Deena D Christian
Summary
Human Services Professional who is successful at empowering people to thrive with dignity on their own terms. Comfortable with all levels of service from case management to counseling and direct-support. Experience working in the field has been in a direct-care, support-provider, and case management environment specializing in situational assessments, conflict resolution, and the utilization of effective communication skills.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
07.2018 - 09.2022
- Under supervision of Senior Offender Rehabilitation Coordinators, apply social casework principles to assess social, educational, and vocational needs of individuals who are currently incarcerated.
- Assist incarcerated individuals adjust to confinement and work with them to identify appropriate treatment services and to identify barriers to successful reintegration into their communities.
- Work closely with all internal and external DOCCS personnel to ensure the safety and well-being of male incarcerated individuals, victims, and those responsible for the care, custody, and supervision of current and formerly incarcerated individuals.
- Responsible for conducting interviews with incarcerated individuals to obtain information for programming purposes, to screen for Temporary Release Programs, to verify information as it pertains to post-release community supervision planning, completing monthly Parole Board Reports, Merit time reviews and reports, and communicating with all facility personnel as well as parole personnel on behalf of incarcerated population.
- Also responsible for facilitating various programs within a correctional facility to include Transitional Services, TS Phase II - Thinking For A Change, and Volunteer Programs as directed
- Also maintained a monthly caseload that consists of meeting with assigned incarcerated individuals to complete Initial Interviews, Quarterly Case Plans, Parole Board interviews, legal calls and video requests, and weekly Community Lifestyle Meetings
- Also responsible for attending weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings and trainings and for completion of all additional tasks as assigned by Supervising Offender Rehabilitation Coordinators, Deputy of Programs, Administrative Staff and Central Office.
Resident Advisor
Crossroads for Women
06.2017 - 12.2017
- Responsible for the safety and well-being of up to 21 clients
- This position requires attention to detail, excellent communication skills, daily log documentation, the ability to enforce visitor and overnight policies, being able to effectively communicate with clients while maintaining professional boundaries, and the ability to work in a crisis-oriented environment that is constantly changing.
- Utilized verbal de-escalation skills in order to promote client well-being and safety.
- This position required the ability to maintain flexibility, to collaborate with other staff members in order to ensure positive outcomes, and the ability to work independently as well as in a team environment depending on the organizational needs.
- Other responsibilities included client transports, completing drug and alcohol screenings when necessary, and attending client functions and staff meetings.
- Coordinated move-in and move-out processes, ensuring smooth transitions for new and departing residents.
- Strategized to improve resident care and satisfaction and held weekly meetings with directors to advocate for resident needs.
Administrative Assistant
Realty, USA/Howard Hannah
12.2011 - 06.2017
- Under supervision of Associate Broker this position required the highest level of communication skills; both verbal and written.
- Documentation skills were imperative in order to process contracts and negotiations and to keep agents, attorneys, and clients informed about potential concerns or questions for the duration of the transaction.
- Marketing and general office functions, such as faxing, photocopying, and filing, were also essential functions within this role.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping with diligent data entry and database management for vital company information.
Accounting/Office Management
S. G. Property Management of Saratoga, Inc.
06.2015 - 11.2015
- Preformed account reconciliations for approximately 50 investors and 100 tenants.
- General ledger entries and financial functions, including rent payments, late payments and account balances, were the primary focus of this position.
- Excellent and effective communication skills were imperative in order to maintain professional relationships between company owners, investors, and tenants.
- Utilized problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles regarding owner, investor, and tenant grievances as well as property maintenance issues.
- Organized and updated databases, records and other information resources.
Lifestyle Specialist
The ARC of Rensselaer County
03.2011 - 11.2011
- Worked in an individualized direct-support position facilitating positive outcomes for individuals living with disabilities.
- Maintained all State and company certifications, responsible for record-keeping in accordance with NYS and OPWDD requirements, and advocated on behalf of the individuals served in order to develop professional relationships that were based on empathy, respect, and a common objective; to assist individuals in achieving their personal goals.
- Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication and attentive service.
Shift Manager
Wendal, Inc.
03.2004 - 02.2011
- Trained and supervised up to 25 employees in retail management environment.
- Implemented and oversaw proper food-handling procedures, shift paperwork including financial settlements, and maintained customer service excellence by focusing on service speed and quality.
- Managed store in absence of senior management, resolved customer complaints through attentive and active communication, and initiated conflict-resolutions measures for employees.
- Troubleshot equipment to reduce service calls and downtime.
- Located and resolved problems with team production and performance to maintain consistent quality levels.
- Consistently exhibited calm demeanor during periods of high volume or unusual events to keep store operating smoothly and set positive example for shift team.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Community and Human Services
SUNY Empire State College
Saratoga Springs05.2015
Associate of Science - Individual Studies with a concentration in Human Sciences
Hudson Valley Community College
Troy05.2010
Skills
- Successful at facilitating cooperation among individuals, within groups, as well as cooperating and collaborating with colleagues to reach personal, professional, and organizational goals
- Adept at connecting with clients, supervisors, employees, and peers
- Exceptional work ethic and attention to detail which has ensured the ability to maintain accurate documentation
- Inmate behavior modification tactics
- Reentry Planning
- Schedule Management
- Community Resources
- Case Planning
- Conflict Resolution
- Multitasking
- Written Communication
- Verbal Communication
- Mental Health Support
- Individual Counseling
Accomplishments
- Provided solutions-focused resolutions for each employer resulting in exemplary customer service ratings and client feedback.
- Supervised, trained, and assessed up to 25 employees while enhancing business practices and productivity.
- Completed 8 week internship at Equinox, Inc. in Albany, NY; provided supervision for 15-30 at-risk youth in an after-school/weekend program that offers positive youth-development experiences through guidance, outreach and recreational activities.
- Received a certificate for completion of the Albany Citizen's Police Academy.
- Extremely knowledgeable about computer hardware, software, and functionality. Entry-level experience and understanding of networking and other protocols.
Professional References
- FDS Antoinette Allen, NYSDOCCS, Sullivan Correctional Facility, (845) 434-2080, Antoinette.Allen@doccs.ny.gov
- SORC Sarah Crockwell, NYSDOCCS, Central Office , (518) 408-0050, Sarah.Crockwell@doccs.ny.gov
- SORC Melissa Trostle, NYSDOCCS, Greene Correctional Facility, (518) 731-2741, Melissa.Trostle@doccs.ny.gov
Timeline
Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
07.2018 - 09.2022
Resident Advisor
Crossroads for Women
06.2017 - 12.2017
Accounting/Office Management
S. G. Property Management of Saratoga, Inc.
06.2015 - 11.2015
Administrative Assistant
Realty, USA/Howard Hannah
12.2011 - 06.2017
Lifestyle Specialist
The ARC of Rensselaer County
03.2011 - 11.2011
Shift Manager
Wendal, Inc.
03.2004 - 02.2011
Bachelor of Science - Community and Human Services
SUNY Empire State College
Associate of Science - Individual Studies with a concentration in Human Sciences
Hudson Valley Community College