Darian L. Simas
Cumberland,RI
Summary
Employment Specialist with a strong background in workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, and client advocacy. I support individuals in identifying career paths, building job readiness skills, and navigating barriers to employment. I develop strong employer relationships, collaborate with clinical teams and state organizations, and apply motivational strategies to keep clients engaged. Committed to helping individuals, especially those with mental health needs or disabilities, move forward with clarity, purpose, and confidence.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Employment Specialist
The Providence Center
03.2024 - Current
- Facilitate initial orientation, assess barriers, and develop individualized employment plans to enhance client employability.
- Built and maintained relationships with local employers to secure job opportunities aligned with client skills and goals.
- Collaborate with clients to create resumes, cover letters, and job portfolios tailored to their goals and strengths.
- Serve as a point of contact between the Employment Program and clinical teams to align vocational and mental health services.
- Work directly with agencies such as the Office of Rehabilitation Services to secure resources and additional program funding to further client success.
- Educated clients on employment impact on disability and health insurance benefits, facilitating referrals to benefits counseling for informed decision-making.
- Ensure accurate documentation and maintain HIPAA compliance.
Case Manager
The Providence Center
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Oversaw a diverse caseload of clients, including individuals in recovery, those with co-occurring disorders, and underserved populations.
- Collaborated with human service agencies to connect clients with housing, medical care, food assistance, and other essential resources, ensuring comprehensive support.
- Guided clients in navigating daily needs, including transportation, service access, and goal planning to enhance their independence.
- Created individualized service plans in collaboration with clients, families, and providers.
- Participated in interdisciplinary meetings to review and adjust case strategies based on client progress or barriers.
- Cultivated rapport and trust through ongoing communication and emotional support, while maintaining thorough documentation to track client progress.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Justice Studies
Rhode Island College
Providence01-2022
Skills
- Client Services & Support
- Workforce Development
- Advocacy
- Employer Engagement
- Interview Preparation Support
- Labor Market Trends
- Resource & Service Coordination
- Documentation & Case Management
- Client Documentation Software & HIPAA Compliance
- Data Entry & Analysis
- Recordkeeping
- Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint
- Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
- Verbal De-escalation & Active Listening
- Client-Centered Communication
- Written & Oral Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Relationship Building
- Advocacy Across Interdisciplinary Teams
- Relationship Building
Certification
First Aid & CPR Certified
Committees And Projects
IPS Steering Committee – The Providence Center
- Active member collaborating with leadership and state partners (including ORS and BHDDH) to guide the strategic direction of vocational services and ensure fidelity to evidence-based practices.
- Contribute to policy discussions and program development aimed at improving client employment outcomes across the organization.
Co-author, "Client Success Stories" – The Providence Center Monthly Newsletter
- Regularly research, write, and publish client success stories that highlight the positive impact of vocational rehabilitation on mental health and overall well-being.
- Content featured in organization-wide communications to promote program awareness and celebrate client achievements.
Donations Committee – The Providence Center
- Participate in the review and allocation process for charitable donations to support client needs and program enhancements.
- Help organize fundraising initiatives and events to secure resources for the Employment Program.
Timeline
Employment Specialist
The Providence Center
03.2024 - Current
Case Manager
The Providence Center
03.2023 - 03.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Justice Studies
Rhode Island College