Heather Blaszczyk
Belmont,MI
Summary
Highly motivated team player with passion for helping others. Possesses excellent organizational and communication skills and provides individualized assistance and support. Experienced in delivering guidance and education on various topics such as academics, behavior management and technology.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paraprofessional, Special Education
Rockford Public Schools
Rockford, MI
01.2019 - Current
- Providing direct service to students and assisting teachers in elementary schools. Focused on teaching and modeling appropriate behavior and communication skills with students aged 5-12. Helping students to make positive choices and work together on the playground and in classrooms.
- Supported classroom activities by assisting teachers with lesson plans and instructional materials.
- Facilitated individual and small group instruction to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Monitored student behavior and provided guidance to promote a positive learning environment.
- Implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) in collaboration with educators and support staff.
- Assisted in the assessment of student progress through data collection and reporting techniques.
- Position also includes working as a substitute teacher in student classrooms, summer day care program lead staff member, and working with the targeted summer learning program in language arts and special education.
- Supported classroom management by facilitating engaging learning activities and maintaining a positive environment.
- Assisted teachers in implementing individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Developed strong relationships with students to foster trust and enhance their educational experience.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
Human Resources Assistant
Salvation Army
Grand Rapids, MI
10.2021 - 12.2021
- Worked closely with HR directors to process employment applications for holiday employment throughout Michigan.
- Position included ensuring complete application packets, running background checks, entering information for employment and direct deposit, while using various computer programs.
- Managed employee onboarding procedures, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
Children’s Protective Services Specialist and Investigator
State of Michigan, Department of Health and Human Services
Muskegon, MI
10.2012 - 07.2019
- Investigated allegations of child abuse /neglect. Interviewing children, families, community members, and referral sources to evaluate risks and assess appropriateness of referral of services.
- Evaluated family strengths and needs to determine necessary level of intervention of services. Review of case history. Conducting family and children’s assessments, home visits, attending school meetings/IEPs, and supervising parenting time visits.
- Identified strengths and exploring successes to develop treatment plans. Exploring natural and social supports available to caretakers and children.
- Collaboration with public and private agencies, such as Friend of the Court, criminal court, and juvenile court. Presenting assessments and testimony at court hearings and trials. Preparing legal documents, forms, and petitions.
- Completion of risk and safety assessments, and evaluation of caretakers and children’s needs and strengths. Review of case service plans and goals. Prepare and maintain case reports, social histories, and case summaries and case records.
- Use of multiple computer systems and programs. Including training new staff on such programs.
- Transporting clients as needed to court hearings, appointments, and services. Advocating for clients needs and assisting them with barriers to services.
- Providing direct services to clients, such as money management, counseling, and parenting education classes. Crisis intervention. Promoting understanding of family’s needs and development of SMART goals. Providing support and guidance to achieve goals.
- Additional work as a Mentor/trainer to new employees. Feather in the Hat recipient for outstanding work above and beyond expectations. Attending training on policy, laws, substance use, mental health, veterans’ topics.
- Provided comprehensive support for client case management and service delivery initiatives.
- Facilitated training sessions to enhance staff understanding of health program policies and procedures.
- Streamlined intake processes, improving efficiency in service access for clients.
- Coordinated interdepartmental communication to ensure alignment on client care strategies.
- Mentored junior staff in case documentation and reporting standards for improved accuracy.
- Advocated for client needs, fostering partnerships with community organizations to expand service offerings.
- Managed high-volume workloads, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely completion and quality results.
- Trained new team members, sharing best practices and ensuring consistent service standards across the department.
- Fostered a positive work environment that encouraged collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement among team members.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and loyalty through exceptional service delivery.
- Exhibited high energy and professionalism when dealing with clients and staff.
- Developed highly empathetic client relationships and earned reputation for exceeding service standard goals.
Activity Leader / Self Reliance Instructor
AmeriCorps Member / Camp Fire USA Neighborhood Youth Development
09.2007 - 09.2008
Regional Support Coordinator
AmeriCorps Member / Mentor Michigan
10.2005 - 10.2006
Public Relations / Actor / Security
The Haunt
10.2000 - 01.2006
Associate Trainer
Panera Bread
03.2003 - 04.2005
Cashier / Sales Associate / Overnight Stock Team Leader
Toys R Us
11.2002 - 06.2003
Kitchen and Food/Beverage Manager
DeltaPlex Food and Beverage
01.2003 - 04.2003
Integrated Visual Learning Instructor / Case Manager
Excel Institute
02.2001 - 10.2001
Office Manager
Western Michigan University Residence Hall
12.1997 - 12.1999
Intern – Intake Division with Investigator
Kalamazoo County Circuit Court, Family Division
12.1998 - 05.1999
Lifeguard / Trainer
Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park
01.1995 - 01.1998
Education
B. A. - Psychology and Criminal Justice
Western Michigan University
12-1999
Skills
- Behavior management
- Effective communication
- Helping students with special needs
- Small group and individual assistance
- Calm and patient demeanor
- Teacher support
- Data collection
- CPR and first aid
- Computer skills
- Documentation
- Customer service
- Data entry
Certification
- CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training and Certification - Expires 8/2025
- CPR, AED, and First Aid Training – Scheduled to recertify in August 2023
Community Service
- UAW Local 6000, Local office Chief Steward and Chair of Labor Management team, 2013, 2019, Elected to Membership Council, Statewide Labor Management Team, Secondary Bargaining Team, Veteran’s Committee Secretary, Statewide UAW Local 6000 Trustee
- Rockford Schools/Belmont Elementary School, Parent Teacher Organization Board member, 2014, 2023, Serving as Trustee (2014-2018); Vice President (2018-2020, 2022-2023); President (2020-2022)
- Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scout volunteer Den Leader and Committee member, 2016, 2020, Boy Scout Advancement Chair and Committee Member (2023-2022)
- USA BMX, Volunteer, Volunteer at many tracks across Michigan, serving as staging manager, score keeper, and working in other aspects as needed.
LEADERSHIP
Campus Residence Hall President; Habitat for Humanity volunteer; Alpha Phi Sigma, Epsilon Phi Criminal Justice Honor Society; Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certified, Red Cross Disaster Team Certified; Ellis and Associates Lifeguard Certification (expired).
Additional Experience
- Child care nanny, administrative assistant; office manager; bakery chef and line cook.
- Entertainment Industry: event coordinator and DJ assistant with established entertainment company; freelance photographer, booking agent, tour manager, and concert promoter for local, regional, and national acts.
Timeline
Human Resources Assistant
Salvation Army
10.2021 - 12.2021
Paraprofessional, Special Education
Rockford Public Schools
01.2019 - Current
Children’s Protective Services Specialist and Investigator
State of Michigan, Department of Health and Human Services
10.2012 - 07.2019
Activity Leader / Self Reliance Instructor
AmeriCorps Member / Camp Fire USA Neighborhood Youth Development
09.2007 - 09.2008
Regional Support Coordinator
AmeriCorps Member / Mentor Michigan
10.2005 - 10.2006
Associate Trainer
Panera Bread
03.2003 - 04.2005
Kitchen and Food/Beverage Manager
DeltaPlex Food and Beverage
01.2003 - 04.2003
Cashier / Sales Associate / Overnight Stock Team Leader
Toys R Us
11.2002 - 06.2003
Integrated Visual Learning Instructor / Case Manager
Excel Institute
02.2001 - 10.2001
Public Relations / Actor / Security
The Haunt
10.2000 - 01.2006
Intern – Intake Division with Investigator
Kalamazoo County Circuit Court, Family Division
12.1998 - 05.1999
Office Manager
Western Michigan University Residence Hall
12.1997 - 12.1999
Lifeguard / Trainer
Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park
01.1995 - 01.1998
B. A. - Psychology and Criminal Justice
Western Michigan University