Cheryl Thorson
Salem
Summary
Professional advocate skilled in providing comprehensive support to individuals in crisis. Adept in offering emotional support and connecting with clients. Strong team collaborator focused on achieving impactful results and adapting to evolving needs. Known for empathy, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and a results-oriented mindset, and committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
At Home Care Associate
Marion County Health Department
06.2018 - 08.2023
- Remained alert to problems or health issues of clients and competently responded.
- Monitored and assisted residents through individual service plans.
- Monitored and maintained cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assigned station and service areas.
- Collaborated with healthcare team members to develop personalized care plans for each patient.
- Ensured timely administration of medications, contributing to optimal health outcomes for patients.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in caregiving.
- Enhanced patient care by providing compassionate assistance with daily living activities.
- Supported patients in maintaining a healthy lifestyle by preparing nutritious meals according to dietary needs and restrictions.
- Conducted regular safety checks on patients'' living spaces, reducing risks of falls or injuries.
- Assisted patients with personal hygiene tasks, ensuring cleanliness and dignity.
- Improved patient comfort by offering emotional support and companionship.
- Engaged patients in meaningful conversation, socialization, and activity while providing personal care assistance.
- Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
- Provided safe mobility support to help patients move around personal and public spaces.
Victim Advocate
Marion County Prosecutor's Office
02.2015 - 06.2020
- Supported successful prosecution of cases by preparing victims for court appearances, including trial testimony preparation.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive safety plans for at-risk individuals, helping reduce instances of repeat victimization.
- Empowered clients through education on legal rights and options, increasing their understanding of the judicial process and ability to make informed decisions.
- Reduced victim anxiety during court proceedings by providing accompaniment and explaining legal processes in understandable terms.
- Served as a valuable resource for law enforcement officers by providing information on victim assistance programs and services available in the community.
- Enhanced organizational reputation by maintaining professional conduct when representing the agency at meetings, conferences, or public events.
- Promoted community awareness of available victim services through public speaking engagements and educational presentations.
- Assisted crime victims by providing emotional support and guidance through the criminal justice process.
- Increased victim satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing timely updates on case progress.
- Developed supportive relationships with clients by displaying empathy, active listening skills, and cultural sensitivity throughout all interactions.
- Contributed to organizational growth by actively participating in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities related to victim advocacy work.
- Facilitated referrals for mental health counseling or other specialized services when necessary, ensuring holistic care for each client''s unique needs.
- Provided crisis intervention during emergencies involving clients or local community members who were experiencing trauma related to crime exposure or victimization incidents.
- Improved access to resources for victims by conducting thorough needs assessments and connecting them with appropriate services.
- Enhanced communication between law enforcement, prosecutors, and victims by acting as a liaison to ensure information was accurately conveyed.
- Advocated on behalf of clients to secure restitution payments, alleviating financial burdens associated with crime-related expenses.
- Strengthened community partnerships by regularly networking with regional service providers, fostering collaboration in serving crime victims more effectively.
- Supported continuous improvement of program services by actively participating in program evaluations and implementing recommended changes based on feedback received from clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Law Enforcement And Social Science
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, OR06-2026
Associate of Science - Social Sciences
Chemeketa Community College
Salem, OR06-2014
Skills
- Self-motivation and initiative
- Resourcefulness and creativity
- Compassionate care
- Respectful and compassionate
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Multitasking and organization
- Dependable and responsible
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Strong ethics
- Compassion and empathy
- Team collaboration
- Compassionate communication
- Emotional support
- Conflict resolution
Accomplishments
- Documented and resolved multiple issues, enabling a client to live in a smaller group home with more freedoms.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Certification
- PCW - Personal Care Worker
- Sexual Assault Advocacy Training
- Domestic Assault Advocacy Training
- Mediation Certified
- Crisis Training
Timeline
At Home Care Associate
Marion County Health Department
06.2018 - 08.2023
Victim Advocate
Marion County Prosecutor's Office
02.2015 - 06.2020
Bachelor of Science - Law Enforcement And Social Science
Western Oregon University
Associate of Science - Social Sciences
Chemeketa Community College
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