Karen M. AMSTER
Mesa,AZ
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Peer Support Specialist with a recent credential, possessing extensive experience in assisting adults with developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges. Proven ability to foster supportive environments that encourage personal growth and resilience. Committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals through effective communication and empathetic engagement. Seeking to leverage expertise in a dynamic behavioral health setting.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Professional
Consumer Advocacy Projects
01.2024 - Current
- Supporting three women living with developmental disabilities in a group home setting, including assistance with hygiene, cleaning, meal preparation, medication administration and redirection in the event of a behavior episode
Data Entry, Lockbox Associate
ATR International
01.2024 - Current
- Entry of data from payment stubs and checks submitted to a major bank for payment to a government entity
Receptionist
Valley Life
Phoenix, AZ
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Providing customer service while directing those visiting the Arizona Department of Health Services, in accordance to the business they are conducting
Delivery Driver
Doordash/Grubhub
Mesa, AZ
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Delivery of meals ordered while providing excellent customer service
Warehouse Trainee
Valley Life
Phoenix, AZ
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Assembly of varied products in accordance with contracts held with third party companies
Fire ILR Associate
State Farm
Tempe, AZ
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Taking inbound calls and assisting policyholders in filing claims on their homeowners or business policies while providing excellent customer service, with empathy
House Manager
Community Provider of Enrichment Services
Tempe, AZ
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Management of a group home for adults with developmental disabilities while representing the organization when attending appointments with residents, and communicating with case managers and family members
Senior Residential Advisor/Residential Advisor
Management and Training Corporation, Phoenix Job Corps
Phoenix, AZ
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Provided support to students living in a dormitory who were in a job training program
- Supervised a crew of Residential Advisors on the overnight shift
Records Clerk
Management and Training Corporation, Tongue Point Job Corps
Astoria, OR
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Provided preliminary audits of student files, ensuring all documents were included and that files met agency and federal standards, coordinated with finance team to ensure students received funds for clothing that is appropriate for the field they are training in and provided support to other employees in the records department
Personal Agent
Child Youth and Family Integrated Services Network
Seaside, OR
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Provided case management services for adults with developmental disabilities including assisting in the locating and hiring of support providers so customers could live independently in the community
BHT, Assistant Site Coordinator, Site Coordinator
Triple R Behavioral Health (Now called Lifewell)
Phoenix, Arizona
01.2004 - 01.2011
- Provided support to individuals living with serious mental illnesses in a residential setting, assisting them with medication administration, household tasks, accessing medical and psychiatric treatment and support in social activities.
BHT
Terros Behavioral Health
Phoenix, AZ
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Provided support to individuals living with serious mental illnesses in a residential setting, assisting them with medication administration, household tasks, accessing medical and psychiatric treatment and support in social activities.
Education
Peer Support Training - Behavioral Health
Copa Health
Mesa03-2025
MS - Study of Human Behavior
Cappella University Online
Minneapolis, MN01.2013
Bachelor of Social Work -
Arizona State University, West Campus
Glendale, AZ01.2003
Associate of Arts - Social Work
Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ01.2000
Skills
- CPR trained
- Client advocacy
- Word
- Excel
- Adobe
- Apple related apps
Timeline
Direct Support Professional
Consumer Advocacy Projects
01.2024 - Current
Data Entry, Lockbox Associate
ATR International
01.2024 - Current
Receptionist
Valley Life
01.2022 - 01.2023
Delivery Driver
Doordash/Grubhub
01.2022 - 12.2022
Warehouse Trainee
Valley Life
01.2021 - 01.2022
Fire ILR Associate
State Farm
01.2019 - 12.2019
House Manager
Community Provider of Enrichment Services
01.2018 - 01.2019
Senior Residential Advisor/Residential Advisor
Management and Training Corporation, Phoenix Job Corps
01.2018 - 12.2018
Records Clerk
Management and Training Corporation, Tongue Point Job Corps
01.2017 - 01.2018
Personal Agent
Child Youth and Family Integrated Services Network
01.2013 - 01.2017
BHT, Assistant Site Coordinator, Site Coordinator
Triple R Behavioral Health (Now called Lifewell)
01.2004 - 01.2011
BHT
Terros Behavioral Health
01.2003 - 01.2004
Peer Support Training - Behavioral Health
Copa Health
MS - Study of Human Behavior
Cappella University Online
Bachelor of Social Work -
Arizona State University, West Campus
Associate of Arts - Social Work
Phoenix College
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