Denise Pugh

Chicago,IL

Summary

Energetic professional successful at motivating and building positive team dynamics to accomplish departmental goals. Dedicated to open, communicative culture where employees feel empowered to contribute to company's success.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Supervisor, Residential Supports

Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS Chicago)

Chicago, Illinois

07.2021 - Current

Supervised Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and conducted performance evaluations.
Interviewed, hired, and recommended changes in employee status.
Oversaw daily operations in the CILA homes by coordinating staff and resident schedules for efficient workflow.
Trained team members on safety protocols and operational procedures
Assured DSPs' completion of all required training, and provided regular in-services to ensure staff competency.
Conducted regular inspections to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws, as well as agency policies and procedures.
Coordinated inventory management and maintained stock levels for all CILAs effectively.
Facilitated communication between departments to streamline operations.
Resolved employee conflicts and promoted a positive work environment.
Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and administrative skills.
Made unannounced home visits during all shifts in each home.
Monitored overall hygiene, mealtime, recreation, health, money management, and other life skills of the residents in tandem with the Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP).
Contributed to individuals' personal plans.
Provide weekend on-call coverage once a month.
Maintained flexibility with hours to assist and/or work within homes as needed.

Direct Support Professional, Team Lead

Jewish Child And Family Services

Chicago,, IL

07.2017 - Current

Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and administrative skills.
Ensured excellent and professional communication at all times within the DSP team.
Oversaw daily operations in CILA homes by coordinating resident and house schedules.
Monitored overall hygiene, mealtime, recreation, health, money management, and other life skills of residents in tandem with a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP).
Primary CILA contact for residents' families. Proactively communicated with them.
Engaged internal and external providers as needed.
Provided direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering activities of daily living.
Contributed to an individual’s personal plan.
Provide weekend on-call supervisory coverage once a month to all JCFS CILA homes.
Develop rapport with all CILA staff to create a trusting environment conducive to teamwork.
Identified unsafe or unhealthful workplace conditions or hazards to enforce safe work practices and procedures.
Facilitated supports focus on personal outcomes and independence.
Facilitated social interactions between participants and their peers in the community.
Administered medication and followed through on procedures under RN supervision.
Facilitated budgeting, banking, shopping, and cooking.
Lead the team to ensure a clean, sanitized, and organized home.
Facilitated transportation (agency vehicle or public transportation).
Collaborated with service providers, community members, and families.
Completed and maintained DSP-required trainings and certificates.
Completed the required documentation in a timely manner.
Attended and contributed to team meetings.
Monitored clients to assess and report physical and behavioral changes to supervisors.
Developed rapport with residents to create a safe and trusting environment for care.
Supervised daily activities and provided assistance to the staff.
Onboarded new employees by training them for Direct Support Professional certification and relaying information on company procedures.
Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior, and maintain peaceful encounters.
Worked in different CILAs to provide optimal coverage.

Child Care Worker

Mental Health Professional, Jewish Child and Family Services

Chicago, IL

11.2015 - 07.2017

Studied, learned, and performed in accordance with policies, standards, rules, regulations and procedures of the Agency and its primary regulatory bodies, i.e., The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Child Welfare League of America, The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Child Welfare League of America, The Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children
Provided and billed for Medicaid services under rule 132 as Mental Health Professional
Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline.
Maintained effective schedule balance between rest periods, active play, and instruction.
Completed daily Medicaid requirements
Administered psychotropic and non-psychotropic medication as designated by prescribing psychiatrist and/or physician
Successfully completed training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI); completed all requirements to maintain certification in TCI
Effectively intervened in residents disruptive behavior, both verbal and physical; including using TCI prescribed methods to de-escalate critical situations
Connected clients with community service and resource agencies
Developed and maintained cooperative working relationships with the treatment team related to client caseloads
Wrote summaries, reports and other correspondence regarding the milieu
Maintained a schedule of therapeutic and Recreational activities with and for individual clients
Attended all program staff meetings, treatment reviews, IEPs and other agency meetings as necessary

Direct Support Professional

Misericordia Home

09.2002 - 11.2015

Assessed clients for abuse and neglect
Trained new staff to ensure that standards of care were upheld
Maintained accurate records of patient care, condition, progress and concerns
Responded appropriately to physical, emotional and developmental needs of patients
Provided pre- and post-operative care
Scheduled and accompanied clients to medical appointments
Maintained clean, healthy and safe environment
Provided, assisted with, or supervised hygiene, grooming and selection of appropriate clothing
Accompanied residents and participated in various activities which included but are not limited to swimming, bowling, team sports and community events, such as movies, dinners at restaurants, sporting events
Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment
Implemented treatment plans
Attended meetings, trainings, and conferences as required

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Biblical Studies/ Human Services

Moody Bible Institute