Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Lori Stafford

Syracuse,New York

Summary

Detail-oriented Assistant Manager offers more than 4-year progressive record of accomplishment in leadership roles. As a Resource Specialist offers 6 years and continuing with success in this role.

Establishes clear guidelines and enforces consistent policies to keep staff satisfied and on-target to achieve important objectives.

Excellent relationship-building, multitasking and decision-making skills. Motivated with juggling multiple priorities to keep program running smoothly. Communicative team leader possessing outstanding time management and documentation abilities.

Polished in overseeing employee performance and guiding and motivating new talent.

Excellent at working well with others and easily approachable. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges.

Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Resource Specialist

AccessCNY
Syracuse, New York
12.2017 - Current
  • Provided training sessions on effective methods for Documentation and in utilizing AWARDS. Excellent at navigating AWARDS as well as teaching others how to navigate and use.
  • Oversite of all documentation in regards to all regulatory agencies in all of our MH Programs - 5 MH housing programs, Berkana Crisis Respite and Independent Housing Program. 7 in all.
  • Have trained all above program staff and management in better utilization of AWARDS, documentation methods, best practices in documentation policies, and in how to better prioritize time management to meet deadlines of items that are regulated.
  • Assist all Program Managers in any way to better manage their programs in regards to remaining in compliance with regulatory agencies.
  • Monitoring of Utilization Reviews and making certain they are up to date.
  • Assist and offer my support to the Program Director and Associate Program Director in all outside audits in everyway I was needed - OMIG and OMH
  • Coordinated relevant outside resources and helped secure necessary referrals.
  • Brainstorm ideas to better serve the participants by thinking outside the box of ordinary ways.
  • Certified in SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery)Training.
  • SSA and DSS specialist in regards to social security, Medicaid, TA and SNAP benefits.
  • Work with the Program Director currently in assisting to manage all documentary, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
  • Interpreted and explained human resources policies, procedures or regulations.
  • Selected qualified job applicants or referred to managers to make hiring recommendations.
  • Informed job applicants of duties and responsibilities, compensation and benefits.
  • Interviewed job applicants to obtain information on work history, education or job skills.
  • Maintained and updated organizational charts to assist in monitoring regulated requirements.
  • Assisted in trainings to assist staff with improving and empowering them with skills to be successful in their jobs and positions.

Assistant Manager - Sterling Program

AccessCNY
Syracuse, New York
08.2013 - 12.2017
  • Assisted program manager in all area of the day-to-day operations of running a group home setting, while being on call 24/7 for emergencies and non-emergencies.
  • Supervised all full-time and part-time staff. Assisted with creating a work schedule for all employees. ADP work schedule approval.
  • Monitored all documentation and made sure we stayed in compliance with OMIG, OMH and followed all AccessCNY Policies and Procedures
  • Strong organizational skills in support of the Program Manager in running the program
  • Trained new hires in AWARDS, documentation skills and other necessary skills needed to qualify for DSP status.
  • Completed monthly billing.
  • Acted as Program Manager while she was out on PTO or leave.
  • Assisted in the development of operational strategies to ensure efficient and productive operations.
  • Provided guidance and support to junior staff members on daily tasks, projects, and objectives.
  • Coordinated with other departments to ensure smooth flow of operations.
  • Developed a system for tracking inventory and ordering supplies as needed.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
  • Monitored employee attendance records, timekeeping, and payroll information.
  • Managed customer service inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
  • Resolved conflicts between team members in an effective manner.
  • Organized training sessions for new hires to familiarize them with the workplace environment.
  • Collaborated with management on developing strategic plans for achieving business goals.
  • Communicated regularly with participants to gain insights into their needs.
  • Created documents to help track the monitoring of deadlines to meet all regulatory agencies.
  • Analyzed data from surveys or feedback forms to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Implemented new procedures or systems to improve efficiency within the organization.
  • Took trainings and went to conferences to better myself in the current position.
  • Supervised daily operations including scheduling shifts, assigning duties.
  • Facilitated interdepartmental communication by attending meetings or providing updates.
  • Served as a liaison between staff members and senior management personnel.
  • Identified cost-saving measures that could be implemented without compromising quality standards.
  • Organized schedules, workflows and shift coverage to meet expected business demands.
  • Maintained inventory accuracy by counting stock-on-hand and reconciling discrepancies.
  • Delegated daily tasks to team members to optimize group productivity.
  • Mentored staff to enhance skills and achieve daily targets, using hands-on and motivational leadership.
  • Delegated tasks to team members based upon skill level and to achieve organizational goals.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality and conformance.

Resident Counselor II

Transitional Living Services - - AccessCNY
Syracuse, New York
09.2006 - 12.2017
  • Provided support and guidance to residents in developing life skills such as budgeting, time management and problem solving.
  • Organized recreational activities for residents including games, sports and field trips.
  • Monitored resident behavior, documented incidents and reported any changes or concerns to supervisor.
  • Counseled residents on individual issues such as stress management, anger control and conflict resolution.
  • Developed relationships with families of residents by providing resources, referrals and support services.
  • Created weekly schedules for staff members including shift assignments, vacations and training sessions.
  • Shopped and furnished for all of our apartments and off-sit apartments.
  • Assisted other programs as well as the Sterling Program with preparing for audits.
  • Assisted my supervisors with other tasks when I completed all my work. I learned how to do a lot of management responsibilities asa DSP because of my willingness and motivation to learn. and progress forward.
  • Conducted regular assessments of each resident's mental health status to track progress toward goals.
  • Maintained records of resident progress including treatment plans, medication logs and notes from counseling sessions.
  • Helped with facilitating weekly group meetings with residents to discuss topics such as peer pressure, self-esteem building and communication skills.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when necessary including active listening techniques and de-escalation strategies.
  • Enforced safety guidelines for all facility areas to ensure a secure environment for both staff and residents.
  • Served meals to the residence according to dietary guidelines while promoting healthy eating habits among them.
  • Assisted new admissions in adjusting to their living situation through role modeling positive behaviors and providing emotional support.
  • Established effective working relationships with other service providers in the community to coordinate care plans for individuals in need of additional assistance.
  • Supervised daily activities of the residence ensuring they are following established rules while encouraging independence whenever possible.
  • Participated in trainings related to residential care best practices, trauma informed approaches and therapeutic interventions.
  • Participated in and sometimes too a lead in team meetings among staff members discussing challenges faced by the residence as well as successes that should be celebrated.
  • Responded promptly to medical emergencies involving residence by administering first aid until emergency personnel arrive onsite.
  • Attended court hearings representing the interests of the residence when needed while advocating for their rights throughout the process.
  • Responded to crisis situations quickly to maintain calm and immediately determine level of assistance needed.
  • Fostered relationships with residents and worked with new residents to optimize acclimation and ease transition to new living environment.
  • Interfaced with residents to address and resolve complaints or grievances.
  • Led weekly meetings to address resident concerns and educate on changes to policies and procedures (I did this more as an Assistant Manager).
  • Conducted regular rounds to keep residents and areas safe and secure.
  • Facilitated bereavement groups and provided counseling and emotional support to help residents cope with loss.
  • Answered telephones and routed calls or delivered messages.
  • Developed and coordinated educational programs for residents.
  • Conferred with medical personnel to understand backgrounds and needs of residents.
  • Chaperoned group-sponsored trips and social functions.

Education

Associate of Arts - Health Information Technology

Onondaga Community College
Syracuse, NY
05.1997

Skills

  • Operations Management
  • Recruiting and Interviewing
  • Staff Management
  • Training and Mentoring
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Employee Scheduling
  • Task Delegation
  • Strategic Planning
  • Staff Supervision
  • Staff Development
  • Orientation and Training
  • Schedule Oversight
  • Microsoft Office Expertise
  • Policy Administration
  • Team Motivation
  • Referral Coordination
  • Employee Investigations
  • Human Resources Support
  • Management Consulting
  • Recruitment
  • Benefits Administration
  • Data Analysis
  • Procedure Compliance
  • Report Preparation
  • Clerical Oversight
  • Policies Implementation
  • Information Protection
  • Employee Hiring
  • Work Complaint Handling
  • Employee Relations
  • Microsoft Office
  • Database Maintenance
  • Remote Conferencing and Communication
  • Complaint Handling

Certification

  • SOAR Certified

Timeline

Resource Specialist

AccessCNY
12.2017 - Current

Assistant Manager - Sterling Program

AccessCNY
08.2013 - 12.2017

Resident Counselor II

Transitional Living Services - - AccessCNY
09.2006 - 12.2017

Associate of Arts - Health Information Technology

Onondaga Community College
Lori Stafford