COTINA NICELY
Yonkers,NY
Summary
Human services professional with a background in person-centered support, care coordination, and group home operations for children and adults with special needs. Brings experience with assessments, care plan development, staff scheduling, and crisis intervention while maintaining safe, supportive environments and dependable service delivery.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Professional
CENTER FOR FAMILY SUPPORT
10.2025 - Current
- Managed daily operations of a group home for 6 individuals, fostering a supportive environment.
- Provided quality support to individuals, empowering them to achieve personal goals.
- Supported adults with developmental disabilities in community-based family support settings.
- Assisted with personal care, hygiene, and daily living routines.
- Monitored client safety during home, day program, and community activities.
Care Manager
Family Services of Westchester
05.2024 - 10.2025
- Conducted initial and ongoing needs assessments, including Comprehensive Assessment and NYS Eligibility Assessment for HARP, to determine client eligibility and needs.
- Developed and managed comprehensive Plans of Care (POC) to address client needs and coordinate care services.
- Assessed family needs and developed care plans for Westchester clients.
- Coordinated referrals to community resources and supportive services.
- Documented case notes, service updates, and care coordination activities.
Residence Manager
Hawthorne Foundation
08.2021 - 05.2024
- Supervise Hawthorne Foundation residence staff schedules and daily assignments
- Coordinate resident care plans with clinical and support teams
- Managed facility operations for group home serving 6 individuals and Day Hab program.
- Monitor medication administration and health records for compliance
- Processed staff payroll and coordinated shift schedules to ensure adequate coverage.
CARE MANAGER FT
TRI-COUNTYCARE
05.2019 - 02.2021
- Managed and oversaw Care Management facility in the absence of the Supervisor, ensuring continuity of care and support for clients.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client needs across medical, mental health, chemical dependency, developmental disability, and social service areas, facilitating tailored care plans.
- Coordinated care plans for TRI-COUNTY CARE clients across medical and social services.
- Assessed client needs and updated service plans with care team input.
- Referred clients to community resources such as housing, transportation, and support programs.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
UNIQUE PEOPLE SERVICES
01.2015 - 02.2019
- Managed operations for three group homes, coordinating staff scheduling and overseeing payroll processes to support program efficiency.
- Oversaw facility operations in the absence of the Director, ensuring continuity of care and administrative functions within a residential program.
- Assistant Manager in 3/2016-12/2017 (Group Home for IDD and Mental Health)
SENIOR HEALTH CARE COORDINATOR
UNIQUE PEOPLE SERVICES
08.2014 - 12.2015
- Coordinated person-centered care plans for Unique People Services clients and families.
- Reviewed client records for service needs, referrals, and updated care documentation.
- Scheduled service appointments and follow-ups with providers, case managers, and support staff.
- Led operations during interim period to maintain service delivery and support team stability.
MSC-Medicaid Service Coordinator
UNIQUE PEOPLE SERVICES
08.2010 - 12.2014
- Coordinated Medicaid service plans for UNIQUE PEOPLE SERVICES members with developmental disabilities.
- Coordinated nursing care for individuals with developmental disabilities, scheduling initial and follow-up medical appointments to ensure continuity of care.
- Facilitated discussions with patients and families regarding health problems to enhance understanding and support care decisions.
- Communicated with families, providers, and care teams regarding service needs and updates.
- Reviewed eligibility documents and maintained confidential case files for Medicaid recertification.
Direct Support Professional PT-30 Hours over weekends (F-M)
RICHMOND COMMUNITY SERVICES
11.2006 - 06.2010
- Supported individuals with developmental disabilities in Richmond Community Services residential homes.
- Assisted and participated in implementing individual program plans to support personal development.
- Responded to emotional needs of individuals by facilitating social interactions and fostering a caring, supportive environment.
- Assisted with daily living tasks, hygiene routines, and meal preparation.
- Monitored client safety and followed behavior support plans.
Special Needs Coordinator
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
09.2001 - 07.2006
- Coordinated special needs support for Jewish community center participants and families.
- Designed and implemented activities to facilitate smooth transitions for children with special needs, enhancing their integration and comfort.
- Assessed individual accommodation needs for inclusion programs and activities.
- Developed behavior support plans with staff, counselors, and caregivers.
- Supervised a group of 60 children, directly engaging with diverse population of special needs children to ensure a supportive environment.
Education
Masters - Adult Education & Human Resource Development
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
Masters - special education
TOURO COLLEGE
Skills
- Electronic documentation, Client record management, Foothold, Therap, Medisked, Behavioral assessment, CPR, & SCIP Certified
- Person centered support
- Care plan development
- Medicaid coordination
- Crisis management
Timeline
Direct Support Professional
CENTER FOR FAMILY SUPPORT
10.2025 - Current
Care Manager
Family Services of Westchester
05.2024 - 10.2025
Residence Manager
Hawthorne Foundation
08.2021 - 05.2024
CARE MANAGER FT
TRI-COUNTYCARE
05.2019 - 02.2021
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
UNIQUE PEOPLE SERVICES
01.2015 - 02.2019
SENIOR HEALTH CARE COORDINATOR
UNIQUE PEOPLE SERVICES
08.2014 - 12.2015
MSC-Medicaid Service Coordinator
UNIQUE PEOPLE SERVICES
08.2010 - 12.2014
Direct Support Professional PT-30 Hours over weekends (F-M)
RICHMOND COMMUNITY SERVICES
11.2006 - 06.2010
Special Needs Coordinator
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
09.2001 - 07.2006
Masters - Adult Education & Human Resource Development
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
Masters - special education
TOURO COLLEGE