Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Languages
Accomplishments
References
Work Availability
Work Preference
Software
Interests
Quote
Timeline
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Helen Torres

Helen Torres

Bronx,New York

Summary

I am a dedicated professional with proven strengths in management, leadership, customer service, trend tracking, and problem-solving. I am experienced in building successful solutions and fostering positive relationships and communications, particularly within vulnerable communities, the elderly, people with disabilities, and children with autism. As a certified Trainer of Trainers (TOT), I have successfully trained staff to work with at-risk populations and children with special needs. I have also achieved notable success in engaging parents in initiatives. My excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly my fluency in English and Spanish, are crucial in bridging language and cultural gaps in diverse professional settings, ensuring effective communication and understanding.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Business Owner

A Little Bit of Wonderful Custom Design
Bronx, N.Y.
01.2019 - 06.2024
  • Hired talented individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal opportunities and fostering a diverse workplace
  • Leveraged unique perspectives and exceptional skills that employees with disabilities bring to the design process, enhancing creativity and innovation.
  • Created an accessible workplace with necessary accommodations to support all team members, ensuring a comfortable and productive work environment.
  • Contributed to the community by providing meaningful employment opportunities and promoting social inclusion and economic independence for individuals with disabilities
  • Established marketing strategies, such as social media campaigns, to promote the business.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors for supplies and services.
  • Managed inventory levels to meet customer demand while minimizing costs.
  • Collaborated with community partners, such as schools, social service agencies, state workforce centers, and employers, to provide client resources.
  • Advocated for equal access to employment opportunities, regardless of race, gender identity, or disability status.

Intake Coordinator/Pt Navigator

United Healthcare
Bronx, NY
08.2015 - 01.2019
  • Conducted remote initial assessments to determine service needs and eligibility for potential clients, including individuals with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities, that are suitable for home care assistance and therapeutic interventions.
  • Created individualized service plans for each client based on their unique needs and goals.
  • Developed strategies to assist clients in overcoming barriers that impede successful outcomes.
  • Facilitated group sessions designed to address specific issues related to the client's mental health needs.
  • Provided education about available services, benefits, rights, responsibilities, risks, and treatment options.
  • Offered crisis intervention techniques when needed.
  • Assisted in developing outreach programs to increase awareness and accessibility of services.

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Human Resources Specialist (Temporary)

Cardinal McCloskey Services
Bronx
08.2012 - 11.2015
  • Developed and implemented new employee onboarding process.
  • Guided managers on disciplinary action and performance management.
  • Conducted exit interviews with departing employees to identify areas of improvement in the organization.
  • Assisted in developing policies and procedures for the Human Resources Department.
  • Advised management on legal compliance related to employee relations, such as FMLA, ADA, and EEO.
  • Coordinated with external vendors to provide employee services, such as training and benefit administration.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution sessions and mediated employee disputes, fostering a positive work environment.

Director of Education and Outreach

Jewish Home and Hospital Kingsbridge
Bronx, NY
12.2007 - 06.2012
  • Spearheaded the Allied Health career development component, providing opportunities for high school students to train as certified nursing assistants and pharmacy technicians.
  • I initiated and fostered relationships with community-based organizations, creating opportunities and establishing partnerships.
  • Developed and maintained a program with a 98% parent participation rate, involving parents in their children's educational journey through consistent communication and engagement.
  • Implemented a system to monitor and address students' weaknesses, aiming to increase their SAT scores by building on their strengths.
  • Directed an intergenerational internship program, pairing high school students with seniors in long-term care facilities and conducting documented research on an increased empathy level.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive education plans to ensure student success.
  • Created, monitored, and evaluated the department budget to optimize resources.
  • Oversaw day-to-day operations of the education department, including staff supervision and training.
  • Maintained accurate records of student performance and attendance to ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Served as a liaison between the school district administration and community groups regarding educational issues.
  • Coordinated special events such as open houses or parent-teacher conferences.
  • Monitored student achievement through various assessment tools, such as tests or project evaluations.

Facility Supervisor

Department of Juvenile Justice
Bronx, Bronx
12.1998 - 10.2007
  • Trained NYC staff on child abuse, suicide prevention, OSHA, and TOT.
  • Created and organized the first Horizons Juvenile Detention Center Library at the Brook Avenue Detention.
  • Implemented programs to help juveniles develop better behavior management and decision-making skills.
  • Supervised and scheduled 14 counselors, providing guidance and support to ensure compliance with departmental standards.
  • Conducted evaluations of existing training materials to identify areas for improvement.
  • Organized and scheduled training sessions, seminars, and workshops.
  • Created online tutorials for remote learning opportunities.
  • Coordinated with department heads to ensure staff were adequately trained in job duties.
  • Monitored video surveillance systems to detect irregularities in the facility environment.
  • Coordinated with medical and mental health personnel to provide necessary services for youth with intellectual disabilities.
  • Conducted daily briefings to pass on pertinent info to oncoming shifts.
  • Searched buildings and grounds, living quarters, and work areas for contraband.
  • Facilitated communication between school personnel, parents and guardians, therapists, psychiatrists, and other professionals involved in the student's care.
  • Educated staff members about mental health issues affecting students so they can better respond appropriately to those needs.
  • Implemented therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness training into practice.
  • Assisted youth in developing healthy coping skills that could be used during stress or difficulty.
  • Assisted youth in finding solutions by teaching appropriate intervention techniques and services for youth with disabilities.

Education

Master of Science (M.S.) - Education K-Adulthood Autism/Disability Studies

School of Professional Studies, New York
05-2026

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Disability Studies/Autism

School of Professional Studies, New York

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) - O.T.A.

Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Associate in Arts (A.A.) - Liberal Arts Math and Science

LaGuardia Community College, Queens, New York

Skills

  • Strategic Management & Visionary Leadership
  • Staff Training & Development
  • Operational Efficiency & Multitasking
  • Insightful Condition Reporting
  • Cultural Awareness & Inclusive Practices
  • Data Collection & Analytical Skills
  • Collaborative Team Leadership
  • Talent Allocation
  • Customer Relations
  • Professional Networking
  • Relationship Building
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Public Speaking
  • Coaching and Mentoring
  • Team Collaboration and Leadership
  • Employee Training
  • Microsoft Word, Excel Power Point
  • Relationship building

Affiliations

  • NYC Road Runners Club—NYC Marathon
  • Special Olympics Marathon
  • Bronx community Gardens Volunteer
  • LiveOn NY Volunteer

Languages

Spanish
Professional
English
Professional

Accomplishments

  • 2019: NYC Women Forum Scholarship
  • 2024: Legacy Scholarship

References

References available upon request.

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Work Location

On-SiteRemoteHybrid

Important To Me

Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionPaid time off401k matchTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid sick leave4-day work week

Software

Microsoft Word

Excel

Powerpoint

Teams

Google meet, Zoom

We Connect

People Soft

Interests

Research

A good Book

Chasing Waterfalls

Graphic Designing

Running/exercising

Quote

"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that count."
Winston Churchill

Timeline

Business Owner

A Little Bit of Wonderful Custom Design
01.2019 - 06.2024

Intake Coordinator/Pt Navigator

United Healthcare
08.2015 - 01.2019

Human Resources Specialist (Temporary)

Cardinal McCloskey Services
08.2012 - 11.2015

Director of Education and Outreach

Jewish Home and Hospital Kingsbridge
12.2007 - 06.2012

Facility Supervisor

Department of Juvenile Justice
12.1998 - 10.2007

Master of Science (M.S.) - Education K-Adulthood Autism/Disability Studies

School of Professional Studies, New York

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Disability Studies/Autism

School of Professional Studies, New York

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) - O.T.A.

Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Associate in Arts (A.A.) - Liberal Arts Math and Science

LaGuardia Community College, Queens, New York
Helen Torres