Kayla Harkins
135 Estates Blvd Apt 262,NJ
Summary
Dynamic Lead Direct Support Professional with a proven track record in training and mentoring staff, ensuring compliance, and supervising client care. Committed to fostering independence and enhancing client well-being through effective communication and crisis intervention.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Direct Support Professional
Eden Autism
Princeton, New Jersey
01.2016 - Current
- Trained and mentored new direct support professionals to implement best practices, enhancing team effectiveness.
- Supervised daily activities for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
- Collaborated with families to address concerns and provide progress updates, fostering a supportive care environment.
- Facilitated recreational and social activities to promote community engagement.
- Monitored client behavior and documented significant changes or incidents.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations during all activities.
- Mentored new employees on job duties associated with being a lead DSP.
- Monitored the performance of direct support professionalsand provided feedback as needed.
- Coordinated medical appointments and monitored health care needs of clients.
- Collaborated with other professionals including case managers, therapists, physicians, family members.to ensure comprehensive care plan implementation.
- Identified areas for improvement in service delivery processes through data analysis, contributing to enhanced client outcomes.
- Encouraged independence among clients while promoting their self-advocacy skills.
- Organized special events such as birthday parties or holiday celebrations for clients.
- Enforced organizational policies related to safety procedures for both staff members and individuals receiving services.
- Maintained accurate records of services provided to clients and updated them regularly.
- Assisted clients with developing social skills by engaging them in community activities such as volunteering or recreational outings.
- Reviewed client documentation prior to submission for accuracy and completeness.
- Provided crisis intervention during emergency situations and de-escalated difficult behaviors when needed.
- Provided direct support to clients in activities of daily living such as hygiene, meal preparation, and housekeeping.
- Led team meetings to discuss client progress and provide guidance on service delivery techniques.
- Conducted assessments to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
- Trained new staff members on safety protocols and best practices for providing quality services to individuals with disabilities.
- Assisted individuals in learning and developing new skills.
- Documented current patient information to update vital signs, behaviors, and eating habits.
- Accompanied or transported clients to appointments, errands and social activities.
- Assisted with planning and coordination of activities and outings based on individual needs.
- Supervised medication administration, personal hygiene, and other activities of daily living.
- Followed care plan and directions to administer medications.
- Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
- Reported changes in client condition to administrators, facilitating nursing intervention.
- Enhanced patient wellbeing by supporting participation in recreational activities.
- Planned and prepared healthy meals and snacks for clients and provided assistance with eating when necessary.
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
- Obtained sources of entertainment for clients to provide full and enjoyable daily activities.
- Consulted with client care team to continually update care plans.
- Contributed to case reviews of client status and progress.
Education
High School Diploma -
Willingboro High School
Willingboro, NJ06-2013
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Medication administration
- Behavioral monitoring
- Behavioral support
- Personal care assistance
- Case management
- Client safety
- Daily living support
- Activity planning
- Client documentation
- Compliance assessment
- HIPAA compliance
- Transportation
- Client transportation
- Social skills development
- Data analysis
- Report writing
- Team leadership
- Training and mentoring
- Positive reinforcement
- Goal setting
- Time management
- Multitasking and organization
- Problem solving
- Decision support
- De-escalation
- Behavior management
- Community activities
- Record keeping
- Nutrition knowledge
- Housekeeping tasks
- Effective communication
- Active listening
- Problem-solving
- Disability awareness
Certification
- First Aid and CPR Certification
- PCM Certification
Timeline
Lead Direct Support Professional
Eden Autism
01.2016 - Current
High School Diploma -
Willingboro High School