Debra C. Young
Abilene,Texas
Summary
To participate as a team member in a service oriented field that allows me to share my passion for people, yet challenge the skills I have developed through great life experiences and education. I am a dedicated "people advocate" and committed to ensuring that those I serve thrive in their environment.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Texas Workforce Solutions
Abilene , Texas
02.2023 - Current
- Coordinated resources and services between state agencies and private organizations to ensure successful transition into the workforce.
- Researched available training programs that could help enhance a client's employability skillset.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings with other professionals from different fields in order to coordinate care plans.
- Recommended appropriate assistive technology solutions based on an individual's unique needs.
- Provided guidance on applying for disability benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.
- Counseled family members of disabled individuals on ways they can better support their loved one's career aspirations.
- Collaborated with employers to create customized jobs or worksite accommodations for disabled clients.
- Advised clients on how to prepare themselves for potential job interviews by researching companies beforehand and practicing common questions and answers.
- Evaluated and assessed the abilities, skills, interests, and needs of clients to determine their vocational goals.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress including case notes, assessments, IPEs, service plans.
- Documented and filed patient health reports and charts.
- Prepared patients for self-management and decision-making responsibilities.
- Collaborated with various healthcare professionals to plan rehabilitation programs.
- Established long and short-term goals for therapeutic services to encourage patient progress.
- Connected individuals with relevant community resources and coordinated referrals.
- Helped individuals address disabilities and put together career plans.
- Performed assessments to determine individual limitations and strengths.
- Managed load of multiple cases on consistent basis.
- Monitored client progress towards employment goals through regular follow-up meetings or phone calls.
- Conducted mental health assessments with clients in order to determine appropriate interventions.
QIDP
D&S Community Services/Sevita Health
01.2020 - 09.2022
- The QIDP is responsible for integrating, coordinating and monitoring individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ensuring client rights and quality of life
- The QIDP is also responsible for monitoring and implementing Active Treatment protocols as directed by Health and Human Services
- As the QIDP, I utilized an interdisciplinary team approach and Person Centered Planning to develop implementation strategies which outline services and supports for individuals so they may work towards the outcomes and goals as detailed in their Personal Plan
- Disability Resources, Inc
Service Coordinator/Case Manager
Abilene Regional MHMR- Betty Hardwick Center
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Provide Service Coordination/Case Management to individuals with intellectual disabilities
- This includes outcome planning, goals for independent community living, establishing and maintaining relationships with consumers, their families and other service providers
- Service Coordination involves a whole team approach for all social service needs of the individual
- This includes identifying areas of need for individuals, planning with the consumer, monitoring service delivery, developing a positive relationship with families and collaborative contacts, negotiating, advocating, utilizing community resources and communicating clearly with individuals, families and other points of contact
- The Service Coordinator position follows established policy and procedure directly related to Health and Human Services protocol and regulation but with latitude in personal discretion and independent judgment
Special Education Teacher
Abilene Independent School District
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Worked with a wide range of students with learning, intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities
- Assessed student's skills to determine needs, developed and adapted lesson plans to meet the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) goals of each student
- Developed and implemented IEP's for each student
- Planned, organized, and assigned activities specific to student style and ability
- Taught lessons in small groups, one-on-one, or as a class
- Tracked, assessed and reported student progress
- Communicated and discussed student's progress with parents, teachers, counselors, therapy providers, and administration
- Supervised and mentored classroom paraprofessionals
- Prepared students for transition from behavioral classroom to regular campus and/or next grade level
Substitute Teacher
St. John's Episcopal School
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Served as a substitute teacher at various locations in the Abilene ISD
- Followed lesson plans, assisted students with assignments as needed, recorded grades, and communicated the day's activity to the teacher of record
Substitute Teacher
Abilene Independent School District
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Served as a substitute teacher at various locations in the Abilene ISD
- Followed lesson plans, assisted students with assignments as needed, recorded grades, and communicated the day's activity to the teacher of record
Full-time stay at home mom and student
01.2003 - 01.2009
Certified Pharmacy Technician
01.1992 - 01.2003
- Under the direct supervision of a Registered Pharmacist, I prepared, counted, labeled and dispensed medications, compounds and over the counter medication to patients
- I processed and submitted insurance claims, input accurate patient data into the computer system, generated reports and summaries for the pharmacist and provided customer service to patients, as well as healthcare providers
- I was also responsible for inventory control, orders, and stocking prescription medications
Special Education Aide
Abilene Independent School District
01.2012
- Provided instruction and physical assistance as directed by the certified teacher to students with learning, emotional, physical and intellectual disabilities
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
McMurry University
Abilene, Tx01.2007
Texas Teaching Certificate - EC-6 Generalist and EC-12 Special Education
Region 14 Education Service Center
Skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to build strong rapport with all individuals
- Maintain professional, public and private relationships
- Ability to work under minimum supervision
- Proficient technology skills
- Experienced in person-centered approach
- Strong work ethic
- Innovative approach to solving complex problems
- Proficiency in multi-discipline programs
- Fast-paced environment
- Teamwork
- Integrity in work philosophy
- Attention to Detail
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Texas Workforce Solutions
02.2023 - Current
QIDP
D&S Community Services/Sevita Health
01.2020 - 09.2022
Service Coordinator/Case Manager
Abilene Regional MHMR- Betty Hardwick Center
01.2016 - 01.2020
Special Education Teacher
Abilene Independent School District
01.2012 - 01.2016
Special Education Aide
Abilene Independent School District
01.2012
Substitute Teacher
St. John's Episcopal School
01.2010 - 01.2012
Substitute Teacher
Abilene Independent School District
01.2009 - 01.2012
Full-time stay at home mom and student
01.2003 - 01.2009
Certified Pharmacy Technician
01.1992 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
McMurry University
Texas Teaching Certificate - EC-6 Generalist and EC-12 Special Education
Region 14 Education Service Center
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