Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
JJ Jennings

JJ Jennings

Harrisonburg,VA

Summary

Compassionate and dependable Peer Recovery Specialist trainee with over 11 years of sustained recovery and lived experience overcoming addiction, homelessness, and incarceration. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Addiction while completing supervised hours toward full Peer Recovery Specialist certification. Skilled in building trust, supporting individuals through recovery and life transitions, and connecting peers with community resources that strengthen recovery capital and long-term stability. Brings a strong background in customer service, direct support, and operational environments, along with proven reliability, organization, and relationship-building skills. Passionate about empowering others, especially women and individuals facing recovery and reentry challenges, to rebuild confidence, independence, and healthy, purpose-driven lives.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications

Work History

Cashier/Customer Service

7-11
Harrisonburg, VA
04.2023 - Current
  • Operated cash register, processed customer transactions, and balanced cash drawers daily.
  • Assisted customers with inquiries, improving satisfaction and service quality in a high-volume environment.
  • Resolved shift issues, managed truck orders, and controlled inventory to maintain operational flow.
  • Streamlined inventory processes, minimizing waste and enhancing overall efficiency.
  • Ensured food quality through regular checks and adherence to safety standards.
  • Scheduled staff shifts and provided on-call support.
  • Managed bank deposits accurately to ensure financial integrity..

Sanitation Crew Member

Kellermeyer Bergensons Services LLC
Harrisonburg, Virginia
05.2025 - 12.2025

Ensured cleanliness and sanitation throughout store, including sales floors, fitting rooms, restrooms, breakrooms, offices, and common areas, creating safe and welcoming environment for customers and staff.

Executed custodial and floor care services in high-traffic retail environments using industrial cleaning equipment, maintaining cleanliness, safety, and floor durability while optimizing efficiency through effective use of ride-on and automated machinery and adherence to proper chemical handling standards.

  • Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of areas to meet company standards.
  • Operated cleaning equipment, including floor scrubbers and pressure washers effectively.
  • Followed safety protocols while handling cleaning chemicals and materials responsibly.

Shift Manager

Kentucky Fried Chicken
Harrisonburg, VA
09.2024 - 05.2025
  • Oversaw daily restaurant operations, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
  • Trained and supervised staff to uphold high food quality and customer service standards.
  • Directed staff performance, mentoring team members on service and food preparation techniques.
  • Implemented strategies to achieve sales goals, positively impacting overall profitability.
  • Resolved customer complaints, enhancing satisfaction and building loyalty.
  • Managed inventory control and ordered supplies to maintain optimal stock levels, ensuring efficient operations.
  • Handled cash management by tabulating profits and managing daily cash intake.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational efficiency.

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Pleasant View Assisted Living
Harrisonburg, VA
03.2024 - 12.2024
  • Delivered compassionate care to mentally challenged adults, assisting with daily living tasks to promote autonomy and quality of life.
  • Aided residents with feeding, dressing, bathing, and personal hygiene needs.
  • Supported individuals in daily activities to promote independence and dignity.
  • Provided companionship and emotional support, fostering positive relationships and enhancing residents' overall well-being.
  • Monitored health conditions and promptly communicated changes to medical staff.
  • Facilitated a safe environment through attentive supervision and engagement.
  • Managed household responsibilities, ensuring a clean and organized environment through cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
  • Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure holistic care approaches.

Shift Manager

McDonald's
Harrisonburg, Virginia
07.2023 - 04.2024
  • Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
  • Coordinated staff schedules to optimize workflow during peak hours.
  • Trained and mentored team members on service protocols and food preparation techniques.
  • Oversaw training of new employees in customer service, product knowledge, and cash handling.
  • Resolved customer complaints to sustain high satisfaction levels.
  • Cultivated relationships with staff, customers, and vendors to enhance collaboration.

Shift Lead

Dan's Steakhouse
Luray, VA
02.2023 - 08.2023
  • Oversaw kitchen operations, maintaining high quality and efficient service.
  • Ensured adherence to food safety and sanitation standards, contributing to a safe dining environment.
  • Performed multiple roles as cook, waitstaff, bartender, and dishwasher to support team needs.

Front Office Manager

Budget Inn Motel
New Market, VA
12.2020 - 04.2021
  • Managed front desk activities, delivering efficient guest services and enhancing overall guest satisfaction at Budget Inn Motel.
  • Handled guest inquiries and resolved complaints swiftly and professionally.
  • Oversaw motel operations, coordinating guest check-ins and maintenance tasks to ensure smooth daily functions.
  • Maintained accurate check-in/check-out logs and reservation records, supporting operational integrity and accountability.
  • Facilitated communication through prompt responses to phone calls and emails from guests.
  • Ensured cleanliness standards were met through effective coordination of housekeeping duties.
  • Monitored office supply inventory and placed orders to maintain operational efficiency.
  • Performed administrative tasks, including filing paperwork and preparing reports.

Sanitation Crew Member (Housekeeper)

James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Virginia
03.2015 - 12.2019

• Conducted deep sanitization and cleaning of living spaces, restrooms, and common areas using carpet extractors, steam cleaners, and pressure washing equipment to meet health and safety standards.

• Performed specialized floor care and facility maintenance in high-traffic residential and common areas using industrial equipment, including auto-scrubbers, burnishers, orbital machines, and ride-on sweepers to maintain safe and clean environments.

• Completed full-cycle floor restoration projects including chemical stripping, deep scrubbing, refinishing, and high-gloss floor finishing to improve facility appearance and extend surface longevity.

• Operated advanced cleaning technology, including autonomous and ride-on scrubbers, while optimizing cleaning routes and workflows to improve efficiency and reduce labor time.

• Maintained strict safety standards while handling cleaning chemicals and operating industrial equipment, contributing to consistent compliance with workplace safety protocols.

Education

GED - Psychology

Broadway High School
Broadway, VA
06-2000

Skills

Certified in CPR and First Aid
Completed 72-hour Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) training; working toward full certification hours
ServSafe Certified with knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
Over 11 years of sustained recovery, bringing lived experience to peer support and recovery coaching
Ability to provide peer support, encouragement, and recovery-focused guidance in individual and group settings
Knowledge of recovery capital and community-based recovery resources
Skilled in supporting individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges
Strong communication and active listening skills with ability to build trust and rapport
Experience working with individuals impacted by homelessness, incarceration, and reentry challenges
Trauma-informed and person-centered support approach
Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries
Crisis awareness and de-escalation support skills
Organized and able to manage responsibilities and client support needs effectively
Comfortable using computers, mobile devices, and learning new software systems
Dependable, compassionate, and team-oriented
Reliable transportation and flexible availability

  • Cash handling
  • Customer transactions
  • Inventory management
  • Case management
  • Time management

Certification

72 Hour Peer Support Specialist Certificate

Timeline

Sanitation Crew Member

Kellermeyer Bergensons Services LLC
05.2025 - 12.2025

Shift Manager

Kentucky Fried Chicken
09.2024 - 05.2025

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Pleasant View Assisted Living
03.2024 - 12.2024

Shift Manager

McDonald's
07.2023 - 04.2024

Cashier/Customer Service

7-11
04.2023 - Current

Shift Lead

Dan's Steakhouse
02.2023 - 08.2023

Front Office Manager

Budget Inn Motel
12.2020 - 04.2021

Sanitation Crew Member (Housekeeper)

James Madison University
03.2015 - 12.2019

GED - Psychology

Broadway High School
JJ Jennings