Christopher Toma
Mechanicville
Summary
Knowledgeable Housing Coordinator with strong foundation in providing housing support and case management. Demonstrated ability to develop individualized housing plans and coordinate with community resources to facilitate client success. Proven track record of using problem-solving skills and empathy to address client needs and improve housing stability.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Housing Coordinator/Case Manager
Mohawk Opportunities Inc.
02.2021 - Current
- Assisted clients experiencing homelessness or housing instability by guiding them through available programs that best met their needs based on individual circumstances.
- Oversaw case management processes, ensuring timely responses to client inquiries.
- Worked with a variety of clients including youth population.
- Facilitated communication between clients and landlords to resolve issues effectively.
- Calculated tenant rent amounts for monthly rental stipends and leases.
- Oversaw housing plans for over twenty clients to promote timely transition to permanent housing and appropriate usage of housing subsidies.
- Conducted home and apartment inspections to identify safety issues and needed repairs.
- Trained in use of the AWARDS electronic health record system.
- Provided comprehensive support services to residents, connecting them with necessary resources to increase selfsufficiency.
- Tracked service activities and outcomes against outlined plans and goals.
- Intervened in crisis situations to obtain support for clients and reduce escalation or recurrence risks.
- Educated young people about strategies for driving discussions and promoting social changes.
- Kept case files updated, accurate and aligned with requirements.
- Monitored client progress, adjusting care strategies based on feedback and outcomes.
- Advocated for client rights and access to essential services within the community.
Direct Support Assistant
New York State OPWDD
11.2018 - 11.2020
- Promote Person Centered Planning, allowing and advocating for the individuals to have important input on all aspects of daily living
- Main advocate for one of the individuals in the residence. Along with my Direct Supervisor, manage the individuals budget, assist with shopping for his wants and needs, manage inventory using the Acumatica program
- Prepare and maintain daily records and notes of individual progress and services performed, reporting changes in individual condition to manager or supervisor
- Trained in use of the cx360 Electronic Health Record programming
- Participate in case reviews, consulting with the team caring for the individual, to evaluate the individuals needs and plan for continuing or changing services
- Transport individuals to locations outside the home, such as to physicians' offices or on outings, using a motor vehicle
- Perform healthcare-related tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and medication, under the direction of registered nurses or psychologists. Medication Administration as mandated and trained by OPWDD
- Notate individuals appointments, transcribing and relaying information to the house Registered Nurse
Community Habilitation Direct Support Professional
Saratoga Bridges
06.2015 - 09.2018
- Maintain weekly Community Habilitation hours with two different high functioning individuals residing in Saratoga County
- Assist the individuals with weekly person centered goals. Goals can include assisting the individual in holding and transferring currency to use in transactions, promoting proper behavior while in the public, making phone calls to family members etc
- Gather input and maintain a relationship with one of the individuals family, come up with ideas for weekly activities and events to participate in
- Input data weekly on THERAP Electronic Health Record
Direct Support Professional
Saratoga Bridges
12.2013 - 06.2018
- Lead assistant in a Behavioral Room of 8 different individuals with a variety of challenges
- Assist all individuals with activities suited to them based on ISP plans. With other room staff run 4 daily person centered goals with each individual
- Participate in daily volunteer outings with the individuals such as donating baked dog and cat treats to various local animal shelters, bake brownies and breads and donate them to local homeless shelters, participate in weekly Meals on Wheels routes
- Sit in during routine ISP meetings with certain individuals and their circle to discuss changes to the plan as needed.
- Input Data daily on THERAP Electronic Health Record
Customer Service & Inventory Logistics
Walmart
08.2013 - 11.2013
- Confer with customers by telephone or in person to provide information about products or services, take or enter orders, cancel accounts, or obtain details of complaints
- Check to ensure that appropriate changes were made to resolve customers' problems
- Refer unresolved customer grievances to designated departments for further investigation
- Answer customers' questions about merchandise and advise customers on merchandise selection
- Receive, open, unpack and issue sales floor merchandise
- Stock shelves, racks, cases, bins, and tables with new or transferred merchandise
Education
High School Diploma -
Mechanicville High School
Mechanicville, NY01.2013
Skills
- CPR & First Aid
- LMSW
- PROMOTE
- SCIP
- Computer Literacy
- Technology Troubleshooting
- Human Relations
- Written Communication
- Case management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Crisis intervention
Timeline
Housing Coordinator/Case Manager
Mohawk Opportunities Inc.
02.2021 - Current
Direct Support Assistant
New York State OPWDD
11.2018 - 11.2020
Community Habilitation Direct Support Professional
Saratoga Bridges
06.2015 - 09.2018
Direct Support Professional
Saratoga Bridges
12.2013 - 06.2018
Customer Service & Inventory Logistics
Walmart
08.2013 - 11.2013
High School Diploma -
Mechanicville High School