Katherine Helmlinger
McKinney,TX
Summary
Compassionate Blind and Visually Impaired Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with experience supporting individuals with visual impairments in achieving employment, independence, and self-sufficiency. Skilled in vocational assessment, goal planning, client advocacy, and collaboration with community partners to support successful vocational outcomes. Dedicated Orientation & Mobility Specialist focused on teaching Individuals with visual impairments to independently navigate their surroundings using a cane. Well experienced in writing IEP goals, leading meetings and advocating for students. Trained and experienced in performing evaluations and presenting recommendations. Compassionate in home care worker specialized in caring for individuals with special needs in a home setting. Experienced with administering medications, keeping a daily schedule and log. Able to offer physical assistance with walking, transfers and all transitions. Passionate cabin leader, head counselor assistant director providing daily personal care, daily activities and creating daily programs and activities and providing daily personal care to campers.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
BVI Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Texas Workforce Solutions
07.2025 - Current
- Developed individualized rehabilitation plans to assist clients in achieving employment goals.
- Collaborated with employers to identify job opportunities suitable for clients' skills and interests.
- Provided ongoing support and counseling to clients throughout their rehabilitation journey.
- Monitored client progress towards employment goals, adjusting plans as necessary for optimal outcomes.
- Advocated for client needs within community resources and services to enhance support systems.
- Analyzed labor market trends to inform strategic planning and program development initiatives.
- Advocated for reasonable accommodations, supporting clients in overcoming workplace barriers.
Registered Behavior Technician
Action Behavior Centers
12.2023 - 06.2025
- Implemented individualized behavior intervention plans to enhance client development and learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess client progress and adjust treatment strategies effectively.
- Utilized data collection methods to track behavioral changes and analyze effectiveness of interventions.
- Trained new staff on best practices for behavior management techniques and compliance standards.
- Improved client behavior by implementing individualized ABA therapy plans and tracking progress.
- Prevented instances of maladaptive behavior escalation using de-escalation techniques while maintaining a safe environment for both staff members and clients alike.
- Managed crisis situations with professionalism, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved while adhering to established protocols.
- Maintained detailed records of client progress, enabling data-driven decision making for intervention adjustments and goal development.
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Allied Instructional Services
08.2017 - 06.2024
- Conducted assessments to identify individual mobility needs and support requirements.
- Developed individualized education plans to meet diverse student needs.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted teaching methods accordingly for optimal engagement.
- Advocated for inclusive education practices, ensuring all students received equitable access to resources.
- Provided individualized orientation and mobility instruction to children and adults with visual impairments, including those with additional disabilities, to promote safe, independent travel across home, school, and community environments.
Caregiver, Special Needs
Consumer Direct Personal Care
07.2020 - 10.2022
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
- Observed individual for changes in physical, emotional, mental or behavioral condition and injuries.
- Assisted with meal planning to meet nutritional plans.
- Laundered clothing and bedding to prevent infection.
- Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
- Assisted with daily care and hygiene needs.
- Provided daily entertaining and enrichment activities.
Cabin Leader
Camp Easter Seals UCP
05.2014 - 07.2022
- Directed campers through mealtimes, outdoor excursions, play periods and rest times.
- Assisted, motivated and managed campers during day.
- Cultivated and strengthened relationships with campers under care.
- Led classes in subjects like archery, science and arts and crafts.
- Was in charge of personal care for all campers in my care.
- Developed and implemented physical, mental and social activities.
- Attended meetings to go over future programs, activities and any updates or announcements.
- Point of contact for all staff in my cabin
Education
Bachelor of Science - Rehabilitation Services, Orientation & Mobility
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX08.2017
Some College (No Degree) - Elementary Education
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, ILSome College (No Degree) - Elementary Education
West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TXHigh School Diploma -
Ramstein High School
Ramstein AFB06.2012
Skills
- Travel Route Planning
- Writing goals for IEP’s
- Writing goals for IPE's
- Coordinating with teachers and other service providers
- Conducting student evaluations
- Leading meetings
- Advocating for students/clients
- Well trained in all physical transfers
- Dependable and Responsible
- HIPAA Compliance
- Sign Language certified
- Client Documentation
- CPR Certification
- Care Planning
- First Aid Certification
Certification
- RBT - Registered Behavior Technician
- Vocational Certification In Sign Language
Awards
Phi Delta Kappa scholarship recipient
Languages
ASL
Limited Working
Timeline
BVI Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Texas Workforce Solutions
07.2025 - Current
Registered Behavior Technician
Action Behavior Centers
12.2023 - 06.2025
Caregiver, Special Needs
Consumer Direct Personal Care
07.2020 - 10.2022
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Allied Instructional Services
08.2017 - 06.2024
Cabin Leader
Camp Easter Seals UCP
05.2014 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Science - Rehabilitation Services, Orientation & Mobility
Stephen F Austin State University
Some College (No Degree) - Elementary Education
Southwestern Illinois College
Some College (No Degree) - Elementary Education
West Texas A&M University
High School Diploma -
Ramstein High School