Maria DeStefanis-Turner
Camden,NJ
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Therapeutic Recreation Assistant
Harmony Village ( Care One )
Moorestown, NJ
01.2022 - Current
- Organized recreation and therapy programs congruent with resident, abilities and personal interests including but not limited to arts, crafts, music, memory care games, exploring on community outings.
- Scheduled and led specialized programs allowing participants to engage in exercise and recreation, supporting social and physical wellbeing.
- Encourage resident participation in a wide of leisure and recreational program.
- Support residents in all aspects of emotional, social and physical aptitudes, assess abilities and identify conditions suitable for recreational and social needs.
Employment Specialist
Arc Of Camden County ( ACES )
Berlin, NJ
04.2021 - 05.2022
- Matched clients to open positions based on skills and work requirements.
- Recognized client employment barriers and devised strategies to resolve.
- Maintained records of consumer employment activity such as potential and current employers.
- Conducted assessments, interviews and job trials with clients to develop person-centered plans for employment and support.
- Provided clients with on-the-job training and employment related support to maintain and retain employment. All Phases of Supported Employment pre- placement, intense coaching ( DVR and DDD ), Long Term Follow Along ( DDD and DVR ) on and off -site coaching for DDD and MH populations.
- Marketed individual skills, abilities and interests to develop potential employment opportunities and secure community employment. Trial Work experience within the community, DVR referral source.
- Developed and Maintained existing relationships with diverse businesses to develop competitive and permanent job opportunities , including promotions for existing employees / consumers.
- Completion of all required documentation for case records and mandated documentation for billing to revenue sources.
- Locate and connect program participants to ancillary supports as desired .
- Intense job coaching, including one:one, to fade or coaching that would remain permanent. Identify and implement supports for both hard and soft skill needs.
Activities Assistant / Skilled Nursing
Genesis And Riverfront Rehabilatation
Pennsauken, NJ
05.2018 - 08.2021
- Provided Recreational Intake Assessment.
- Experience and knowledge of Point of Care System. Completion of quarterly summary, initial and yearly up-dates for care plans, specific to the recreational and Activities Department, under the direction of the Skilled Nursing Provider, Activities Director.
- Promoted exceptional quality of life for residents by innovating, organizing and conducting entertaining and stimulating activities.
- Helped residents build and maintain interpersonal relationships, social skills, mental abilities and confidence.
- Encourage Resident Council and Self- Directed recreation and leisure with guidance. Supporting exploration to develop relevant and meaningful Activities.
Memory Care Specialist
Harmony Village - Care One ( Symphony )
Cherry Hill, NJ
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Conducted Leisure, Social and recreational programs based on calender of events, specific to Long Term Assisted living Memory Care needs.
Employment Specialist
Arc Of Camden County
Berlin NJ
09.2016 - 09.2017
Group Home Manager, Day Services Manager and ES
Rescare
Medford And Mt. Laurel NJ
12.2013 - 09.2016
- All aspects of DDD funded Group Home Support needs. Recruiting, Training and evaluating / monitor of staff performance.
- Day Services Lead Manager ( with Employment Specialist duties for DDD Long Term and re-placement services )
- All aspects of coordination and support to Day Services Director regarding Community Bases Day Supports.
Assistant Director of Mission Services
Goodwill Industries Of SNJ And Philadelphia
Pennsauken, Maple Shade NJ
09.1998 - 01.2011
- Trained and mentored new employees on industry practices and business operations.
- Developed Community based work experiences for School to Career students and participants within the work shop.
- Recruiting and training of Work Force and Training staff.
- Created and updated physical records and digital files to maintain current, accurate and compliant documentation as mandated by DVR, DDD or School contract.
- Partnered with educators to instruct and mentor students with developmental and physical disabilities.
- Built and strengthened relationships with referral sources in order to maintain consistent support for training participants.
Education
Human Services And Addictions Counseling
Camden County College 32 Credits
Blackwood, NJSkills
- Safety Procedures
- Case Note documentation
- Job Carving, Intense and off-site Coaching
- Pre- Vocational Trials
- Activities Leadership
- Transportation Security
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Person Centered planning
- Servant training and leadership
- Direct Care Staff Oversight
- Member Retention
- Learning Strategies
- Community Activities
- Group Sessions
- Goal Assessments
- Social Perceptiveness
Timeline
Therapeutic Recreation Assistant
Harmony Village ( Care One )
01.2022 - Current
Employment Specialist
Arc Of Camden County ( ACES )
04.2021 - 05.2022
Memory Care Specialist
Harmony Village - Care One ( Symphony )
01.2021 - 05.2021
Activities Assistant / Skilled Nursing
Genesis And Riverfront Rehabilatation
05.2018 - 08.2021
Employment Specialist
Arc Of Camden County
09.2016 - 09.2017
Group Home Manager, Day Services Manager and ES
Rescare
12.2013 - 09.2016
Assistant Director of Mission Services
Goodwill Industries Of SNJ And Philadelphia
09.1998 - 01.2011
Human Services And Addictions Counseling
Camden County College 32 Credits