Douglas G. Suloe
Burlington
Summary
Resourceful Program Specialist known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, ensuring successful program outcomes.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Specialist 1 Socio-Economic Programs
Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Trenton
04.2023 - Current
- Assists in the administrative, analytical, and professional work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring, and/or evaluation of socioeconomic programs designed to meet the needs of the elderly, low-income families, and/or other specified client populations.
- Work closely with outreach agencies, providing basic technical assistance and support in accepting complete applications for submissions on the online portal.
- Collaborate as a team member with other staff to ensure that the program runs smoothly.
- Upon the applicant's inquiry, research the applicant's issues and provide accurate feedback to the applicant.
- Under supervision, maintain, monitor, and implement the program, ensuring that applicants are provided with the assistance that they are eligible to receive.
- Perform any other assigned responsibilities or assignments to ensure the smooth running of the programs and the unit.
- Provide feedback on all assigned legislative inquiries, fully understanding the inquiry and being able to investigate and provide responses to the inquiries.
- Prepare detailed reports, correspondence, and statistical materials, as required and needed to carry out assigned tasks.
- A full understanding of the programs and program guidelines, as well as knowledge of methods used to gather and analyze data.
- Respond to and coordinate requests from internal units, individuals, and other agencies, including Community-Based Organizations, Outreach Agencies, and County Welfare Agencies, to provide information concerning program activities.
- Knowledge of the objectives of the various programs, a full understanding of requests made, and the ability to interpret the purpose and program services provided to clients, other state agencies, and partnering agencies.
- Provide technical assistance in specialized program areas to applicants, partnering agencies, and other external agencies to facilitate, promote, and coordinate services.
- Working knowledge of program requirements, and current policies and procedures.
- Gather, review, and evaluate personal and/or financial data to determine program eligibility and/or continuing eligibility of clients for specific assistance programs; identify potential risks, and develop safety plans to ensure the eligibility criteria for program benefits.
- Working knowledge of program requirements and eligibility criteria, including, but not limited to, income limits and benefit matrix.
- Represent the program in public meetings and conferences as required, and the ability to learn and utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the programs and other related units.
- Knowledge of the program handbook, guidelines, and the ability to use different computer programs to prepare and present reports and other presentations.
- Respond to all assigned legislative inquiries, and other such inquiries from customers, advocates, and agency management in a timely and accurate fashion.
- Knowledge of the program's rules and eligibility criteria, and the ability to research and provide correct responses to inquiries, utilizing all available tools and program information available.
- Prepares and submits for approval weekly credit and bi-weekly check runs, and other payments as the program may generate, to ensure that payments are remitted to utility companies on behalf of their customers/our applicants in a timely fashion.
- Understanding and the ability to use the NJCSF, as well as the payment forms and reports used to generate, prepare, and process payments, while also knowing the approval authorities.
- The ability to work from an alternative work site and still be able to perform those responsibilities that would ensure the success of the programs in the unit. The ability to access all required platforms, review and adjudicate applications, and answer inquiries from both applicants and partnering agencies, using all available forms of communication—Microsoft Teams, emails, telephone—and the ability to virtually participate in meetings while working remotely.
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Centre for Community Resources State College
State College
04.2022 - 03.2023
- Provides crisis intervention, assessment for safety planning, emotional support, and treatment/support referrals to individuals in a consistent and non-judgmental manner.
- Cooperate with other authorities: Work with other agencies and organizations (like law enforcement, medical staff, and social workers) to coordinate care, and ensure a comprehensive response.
- Conduct risk assessments and safety planning: Evaluate the severity of the crisis, identify potential risks, and develop safety plans to ensure the well-being of clients.
- Facilitate referrals to resources: Connect individuals with appropriate resources, such as mental health services, support groups, or community programs.
- Document interactions: Maintain accurate records of assessments, interventions, and referrals.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication, active listening, and the ability to build rapport and trust quickly are crucial for effectively engaging with individuals in crisis.
- Commitment to ethical standards: Maintaining client confidentiality, and upholding ethical practices, are fundamental to the role.
Employment Specialist
Community and Residential Employment Services
State College
04.2020 - 04.2021
- Works directly with people with diverse disabilities to assist in assessing strengths, abilities, and identifying skills. Supporting the development of an individualized training and vocational goal plan. Training and preparing for competitive, integrated employment.
- Scheduling and overseeing follow-up support to help the client maintain their employment.
- Working with support teams, such as mental health workers, or social workers, to write job support plans for clients according to their needs and preferences.
- Ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.
- Conducted individualized assessments to determine client's eligibility for employment programs.
- Collaborated with employers to identify current labor market trends and develop job opportunities for clients.
- Researched local training opportunities and educational resources available to assist clients in achieving their desired objectives.
- Evaluated effectiveness of existing programs by analyzing data from past placements; identified areas for improvement.
- Interpreted and explained human resources policies, procedures or regulations.
Clerical Worker
Charles C. Sherrod Library
Johnson City
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Reviewed files, records and other documents to obtain information or respond to requests.
- Developed correspondence for internal communication purposes.
- Answered customer inquiries by phone and in person.
- Performed basic bookkeeping tasks such as accounts payable and receivable functions.
- Provided administrative support for multiple departments within the organization.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information and documents.
Education
Master of Arts - International Affairs
Penn State
University Park, PA05-2028
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Psychology
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN12.2020
Skills
- Teamwork
- Program evaluation
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Data entry
- Strategic planning
- Multitasking Abilities
Websites
VOLUNTEER
PROJECT OFFICER INTERN June/December 2021 — International Institute of Rural Reconstruction Reconstruction State College, PA, Develop new program concepts in partnership with staff around the world. Contributed to grant proposals either through research or writing. Provide research and authorship assistance for publications.
MENTOR LEADER June/Dec. 2018 — East Tennessee State University Best Mentoring Program Johnson City, TN Focused on creating opportunities for young people through sharing knowledge and experiences.
Extracurricular Activities
PRESIDENT, Jan. 2019/2020 — East Tennessee State University Shades of Africa Johnson City, TN Direct organization financial budget activities to fund operations, maximize activities, and increase efficiency. Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems. Deliver speeches, write articles, and present information at meetings or conventions to promote services, exchange ideas, or accomplish objectives.
PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER, Jan. 2018/2019 — East Tennessee State University Shades of Africa Johnson City, TN - Responsible for managing the flow of information for the organization between major stakeholders on campus and in the nearby communities. - Strategically planning and directing the public affairs of Shades. - Writing and editing speeches. - Managing and contributing to events organized by the Executive board.
ADDITONAL
Founder of I've Vision “Inspiring Change, Empowering Lives”, Member of the Major Group for Children and Youth. I am an active participant at the UN Headquarters in New York through MGCY.
Timeline
Program Specialist 1 Socio-Economic Programs
Jersey Department of Community Affairs
04.2023 - Current
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Centre for Community Resources State College
04.2022 - 03.2023
Employment Specialist
Community and Residential Employment Services
04.2020 - 04.2021
Clerical Worker
Charles C. Sherrod Library
01.2016 - 01.2021
Master of Arts - International Affairs
Penn State
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Psychology
East Tennessee State University
Similar Profiles
Michael SzwedMichael Szwed
Subcode Official, Investigator at New Jersey Department of Community AffairsSubcode Official, Investigator at New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
JORDAN ROLLINSJORDAN ROLLINS
Program Representative at New Jersey Department of Community AffairsProgram Representative at New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Marie EversonMarie Everson
Grant Management, Program Manager at New Jersey Department of Community AffairsGrant Management, Program Manager at New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Gabrielle BoerumGabrielle Boerum
R&D Chemist at AccupacR&D Chemist at Accupac
Autumn SnazaAutumn Snaza
Waitress/Coffee Barista at Daisy CafeWaitress/Coffee Barista at Daisy Cafe