Results-oriented professional with a proven track record at the California Department of Rehabilitation, leveraging analytical thinking and team leadership to enhance client outcomes. Expertise in accurate recordkeeping and ongoing client support has led to significant improvements in program follow-up assessments. Demonstrates a strong commitment to client advocacy and effective resource utilization. Aiming to further develop innovative strategies that drive client success and program efficiency.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
California Department Of Rehabilitation
San Diego, CA
06.2024 - Current
Participated in professional meetings and conferences concerning issues related to vocational rehabilitation counseling.
Provided vocational counseling services to individuals with disabilities, including career assessment, job placement and follow-up support.
Performed assessments to determine individual limitations and strengths.
Monitored client performance while employed by providing ongoing supportive assistance when needed.
Recommended community agencies and services to support wraparound service needs.
Provided advocacy services for disabled individuals seeking access to appropriate services or resources.
Conducted assessments of client's interests, aptitudes and abilities to determine suitable employment options.
Performed case management duties such as coordinating referrals from other agencies or organizations.
Provided guidance on educational opportunities relevant to achieving employment goals.
Connected individuals with relevant community resources and coordinated referrals.
Counseled clients on disability rights and benefits available through government agencies such as Social Security Administration.
Developed individualized plans of service that addressed the needs of clients with disabilities in order to help them reach their employment goals.
Maintained accurate records of client progress, including reports on activities conducted, services provided and any changes in status or objectives.
Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
Service Coordinator
SDRC
San Marcos, California
12.2021 - Current
Monitored email and phone communication to provide prompt responses and solutions.
Coordinated service schedules and appointments with clients.
Provided customer service to ensure client satisfaction.
Maintained accurate records of services provided for each client.
Developed strategies for improving customer experience with the organization's services.
Conducted regular meetings with departmental staff to discuss current initiatives and projects.
Reviewed invoices for accuracy prior to submission for payment processing.
Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations pertaining to service operations.
Followed up with technicians and managers to receive and communicate status updates.
Job Developer
Community Interface Services
Carlsbad, CA
03.2012 - 11.2021
Conducted outreach to local employers and organizations to identify job openings and other employment opportunities.
Provided personalized career guidance and support services to clients, including resume writing, interviewing skills, job search strategies.
Developed individualized case plans for each client based on their needs and goals.
Organized and facilitated workshops related to job searching such as resume writing, interview techniques, networking events.
Collaborated with community partners such as schools, social service agencies, state workforce centers and employers to provide resources for clients.
Maintained accurate records of all client activities in accordance with program policies and procedures.
Created marketing materials to promote the organization's services to potential employers and the community at large.
Researched potential employers that could benefit from the organization's services or provide jobs for its clients.
Coached clients on how best to present themselves during interviews with potential employers.
Encouraged feedback from both employers and clients regarding placement outcomes in order to improve services provided by the organization.
Negotiated job offers between employer representatives and candidates seeking employment opportunities.
Advocated for equal access of employment opportunities regardless of race, gender identity or disability status.
Promoted positive relationships between employer representatives and candidates through active listening skills.
Educator/Grant Writer
Aqua Hedionda Discovery Center
CARLSBAD, CA
01.2010 - 11.2021
Developed and implemented lesson plans to meet the individual needs of students.
Created a safe, comfortable learning environment for students by establishing positive relationships with them.
Organized activities and resources to promote student engagement in learning.
Assessed student progress regularly through formal and informal assessments.
Provided appropriate feedback on work, behavior, and attitude towards learning.
Collaborated with colleagues to share best practices in teaching methods.
Encouraged critical thinking skills among students through problem-solving activities.
Implemented strategies to ensure all students had access to technology for educational purposes.
Facilitated discussions with students on current topics related to course material.
Established expectations for student behavior while maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Contributed ideas at faculty meetings regarding curriculum design or other initiatives.
Planned classroom activities to enable students to work independently, in small groups and in large groups.
Executive Board Secretary
Women's Resource Center Of Manatee
Oceanside, CA
02.2012 - 08.2018
Supervised board elections certifying candidates and overseeing procurement for voting equipment.
Created and maintained computer- and paper-based filing and organization systems for records, reports and documents.
Created agendas, took meeting minutes and distributed materials to members of the executive board.
Ensured compliance with corporate policies and procedures.
Attended business meetings, logged minutes and assisted with presentations.
Administered advice and resources to board members on relevant topics addressed at meetings.
Took detailed notes in meetings and disseminated information afterward.
SART/DVRT
Women's Resource Center
Oceanside, CA
06.2007 - 12.2011
Facilitated individual counseling sessions with clients impacted by sexual violence.
Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute mental health issues.
Wrote individual safety and crisis plans and assessed ongoing risk assessments to decrease further harm.
Acted as liaison between victims and law enforcement agencies to assist with filing police reports and explain informed consent.
Created awareness of victims' rights and services by delivering presentations to agencies, schools, and community groups.
Collaborated with law enforcement, medical personnel, social workers, therapists and other professionals involved in responding to cases of sexual violence.
Facilitated support groups for victims of domestic violence with the goal of enhancing their self-esteem and providing emotional support.
Assessed client needs and developed treatment plans accordingly.
Used active listening skills and supportive diction to cultivate client rapport and open communication.
Advised victims on obtaining restraining orders against perpetrators of abuse.
Educated community members on the dynamics of domestic violence, available resources, and legal rights of victims.
Conducted safety assessments and provided safety planning strategies to survivors of domestic violence.
Owner
Avanti Hair Design
CARLSBAD, CA
09.1999 - 03.2005
Managed daily operations of business, including hiring and training staff.
Developed strategic plans to increase profitability and efficiency.
Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
Created marketing campaigns to attract new customers.
Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers.
Oversaw budgeting and financial management.
Analyzed industry trends to develop competitive strategies.
Maintained relationships with existing clients by providing superior customer service.
Implemented quality assurance processes to ensure product excellence.
Researched potential partners in order to expand services offered.
Reviewed legal documents related to business operations.
Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Developed policies and procedures for the organization.
Client Service Manager
HP TECH
Escondido, CA
04.2005 - 2009
Developed and managed client relationships to ensure satisfaction with services provided.
Provided timely responses to customer inquiries and requests for service.
Monitored customer accounts to identify any potential issues or areas of improvement.
Maintained accurate records of customer interactions and transactions.
Analyzed customer feedback to identify trends, opportunities, and areas of improvement.
Developed and implemented processes for improving client service delivery standards.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams on projects related to client service initiatives.
Resolved escalated customer complaints in a professional manner.
Conducted regular meetings with clients to review progress on projects and address any concerns or questions they may have had.
Created detailed reports outlining key performance indicators related to client service operations.
Facilitated training sessions for new staff members on the company's policies and procedures related to client service management.
Education
Master of Arts - Behavioral Psychology
National University
La Jolla, CA
03-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
University of Phoenix
San Diego, CA
04-2005
Skills
Accurate Recordkeeping
Ongoing Client Support
Family Service Plans
Resource Utilization
Needs Assessment
Program Follow-Up and Assessment
Team Leadership
Idea Development and Brainstorming
Client Advocacy
Project Planning
Analytical Thinking
Quantitative Skills
Timeline
Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
California Department Of Rehabilitation
06.2024 - Current
Service Coordinator
SDRC
12.2021 - Current
Job Developer
Community Interface Services
03.2012 - 11.2021
Executive Board Secretary
Women's Resource Center Of Manatee
02.2012 - 08.2018
Educator/Grant Writer
Aqua Hedionda Discovery Center
01.2010 - 11.2021
SART/DVRT
Women's Resource Center
06.2007 - 12.2011
Client Service Manager
HP TECH
04.2005 - 2009
Owner
Avanti Hair Design
09.1999 - 03.2005
Master of Arts - Behavioral Psychology
National University
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
University of Phoenix
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