Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Chez Thomas

Worcester,MA

Summary

Culturally competent worker with a proven history of working with clients from diverse backgrounds. Quickly implements patient-centered techniques to resolve crisis situations. Skilled in developing and implementing treatment plans. To become an expert in implementing therapeutic programs to protect staff and clients involved in mental health.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

CRISIS WORKER

Community Health Link
07.2024 - Current
  • Conducted follow-ups with clients to determine the need for extended assistance.
  • Supported clients in developing coping skills.
  • Used active listening and collaborative problem-solving daily to connect with patients and address concerns.
  • Interviewed clients, reviewed records, and conducted assessments to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.
  • Collaborated with mental health professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to increase client engagement in treatment.

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

A1 Autism
05.2024 - 10.2024
  • Collaborated with BCBA in reviewing treatment approaches and guided parent behavioral modification techniques during bi-weekly supervision.
  • Observed, monitored, and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs, and anecdotal notes.
  • Trained clients to apply appropriate social skills and behavior modification techniques.
  • Developed and implemented reinforcement systems to encourage positive behaviors.
  • Intervened with clients' challenging behaviors by reinforcing therapeutic alternatives and coping mechanisms.

CLINICAL INTERN

NORTHERN REGIONAL HOMES
08.2023 - 07.2024
  • Worked with non-verbal clients between the ages of 6-21 years old.
  • Trained staff members on reinforcement and strategies and coaching where necessary to implement these strategies
  • Presented progress reports to the client's caregivers and social workers and collaborated with them to address concerns as long it is in the client's best interest.
  • Implemented Eleven treatment modalities for aggression, self-harming, and social skills, obsessive-compulsive behaviors to achieve positive outcomes for patients while working under the direct supervision of the clinical director.
  • Provided quick crisis intervention strategies to assist clients with emergencies.
  • Observed patients under care conditions to help identify symptoms, treatment responses, and progress with goals.
  • Created and reviewed ABA training materials under the direction of the learning and development team.

SUPERVISOR DIRECT CARE PROFESSIONAL

STARR Program
03.2019 - 07.2024
  • Provided compassionate and patient-focused care to approximately 26 clients between the ages of 4-12 years to accomplish therapeutic goals such as pro-social skills, independent living skills, and anger management.
  • Trained staff members on state policy and procedures; and guided the required individualized therapeutic requirements of the facility under the direction of the Program Manager.
  • Kept clients engaged in social networks and communities for personal health and growth.
  • Arranged transportation and accompanied patients to doctors' offices and errands.
  • Followed nutritional plans to prepare optimal meals.
  • Observed behavior and emotional responses of clients to address concerns and protect each person from harm.
  • Monitored clients to assess and report physical and behavioral changes to supervisors.

ASSISTANT PROGRAM MANAGER

STARR Program
03.2019 - 05.2020
  • Assisted in coordinating, planning, creating, and developing the program's daily schedules, and administering specific activities, incentives, or behavioral plans
  • Assisted in establishing evaluation criteria to measure the program's success, identify areas/plans for improvements, and enhance ongoing program objectives
  • Oversaw staff schedules and assignments to handle programming demands.
    Supervised staff, and managed staff schedules, and time off leave requirements
  • Facilitated staff training and held staff meetings to review policies and behavior plans
  • Collaborated with the Clinician and Case Manager to address the client's needs and review their progress and behavior plans
  • Participated in investigations such as allegations that may warrant disciplinary actions per the organization's and external entities' policies.

Direct Care Professional – Girls Residential Program

Devereux Therapeutic Care Massachusetts, USA
07.2017 - 03.2019
  • Provides a therapeutic environment for the program's female clients, aged 13-20.
  • This is done by improving behavior through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies praising, teaching clients pro-social skills, implementing other techniques to meet their treatment goals, collecting data on behavior, and tracking the performance of targeted behavior—coordinating activities for recreational, educational, and treatment purposes
  • Assisted patients with dressing, grooming, and feeding needs, helping to overcome, and adapt to mobility restrictions.
  • Kept clients engaged in social networks and communities for personal health and growth.
  • Assisted patients with daily chores and errands by transporting them to appointments, cleaning personal spaces, and purchasing supplies.

Corporate Planner

MINISTRY OF CULTURE, GENDER, ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORT (MCGES), JAMAICA
03.2016 - 06.2017
  • Conducted yearly and quarterly sensitization sessions about the Corporate Planning Process within the Ministry;
  • Prepared reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations of the 20 entities' programs and projects as required to decision-makers.
  • Evaluated existing plans, processes, and objectives on programs and projects conducted by the 20 entities to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Supported senior leadership by developing monthly status reports on the Ministry's programs related to planning, resourcing, and risk mitigation strategies required to achieve annual goals.
  • Conducted quarterly verification checks to ensure that program objectives meet the expectations of targeted beneficiaries in society.

Performance Monitoring Officer

MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (MLGCD): STRATEGIC POLICY, PLANNING AND REFORM UNIT, (JAMAICA)
04.2013 - 06.2017
  • Organized and convened Quarterly Performance Review Sessions and developed action items on matters that arose from each Performance Review Session
  • Prepared and delivered Quarterly Performance and Annual Performance Reports;
  • Conducted research to facilitate the development of performance indicators for Homelessness, Infirmaries, Community Development, and Fire and Safety Programs
  • Participated in the development of the Land and Homelessness Policies.

Public Relations Officer

MLGCD: COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL EVENTS UNIT, (JAMAICA)
01.2013 - 04.2013
  • Wrote press releases for routine use and crisis management.
  • Executed social media plans to create a cohesive online presence.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with media representatives to secure widespread coverage and feature stories.
  • Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to identify key messages and create compelling content for press releases and other materials.
  • Drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting brand image, and worked with news media to spread positions.

Access Officer

MLGCD: DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION UNIT; AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION UNIT (JAMAICA)
08.2012 - 01.2013
  • Gained a strong understanding of various methods for cataloging books and other materials.
  • Maintained accurate records and confidentiality of library books and periodical inventory.
  • Processed the public request for information applications to provide access to library services.

Director, Administration, and Asset Management

MLGCD: ADMINISTRATION AND ASSET MANAGEMENT UNIT (JAMAICA)
06.2011 - 07.2012
  • Submitted monthly and quarterly reports to higher management about the accomplished goals and tasks of the unit;
  • Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
  • Observed each employee's strengths and initiated a mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring, and training of team members.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing, and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.

Performance Monitoring Officer

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER – DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT: STRATEGIC POLICY, PLANNING AND REFORM UNIT (JAMAICA)
01.2010 - 06.2011
  • Prepared reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to decision-makers.
  • Evaluated existing plans, processes, and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Conducted research and identified best practices to facilitate the development of performance indicators and targets for portfolio entities;
  • Worked closely with the Leadership to verify program inputs, priorities; and performance criteria of portfolio entities.

Education

Master of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis Techniques

Devereux Foundation
Rutland, MA
02.2025

Master of Science - Psychology (Applied Behavioral Analysis)

Purdue Global University
Indianapolis, IN
01.2022

Bachelor of Science - Psychology/Management Studies

University of The West Indies (U.W.I)
Jamaica, West Indies
01.2005

Certificate - Public Administration

Management Institute For National Development (M.I.N.D)
Jamaica, West Indies
01.1999

Skills

  • Crisis interventions
  • Patient relationship management
  • Case management
  • Community referrals
  • Behavioral management
  • Behavior modification
  • Applied behavior analysis
  • SWOT analysis
  • Strategic thinking
  • Regulations and compliance
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Facility management
  • Staff performance assessments

Affiliations

  • Psi Chi International Honors Society

Certification

CPR

MAP trained

Timeline

CRISIS WORKER

Community Health Link
07.2024 - Current

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

A1 Autism
05.2024 - 10.2024

CLINICAL INTERN

NORTHERN REGIONAL HOMES
08.2023 - 07.2024

SUPERVISOR DIRECT CARE PROFESSIONAL

STARR Program
03.2019 - 07.2024

ASSISTANT PROGRAM MANAGER

STARR Program
03.2019 - 05.2020

Direct Care Professional – Girls Residential Program

Devereux Therapeutic Care Massachusetts, USA
07.2017 - 03.2019

Corporate Planner

MINISTRY OF CULTURE, GENDER, ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORT (MCGES), JAMAICA
03.2016 - 06.2017

Performance Monitoring Officer

MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (MLGCD): STRATEGIC POLICY, PLANNING AND REFORM UNIT, (JAMAICA)
04.2013 - 06.2017

Public Relations Officer

MLGCD: COMMUNICATIONS AND SPECIAL EVENTS UNIT, (JAMAICA)
01.2013 - 04.2013

Access Officer

MLGCD: DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION UNIT; AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION UNIT (JAMAICA)
08.2012 - 01.2013

Director, Administration, and Asset Management

MLGCD: ADMINISTRATION AND ASSET MANAGEMENT UNIT (JAMAICA)
06.2011 - 07.2012

Performance Monitoring Officer

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER – DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT: STRATEGIC POLICY, PLANNING AND REFORM UNIT (JAMAICA)
01.2010 - 06.2011

Master of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis Techniques

Devereux Foundation

Master of Science - Psychology (Applied Behavioral Analysis)

Purdue Global University

Bachelor of Science - Psychology/Management Studies

University of The West Indies (U.W.I)

Certificate - Public Administration

Management Institute For National Development (M.I.N.D)
Chez Thomas