HERON JAY ADKINS
1114 Winona Ave, Roanoke,VA
Summary
I am a passionate advocate for individuals with a 10+ year background working with clients from diverse backgrounds in educational, legal, mental health, and employment settings. I am seeking a position in a helping career to further my experience as a resource to help others reach their highest potential.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Employment Specialist
Rehabilitative Services & Vocational Placement, Inc
11.2021 - 01.2023
- Assisted clients with completing job applications and submitting resumes to improve interview chances.
- Established strong relationships with local employers to match clients with suitable job opportunities.
- Assisted in preparing clients for interviews to increase chances of receiving a job offer.
- Provided ongoing support and guidance for clients once jobs had been secured with emphasis on working toward client independence within their position.
- Assisted employers in making needed accomodations and becoming familiar with working with client's challenges.
Youth Services Worker III
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
02.2017 - 10.2021
- Advocated for children''s best interests in court proceedings, presenting case findings and recommendations to judges and legal representatives.
- Ensured timely intervention in crisis situations, coordinating with emergency services and other professionals as needed.
- Built strong professional networks within local service providers to expedite referrals for financial aid, mental health therapy, or housing solutions.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
Customer Service Representative
Amazon.com
07.2016 - 02.2017
- Handled customer inquiries and suggestions courteously and professionally.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Answered constant flow of customer calls with minimal wait times.
Inbound/Outbound Communicator
INFOCISION
06.2014 - 07.2016
- Handled customer inquiries and suggestions courteously and professionally.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Answered constant flow of customer calls with minimal wait times.
Substitute Teacher/Homebound Instructor
MONTGOMERY CO. PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2009 - 01.2014
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
Government/Civics teacher
Forest Park Academy
08.2008 - 06.2009
- Created/implemented Civics/Government curriculum for at risk students in 8th and 12th grade classrooms.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Advised and counseled students to help them develop skills and knowledge required to succeed.
- Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers, and course work.
Mathematics Instructor
Wytheville Comm. College Upward Bound
06.2008 - 08.2008
- Create/implement Mathematics curriculum for 8-12th grade disadvantaged students in the Upward Bound Summer Program.
- Prepared high-quality lessons to teach students step-by-step problem-solving methods for Geometry.
- Implemented innovative resources such as videos, metaphors and real-life scenarios to illustrate course concepts and engage students.
- Enhanced student understanding by incorporating real-world examples and applications in lessons.
- Supervised students during end of program enrichment trip to Charleston, SC.
Lead Mathematics Teacher
Minnick Education Center
08.2005 - 06.2008
- Created and implemented Mathematics Curriculum for at risk students 8th-12th grade classrooms.
- Established a positive learning environment by enforcing consistent discipline and using effective classroom management techniques.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Improved students'' problem-solving abilities by incorporating real-life applications into mathematical concepts.
Special Education Instructional Aide
Montgomery Co. Public Sch.
08.2004 - 06.2005
- Assisted in the creation of a new On-Campus Transition Program on the campus of Radford University.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of special education.
- Documented behaviors, implemented interventions, and treatment results.
- Assisted a student with Down Syndrome in creation of an informational project regarding the benefits of Transitional programs for students with Special Needs and also assisted this student to present this project to local school boards and at a national Special Education Conference in Reno, Nevada.
Training Specialist
Echostar Inc.
01.2001 - 08.2003
- Supervised customer service agents
- Performed weekly training seminars for customer service agents and management personnel.
- Evaluated training effectiveness using feedback surveys and assessments, making continuous improvements as needed.
- Coached employees on various topics including conflict resolution, goal setting, troubleshooting techniques, and effective sales strategies.
Primary Caregiver
Blacksburg Shelter Home
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Worked with at-risk foster children ages 2-19 as a stay at home caregiver
- Assembled and delivered financial and status reports for the Shelter Home Board of Directors.
Education
Master of Arts in Education and Instruction - Education Curriculum and Instruction-I.D.S.M.
05.2004
- 3.85 GPA
B.A. Sociology -
05.2002
Minor: History
Skills
- Employer outreach
- Workforce Development
- Employment Barriers Identification
- Collaborative Problem-Solving
- Multicultural Competence
- Individual Counseling
- Educational Advocacy
- Foster care youth
- Client documentation
- Client Advocacy
- Case Management
- Home visits
Awards
- Dean’s List Virginia Tech, Fall 1992 – Fall 1995
- National Merit Scholarship, 1988
Role Playing Game enthusiast
I am an avid Role Playing Game enthusiast and have coordinated an online weekly game since the Covid Pandemic with 5-8 individuals from Boston to Arizona and ranging in age from 13 to 60.
Timeline
Employment Specialist - Rehabilitative Services & Vocational Placement, Inc
11.2021 - 01.2023
Youth Services Worker III - West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
02.2017 - 10.2021
Customer Service Representative - Amazon.com
07.2016 - 02.2017
Inbound/Outbound Communicator - INFOCISION
06.2014 - 07.2016
Substitute Teacher/Homebound Instructor - MONTGOMERY CO. PUBLIC SCHOOLS
08.2009 - 01.2014
Government/Civics teacher - Forest Park Academy
08.2008 - 06.2009
Mathematics Instructor - Wytheville Comm. College Upward Bound
06.2008 - 08.2008
Lead Mathematics Teacher - Minnick Education Center
08.2005 - 06.2008
Special Education Instructional Aide - Montgomery Co. Public Sch.
08.2004 - 06.2005
Training Specialist - Echostar Inc.
01.2001 - 08.2003
Primary Caregiver - Blacksburg Shelter Home
01.1999 - 01.2001
Radford University - Master of Arts in Education and Instruction, Education Curriculum and Instruction-I.D.S.M.
Virginina Tech - B.A. Sociology,
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