Elizabeth Baxter
Columbia,SC
Summary
Dedicated Direct Support Professional Supervisor with over 17 years of experience. Proven expertise in staff training, compliance monitoring, and crisis intervention, ensuring high-quality care for individuals with disabilities.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Direct Support Professional Supervisor
Midlands Center
Columbia, South Carolina
12.2007 - 12.2025
- Supervised daily activities of individuals with disabilities in community settings.
- Trained staff on best practices for supporting individuals' needs and preferences.
- Monitored compliance with state regulations and organizational policies effectively.
- Facilitated communication between families, staff, and external service providers regularly.
- Coordinated care plans with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support.
- Resolved conflicts among team members, promoting a positive work environment consistently.
- Implemented training programs focused on enhancing team skills and knowledge base.
- Conducted performance evaluations to assess staff effectiveness and development needs.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed to address challenging behaviors exhibited by residents and clients.
- Created and maintained a positive work environment through effective communication with staff, residents, families, and other stakeholders.
- Conducted regular training sessions on safety protocols for direct support personnel.
- Participated in weekly team meetings with other supervisors to discuss resident and client progress and plan interventions when necessary.
- Initiated disciplinary action when appropriate following established protocol.
- Monitored daily activities of direct support staff to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Scheduled shift assignments for direct support professionals according to staffing needs.
- Maintained accurate records of client services provided including incident reports, medication logs, treatment plans.
- Coordinated transportation services for clients as needed based on their individual requirements.
- Collaborated with external agencies such as mental health providers, educational institutions, and state licensing boards, as needed.
- Provided guidance to direct support professionals in the performance of their job duties.
- Encouraged participation in recreational activities for clients under supervision.
- Worked closely with medical staff to coordinate services for residents and clients as needed.
- Facilitated group activities designed to promote socialization among residents and clients.
- Assisted in developing individual service plans for each resident and client based on their needs and interests.
- Provided direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering activities of daily living.
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
- Documented current patient information to update vital signs, behaviors, and eating habits.
- Assisted individuals in learning and developing new skills.
- Followed care plan and directions to administer medications.
- Reported changes in client condition to administrators, facilitating nursing intervention.
- Developed strong and trusting rapport with patients to facilitate smooth, quality care.
- Advocated for disabled individuals to foster communication and self-expression and achieve goals.
- Leveraged database management system to track and report service hours, details of activities and progress on goals.
- Encouraged and reassured clients throughout transitions to facilitate smooth discharge.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Recruited, hired and trained new medical and facility staff.
- Maintained communication and transparency with governing boards, department heads and medical staff.
- Directed, supervised and evaluated medical, clerical or maintenance personnel.
- Maintained awareness of government regulations, health insurance changes and financing options.
- Assessed need for additional staff, equipment and services based on historical data and seasonal trends.
Certified Nursing Assistant
National Healh Care- Parklane
Columbia, South Carolina
06.2001 - 03.2007
- Provided compassionate care to residents at National Health Care- Parklane.
- Assisted nursing staff with daily living activities for patient comfort.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team promptly.
- Maintained cleanliness and order in patient areas to ensure safety.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records system.
- Supported mobility and rehabilitation activities for improved patient independence.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
- Monitored vital signs including blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate.
- Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing, and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Served meals to patients in their rooms and assisted with feeding when needed.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Assisted with ambulation of patients utilizing appropriate equipment safely.
- Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving sudden illness or injury.
- Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems for review by medical staff.
- Assisted residents in preparing for activities and social programs.
- Performed housekeeping duties such as changing linens and cleaning bathrooms when necessary.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Supported non-ambulatory residents in range of motion exercises.
- Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
- Provided comfort measures such as back rubs and positioning pillows for added comfort.
- Looked for physical, emotional, and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
- Collected specimens, monitored vitals, and maximized patient comfort to maintain optimal environment.
- Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
- Managed and maintained patient rooms, shared-living areas and nursing stations.
- Participated in educational programs related to nursing assistant skills development.
- Collected specimens for testing purposes upon request from physicians or nurses.
- Supported daily living activities by serving meals, feeding, ambulating and turning over and positioning patients.
- Measured and recorded food and liquid intake and output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Supplied, collected and emptied patient bedpans on frequent basis.
- Exercised comatose and paralyzed patients to reduce delirium and improve physical function.
- Shaved and draped patients to prepare for surgery, treatment or examination.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Life Care Center
Columbia, South Carolina
05.2001 - 10.2003
- Provided compassionate care to residents at National Health Care- Parklane.
- Assisted nursing staff with daily living activities for patient comfort.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team promptly.
- Maintained cleanliness and order in patient areas to ensure safety.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records system.
- Supported mobility and rehabilitation activities for improved patient independence.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
- Monitored vital signs including blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate.
- Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
- Served meals to patients in their rooms and assisted with feeding when needed.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing, and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Assisted with ambulation of patients utilizing appropriate equipment safely.
- Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving sudden illness or injury.
- Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems for review by medical staff.
- Assisted residents in preparing for activities and social programs.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
- Supported non-ambulatory residents in range of motion exercises.
- Provided comfort measures such as back rubs and positioning pillows for added comfort.
- Looked for physical, emotional, and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
- Collected specimens, monitored vitals, and maximized patient comfort to maintain optimal environment.
- Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
- Managed and maintained patient rooms, shared-living areas and nursing stations.
- Participated in educational programs related to nursing assistant skills development.
- Collected specimens for testing purposes upon request from physicians or nurses.
- Assisted with admission procedures such as gathering personal data from the patient's chart.
- Supported daily living activities by serving meals, feeding, ambulating and turning over and positioning patients.
- Measured and recorded food and liquid intake and output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Supplied, collected and emptied patient bedpans on frequent basis.
- Exercised comatose and paralyzed patients to reduce delirium and improve physical function.
- Shaved and draped patients to prepare for surgery, treatment or examination.
Home Health/Home Health Hospice Aide
Prisma Health Baptist
Columbia, South Carolina
1997 - 2001
- Provided compassionate personal care to hospice patients in home settings.
- Assisted with daily living activities, including bathing and grooming patients.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team.
- Collaborated with family members to support patient comfort and needs.
- Documented patient care activities and observations accurately in records.
- Maintained a clean and safe environment for patients and families.
- Supported emotional well-being through companionship and active listening.
- Followed care plans developed by healthcare professionals diligently.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult times.
- Monitored vital signs including temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure.
- Provided companionship for elderly clients who were isolated due to physical limitations.
- Performed personal care services for patients including oral hygiene, skin care, nail care and hair care.
- Assisted with ambulation of patients using gait belts and other safety equipment when needed.
- Attended continuing education courses as required by state regulations.
- Encouraged independence by assisting patients with self-care tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping and laundry.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure quality patient care.
- Assessed home environment for potential hazards or risks.
- Ensured that all equipment was properly maintained.
- Promoted comfort through the use of therapeutic massage techniques.
- Participated in weekly case conferences with nursing staff to discuss client progress and goals.
- Maintained accurate medical records for each patient.
- Managed a caseload of up to 10 home health hospice clients on a daily basis.
- Observed changes in patient's condition and reported any significant findings to the RN or physician.
- Developed effective relationships with clients based on mutual trust and respect.
- Maintained accurate records of patient visits in accordance with agency standards.
- Supported grieving families by offering listening ear, compassion and kindness.
- Helped patients maintain dignity during difficult times.
- Dressed, groomed and fed patients with limited physical abilities to support basic needs.
- Cared for patients by washing and ironing laundry, cleaning or assisting with personal care.
- Documented patient status and reported changes in care needs.
- Assisted clients with proper exercises and rehabilitation.
- Provided patients and families with emotional support and instruction.
- Cared for disabled children or children with sick or disabled parents.
- Massaged patients or applied liniment, alcohol rubs or heat-lamp stimulation.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Brian Center
Columbia, South Carolina
1994 - 1997
- Assisted nursing staff with daily living activities for patient comfort.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team promptly.
- Maintained cleanliness and order in patient areas to ensure safety.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records system.
- Supported mobility and rehabilitation activities for improved patient independence.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
- Monitored vital signs including blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate.
- Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
- Served meals to patients in their rooms and assisted with feeding when needed.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing, and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Assisted with ambulation of patients utilizing appropriate equipment safely.
- Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving sudden illness or injury.
- Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems for review by medical staff.
- Assisted residents in preparing for activities and social programs.
- Performed housekeeping duties such as changing linens and cleaning bathrooms when necessary.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
- Supported non-ambulatory residents in range of motion exercises.
- Provided comfort measures such as back rubs and positioning pillows for added comfort.
- Looked for physical, emotional, and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
- Collected specimens, monitored vitals, and maximized patient comfort to maintain optimal environment.
- Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
- Managed and maintained patient rooms, shared-living areas and nursing stations.
- Participated in educational programs related to nursing assistant skills development.
- Collected specimens for testing purposes upon request from physicians or nurses.
- Assisted with admission procedures such as gathering personal data from the patient's chart.
- Administered medications as directed by registered nurse or physician.
- Supported daily living activities by serving meals, feeding, ambulating and turning over and positioning patients.
- Measured and recorded food and liquid intake and output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Supplied, collected and emptied patient bedpans on frequent basis.
- Exercised comatose and paralyzed patients to reduce delirium and improve physical function.
- Shaved and draped patients to prepare for surgery, treatment or examination.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - nursing/ human services
Midlands Technical College
West Columbia, SCSkills
- supervision
- staff training
- compliance monitoring
- crisis intervention
- care coordination
- case management
- emotional intelligence
- time management
- conflict resolution
- effective communication
- quality improvement
- documentation accuracy
- functional assessment
- interdisciplinary collaboration
- Healthcare coordination
- Incident reporting
- Behavioral support
- Disability awareness
- Empathy development
- Community integration
- empowerment advocacy
- Nutrition
- Client advocacy
- Care plan management
- Wellness and nutrition knowledge
- Community integration support
- State regulations
- Behavioral management
- Care delivery
- Active listening
- Compassionate client care
- ADL support
- Case documentation
- Positive reinforcement
- Record keeping
- Crisis management
- Infection control procedures
- Health services
- Medical records management
- Health and safety requirements
- Client support
- Patient care
- Direct patient care
- Transportation
- Nutrition support
- De-escalation techniques
- Healthcare
- Goal setting
- Self-care promotion
- Personal care assistance
- Relationship building
- Case management experience
- Empathy and patience
- First aid and safety
- Charting and documentation
- Client transportation
- Transportation assistance
- Patient education
- Housekeeping tasks
- Individualized support planning
- Support plan management
- Multitasking and organization
- Medical office administration
Certification
certified nursing assistant
Accomplishments
employee of the month 2009
Timeline
Direct Support Professional Supervisor
Midlands Center
12.2007 - 12.2025
Certified Nursing Assistant
National Healh Care- Parklane
06.2001 - 03.2007
Certified Nursing Assistant
Life Care Center
05.2001 - 10.2003
Home Health/Home Health Hospice Aide
Prisma Health Baptist
1997 - 2001
Certified Nursing Assistant
Brian Center
1994 - 1997
Some College (No Degree) - nursing/ human services
Midlands Technical College