Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

John Serakas

Mount Carmel,PA

Summary

Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. A strong communicator with a willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Behavior Support Specialist

Merakey Formerly NHS
06.2010 - Current
  • Utilized variety of methods, skills and tools to provide direct behavior support to individuals on caseload.
  • Carried average caseload of 30 individuals across 4 counties.
  • Developed intervention support plans for individuals to build behavioral skill capacity.
  • Assisted in reducing overall behavioral incidents by conducting thorough functional behavior assessments and data collection.
  • Supported individual's' social-emotional growth through development of personalized goals and objectives.
  • Facilitated communication between individuals and their support teams to ensure consistency in behavior expectations across settings.
  • Provided crisis intervention during critical situations, ensuring safety and well-being of all parties involved.
  • Developed strong rapport and trusting relationships with individuals and team members, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional security within all settings.
  • Conducted data-driven decision-making to inform ongoing improvements to behavioral programming and services.
  • Delivered professional development trainings on best practices in behavior support for staff and other members.
  • Streamlined documentation processes for efficiency and accuracy in record-keeping, allowing for more focused time on direct individual support.
  • Conducted other assessments with goals of fostering social and sexual growth for individuals.

Therapeutic Support Staff

Youth Advocate Program
06.2002 - 06.2010
  • Enhanced therapy outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices and personalized treatment plans.
  • Supported clients'' emotional well-being through empathetic listening and tailored coping strategies.
  • Improved clients'' daily living skills by providing guidance in areas such as personal hygiene, communication, and social interactions.
  • Maintained detailed documentation of client sessions, progress notes, and treatment plans for accurate reporting and continuity of care.
  • Conducted crisis intervention as needed to ensure safety and stability of clients in high-risk situations.
  • Established rapport with clients, fostering trustful relationships that facilitated open communication and effective therapy.
  • Assisted school staff with implementing targeted interventions within classroom settings for improved academic performance among students receiving therapeutic support.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Penn State University Schuylkill Campus
Schuylkill Haven, PA
05.2002

Skills

    • Adaptability and Flexibility
    • Mental Health Awareness
    • Visual Supports Creation
    • Autism Spectrum Knowledge
    • Active Listening
    • Developmental Disabilities Expertise
      • Conflict Resolution / Crisis Intervention
      • Sexuality Assessments; SSKLAATR, VISCAT, Armidillo
      • Trauma-Informed Care
      • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
      • Data Collection and Analysis
      • Empathy and Compassion

Timeline

Behavior Support Specialist

Merakey Formerly NHS
06.2010 - Current

Therapeutic Support Staff

Youth Advocate Program
06.2002 - 06.2010

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Penn State University Schuylkill Campus
John Serakas