- Community Cleanup
- Offering time and support to shelters for the homeless, women, and animals
- Homelessness Outreach
Debra Mcgee
Benton,Arkansas
Summary
As an Adult Counselor for the Workforce Investment Act, I would actively assist underemployed and unemployed individuals, as well as those seeking higher education, by W.I.O.A. policies and standards. Developed skills in providing tailored guidance and support within professional counseling environment. Demonstrated ability to connect with individuals and help them identify their strengths and career goals. Seeking to transition into new field where these transferable skills can drive positive outcomes.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Career Counselor
Workforce Investment Act (W.I.O.A)
05.2013 - Current
- Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, and relevant correspondence
- Administer assessments to determine barriers and refer to appropriate agencies or issue supportive services
- Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals including Ex-offenders, those who were laid off or those who are seeking career changes
- Monitor and record clients' progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met
- Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed
- Maintain close contact with clients during job training and placements to resolve problems and evaluate placement adequacy
- Work with ex-offenders in finding employment and place in a training facility to become more self-sufficient
- Monitor their progress, develop an individual employment plan, motivate and encourage
- Trained and mentored 10 new personnel hired to fulfill various roles.
Youth Career Counselor
Workforce Investment Act (W.I.O.A.)
03.2008 - 05.2013
- Prepare and maintain records and case files, including documentation such as clients' personal and eligibility information, services provided, narratives of client contacts, and relevant correspondence
- Administer assessments to determine barriers and refer to appropriate agencies or issue supportive services
- Develop rehabilitation plans that fit clients' aptitudes, education levels, physical abilities, and career goals!
- Monitor and record clients' progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met
- Confer with clients to discuss their options and goals so that rehabilitation programs and plans for accessing needed services can be developed
- Maintain close contact with clients during job training and placements to resolve problems and evaluate placement adequacy
- Timesheets/Kronos/invoices
- Identified workers with specific skill sets to recommend for promotions or raises, increasing internal hiring.
- Trained and mentored 50% new personnel hired to fulfill various roles.
Family Advocate/Housing Mgmt
Women and Children First
08.2005 - 11.2007
- Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, childcare, or medical care
- Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems, to determine what services are required to meet their needs
- Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts, to help children who face problems such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty
- Maintain case history records and prepare reports
- Refer clients to community resources for services such as job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, or financial assistance, and provide concrete information, such as where to go and how to apply
- Counsel parents with child rearing problems, interviewing the child and family to determine whether further action is required
- Develop and review service plans in consultation with clients, and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided
- Empowered families by providing them with tools and resources needed to make informed decisions about their futures.
- Enhanced family support by conducting thorough assessments and identifying specific needs.
- Identified available community resources and programs for families of disabled children.
- Built trusting relationships with clients through active listening, empathy, and cultural sensitivity during interactions at work or home visits.
- Conducted home visits to assess living conditions and provide personalized guidance on parenting challenges.
- Visited homes of families and maintained appropriate contact as directed by agency procedures.
- Facilitated support groups for parents, fostering a sense of community and shared learning experiences.
- Managed heavy caseload using well-developed time management, organizational, and task prioritization skills.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address complex issues impacting families'' lives.
- Collaborated with families to assist in growth, development, and education to increase potential.
- Led educational workshops for parents on topics such as child development and positive discipline techniques to strengthen parent-child relationships.
- Assessed progress towards goals regularly, adjusting service plans accordingly based on family feedback and professional observations.
- Trained new Family Advocates in best practices to ensure consistent service delivery across the organization.
- Lead individualized and group counseling sessions with children and families.
Accountant, Administrative Asst. II, Medical Diagnostic Analyst, Patient Services Coordinator
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
04.2001 - 08.2005
- Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information
- Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes
- Classify, record, and summarize numerical and financial data to compile and keep financial records, using journals and ledgers or computers
- Debit, credit, and total accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases, using specialized accounting software
- Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents
- Perform general office duties, such as ordering supplies, maintaining records management database systems, and performing basic bookkeeping work
- File and retrieve corporate documents, records, and reports
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
- Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Enhanced operational workflows by maintaining well-organized documentation systems and updating records accurately as needed.
- Gathered and organized materials to support operations.
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
- Collaborated with department heads to develop strategic plans aligning with overall company objectives, fostering a unified approach toward shared goals.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by responding promptly to inquiries and addressing concerns professionally.
- Increased client satisfaction by facilitating clear and consistent communication between project teams and stakeholders.
- Developed comprehensive training materials for new staff, leading to quicker onboarding and higher initial productivity levels.
- Organized and maintained project documentation, enabling quick access to important information and facilitating smoother project transitions.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams, resulting in seamless project execution and enhanced outcomes.
- Facilitated cross-departmental workshops to identify process improvements, leading to more efficient workflow and reduced bottlenecks.
- Improved resource allocation by developing a detailed inventory management system, ensuring projects had necessary materials without overstocking.
- Managed vendor relationships to secure the best quality of services and products for organizational needs.
Education
Master of Science - Human Service Professional
Webster University
St Louis, MO03-2025
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Philander Smith College
Little Rock, AR05.2006
Skills
- Assessment interpretation
- Graduate school preparation
- Community resources
- Accounting and bookkeeping
Interests
Timeline
Lead Career Counselor
Workforce Investment Act (W.I.O.A)
05.2013 - Current
Youth Career Counselor
Workforce Investment Act (W.I.O.A.)
03.2008 - 05.2013
Family Advocate/Housing Mgmt
Women and Children First
08.2005 - 11.2007
Accountant, Administrative Asst. II, Medical Diagnostic Analyst, Patient Services Coordinator
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
04.2001 - 08.2005
Master of Science - Human Service Professional
Webster University
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Philander Smith College
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