Jessica Whittaker
Hardy,VA
Summary
Dependable professional experienced in providing high-quality care and support to individuals with disabilities. Skilled in fostering positive relationships with students, clients, families, and coworkers. Proficient in creating and implementing personalized care plans and treatment plans. Strong problem-solving skills and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. Experienced in supervising other employees and students to ensure they are working to their full potential and following program/licensing regulations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Service Professional
New River Valley Community Services
Blacksbur, VA
07.2022 - Current
- Provided individualized support to enhance the quality of life for individuals with special needs.
- Assisted clients in developing independent living skills such as money management, transportation, and housekeeping.
- Implemented behavior modification plans according to Individual Service Plans.
- Developed positive relationships with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Supported clients in community integration activities such as shopping trips, recreational outings.
- Maintained accurate documentation of services provided including progress notes and incident reports.
- Transported clients to medical appointments, day programs, job sites or other activities.
- Encouraged clients to participate in leisure activities that promote physical fitness and socialization.
- Assisted with personal care tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting.
- Ensured safety of clients at all times by monitoring their environment and providing supervision accordingly.
- Organized recreational activities both onsite and offsite based on individual preferences.
- Promoted self-advocacy among participants by encouraging them to express their opinions and make informed decisions regarding their lives.
- Provided direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering activities of daily living.
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
- Assisted individuals in development of social skills to become integrated in community.
- Documented current patient information to update vital signs, behaviors and eating habits.
- Advocated for disabled individuals to foster communication and self-expression and achieve goals.
- Developed strong and trusting rapport with patients to facilitate smooth, quality care.
- Tracked and reported clients' progress based on observations and conversations.
- Helped clients get in and out of beds and wheelchairs.
- Monitored clients' activity levels and helped prevent sedentary behavior.
Mental Health Case Manager
New River Valley Community Services
Blacksb, VA
09.2019 - Current
- Developed individualized treatment plans that addressed the needs of each client.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to encourage communication and understanding among participants.
- Conducted interviews and assessments to identify areas of need and develop appropriate interventions.
- Maintained a high level of confidentiality when working with clients on sensitive matters.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate care for clients with complex needs.
- Monitored progress of clients throughout their course of treatment.
- Tracked data related to client outcomes, program effectiveness, and service utilization rates.
- Educated families about mental health conditions and available resources in the community.
- Advised family members on strategies for supporting their loved ones through recovery process.
- Coordinated referrals to external agencies or specialists when additional support was required by clients.
- Assisted clients in navigating various systems such as housing, employment, education.
- Ensured compliance with all regulations pertaining to Mental Health Case Management services.
- Participated in case reviews and team meetings to discuss best practices for providing quality care.
- Actively listened while engaging with clients during one-on-one counseling sessions.
- Created detailed reports documenting interactions with clients and progress towards goals.
- Provided guidance on lifestyle changes that could benefit individuals struggling with mental illness.
- Guided clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
- Encouraged clients to express feelings and discuss happenings in life to help develop insight into themselves or relationships.
- Facilitated smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout transitions.
Lead Teacher
New River Community Action-Head Start
Radford, VA
10.2008 - 09.2019
- Started as a substitute teacher, advanced to center aide, then elevated to assistant, and then was promoted to lead teacher.
- Provided instructional guidance and mentorship to teachers in the development of lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with other school staff to ensure that all students have access to a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Utilized data-driven decision making processes to assess student progress, inform instruction, and monitor teaching effectiveness.
- Monitored classroom instruction on a regular basis through observation, feedback, and collaboration with teachers.
- Facilitated meetings with parents and guardians in order to discuss student progress or behavior issues.
- Assisted in resolving conflicts between students, families, and staff members.
- Maintained an open line of communication with administrators regarding curriculum implementation and program initiatives.
- Engaged in collaborative planning sessions with colleagues in order to design effective curricula for various grade levels.
- Conducted individualized academic interventions for struggling students as needed.
- Ensured compliance with state standards by incorporating them into lesson plans.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers during their onboarding process.
- Maintained a secure classroom to provide positive learning environment.
- Worked with students one-on-one to boost skills in weak areas and grasp new concepts.
- Involved parents in student learning to increase family interaction and student support.
- Arranged classrooms to facilitate optimal education for student groups.
- Created various strategies to engage students and deliver enriching educational opportunities.
- Worked with teachers to design interactive lessons and increase student success.
- Completed teacher observations to identify areas for improvement and suggest changes to teaching methods.
- Researched books and supplemental materials to use with lesson plans.
- Communicated objectives for lessons, units and projects to students and parents.
- Planned and organized variety of activities and field trips to aid mental and physical growth in children.
- Supervised students throughout day, both in classroom and outside during breaks.
- Prepared and presented lesson plans in academic subjects using traditional and modern teaching techniques.
- Differentiated instruction according to student skill level.
- Established and enforced rules for behavior and procedures to maintain order among students.
- Encouraged student critical thinking and discussion using variety of teaching techniques.
- Supervised two other staff. Completed their evaluations.
- Mentored other educators by delivering insight, positive feedback and constructive criticism.
- Assisted with recuitement of students.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
National Luis University
Chicago, IL12-2019
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education Specialized Special Edu
New River Community College
Dublin, VA05-2014
Skills
- Mental Health Support
- Activity Planning
- Disability Awareness
- Behavioral Management
- Client documentation
- Client Support
- Goal Setting
- Client safety and first aid
- Supervision of staff and clients
- Collaboration with others
Affiliations
- First aid and CPR trained
Timeline
Direct Service Professional
New River Valley Community Services
07.2022 - Current
Mental Health Case Manager
New River Valley Community Services
09.2019 - Current
Lead Teacher
New River Community Action-Head Start
10.2008 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
National Luis University
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education Specialized Special Edu
New River Community College
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