Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certificates And Licenses
Additional Information
Attachments
Notification Preference
Highest Level Of Education
Timeline
Generic
Devante L Hicks

Devante L Hicks

Selma

Summary

Professional leader with proven track record in driving operational excellence and fostering team collaboration. Skilled in strategic planning, staff development, and resource management, with strong commitment to achieving results. Known for adaptability in dynamic environments, ensuring seamless operations and high standards of service delivery. Possesses strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and focus on continuous improvement.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Youth Development Center Director

Lenoir Youth Development Center
04.2024 - Current
  • Directed daily operations, ensuring adherence to program standards and regulatory compliance.
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to enhance program effectiveness and community engagement.
  • Managed budgeting processes, optimizing resource allocation for maximum operational efficiency.
  • Led staff training initiatives, fostering professional development and improving team performance.
  • Cultivated partnerships with local organizations to expand service offerings and outreach efforts.
  • Oversaw scheduling and staffing processes, ensuring adequate coverage for all operational needs.
  • Facilitated regular team meetings, promoting open communication and collaborative problem-solving among staff.
  • Developed strong community relationships to support center programs and initiatives.
  • Increased staff productivity with regular training sessions, clear expectations, and constructive feedback.
  • Fostered caring and safe environment for children and parents.
  • Fostered an inclusive culture within the center by promoting diversity awareness among staff members and addressing any discriminatory behaviors swiftly.
  • Evaluated staff performance regularly through observations, providing actionable feedback that led to professional growth.

Detention Center Director

New Hanover Juvenile Detention Center
01.2023 - 04.2024
  • Directed daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and legal standards for juvenile detention.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Implemented staff training programs to enhance team effectiveness and compliance with facility regulations.
  • Collaborated with external agencies to facilitate support services for youth, fostering community partnerships.
  • Monitored resident behavior and progress, utilizing data-driven assessments to inform program adjustments.
  • Led crisis intervention strategies, maintaining a safe environment while addressing behavioral challenges effectively.
  • Streamlined administrative processes, improving documentation accuracy and reducing response times for inquiries.
  • Mentored junior staff in best practices for juvenile care and management, promoting professional development within the team.
  • Promoted positive company image and established reputation as provider of choice for educational programs in greater community.
  • Oversaw daily operations, streamlining processes for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Collaborated with parents to enhance communication channels, strengthening the home-school partnership for improved student outcomes.
  • Kept facility in compliance with all applicable standards and laws.
  • Enhanced center performance by implementing strategic plans and monitoring progress towards goals.
  • Advocated for educational programs that addressed unique needs of the community, leading to more relevant offerings at the center.
  • Developed and implemented emergency response plans for disasters, security issues, and injuries.
  • Managed center budget for optimal resource allocation and financial stability.
  • Led and motivated young people from diverse backgrounds, fostering improved job and social skills.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.

Assistant Facility Director

Edgecombe Youth Development Center
08.2021 - 01.2023
  • Directed facility operations to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
  • Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
  • Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
  • Facilitated established training guidelines and curriculum for employee training.
  • Developed and implemented training programs for staff.
  • Managed maintenance projects, enhancing operational efficiency and resource allocation.
  • Led cross-functional teams to implement facility upgrades, fostering collaboration across departments.
  • Developed and implemented youth engagement strategies to enhance program participation.
  • Managed budget allocations for youth initiatives, ensuring optimal resource utilization.
  • Trained and mentored staff on best practices for program delivery and participant support.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness through feedback collection and data analysis, driving continuous improvement.
  • Fostered a safe, inclusive environment that promoted personal growth among participants.
  • Organized staff development opportunities, such as workshops and training sessions, to ensure continuous improvement in program delivery.
  • Facilitated teamwork among staff members by establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations for program delivery.
  • Trained staff on best practices in youth programming to ensure effective service delivery across all projects.
  • Improved overall program outcomes through consistent monitoring of progress indicators and implementation of data-driven adjustments.
  • Enhanced youth engagement by implementing innovative programs and activities in line with their interests.
  • Established a positive learning environment by enforcing safety protocols, fostering open communication, and promoting inclusivity among participants.

Youth Counselor Supervisor

Edgecombe Youth Development Center
12.2018 - 08.2021
  • Provided daily supervision of the staff within the Youth Development Center.
  • Developed strong rapport with youths, fostering open communication and trust for effective counseling sessions.
  • Implemented variety of fun and recreational activities for residents.
  • Reduced behavioral issues by establishing clear expectations and boundaries within a supportive environment.
  • Provided field training for new hires as well as continuous development for all staff.
  • Ensured facility safety and maintenance checks were completed daily.
  • Addressed grievances submitted by the juveniles.
  • Developed individualized treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to address behavioral issues.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, enhancing communication skills and peer support among participants.
  • Implemented conflict resolution strategies, reducing incidents of aggression and promoting positive interactions.
  • Trained new staff on best practices for counseling techniques and crisis intervention protocols.
  • Monitored youth behavior and offered guidance and support for positive change.
  • Supervised youth in engaging environment to promote security and safety for all ages.
  • Documented detailed case notes efficiently, maintaining confidentiality while adhering to reporting protocols set forth by the organization.
  • Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to youth.
  • Managed crises effectively using de-escalation techniques, prioritizing safety while addressing the underlying emotional triggers for each incident.
  • Promoted a safe space by consistently enforcing rules while maintaining empathy towards each client''s unique struggles.
  • Mentored at-risk youth, fostering personal development and resilience through structured programs.

Youth Counselor

Edgecombe Youth Development Center
12.2017 - 12.2018
  • Established and maintained effective working relationships with all levels of staff.
  • Mentored at-risk youth, fostering personal development and self-esteem through structured programs.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting communication and conflict resolution skills among participants.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess and monitor youth progress in rehabilitation programs.
  • Conducted crisis interventions, ensuring safety and stability during high-stress situations.
  • Trained new staff on program protocols, enhancing team efficiency and service delivery quality.
  • Assisted youth in developing problem-solving and communication skills to support stress management.
  • Coached youth in conflict resolution skills, reducing incidents of aggression and improving peer relationships.
  • Encouraged children to talk issues out with each other and without anger, which eased tense situations.
  • Collaborated with parents, teachers, and community resources to provide comprehensive support for clients'' needs.
  • Engaged and interacted with youth members, teaching sustainable habits, and coping mechanisms.
  • Organized educational outings to broaden clients'' horizons and stimulate curiosity about new experiences.
  • Ability to apply the proper methods and procedures to physically restrain juveniles and defend self.
  • Implemented variety of fun and recreational activities for residents.
  • Reduced behavioral issues by establishing clear expectations and boundaries within a supportive environment.
  • Promoted a safe space by consistently enforcing rules while maintaining empathy towards each client''s unique struggles.
  • Developed strong rapport with youths, fostering open communication and trust for effective counseling sessions.

Housing Unit Supervisor

Stonewall Jackson Youth Development Center
06.2016 - 12.2017
  • The primary purpose of this position is to provide for the overall safety and security of Juveniles, staff, and facility during third shift.
  • This position serves as supervisor for all third shift youth monitors, plans and prepares a schedule for staff coverage and supervision in both living units.
  • While on duty, this supervisor monitors activities assigned to the shift assuring that all duties are performed as required; visits individual living units regularly; provides staff support and coverage; and crisis intervention if necessary.
  • This supervisor responds to incoming visitors and telephone calls and notifies appropriate staff in case of emergency.
  • In addition, this position conducts nightly shift review, updates staff about problems, and policies and procedures, provides mini training sessions, reviews and approves all written assignments completed by third shift youth monitors, prepares written reports and updates incoming Supervisors of third shift events.
  • Developed and maintained schedules to optimize resource allocation and workflow management.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address behavioral issues, promoting a safe environment for youth.
  • Mentored newly hired employees, helping them acclimate quickly to the company culture and job responsibilities.
  • Logged maintenance request details with plant problem and date of referral to monitor resolution of work order.
  • Reduced employee turnover rate through effective leadership, communication, and team-building initiatives.

Youth Counselor Tech

Stonewall Jackson Youth Development Center
06.2014 - 06.2016
  • This position provides supervision, care, counseling, safety and support to youth who are in the physical custody of the Division.
  • Supervised activities include: activities to include daily living functions; ensure safety and security requirements are met; provide supportive counseling services to alleviate destructive behavior, aid juveniles in controlling their behavior; and maintain reporting requirements.
  • Daily records are completed that report safety violations and security breaches; activity briefing for shift personnel; crisis intervention events and/or behavioral problems; provides observations of juveniles' behavior and progress toward treatment goals.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions to promote communication and conflict resolution skills.
  • Monitored behavioral patterns and reported progress to multidisciplinary teams.
  • Trained new counselors on intervention techniques and crisis management strategies.
  • Advocated for youth needs in meetings with community stakeholders and service providers.
  • Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
  • Assessed patient behavior, moods, and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans.
  • Work is subject to close personal and physical contact with multiple juveniles and decisions made impact the protection of state property, the physical safety of the juveniles, staff and the employee.

Intern

Community Corrections
06.2013 - 08.2013
  • Ability to work with and maintain positive professional working relationships with clients, community leaders, law enforcement, and court officials.
  • Maintain a professional demeanor while working with potentially volatile and assaultive clients and be able to defend self and others if need arises.
  • Assist new probationers with transitioning through the court proceedings.

Resident Assistant

NCAT Housing and Residence Life
05.2011 - 05.2013
  • Company Overview: www.NCAT.edu/ResidenceLife
  • Assist residents with academic and maintenance concerns as needed, communicate and support retention activities implemented by the university.
  • Build community among the residents by enforcing student code of conduct, mediating disagreements, resolving conflicts, promoting diversity.
  • Maintaining confidentiality concerning student information, following directives of supervisory staff established through protocol.
  • Conduct monthly Building inspections.
  • Conduct monthly meeting with students.
  • Www.NCAT.edu/ResidenceLife

Cashier/Stock

Wilco Hess
03.2010 - 08.2010
  • Company Overview: www.WilcoHess.com
  • Provide premium customer service.
  • Manage and audit cash register, resulting in 100% balancing.
  • Consistently exceed sales goals.
  • Trained new hires.
  • Posses the ability to confront customers in a professional manner.
  • Secure both the inside and outside of the premises.
  • Follow the guidelines and law of the ALE.
  • Www.WilcoHess.com

Education

Bachelor's - Criminal Justice and Political Science

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
12.2013

Skills

  • Program promotion
  • Training and mentoring
  • Training and coaching
  • Facility management
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Recruitment and hiring
  • Emergency response
  • Program management
  • Decision-making
  • Partnership building
  • Emergency first aid
  • Problem-solving

Certificates And Licenses

  • ACJJ - CPR American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver Adult CPR With AED, 2016-05-01, 2018-05-01
  • Juvenile Justice Offer, 2015-02-01, No Expiration
  • General Instructor, 2019-05-01, No Expiration
  • Restorative Justice Facilitator, 2019-08-01, No Expiration
  • Restraint, Control and Defensive Techniques. (RCDT), 2020-03-01, 2023-03-01
  • Law Enforcement Aerosol Projectors - Instructor, 2023-06-01, 2026-06-01, SABRE
  • PREA: Sexual Abuse & Sexual Harassment 101 & 201 Instructor Trainer, 2023-02-01, 2025-02-01, NCDPS/DJJDP

Additional Information


  • President : Criminal Justice National Honor Society (Alpha –Phi-Sigma)-2013
  • The Masonic Home For Children at Oxford NC Citizenship awards- 2009
  • OSI Investigator - 2018
  • Community Corrections (Probation) - Internship. 80hrs - 2013.

Attachments

Attachments are not specified

Notification Preference

Email

Highest Level Of Education

Bachelor's Degree

Timeline

Youth Development Center Director

Lenoir Youth Development Center
04.2024 - Current

Detention Center Director

New Hanover Juvenile Detention Center
01.2023 - 04.2024

Assistant Facility Director

Edgecombe Youth Development Center
08.2021 - 01.2023

Youth Counselor Supervisor

Edgecombe Youth Development Center
12.2018 - 08.2021

Youth Counselor

Edgecombe Youth Development Center
12.2017 - 12.2018

Housing Unit Supervisor

Stonewall Jackson Youth Development Center
06.2016 - 12.2017

Youth Counselor Tech

Stonewall Jackson Youth Development Center
06.2014 - 06.2016

Intern

Community Corrections
06.2013 - 08.2013

Resident Assistant

NCAT Housing and Residence Life
05.2011 - 05.2013

Cashier/Stock

Wilco Hess
03.2010 - 08.2010

Bachelor's - Criminal Justice and Political Science

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

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