Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Merrill Coleman

SASSIE
Iowa City,IA
24
years of professional experience

Compassionate Shift Facilitator with a strong focus on advocacy and communication. Experienced in delivering high-quality support for adults with disabilities, ensuring empowerment and community inclusion.

Work History

Shift Facilitator

3 Years 2 Months
Mayors Youth Empowerment | 06.2023 - Current

Directed support for adults with disabilities, empowering them to pursue self-directed lives as community members. Facilitated comprehensive assistance in health, home responsibilities, relationships, community inclusion, financial management, and behavioral support. Championed advocacy efforts, employing diverse skills to cultivate productive relationships with individuals served. Contributed positively to the lives of those served through committed support. Oversaw the delivery of high-quality, best practice supports to all individuals under care. Guided individuals in navigating daily life by delivering support that maximizes choices and leverages personal strengths. Provided leadership on shifts, ensuring effective team coordination. Collaborated with supervisors on training, advocacy, community outreach, appointment attendance, and documentation follow-up. Delivered regular feedback to supervisors on service needs, staff training requirements, environmental considerations, and potential improvements. Exhibited comprehensive knowledge of job functions and methodologies necessary for effective performance. Recognized and addressed knowledge deficiencies in colleagues, offering corrective guidance.

Facilitated workshops to empower youth through skill-building and personal development activities.

Collaborated with community partners to enhance program offerings and outreach initiatives.

Mystery Shopper

4 Years 3 Months
SASSIE | 05.2022 - Current
  • Conducted detailed evaluations of customer service experiences across various retail locations.
  • Provided actionable feedback to improve service quality and operational efficiency.
  • Analyzed competitor offerings to identify gaps and opportunities for client improvement.
  • Developed comprehensive reports summarizing findings and recommendations for management review.
  • Ensured consistency in mystery shopping evaluations through standardized assessment tools.
  • Increased client satisfaction by efficiently completing mystery shopping assignments within given deadlines.
  • Completed comprehensive reports outlining findings from mystery shopping visits to provide actionable insights for clients.

Direct Support Professional

11 Years 4 Months
Mayors Youth Empoerment | 02.2012 - 06.2023
  • Advocated for clients' rights and needs within community resources and services.
  • Led initiatives to improve service efficiency and client satisfaction levels.
  • Trained and mentored new staff on best practices in direct support services.
  • Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
  • Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.

Lead Direct Support Professional

2 Years 6 Months
Mayors Youth Empowerment | 08.2009 - 02.2012
  • Developed and implemented tailored care plans to address unique needs and goals of each participant.
  • Supervised daily activities and individualized support for youth, enhancing personal development and empowerment.
  • Facilitated communication between youth, families, and service providers to ensure comprehensive support.
  • Coordinated training sessions for new staff, promoting best practices in direct support services.
  • Monitored progress and adjusted care strategies, fostering continuous improvement in individual outcomes.
  • Advocated for resources and services to improve quality of life for participants within the community.
  • Trained staff on crisis intervention techniques, ensuring safety and effective responses during challenging situations.
  • Promoted a positive environment for clients through compassionate direct support and effective behavior management techniques.
  • Encouraged client autonomy by guiding the development of decision-making skills and offering support when needed.
  • Oversaw daily operations at residential facilities while adhering to strict guidelines set forth by regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with industry standards.

Direct Support Professional

7 Years
Mayors Youth Empowerment | 08.2002 - 08.2009
  • Assisted in developing personalized care plans aligned with client goals.
  • Provided individualized support to enhance daily living skills for clients.
  • Monitored and documented client progress to ensure effective service delivery.
  • Facilitated communication between clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
  • Implemented behavior management strategies to promote positive outcomes.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA

Skills

Strategic planning
Facilitation techniques
Staff management
Inclusivity
Task delegation
Financial management
Advocacy
Excellent communication
Teamwork and collaboration
Analytical thinking
Time management
Attention to detail

Timeline

Shift Facilitator

Mayors Youth Empowerment
06.2023 - CurrentRead More

Mystery Shopper

SASSIE
05.2022 - CurrentRead More

Direct Support Professional

Mayors Youth Empoerment
02.2012 - 06.2023Read More

Lead Direct Support Professional

Mayors Youth Empowerment
08.2009 - 02.2012Read More

Direct Support Professional

Mayors Youth Empowerment
08.2002 - 08.2009Read More

University of Iowa

Bachelor of Arts from Psychology
Read More
Merrill Coleman