Kendall Palmer
Santa Cruz,CA
Summary
Dedicated individual with experience in human services field providing support and guidance to individuals in need. Strong understanding of effectively working with people from diverse backgrounds. Passionate about helping others access needed services. Proactively and quickly identifies best course of action for given scenarios, with confidence in handling tasks independently and in teams with highly organized approach to work. Strong advocate for those in need and committed to providing best possible service.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Resident Advocate
HomeFirst Services
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Responsible for care, safety, and supervision of program participants and guests.
- Utilized Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to document all notes of services provided.
- Co-conducted intake of potential participants including VI-SPDAT assessments.
- Worked with participants to develop, update, reassess, and execute personal housing plans.
- Promoted and lead weekly workshops on topics such as financial literacy, tenant rights and mediation, resume building, job search, credit repair, etc.
- Used de-escalation techniques in response to participant crises.
- Provided information, referrals, housing resources, and program support to participants.
Giclee Technician
Bay Photo
06.2021 - 09.2021
- Assisted in production of photography prints on canvas material
- Used heavy machinery and hand tools to print, cut out, stretch, and mount canvas prints to wooden frames
- Performed quality control on prints before packaging and labeling them.
- Performed troubleshooting and diagnosis on malfunctioning equipment.
- Organized work to meet demanding production goals.
After School Program Assistant Director
South Valley Family YMCA
08.2017 - 03.2020
- Ensured high quality, safe, educational, and nurturing environment for youth development,
- Designed and delivered programs and activities that aligned with HEPA (healthy eating and physical activity) standards.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with program participants, their families and prospective members.
- Trained and provided continuous support and feedback to staff.
- Assisted program manager with developing budget and schedule.
- Updated director about project status, updates and concerns on daily basis.
- Helped increase teen and family participation in community based events.
Summer Camp Director
South Valley Family YMCA
06.2017 - 08.2019
- Maintained fun, learning-focused atmosphere by smoothly handling conflicts and developing culture centered around collaboration and personal responsibility.
- Arranged packed activity schedule with numerous outdoor activities, crafts and learning opportunities.
- Managed camp operations for Teen Specialty Camp serving over 15 campers each day.
- Oversaw team of counselors and support team members.
- Communicated proactively with staff to ensure best possible experience for all participants.
- Ensured that all actives are safe, fun and age appropriate.
- Redirected behavior positively and effectively.
- Hosted and supervised large group programming.
- Ability to adapt to all activities to meet physical and behavioral needs of all students.
After School Leader
South Valley Family YMCA
11.2016 - 06.2017
- Tended to daily admin duties: attendance, bulletin board, emails, calls, behavior logs.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss learning strategies.
- Ensured safety and well-being of participants by; knowing participant locations at all times, making participants aware of and enforcing appropriate safety regulations and procedures, applying appropriate behavior management techniques, and maintaining all program equipment and facilities.
- Implemented group activity plans; preparing materials, activities, and environments.
- Consistently demonstrated positive interaction with all children; talking to and treating them with dignity and respect, helping develop positive self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
- Identify emergency situations then respond quickly and appropriately.
- Consistently demonstrated positive discipline through teaching and redirection while firmly and consistently enforcing rules.
Lead Instructor
Galileo Innovation Summer Camp
06.2014 - 08.2016
- Taught and cultivated project-based learning each week for 5th- 8th graders through innovative, hands-on curriculum focused in art, science, and innovation.
- Kept track of allergies and dietary restrictions, verifying correct meals and snacks were given to campers.
- Motivated leader aide to provide exceptional learning environments.
- Communicated with parents, staff and teachers regarding children or program issues.
- Led groups of children safely through variety of camp activities.
- Supervised, guided and assisted students during crafts, art projects, games and other activities to provide developmental stimulation.
- Safeguarded campers, providing general first aid and distributing medication to children as directed.
- Built positive and productive relationships with students and parents to further program objectives and overall success.
Pet Sitter
Freelance Pet Sitting
06.2013 - 08.2015
- Pet sat dogs of all sizes, as well as cats, for multiple days.
- Responsible for overall well-being of animal(s)- feeding, administer medication, physical activity, training, grooming, and bathing.
- Prepared food and water following instructions from pet owners.
- Gave animals proper attention to promote secure environment in owner's absence.
- Communicated professionally with pet owners via phone, email, and text.
- Exercised animals regularly with walks and rigorous play activities.
Photo Journalist Intern
UCSC Campus Natural Reserve
01.2015 - 03.2015
- Aided in the development of a plant field guide through photo documentation of plant life on the UC Santa Cruz campus.
- Reported from field locations and wrote descriptors under tight deadlines.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Studies, With A Minor in Sociology
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA08.2016
Skills
- Community Outreach
- Staff Management
- Needs Assessment
- Client Records Management
- Client Advocacy
- Goal Setting
- Trauma informed care
- Relationship building
- De-escalation
- Crisis intervention
- Client-centered practices
- Issue Identification and Resolution
- Interpersonal and Written Communication
- Motivational interviewing
Timeline
Resident Advocate
HomeFirst Services
08.2022 - 08.2023
Giclee Technician
Bay Photo
06.2021 - 09.2021
After School Program Assistant Director
South Valley Family YMCA
08.2017 - 03.2020
Summer Camp Director
South Valley Family YMCA
06.2017 - 08.2019
After School Leader
South Valley Family YMCA
11.2016 - 06.2017
Photo Journalist Intern
UCSC Campus Natural Reserve
01.2015 - 03.2015
Lead Instructor
Galileo Innovation Summer Camp
06.2014 - 08.2016
Pet Sitter
Freelance Pet Sitting
06.2013 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Studies, With A Minor in Sociology
University of California Santa Cruz
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