Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Jessica Dames

Albany

Summary

Experienced communications and human services professional with a strong background in program coordination, strategic messaging, and public engagement. Skilled in social media strategy, crisis communication, and wellness-centered content creation. Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, build community trust, and manage complex communications across human service and nonprofit and wellness sectors.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate

Unity House of Troy
Troy
01.2025 - Current
  • Provided direct emotional support and crisis intervention to domestic violence survivors.
  • Managed 24-hour hotline and provided accurate referrals and information.
  • Facilitated enrichment activities that supported trauma healing and empowerment through compassionate communication.

Program Coordinator

Rehabilitation Support Services
Albany
08.2024 - Current
  • Provide the full range of supervisory and administrative functions for the Capital District Stabilization and Support Program (CDSS), as overseen by the NYS Office of Mental Health.
  • Directed communications with stakeholders, and contributed to DEI messaging.
  • Facilitated WRAP groups with clients to promote recovery and self-determination.
  • Ensure compliance with human resource policies and procedures.
  • Staff recruitment and onboarding
  • Served on the organization's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee, contributing to communications efforts.
  • Participate in referral and interview process for new client admission and planning for discharges.

Immigration Services Case Manager

Platinum Community Care
Albany
09.2023 - 12.2024
  • Facilitated immigration processes through precise documentation and effective interpersonal communication.
  • Interpreted complex immigration policies to diverse client groups.
  • Collaborated with external organizations for comprehensive client support.

Social Media Strategist & Communications Manager

The New York Wellness Collective
Albany
01.2022 - 08.2024
  • Manage content creation and strategy for Instagram, Facebook, and newsletters promoting wellness and community events.
  • Grew social media engagement by over 30% in one year through campaigns, influencer outreach, and user-focused storytelling.
  • Produced public relations campaigns and implemented digital strategies to position the Collective as a wellness hub.
  • Led organization and promotion of workshops, classes, and pop-up events to enhance visibility and community impact.
  • Maintained consistent brand voice across platforms, aligning content with mission-driven messaging focused on health and wellness.

Housing Program Manager

Albany Damien Center
Albany
09.2021 - 08.2024
  • Supervised housing case management for clients with HIV/AIDS.
  • Directed internal training and compliance in trauma-informed, harm-reduction services.
  • Represented agency in county-level housing and coordinated entry initiatives.
  • Provide ongoing training, supervision, and evaluation of all program staff.
  • Oversaw communication and reporting functions, ensuring clarity, confidentiality, and compliance.
  • Set program SMART goals and monitor program data to meet funder/agency expectations, improve services and make programmatic decisions.
  • Development and monitoring of budgets and work plans.
  • Review client documentation for content of services provided while ensuring compliance with Article 27F HIV confidentiality law for client records and staff interactions.
  • Serve as agency liaison to several community agencies such as ACCH. (Albany county coalition on homelessness)

Direct Support Professional

InterFaith Partnership for the Homeless
Albany
01.2020 - 01.2022
  • Supported individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health needs.
  • Maintained detailed communication logs and ensured continuity of care in a shelter setting.

General Manager

Core Life Eatery
Albany
10.2019 - 08.2021
  • Assisted in the hiring, training, and supervision of employees, clearly communicating responsibilities, policies, and performance expectations.
  • Managed daily operations, including opening and closing procedures, inventory management, and maintaining high food safety and cleanliness standards.
  • Conducted daily audits and inventory processes, clearly documenting results and reporting directly to the District Manager.

Education

M.S. - Digital Marketing

Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
08-2026

B.A. - Communications, Public Relations

Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
06-2025

A.A. - Broadcast Journalism

Hudson Valley Community College
Troy, NY
09-2007

Broadcast Journalism Certificate -

The New School
Albany, NY
05-2005

Skills

  • Social Media Strategy
  • Communications
  • Community Engagement
  • Content Creation
  • Branding
  • Public Relations
  • Case Management
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Canva
  • Wellness Messaging
  • Digital Marketing
  • SEO
  • Email Marketing
  • Event Planning
  • Trauma-Informed Communication
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy
  • Microsoft Office
  • Program Coordination

Timeline

Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate

Unity House of Troy
01.2025 - Current

Program Coordinator

Rehabilitation Support Services
08.2024 - Current

Immigration Services Case Manager

Platinum Community Care
09.2023 - 12.2024

Social Media Strategist & Communications Manager

The New York Wellness Collective
01.2022 - 08.2024

Housing Program Manager

Albany Damien Center
09.2021 - 08.2024

Direct Support Professional

InterFaith Partnership for the Homeless
01.2020 - 01.2022

General Manager

Core Life Eatery
10.2019 - 08.2021

M.S. - Digital Marketing

Southern New Hampshire University

B.A. - Communications, Public Relations

Southern New Hampshire University

A.A. - Broadcast Journalism

Hudson Valley Community College

Broadcast Journalism Certificate -

The New School

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