Heather Hartobey
Hackettstown,NJ
Summary
Highly motivated and skilled Residential Specialist, Recreation Coordinator & Case Managers who graciously handles and resolves challenging client issues. Driven to consistently deliver exceptional client support. Compassionate Community Service Specialist with 10 years in education and human resources. Exceptional planning, administration and leadership skills, particularly in program design, implementation and management. Creative thinker with a knack for developing creative solutions to complex problems.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
ASL Deaf Language Associate
Department of Human Services
Trenton, NJ
09.2021 - Current
- Provide their child with tools needed for full language acquisition and development
- Strong communication skills, supports, interact and develop rapport with children, adults in the setting, and the parents of the child.
- Advanced proficiency American Sign Language (ASL) model for the child.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators and parents to determine how best to support student success.
Senior Direct Support Professional (DSP)
The MENTOR Network
Blairstown, NJ
10.2017 - 02.2019
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies when necessary, prioritizing safety while maintaining a compassionate approach.
- Fostered a supportive environment for clients with diverse needs, utilizing effective communication and problem-solving techniques.
- Improved overall quality of care by providing comprehensive training to junior Direct Support Professionals.
- Increased client independence by teaching essential life skills such as budgeting, meal planning, and personal hygiene.
- Consistently met regulatory compliance standards through meticulous documentation and record-keeping practices.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive client information in accordance with privacy regulations, preserving dignity and respect for all individuals served.
Assistant Northern and Central Case Management
New Jersssociation of the Deaf-Blind, INC.
Somerset, NJ
02.2007 - 04.2011
- Keep detailed records of every case, every home visit, every referral and every contact with resources on client's behalf
- Input accurate and complete data for all contacts with clients into agency database
- Ensure that all documents submitted on behalf of a client are valid
- Enhances a collaborative relationship to maximize the client's and family's ability to make informed decisions
- Assists with client's doctor appointment, transportation and personal preferences.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Recreation Coordinator
New Jersey Association of the Deaf-Blind, INC.
Somerset, NJ
11.2000 - 09.2005
- Managed and maintained a balanced budget
- Developed innovative programs and activities based on analysis of community needs and interests
- Planned and hosted on- and off-campus community service activities
- Communicated with individuals of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds on a daily basis
- Drafted recreation calendars, catalogs, brochures and public service announcements to promote programs.
- Improved customer satisfaction with recreational services by regularly soliciting feedback and making necessary adjustments.
- Scheduled events in recreation facilities and monitored facility conditions.
- Managed timesheets for recreation attendants, instructors and coaches to provide prompt payment.
- Coordinated special events such as tournaments, fundraisers, and holiday celebrations that brought community members together in an enjoyable atmosphere.
- Oversaw monthly budget for activities for annual business.
- Maintained inventory of supplies and equipment with established sign-out procedures.
Residential Assistant Manager
New Jersey Association of the Deaf-Blind, INC
Somerset, NJ
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Provides direct series in community and daily living to the individuals who are Deaf-Blind and developmentally disabled
- Assists in developing of Individuals Habilitation Plan (IHP) for all clients and also monitor client's process according to IHP guidelines
- Maintain accurate clients and program records, daily lives, incident reports, behavior management, medical, dental, etc
- In accordance with set policies
- Oversees and monitors program expenditures, staff scheduling, maintenance, transportation, client's monies, recreation, food, etc
- Carry out any other responsibilities deemed necessary to the Residential Manager.
Residential Specialist
New Jersey Association of the Deaf-Blind, INC
Somerset, NJ
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Train and participate in the activities of client's daily living routines including personal hygiene, meal preparation, home and yard maintenance
- Teach all aspects of direct clients treatments according to their IHP plans
- Supervise clients medication charts.
- Facilitated open communication between residents, families, and staff, fostering a positive community atmosphere within the facility.
- Enhanced resident satisfaction by addressing individual needs and promptly resolving concerns.
- Documented medication dosages, behavioral changes and feeding patterns for each patient.
- Managed crisis situations effectively with swift response times, minimizing risk factors for both individuals involved as well as other community members present at the time of the event.
Education
Master Of Criminal Justice -
Gallaudet University
Washington, DCLive Oak High
Waston, Louisiana05.1997
Louisiana School For The Deaf
Baton Rouge, LA01.1985
Skills
- Managerial background
- Team player
- Strong PR background
- Conflict resolution
- Advocate for Deaf, Blind, etc
- Fluent in ASL, PSE, Tactical Signs and Lip-reading
- Organized
- Goal-oriented
- Reliable
- Time Management
- Leadership Qualities
- Multiple Priorities Management
- Record and File Management
- And most of all, plenty of patience
Timeline
ASL Deaf Language Associate
Department of Human Services
09.2021 - Current
Senior Direct Support Professional (DSP)
The MENTOR Network
10.2017 - 02.2019
Assistant Northern and Central Case Management
New Jersssociation of the Deaf-Blind, INC.
02.2007 - 04.2011
Recreation Coordinator
New Jersey Association of the Deaf-Blind, INC.
11.2000 - 09.2005
Residential Assistant Manager
New Jersey Association of the Deaf-Blind, INC
01.1999 - 01.2000
Residential Specialist
New Jersey Association of the Deaf-Blind, INC
01.1998 - 01.1999
Master Of Criminal Justice -
Gallaudet University
Live Oak High
Louisiana School For The Deaf