Kourtney Russell
Peru
Summary
Compassionate Direct Support Specialist known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Possess specialized skills in behavioral support, crisis intervention, and adaptive communication techniques. Excel in empathy, active listening, and patience, ensuring exceptional care and support for individuals with diverse needs.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
2013
2013
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Direct Support Specialist
Residential Resources
Plattsburgh
06.2022 - Current
- Assisted clients with daily living activities and personal care needs.
- Implemented individualized support plans for diverse client requirements.
- Facilitated recreational and social activities to enhance client engagement.
- Monitored client behavior and reported changes to the support team.
- Collaborated with families to ensure effective communication and support strategies.
- Trained new staff on best practices for client interactions and care procedures.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and services provided.
- Advocated for clients' needs in various settings to promote their well-being.
- Developed individualized treatment plans based on client needs and goals.
- Provided assistance to individuals with disabilities in day-to-day activities and tasks.
- Ensured compliance with applicable regulations and laws relating to care of individuals with disabilities.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Encouraged independence by teaching daily living skills such as budgeting, cooking, cleaning.
- Provided emotional support to clients during difficult times or crises situations.
- Instructed clients on how to access community resources such as housing or employment opportunities.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers.
- Assisted in arranging doctor's appointments for clients when necessary.
- Acted as an advocate for clients when communicating with outside agencies or organizations.
- Performed housekeeping duties such as laundry, meal preparation, grocery shopping when necessary.
- Assisted in monitoring the health, safety, and well-being of individuals with disabilities.
- Created positive relationships with clients through active listening and understanding.
- Facilitated communication between clients, their families, and other service providers.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss client progress and plan interventions.
- Implemented behavior modification plans under the direction of a supervisor or clinician.
- Developed individualized plans for clients based on their needs and preferences.
- Accompanied or transported clients to appointments, errands and social activities.
- Used approved crisis intervention techniques in emergency situations.
- Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
- Developed strong and trusting rapport with patients to facilitate smooth, quality care.
- Leveraged database management system to track and report service hours, details of activities and progress on goals.
- Helped clients get in and out of beds and wheelchairs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary And Special Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 09.2011 - 05.2021
GED
Plattsburgh, New YorkSome College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Clinton Community College
Plattsburgh, New YorkSkills
- Individualized support planning
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Behavior modification implementation
- Client advocacy
- Effective communication
- Active listening
- Patience and tact
- Transportation assistance
- De-escalation techniques
- Multitasking and organization
- Appointment scheduling
- Client transportation
- Record keeping
- Client documentation
- Report writing
- Verbal and written communication
Timeline
Direct Support Specialist
Residential Resources
06.2022 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Elementary And Special Education
Grand Canyon University
09.2011 - 05.2021
GED
Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice
Clinton Community College