Client-focused Human Services Specialist with skills needed to properly explain programs, policies and procedures to clients of all cultures and ethnicities. Determined employee with several years of analyzing data to determine client eligibility. Successful establishing working relationships with clients, community resources and other agency staff. Successful human resource candidate with expertise in employee recruitment, training and payroll management. Adept at building and maintaining positive relationships with employees and management. Strong organizational skills and committed to adhering to relevant laws and regulations. Experienced non-medical Care Provider offering. Complete domestic duties, help patients with self-care and hygiene and provide companionship. Experienced working with children and elderly, with skill anticipating and proactively addressing client needs. Friendly and engaging with strong attention to detail.
Hi, I’m
Dayja Merritt
Summary
Overview
8
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Friendship Place
Residential Aide
2023.02 - Current (1 year & 7 months)
Job overview
- Improved residents'' quality of life by providing compassionate care and assistance with daily activities.
- Enhanced the residential environment by maintaining a clean, safe, and organized living space for all residents.
- Assisted with medication administration under the supervision of a licensed professional, ensuring proper dosage and adherence to schedules.
- Promoted resident independence by offering guidance and support in performing various tasks such as personal hygiene, dressing, and mobility.
- Supported meal preparation efforts by assisting with menu planning, portioning food items appropriately for each resident''s dietary requirements or restrictions while adhering to sanitation guidelines diligently.
- Encouraged family involvement in residents'' lives through regular communication about events happening within the community; facilitated visitation schedules accommodating both parties'' convenience whenever possible.
- Kept close eye on behavior and emotional responses of clients to address concerns and protect each person from harm.
Grafton School
Resident Assistant
2022.06 - 2023.01 (7 months)
Job overview
- Maintained clean, safe and well-organized patient environment.
- Assisted residents in preparing for activity and social programs.
- Changed bed linens, dumped trash and smoothly handled maintenance issues to promote resident comfort.
- Assisted residents with daily dental and mouth care, bath functions and hair care.
- Attended, participated and contributed to monthly staff meetings addressing resident needs.
- Responded to room transfers, incident reports and maintenance requests.
- Encouraged community atmosphere by implementing educational and social programs.
- Developed rapport to create safe and trusting environment for care.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Monitored progress and documented patient health status changes to keep care team updated.
- Facilitated floor meetings to discuss concerns, review complaints and convey information about policy changes.
- Changed bed linens, dumped trash, and smoothly handled maintenance issues to promote resident comfort.
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
ForKids
Shelter Assistant
2022.04 - 2022.09 (5 months)
Job overview
- Worked with clients to improve life choices and maximize benefits of programs.
- Determined needed and relevant interventions based on each client's cognitive abilities and current needs.
- Educated potential participants on available services and processes to engage in program.
- Oversaw day-to-day activities of residents in facility.
- Identified service gaps and located needed housing and work placement resources for individuals.
- Organized supporting documentation for individuals under evaluation and coordinated paperwork transfers to correct staff members.
CSB
Shelter Staff
2021.12 - 2022.06 (6 months)
Job overview
- Checking Guests in and out
- Intake with guests
- Constantly Checking on the clients ensuring that all clients are following all safety procedures
- Took active role in patient and family planning process, detailing instructions and responding appropriately and effectively to questions and concerns.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Built partnerships with related organizations to develop support and gain greater attention for important issues.
CCAP
Shelter Advocate
2020.01 - 2020.08 (7 months)
Job overview
- Help look after residents processed applicants
- Help serve food
- Helpt around in food pantry helping distribute food and clothes and supplies
- Organized supporting documentation for individuals under evaluation and coordinated paperwork transfers to correct staff members.
- Managed required paperwork to help individuals sign up for housing services.
- Determined needed and relevant interventions based on each client's cognitive abilities and current needs.
Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center
Shelter Staff Member
2018.01 - 2019.01 (1 year)
Job overview
- Managed clients receiving social or community service support.
- Maintained internal database of service workers, participants, activities and other relevant details.
- Helped clients navigate social services system and access needed resources.
- Facilitated community outreach to expand participation and support.
- Built partnerships with related organizations to develop support and gain greater attention for important issues.
- Coordinated and managed volunteer activities for community service projects.
- Kept case files updated, accurate and aligned with requirements.
- Gathered opinions and support from grass-roots supporters to solidify group position.
- Supported clients through development of new life skills, obtaining resources and transitioning back to society.
- Intervened in crisis situations to obtain support for clients and reduce escalation or recurrence risks.
So Others Might Eat SOME
Volunteer
2016.04 - 2018.07 (2 years & 3 months)
Job overview
- Intervened in crisis situations to obtain support for clients and reduce escalation or recurrence risks.
- Coordinated with different service providers to meet clients' individual needs.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
- Supported clients through development of new life skills, obtaining resources and transitioning back to society.
- Communicated with staff members to stay informed about volunteer opportunities and events.
- Built partnerships with related organizations to develop support and gain greater attention for important issues.
- Assisted clients with obtaining housing, employment and support resources.
- Coordinated individual referrals to obtain community services, advocate for client needs and resolve roadblocks.
Education
Tidewater Community College Norfolk, VA
Associate of Applied Science from Human Services
06.2025
University Overview
Hopewell High School Hopewell, VA
High School Diploma
03.2017
University Overview
Skills
- Advanced Troubleshooting
- Data Logging
- Dietary Needs
- Intakes and Assessments
- Data Entry
- Safety Procedures
- Referral Coordination
- Service Calls
- Group Counseling
- Order and Refund Processing, POS Systems, and Ordering Platforms
- Upselling Products and Services
- Direct Patient Care
- Safety awareness
- Meal Preparation
Certification
- Cpr Certified (2022)
- Driver License
- Covid Vaccinated
- Food Handlers Card
Additional Information
Additional Information
- Willing to relocate: Anywhere, Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Residential Aide
Friendship Place
2023.02 - Current (1 year & 7 months)
Resident Assistant
Grafton School
2022.06 - 2023.01 (7 months)
Shelter Assistant
ForKids
2022.04 - 2022.09 (5 months)
Shelter Staff
CSB
2021.12 - 2022.06 (6 months)
Shelter Advocate
CCAP
2020.01 - 2020.08 (7 months)
Shelter Staff Member
Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center
2018.01 - 2019.01 (1 year)
Volunteer
So Others Might Eat SOME
2016.04 - 2018.07 (2 years & 3 months)
Tidewater Community College
Associate of Applied Science from Human Services
Hopewell High School
High School Diploma
- Cpr Certified (2022)
- Driver License
- Covid Vaccinated
- Food Handlers Card
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