Jessica Dudas
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Results-driven human services leader with proven expertise in designing and managing community-based employment programs in full alignment with MN 245D regulations. Experienced in leading multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance, and delivering person-centered outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Skilled in staff development, cross-system collaboration, and operational oversight—including budgeting, audits, and strategic planning. Known for building strong community partnerships and fostering inclusive, mission-aligned employment services that drive measurable impact and continuous improvement.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Interim Director of Training & Compliance
BrightPath LLC
07.2025 - Current
- Designed and led agency-wide staff training initiatives to meet all 245D requirements, including onboarding, annual compliance training, and targeted retraining in response to audit findings.
- Monitored and maintained staff training records and compliance metrics, ensuring full alignment with DHS regulations and internal quality standards.
- Conducted internal audits and policy reviews, identifying gaps in documentation and service delivery, and developing corrective action plans to mitigate risk and improve outcomes.
- Collaborated with program leadership and HR to align compliance efforts, support staff performance, and respond to changes in licensing requirements or service models.
- Served as a liaison during audits and investigations, reviewing incident reports, tracking trends, and contributing to continuous improvement of policies, training, and documentation practices.
Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
BrightPath LLC
04.2025 - 07.2025
- Led strategic community outreach by building partnerships with referral networks, attending public events, and aligning messaging with marketing efforts—resulting in increased engagement and lead generation.
- Facilitated internal team development through onboarding, training coordination, and reflective practices that supported an inclusive, equity-driven workplace culture.
- Strengthened organizational communication by promoting consistent internal messaging and collaborating with leadership to align systems with BrightPath’s mission and values.
- Tracked key outcomes across outreach, training, and engagement efforts, using CRM tools and staff feedback to drive continuous improvement and support strategic planning.
UBS Designated Manager
BrightPath LLC
08.2024 - 04.2025
- Directed cross-functional support teams by overseeing hiring, training, and performance management for Coordinators and Mental Health Specialists, ensuring staffing levels and quality care aligned with budgetary and regulatory standards.
- Led comprehensive client service coordination, including intake, assessment, service planning, and quality documentation in compliance with licensure requirements—ensuring person-centered, trauma-informed support delivery.
- Oversaw program operations and development, maintaining alignment with BrightPath’s mission, managing policy compliance, supporting new service initiatives, and participating in continuous quality improvement efforts.
- Managed financial performance by developing service line budgets, analyzing cost drivers, and executing financial reporting to ensure sustainable, fiscally responsible programming.
- Fostered a culture of accountability and communication, serving as liaison between teams, guardians, and stakeholders while ensuring responsiveness to staff needs, incident trends, and evolving regulatory requirements.
Sr. 245D Designated Coordinator of Employment Services
Dependable Home Health Care
01.2023 - 08.2024
- Established and led a department specializing in community-based employment services, ensuring program design and operations met all 245D regulatory requirements.
- Developed and implemented role-specific infrastructure, including Employment Specialist job descriptions, training programs, and ongoing professional development initiatives to support team performance and service quality.
- Managed a multidisciplinary team supporting 38 individuals, overseeing compliance documentation, team coordination, and service planning across all employment supports.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with recruitment, training, and QA teams to streamline hiring processes, onboarding, and compliance systems.
- Implemented financial tracking systems to ensure billing accuracy, including preparation of service documentation and cost-related forms for all employment services.
245D Designated Coordinator
Dependable Home Health Care
10.2018 - 01.2023
- Supervised and scheduled direct support professionals (DSPs) to ensure consistent service delivery and full compliance with 245D licensing standards.
- Coordinated individualized care plans across hourly and 24-hour Unit Based Services (UBS), supporting high-quality, person-centered outcomes.
- Oversaw medical coordination and medication administration, including staff training and support to maintain health and safety standards.
- Provided direct care support and participated in on-call rotations, ensuring continuity of care and effective crisis response as needed.
- Supported staff development and accountability through hands-on coaching, performance feedback, and day-to-day leadership.
Discovery and Employment Specialist
Dependable Home Health Care
01.2015 - 10.2018
- Delivered new hire training for Employment Consultants and facilitated interdisciplinary meetings with individuals, case managers, and guardians to ensure coordinated service delivery.
- Managed a caseload of up to ten adults with developmental disabilities, providing person-centered support focused on achieving meaningful, community-based employment outcomes.
- Implemented Discovery-Based methods and traditional job development strategies to identify individualized career paths and secure competitive employment for clients.
Education
English, emphasis on Literary and Critical Studies/Creative Writing, Minor: Irish Literature
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Skills
- Employment Services Leadership – Designed, launched, and led community-based employment programming in alignment with 245D requirements; supported individuals through Discovery-based planning, job development, and long-term retention
- Team Supervision & Staff Development – Directed teams across employment, compliance, and direct care programs; provided performance coaching, training, and mentoring to ensure quality service delivery and staff growth
- Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance – Oversaw agency-wide compliance with MN 245D and DHS standards; conducted internal audits, developed corrective action plans, and led successful responses to licensing reviews and investigations
- Training Program Design & Facilitation – Built and facilitated comprehensive training programs for new hires and existing staff, covering required DHS topics such as person-centered practices, abuse prevention, and medication administration
- Community Engagement & Systems Collaboration – Fostered strategic relationships with case managers, referral partners, and counties; represented the organization at public events and worked cross-functionally to align services with community needs
- Program Operations & Strategic Oversight – Managed caseloads and service coordination for individuals in hourly and 24-hour support settings; contributed to program development, budgeting, outcome tracking, and continuous improvement initiatives
Certification
- 11/2014 Discovery Based Methods through ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators)
- 4/2019 The Learning Community: Person-Centered Thinking
- 1/2020 Proof Alliance: Supporting People with FASD
- 5/2022 Star Services: DCDP Training
- 8/2022 Star Services: Principles of Leadership for Supervisors
- 10/2023 Star Services: A Person-Centered Approach to Progress Reports & Team Meetings
- 12/2023 CPR/First Aid
Communication and Leadership
- Monthly speaking engagements and updates during the organization's all staff meetings.
- Conducted 4 MN APSE statewide Lunch & Learn virtual trainings.
- Co-Chair of the MNAPSE Conference & Training Committee the puts on a State Conference annually.
- Ongoing relationships with community partners, DHS, VRS, UMN-ICI, MTI, and DB101.
Timeline
Interim Director of Training & Compliance
BrightPath LLC
07.2025 - Current
Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
BrightPath LLC
04.2025 - 07.2025
UBS Designated Manager
BrightPath LLC
08.2024 - 04.2025
Sr. 245D Designated Coordinator of Employment Services
Dependable Home Health Care
01.2023 - 08.2024
245D Designated Coordinator
Dependable Home Health Care
10.2018 - 01.2023
Discovery and Employment Specialist
Dependable Home Health Care
01.2015 - 10.2018
English, emphasis on Literary and Critical Studies/Creative Writing, Minor: Irish Literature
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee