Karen Johnson-Savage
Paris,TN
Summary
Reliable and passionate Direct Support Professional offering exceptional care in home environments and community based programs. Person centered trained and an advocate passionate about supporting individuals with their daily living activities while promoting autonomy and personal choices. Dedicated to individuals' rights for inclusion and self advocacy.
- Life skills development
- Care plan implementation
- Team collaboration
- Records organization
- Individual rights advocacy
- Trained in audit preparation
Overview
1
1
Certification
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Professional
West Tennessee Developmental Services
Jackson, TN
04.2024 - Current
- Assisted individuals with personal care and hygiene tasks to promote independence and dignity.
- Supported individuals in developing life skills and social interactions in residential based programs.
- Documented individuals' progress and communicated insights to team for tailored support.
Dsp/Job Coach and Consulting
Easterseals of Tennessee
Lexington, Tennessee
07.2024 - 08.2025
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans addressing unique needs of each person.
- Assisted individuals with disabilities in daily living activities and personal care, enhancing their quality of life in residential and community-based programs.
- Facilitated mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities while ensuring continuous safety monitoring.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care.
- Trained new staff on best practices for individuals support and safety procedures.
- Developed training materials tailored to individuals needs and abilities.
- Coordinated with community resources to support employment efforts.
- Advocated for individuals rights and needs within the workplace environment.
- Traveled to work locations to provide hands-on training, direct supervision and support to individuals.
Direct Support Professional/Job Coach
Progressive Directions Inc.
Clarksville, Tennessee
11.2021 - 06.2024
- Supported individuals with disabilities in daily living activities within residential and community based programs.
- Assisted individuals in developing social skills and community integration.
- Implemented personalized care plans based on individual needs.
- Tracked and reported individuals' progress through detailed observations and conversations, ensuring timely support and intervention.
- Implemented strategies to enhance individuals' abilities, promoting greater independence in daily activities and community interactions.
- Maintained comprehensive database and file systems of supporting documens and medical history information.
- Implemented job accommodations and modifications to support individuals successful employment.
- Coordinated with vocational training programs to improve individuals' employability skills, facilitating successful job placements.
Behavior Technician
Centria Healthcare Autism Services
Waterford, Michigan
03.2020 - 06.2020
- Implemented individualized treatment plans for individuals with spectrum disorders.
- Collaborated with families to reinforce behavioral strategies at home.
- Documented individuals progress using electronic health record systems.
- The program was suspended due to c-19 restrictions implemented by the state of Michigan.
Direct Support Professional
St Johns Community Services
Paris, Tennessee
12.2016 - 08.2019
- Supported personal care and hygiene tasks to enhance client comfort and dignity.
- Supported clients in developing life skills and social interactions within residential and community based programs.
- Tracked individual progress and communicated observations to the team for tailored support.
- Coordinated volunteer opportunities to promote community engagement and skill development.
Education
Henry County High School
Paris, TNJob Coach And Consulting
TRN
07.2024 - 07.2024
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
University of Tennessee, Martin, TN
Martin, TNSkills
- Life skills development
- Care plan implementation
- Team collaboration
- Records organization
- Individual rights advocacy
- Trained in audit preparation
- Relias trained
- Therap trained
- PHS trained
- Person-centered planning
- Job coaching
- Vocational training
Certification
- TNDDA medication administration certified
- TRN certificate of Job Coaching and Consulting
Timeline
Dsp/Job Coach and Consulting
Easterseals of Tennessee
07.2024 - 08.2025
Job Coach And Consulting
TRN
07.2024 - 07.2024
Direct Support Professional
West Tennessee Developmental Services
04.2024 - Current
Direct Support Professional/Job Coach
Progressive Directions Inc.
11.2021 - 06.2024
Behavior Technician
Centria Healthcare Autism Services
03.2020 - 06.2020
Direct Support Professional
St Johns Community Services
12.2016 - 08.2019
Henry County High School
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
University of Tennessee, Martin, TN