Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Jessica DeMaris

Chicago,IL

Summary

Dynamic Direct Support Professional with proven expertise at Kaskaskia Workshop Inc. in enhancing client well-being through effective life skills training and crisis intervention. Recognized for fostering strong client relationships and maintaining a safe environment, while adeptly managing team collaboration to ensure high-quality support and service delivery.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Direct Support Professional

Kaskaskia Workshop Inc.
Centralia, IL
05.2024 - Current
  • Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
  • Assisted in planning and implementing recreational activities for participants.
  • Recorded client status progress and challenges in logbooks and reports.
  • Assisted individuals in development of social skills to become integrated in community.
  • Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
  • Obtained sources of entertainment for clients to provide full and enjoyable daily activities.
  • Reported changes in client condition to administrators, facilitating nursing intervention.
  • Monitored health and well-being of clients and reported significant health changes.
  • Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
  • Helped clients communicate with loved ones by typing written messages and relaying verbal messages.
  • Monitored clients' activity levels and helped prevent sedentary behavior.
  • Helped clients get in and out of beds and wheelchairs.

Food Runner

Chilis
Skokie, IL
10.2024 - 03.2025
  • Maintained supplies such as napkins, silverware, glassware and plates throughout shift.
  • Maintained a clean and organized work area throughout shift operations.
  • Effectively multitasked within fast-paced environment.
  • Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
  • Assisted in preparing dishes for service by garnishing and checking presentation.
  • Greeted guests with friendliness and professionalism.
  • Assisted in training new staff members on restaurant operations and procedures.
  • Maintained clean and orderly appearance throughout kitchen and dining area.
  • Performed daily pre-shift side work duties such as restocking supplies, polishing silverware.
  • Supported serving staff in delivering accurate and well-presented food orders.
  • Delivered food to guests in a timely manner while following safety protocols.

Secretary

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
10.2023 - 05.2024
  • Pleasantly welcomed visitors, answered phone calls, and maintained front reception desk.
  • Kept office equipment functional and supplies well-stocked to promote efficient operations.
  • Maintained inventory of office supplies and placed orders when necessary.
  • Responded to customer issues to provide immediate resolution and improve retention.
  • Assisted with special projects or tasks related to departmental functions upon request.
  • Provided administrative support to the Office Manager and other staff members.

Front Desk Receptionist

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
08.2023 - 09.2023
  • Greeted visitors entering establishment to determine nature and purpose of visit.
  • Explained policies and procedures to visitors.
  • Greeted customers warmly and made them feel welcome.
  • Greeted visitors to provide information and direct to appropriate personnel.

Shift Leader

Scooter's Coffee
Centralia, IL
12.2022 - 04.2023
  • Complied with company safety procedures, policies and regulations to promote safe working environment.
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
  • Coordinated shift workers for inventory receiving, auditing and restocking.
  • Assisted in the development and implementation of new operational procedures.
  • Communicated effectively with other departments within the organization regarding staffing needs or operational issues.
  • Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
  • Checked orders for quality and completeness.
  • Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally.
  • Enforced safety guidelines among staff members in order to prevent accidents or injuries from occurring on the premises.
  • Maintained an organized work environment by delegating tasks to staff as needed.
  • Mentored and coached staff by giving employees suggestions and feedback to improve job performance.
  • Facilitated training sessions for new employees on company policies and procedures.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of the work area to uphold company standards.
  • Set specific goals for projects to measure progress and evaluate end results.
  • Coordinated with other shift leaders and management to ensure smooth transitions between shifts.

Wal-Mart Cashier

Walmart
Centralia, IL
06.2022 - 09.2022
  • Scanned items and checked pricing on cash register for accuracy.
  • Counted and balanced cashier drawers.
  • Maintained current knowledge of store promotions to highlight sales to customers.
  • Processed customer payments quickly and returned exact change and receipts.
  • Performed opening and closing procedures including counting cash drawers and preparing deposits.
  • Processed efficient and accurate cash, check, debit and credit card payments using Point-of-Sale system.
  • Scanned merchandise using point-of-sale system for accurate purchase totals.
  • Counted money in cash drawers at the beginning of shifts to ensure amounts were correct.
  • Learned roles of other departments to provide coverage and keep store operational.
  • Verified that customers were of legal age to purchase alcohol or tobacco products.
  • Discounted purchases by scanning and redeeming coupons.
  • Trained new team members in cash register operation, stock procedures, and customer services.
  • Processed credit card, cash, and check payments, ensuring all transactions were accurate.
  • Welcomed customers, offering assistance to help find store items.
  • Greeted customers and answered any questions they had about the store's products and services.

Goodwill Cashier And Clothing Processor

MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries
Centralia, IL
06.2021 - 05.2022
  • Assisted customers over the phone regarding store operations, product information and order placement.
  • Trained new team members in cash register operation, stock procedures, and customer services.
  • Processed efficient and accurate cash, check, debit and credit card payments using Point-of-Sale system.
  • Delivered high level of customer service to patrons using active listening and engagement skills.
  • Maintained current knowledge of store promotions to highlight sales to customers.
  • Stocked shelves with merchandise when needed.
  • Welcomed customers, offering assistance to help find store items.
  • Adhered to social distancing protocols and wore mask or face shield.
  • Collected payments and provided accurate change.
  • Followed company security procedures for handling large sums of money.
  • Built and maintained productive relationships with employees.
  • Maintained clean and orderly checkout areas by sanitizing register belts, emptying trash cans and organizing candy racks.

Bagger/Stocker

Schnucks
Centralia, IL
11.2020 - 05.2021
  • Utilized knowledge of store layout to assist customers in finding products or sections.
  • Monitored checkout lanes to provide timely bagging support during peak hours.
  • Illustrated solid work ethic and commitment through consistent attendance.
  • Implemented bagging techniques to maximize space and protect fragile items.
  • Assisted customers with loading their purchases into their vehicles.
  • Obtained, moved and sorted products and materials.
  • Assisted customers with unloading purchases onto conveyor belt at checkout.
  • Assisted customers with bagging purchases, ensuring items were secured and handled with care.
  • Transported packages to customers' vehicles.
  • Managed inventory of bags, restocking as necessary to ensure availability.
  • Performed routine maintenance tasks such as sweeping floors, mopping up spills.
  • Returned unwanted merchandise to appropriate store shelves.
  • Greeted customers entering the store with a friendly attitude.
  • Worked closely with front-end team to manage queues and reduce waiting times.

Education

Bachelor's degree - Social Work

Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL
12-2026

Online Courses - General Studies

Kaskaskia College
Centralia, IL
05.2023

High School Diploma -

Centralia High School
Centralia, IL
05.2023

Some College (No Degree) - Social Work

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

Skills

  • Serving Experience
  • Food Preparation
  • Sales
  • Food Service
  • Shift management
  • Intellectual Disabilities Experience
  • Cash Handling
  • Mental Health
  • Leadership
  • Customer service
  • Busser
  • Life Skills Training
  • Team management
  • Barista experience
  • Food Safety
  • Supervising experience
  • Cash handling
  • DSP
  • Home Health
  • Shift Management
  • Behavior Management
  • Retail sales
  • Direct Support
  • Coffee experience
  • Developmental Disabilities Experience
  • Cleaning
  • Cash register
  • Direct Care
  • Restaurant Experience
  • Autism Experience
  • Hygiene and Care- Related Skills
  • Front desk
  • Group Homes
  • Client advocacy
  • Crisis intervention
  • Conflict resolution
  • Behavioral assessment
  • Teamwork
  • Client relations
  • Team collaboration
  • Client assessment
  • Client support
  • Meal preparation
  • Ability to lift
  • Meal planning and preparation

Certification

  • Food Handler Certification
  • Driver's License

Accomplishments

  • University Honors
  • Social Justice LLC Member
  • Scholar Performer
  • 100% Percent Award
  • Choice Award

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Food Runner

Chilis
10.2024 - 03.2025

Direct Support Professional

Kaskaskia Workshop Inc.
05.2024 - Current

Secretary

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
10.2023 - 05.2024

Front Desk Receptionist

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
08.2023 - 09.2023

Shift Leader

Scooter's Coffee
12.2022 - 04.2023

Wal-Mart Cashier

Walmart
06.2022 - 09.2022

Goodwill Cashier And Clothing Processor

MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries
06.2021 - 05.2022

Bagger/Stocker

Schnucks
11.2020 - 05.2021

Bachelor's degree - Social Work

Northeastern Illinois University

Online Courses - General Studies

Kaskaskia College

High School Diploma -

Centralia High School

Some College (No Degree) - Social Work

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

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