Dawn Banks
Woburn,MA
Summary
Compassionate and results-driven human services professional with over 20 years of experience in providing support, advocacy, and resources to diverse populations. Skilled in case management, crisis intervention, and program development, with a proven ability to build trusting relationships and promote positive outcomes. Adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and leveraging community resources to meet client needs. Dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering inclusive, supportive environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Employment Specialist
Viability
Peabody, Massachusetts
09.2022 - 01.2025
- Provide individualized career counseling and job placement services to clients, including individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment.
- Collaborate with clients to assess skills, interests, and goals, and develop tailored employment plans.
- Facilitate job readiness training, including resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace skills development.
- Build and maintain relationships with local employers to identify suitable job opportunities and advocate for clients’ strengths and capabilities.
- Support clients in navigating workplace challenges, ensuring successful job retention and growth.
- Accurately inputted progress notes and billing data into Credible and HICSIS systems, ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
- Maintained detailed and timely records to support reporting and reimbursement processes.
- Reviewed and verified data for accuracy, identifying and resolving discrepancies to ensure seamless operations.
- Supported clients by attending and actively participating in Individualized Service Plan (ISP) meetings as a provider, ensuring their needs and goals were accurately represented.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop, update, and implement client-centered plans of care.
- Learned and implemented Virtual Reality (VR) technology and transfer software to enhance client experiences and support training programs for individuals with disabilities.
- Provided one-on-one and group training sessions, teaching clients how to use VR equipment for skill-building, career exploration, and other daily tasks.
- Collaborated with team members to incorporate VR tools into individualized care plans, aligning technology with clients’ goals and needs.
- Demonstrated strong technical skills by troubleshooting VR equipment and ensuring smooth operations during training sessions.
- Promoted inclusion and accessibility by adapting VR solutions to meet the unique challenges of clients with disabilities.
Direct Care Worker
Needs Center
Rowley, Massachusetts
04.2020 - 09.2022
- Provided hands-on care and supervision to individuals with developmental disabilities in a structured day program setting.
- Assisted clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal care, meal support, and mobility assistance.
- Facilitated group and individual activities to promote skill development, social engagement, and recreational participation.
- Monitored client behavior and implemented behavior support plans in accordance with individual care plans.
- Documented daily progress, activity participation, and behavioral observations in compliance with organizational policies.
- Supported community integration by accompanying clients to outings, appointments, and vocational opportunities.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive environment by adhering to safety protocols and responding promptly to medical or behavioral incidents.
Certified Home Health Aide
Connected Home Care, LLC
Woburn, Massachusetts
09.2017 - 10.2020
- Provided compassionate in-home care to elderly and disabled clients, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and mobility.
- Monitored and reported changes in clients’ health, behavior, or environment to healthcare supervisors to ensure high-quality care.
- Supported clients in maintaining independence by performing light housekeeping, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Fostered strong client relationships by offering companionship and emotional support to promote overall well-being.
- Adhered to personalized care plans, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and healthcare guidelines.
- Assisted with transportation to appointments, errands, and community activities, ensuring client safety and comfort.
Certified Home Health Aide
Private Care
Arlington, Massachusetts
09.2017 - 10.2019
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care to hospice clients, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
- Assisted with personal care needs, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility assistance, while ensuring client comfort.
- Monitored and documented changes in the client’s physical and emotional condition, communicating updates to hospice nurses and care teams.
- Administered medication reminders and adhered to care plans prescribed by hospice professionals.
- Offered emotional support and companionship to clients and their families, fostering a calm and reassuring presence.
- Ensured a clean and comfortable living environment by performing light housekeeping and managing client-specific needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary hospice teams to address pain management and provide holistic care.
Education
Community Health Worker
Winchester Hospital
Winchester, MA05-2023
Some College (No Degree) - Human Service Practitioner
North Shore Community College
Danvers, MASkills
- Microsoft Word
- Training and Development
- Developmental Disabilities Experience
- Caregiver
- Crisis Intervention
- Senior Care
- Meal Prep
- Case Management
- Training and Development
- Hicsis
- Credible
- Resume writing
- Training coordination
- Development activities
- Career assessment
- Community collaboration
- Records documentation
- Work assignments
- Networking strategies
- Job placement
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Case management
- Interview coaching
- Referral coordination
- Motivational strategies
- Client advocacy
- Resource development
- Record keeping
- Employment barriers identification
- Workforce development
- Employee coaching
- Job development
- Soft skills training
- Career pathway guidance
- Employer outreach
- CPR certified
- First aid
- Virtual Reality with Transfer software
Timeline
Employment Specialist
Viability
09.2022 - 01.2025
Direct Care Worker
Needs Center
04.2020 - 09.2022
Certified Home Health Aide
Connected Home Care, LLC
09.2017 - 10.2020
Certified Home Health Aide
Private Care
09.2017 - 10.2019
Community Health Worker
Winchester Hospital
Some College (No Degree) - Human Service Practitioner
North Shore Community College