Jennifer Laris
Richford
Summary
Diligent Developmental Assistant 2 with extensive experience at Broome DDSO, excelling in client advocacy. Proven track record in enhancing quality of life through effective care plans and compassionate caregiving. Skilled in incident reporting and team collaboration, fostering trust and independence among individuals with developmental disabilities. Skilled in managing and supervising care teams to deliver exceptional support services. Known for maintaining high standards and ensuring compliance with care protocols. Focuses on team collaboration and adaptability to meet changing needs, displaying strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. Proven ability to lead and manage direct support staff effectively. Supervised teams to ensure quality care and support were consistently delivered. Demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills, fostering collaborative and supportive work environment.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Developmental Assistant 2
Broome DDSO
05.2022 - Current
- Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement comprehensive care plans tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Successfully manages challenging behaviors through the use of de-escalation techniques using Promote
- Participates in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in the field of developmental assistance through available optional courses on Statewide Learning Management System
- Implement behavior modification strategies, improving overall quality of life for clients.
- Advocate for clients'' rights and well-being by ensuring they were receiving proper support services as needed, including coordinating with other service providers such as Habilitation Specialists, Psychologists, Recreation Therapists, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Registered Nurses, and medical professionals.
- Developed trustful rapport between myself as a Developmental Assistant and the individuals I provided care for, building an environment centered around respect and understanding.
- Developed strong relationships with clients'' families, providing regular updates on their loved one''s progress and addressing any concerns they may have.
- Support individuals in developing effective communication skills, fostering better interpersonal relationships both within the program, their home, and in the broader community.
- Work closely with Training and Development Department to maintain training modules and ensure staff were current with trainings.
- Ensure adherence to all safety protocols, maintaining a safe and secure environment for clients at all times.
- Coordinate with healthcare professionals to ensure proper medical care for individuals under my supervision.
- Facilitates instructor-led training via in person or online for both myself and staff under my supervision.
- Closely monitor individual progress and advocated for necessary adjustments to support plans based on observed changes in behavior or need.
- Provide daily support and assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities, fostering their personal growth and development.
- Administer medication as needed under strict guidelines while closely monitoring side effects or health concerns.
- Assist with personal hygiene tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, feeding; ensuring dignity was maintained throughout these processes.
- Implement creative strategies to engage clients in social activities, promoting integration into the community, especially during the lack of a Rec Therapist
- Assist in creating a supportive environment for individuals with developmental disabilities, promoting independence and autonomy.
- Supervises a staff roster of over 30 employees, including three Developmental Assistant 1's.
- Ledger Manager for twelve individuals, ensuring they have access to their funds and spend their money in a way that enhances their lives per their Personal Expenditure Plan
- Ensure staff are following Safeguard Summary Plans, Behavior Support Plans, and Staff Action Plans as written
- Enforce Agency Policies and Procedures, retraining and counseling staff as needed
- Have taken an IRA under High Scrutiny with DQI and turned it into an IRA with Zero Deficiencies for two consecutive years
- Trained new staff on best practices in direct support, elevating overall quality of care provided.
Developmental Assistant 1
Broome DDSO
04.2021 - 05.2022
- Assisted the House Director with supervising staff
- Assisted House Director with keeping staff current in trainings
- Provided hands on care with individuals
- Covered an IRA independently as a "Covering House Director" while still a Developmental Assistant 1 Trainee
- Provided daily support and assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities, fostering their personal growth and development.
- Assisted in creating a supportive environment for individuals with developmental disabilities, promoting independence and autonomy.
- Ensured adherence to all safety protocols, maintaining a safe and secure environment for clients at all times.
- Assisted with personal hygiene tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, meal preparation, feeding; ensuring dignity was maintained throughout these processes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to each individual''s needs.
Direct Support Professional
Broome DDSO
10.2007 - 04.2021
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized home environment.
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
- Assisted individuals with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters as per SCIP and then Promote guidelines.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
- Supported clients with personal care tasks, ensuring their dignity and privacy were maintained at all times.
- Assisted clients in achieving personal goals through tailored care plans and daily skill-building activities.
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in disability support services.
- Provided ongoing communication between clients, families, and other service providers to enhance overall care coordination efforts.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive environment by addressing behavioral challenges with patience and understanding.
- Facilitated social outings and community integration activities, promoting inclusion and positive experiences for clients.
- Monitored clients to assess and report physical and behavioral changes to supervisors.
- Encouraged and supported clients to participate in recreational and leisure activities to promote social interactions and reduce loneliness.
- Addressed emergency situations calmly and effectively, prioritizing the safety of both clients and staff members involved.
- Transported clients to medical and dental appointments to provide support.
- Monitored progress and documented patient health status changes to keep care team updated.
- Implemented individualized behavior support plans, reducing incidents of challenging behaviors within the residence.
- Served as a reliable point of contact for family members, maintaining open lines of communication about client progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive support strategies for each client''s unique needs.
- Enhanced communication skills of non-verbal clients using alternative communication devices.
- Trained new staff on best practices in direct support, elevating overall quality of care provided.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, facilitating trust-based relationship for effective support.
- Provided emotional and practical support to individuals, fostering positive and supportive living environment.
- Administered medication under supervision, ensuring adherence to healthcare plans.
- Cooked meals and assisted patients with eating tasks to support healthy nutrition.
Education
Human Services
SUNY Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY09-2021
Skills
- Behavioral support
- Client advocacy
- Incident reporting
- Community integration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Multitasking and organization
- Compassionate caregiving
- Direct patient care
- Team collaboration
- HIPAA compliance
- Verbal and written communication
- Conflict resolution
Timeline
Developmental Assistant 2
Broome DDSO
05.2022 - Current
Developmental Assistant 1
Broome DDSO
04.2021 - 05.2022
Direct Support Professional
Broome DDSO
10.2007 - 04.2021
Human Services
SUNY Empire State College
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