation and medication reminders.
- Monitored individuals' behaviors, documented observations, reported any changes or concerns to supervisor.
- Accompanied individuals on outings to promote independence and integration into the community.
- Facilitated social interactions between participants and their peers in the community.
- Developed relationships with families of those receiving services to ensure continuity of care.
- Assisted in planning and implementing recreational activities for participants.
- Accompanied or transported clients to appointments, errands and social activities.
- Reported changes in client condition to administrators, facilitating nursing intervention.
- Monitored client's well-being, safety, and comfort under physician direction.
- Used approved crisis intervention techniques in emergency situations.
- Assisted with planning and coordination of activities and outings based on individual needs.
- Provided direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering activities of daily living.
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
- Tracked and reported clients' progress based on observations and conversations.
- Assisted individuals in development of social skills to become integrated in community.
- Monitored health and well-being of clients and reported significant health changes.
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
Education
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
WILLIAM FLOYD HIGH SCHOOL
Mastic Beach, NY06-2010
Skills
- Time management
- Written and verbal communication
- Treatment planning
- Direct Patient Care
- Lesson planning
- Skills development
- Maintaining safe environment
- Meal planning and preparation
- Crisis intervention
- Policy compliance
- Team collaboration
- De-escalation techniques
Certification
- Handle with care
- Verbal de-escalation
- First Aid/CPR
References
- Jessica Reina, Nursing Manager, North Star Behavioral Health, 19077239430, Jessica.Reina@ushinc.com
- Caylyn Adcock Case Manager Hearts and Hands 253-388-6226 Caylyn96@icloud.com
- Victoria Williams Care coordinator Catholic social services 631-740-0227 Vctrlwill@icloud.com
Timeline
SR Program Associate
Bancroft
03.2025 - Current
MILIEU MANAGER
NORTH STAR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
04.2023 - 02.2024
MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST LLL
NORTH STAR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
10.2022 - 04.2023
MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 11
NORTH STAR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
08.2022 - 10.2022
CASE MANAGER
HEARTS AND HANDS OF CARE
01.2021 - 08.2022
RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT COUNSELOR
BIRCHWOOD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
02.2020 - 02.2021
RESIDENTIAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
AK CHILD & FAMILY
07.2019 - 09.2020
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
THE ARC OF ANCHORAGE
04.2016 - 01.2019
Group Home Manager
The Tungland Corporation
03.2013 - 12.2015
Direct Support Professional
The tun
06.2011 - 10.2013
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
WILLIAM FLOYD HIGH SCHOOL