Ja-Ticha Celestine Smart
Brooklyn
Summary
Dedicated professional with strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills, committed to supporting efficient operations and contributing to overall team success. Brings reliability, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn and grow within a dynamic organization.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Associate
Department Of Environmental Protection
Queens
05.2023 - Current
- Prepare and manage documentation for candidate onboarding and processing, including individualized letters, email correspondence, data entry, attendance tracking, and handling high-volume phone calls.
- Process and manage electronic onboarding for new hires by ensuring all required documentation is completed accurately and on time. While simultaneously reviewing candidates' information to verify they meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and comply with agency hiring standards.
- Provide professional, courteous, and clear communication to candidates and staff to support a smooth and positive onboarding experience.
- Maintain strong attention to detail across all onboarding tasks, including data entry, document review, and system updates.
- Exercise sound judgment when delivering instructions or requirements, maintaining professionalism without a punitive tone.
- Perform a wide range of administrative office functions, including photocopying, scanning, filing, and coordinating with internal HR staff and agency personnel to support daily operational needs.
- Maintain tracking systems for candidates selected from civil service hiring pools, and provide the required onboarding documentation for candidates to complete Phase 1 of the hiring process.
- Utilize Excel, Word, Outlook, and NYCAPS regularly to monitor onboarding progress, maintain accurate logs, and support data-driven reporting. Learning to use CRM tools to support daily HR tasks.
- Serve as the unit's receptionist, providing exceptional customer service to candidates and DEP personnel. Work side by side with the onboarding and processing team by preparing emails, letters, and essential documents.
- Coordinate incoming and outgoing mail operations, including certified mail and courier services, to ensure timely and secure delivery of materials to other agencies and city buildings.
- Collaborate with HR Operations leadership to address process challenges and support continuous workflow improvements.
- Ensure all onboarding activities meet agency policies, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards.
City Seasonal Aide
Department Of Environmental Protection
Queens
05.2022 - 05.2023
- Managed front desk operations by answering high‑volume phone calls, directing inquiries, scheduling appointments, maintaining a professional and welcoming office environment, and overseeing sign‑in procedures for all DEP candidates and employees.
- Oversee office supply inventory for the unit by monitoring the unit's office supplies, placing orders, maintaining accurate inventory logs, and distributing supplies to staff. Coordinate with the DEP Procurement Team to verify the delivery of ordered items and ensure all receiving reports are properly updated and returned.
- Prepare employee ID forms in advance to ensure a smooth transition, allowing candidates to have their ID photos taken immediately upon completing the in-person onboarding process.
- Fingerprinting new hires joining the Department of Environmental Protection, including processing the TPE Livescan form containing personnel information. Collect and accurately record the required $88 fingerprinting money order fee. Guiding candidates through placing all ten fingers on the Livescan machine and capturing employee photos in the system for submission.
- Prepare and process the return of money orders for candidates who completed onboarding & processing but did not continue with the job positions due to rescinded job offers, written declinations, or missed appointments due to no-call, no-show.
- Draft formal return letters, document the reason for each return, and maintain accurate records of candidate information, mailing addresses, and transaction details. Ensure all correspondence and supporting documentation are properly filed to meet audit and compliance requirements.
- Communicate with bureau administrators and their teams to provide updates on new hires, gathering necessary information such as work locations, confirmed start dates, and relevant onboarding details.
Community Advocate
Operation H.O.O.D. SYEP
Brooklyn
06.2016 - 09.2022
- Demonstrated leadership growth through community engagement and professional development initiatives.
- Facilitated structured discussions with youth to address community challenges, including school‑related issues and interpersonal conflicts.
- Provided targeted guidance on conflict‑resolution strategies and encouraged positive behavioral practices to address lack of attendance and improve overall school engagement.
- Planned and supported community-building activities that promoted safe, inclusive, and enjoyable engagement among residents living in Coney Island.
- Supported food pantry, coat‑distribution, and back‑to‑school supply operations by organizing inventory and distributing items in compliance with established health and safety standards.
- Planned and coordinated community events designed to strengthen resident engagement, promote collaboration, and cultivate a sense of belonging.
- Deliver tutoring services to promote academic achievement and personal development to students in High School.
- Engaging with youth and community members in open conversations about the impact of gun violence. Providing conflict resolution training and nonviolent communication strategies.
Ride Operation Associate
Central Amusement Inc-Luna Park
Brooklyn
06.2021 - 10.2021
- Provide clear safety instructions to guests, assist with boarding and exiting rides, and maintain a welcoming and secure environment. Respond promptly to guest inquiries and support overall park operations through effective communication and teamwork.
- Collect tickets from guests while carefully monitoring and enforcing posted height and age restrictions to ensure safe and appropriate ride access.
- Deliver excellent customer service by maintaining a friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic demeanor at all times.
- Maintain a clean and safe environment for guests by regularly cleaning equipment, vehicles, rides, booths, and park facilities. Ensure all areas meet health and safety standards to support a positive guest experience.
Flagger/Laborer
Transit Movers
Brooklyn
06.2017 - 06.2019
- Delivered high-quality customer service by answering phone inquiries, scheduling transportation appointments, and managing receipts. Assisted customers and associates by providing accurate information on product availability and order status.
- Processed customer orders with attention to detail, assisted in product selection as needed, and prepared items for delivery by ensuring quality control and accurate address labeling.
- Transported materials from building sites to delivery vehicles, ensuring safe handling and efficient loading. Provided flagging support to guide and protect laborers during active work operations.
- Looked up product info using both computer systems and paper catalogs to help customers and coworkers find what they needed.
Cashier
Subways Fast Food Restaurant
Brooklyn
10.2015 - 12.2015
- Prepared and served fresh hot sandwiches according to customer requests, maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation. Ensured a clean and safe work environment at all times, while proactively addressing customer needs to deliver a positive dining experience.
Private Nanny/Baby Sitter
Richmond Hill
04.2013 - 08.2015
- Maintained a clean and organized household environment to reduce the workload for parents.
- Prepared nutritious lunches and snacks with careful attention to dietary value and balanced ingredients.
- Created educational games to support students in improving their reading skills and reaching higher literacy levels.
Education
High School Diploma -
Liberation Diploma Plus
Brooklyn, NY06.2017
Skills
- Strong customer service skills with professional and respectful communication
- Skilled in preparing formal documents, letters, and correspondence
- Apply analytical thinking to assess situations, identify issues, and develop logical, effective solutions
- Organizational Skills: Maintain structured workflows, orderly systems, and well‑organized work environments
- Multitasking in fast‑paced, high‑volume environments
- Ability to communicate in a clear, polished, and professional manner
- Maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information
- Adaptable and able to adjust effectively to shifting priorities and changing workload demands
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Awards Trainings
- CPR and First Aid Certification, National Safety Council, 12/11/20, 12/11/22
- Certificate of Recognition, New York City Police Department
Timeline
Community Associate
Department Of Environmental Protection
05.2023 - Current
City Seasonal Aide
Department Of Environmental Protection
05.2022 - 05.2023
Ride Operation Associate
Central Amusement Inc-Luna Park
06.2021 - 10.2021
Flagger/Laborer
Transit Movers
06.2017 - 06.2019
Community Advocate
Operation H.O.O.D. SYEP
06.2016 - 09.2022
Cashier
Subways Fast Food Restaurant
10.2015 - 12.2015
Private Nanny/Baby Sitter
04.2013 - 08.2015
High School Diploma -
Liberation Diploma Plus