Jessi Howell
Maquoketa,IA
Summary
Accomplished Direct Support Professional, Team Lead, and Special Education Para Professional with a proven track record at Imagine the Possibilities. Expert in behavior redirection and relationship building, enhancing client and student well-being. Skilled in compassionate caregiving and effective communication, consistently fostering trust and improving team performance.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Professional
Imagine the Possibilities
04.2023 - Current
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized environment.
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the team.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
- 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 care plans and daily skill-building activities.
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
- Provided ongoing communication between clients, families, and other service providers to enhance overall care coordination efforts.
- Trained new staff on best practices in direct support, elevating overall quality of care provided.
- Cooked meals and assisted patients with eating tasks to support healthy nutrition.
- Assisted with daily living activities, running errands, and household chores.
- Assisted patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, and oral hygiene care both in private residences and facilities.
Lead Teacher, Toddler Room
Sunshine Preschool
06.2020 - 03.2023
- Developed strong relationships with families, fostering trust and creating a welcoming atmosphere within the classroom.
- Adapted lessons to accommodate individual needs, supporting diverse learners in reaching their full potential.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean, organized, and inviting classroom environment that encouraged exploration and learning.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop a cohesive and consistent curriculum for the Toddler Room.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment for all.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Maquoketa Community School District
08.2016 - 05.2020
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
Team Lead
Imagine the Possibilities
12.2008 - 08.2016
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
- Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
- Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities.
Education
High School Diploma - General Studies
Maquoketa High School
Maquoketa, IA05.2003
Skills
- Time management
- First aid and safety
- Behavior redirection
- Client support
- Medication administration
- Compassionate caregiving
- Decision-making support
- Health and safety requirements
- Relationship building
- Transportation
- Daily living support
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Verbal and written communication
Timeline
Direct Support Professional
Imagine the Possibilities
04.2023 - Current
Lead Teacher, Toddler Room
Sunshine Preschool
06.2020 - 03.2023
Special Education Paraprofessional
Maquoketa Community School District
08.2016 - 05.2020
Team Lead
Imagine the Possibilities
12.2008 - 08.2016
High School Diploma - General Studies
Maquoketa High School
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