Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Member of the National Alliance For Direct Support Professionals
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Michael Zabala

Port Jefferson Station,NY

Summary

Dedicated Direct Support Professional with extensive experience at Maryhaven Center of Hope, skilled in behavior redirection. Successfully enhanced clients' independence and well-being through tailored support and effective communication. Committed to fostering safe environments and promoting personal growth, ensuring dignity and respect in all interactions.

Diligent potential Assistant Manager with solid background in providing compassionate support to individuals. Adept at managing daily activities and ensuring clients' well-being through personalized care plans. Demonstrated proficiency in communication and problem-solving skills.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Direct Support Professional

Maryhaven Center of Hope
11.2019 - Current
  • Assisted individuals with daily living activities, promoting independence and personal growth.
  • Supported clients in developing social skills through structured activities and community engagement.
  • Monitored behavioral patterns and reported changes to ensure safety and well-being of individuals.
  • Implemented therapeutic techniques to enhance emotional regulation and coping strategies in clients.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, adhering to regulatory requirements and best practices.
  • Participated in training sessions to enhance knowledge of best care practices for diverse needs.
  • 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 with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
  • Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
  • Assisted clients in achieving personal goals through tailored care plans and daily skill-building activities.
  • Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in disability support services.
  • Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
  • Maintained a safe and inclusive environment by addressing behavioral challenges with patience and understanding.
  • Facilitated social outings and community integration activities, promoting inclusion and positive experiences for clients.
  • Encouraged and supported clients to participate in recreational and leisure activities to promote social interactions and reduce loneliness.
  • Promoted physical well-being by supporting clients in engaging in regular exercise routines or therapeutic activities suited to their abilities.
  • Monitored progress and documented patient health status changes to keep care team updated.
  • Organized recreational events that encouraged relationship building among clients and increased their sense of belonging within the group home setting.
  • Trained new staff on best practices in direct support, elevating overall quality of care provided.

Child Care Worker

SCO Family Services
06.2020 - 2025
  • Supervised children's activities to ensure safety and engagement.
  • Assisted in encouraging them to participate in age-appropriate activities.
  • Maintained a clean and organized environment conducive to learning and play.
  • Adapted quickly to changing needs of children, providing individualized support.
  • Monitored children's health and well-being, addressing concerns promptly.
  • Maintained a safe and clean environment for the children by adhering to health and safety protocols.
  • Established rapport with parents during pick-up and drop-off times, fostering open lines of communication.
  • Enhanced children''s social skills by facilitating group activities and promoting positive interactions.
  • Observed play activities to identify positive behaviors and areas in need of improvement, implementing behavior redirection where appropriate.
  • Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
  • Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline.
  • Promoted good behavior with positive reinforcement methods.
  • Managed daily routines, including meal preparation, ensuring a structured and nurturing environment for the children.
  • Assisted children with special needs by effectively implementing accommodations for their success in various tasks.
  • Facilitated outdoor playtime to promote physical activity while teaching essential coordination skills.
  • Prepared healthy foods and beverages for children based on optimal dietary guidelines and individual restrictions.
  • Maintained group discipline through positive reinforcement, behavior modeling, and collaboration with parents.
  • Dispensed snacks and meals to children in accordance with nutritional guidelines.

Direct Support Professional

Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County
01.2015 - 2025
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Supported clients with personal care tasks, ensuring their dignity and privacy were maintained at all times.
  • Provided ongoing communication between clients, families, and other service providers to enhance overall care coordination efforts.
  • Advocated for clients'' rights within the broader community, raising awareness about issues affecting those with disabilities.
  • Served as a reliable point of contact for family members, maintaining open lines of communication about client progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
  • Organized and participated in recreational activities, contributing to vibrant community life for residents.
  • Coordinated with families and other caregivers, ensuring cohesive approach to client support.
  • Encouraged healthy lifestyles through physical activities, improving clients' overall well-being.
  • Developed strong rapport with client, facilitating trust-based relationship for effective support.
  • Assisted patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, and oral hygiene care both in private residences and facilities.
  • Laundered items, changed sheets and made bed to keep patients' bedroom clean.

Direct Support Professional/Classroom Teacher's Aide

Maryhaven Center of Hope
08.2001 - 02.2021
  • Assisted individuals with daily living activities, promoting independence and personal growth.
  • Monitored client progress and documented behavioral data for review and analysis.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
  • Facilitated recreational activities that enhanced social skills and community integration.
  • Provided crisis intervention and conflict resolution in challenging situations.
  • Trained new staff on best practices in direct support services and client engagement.
  • Monitored clients to assess and report physical and behavioral changes to supervisors.
  • Addressed emergency situations calmly and effectively, prioritizing the safety of both clients and staff members involved.
  • Transported clients to medical and dental appointments to provide support.
  • Improved client self-sufficiency through teaching essential skills such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and financial management.
  • Adapted support approaches based on individual client preferences, fostering increased trust and rapport over time.
  • Provided emotional and practical support to individuals, fostering positive and supportive living environment.
  • Encouraged healthy lifestyles through physical activities, and reporting any food concerns to management improving client's overall well-being.
  • Conducted daily documentation of clients' progress and incidents, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records.
  • Improved clients' daily living skills with hands-on teaching and encouragement, promoting independence.
  • Monitored and reported changes in clients' health and well-being, enabling timely interventions.
  • Advocated for clients' needs and rights in various settings, enhancing their quality of life.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients, facilitating trust-based relationship for effective support.
  • Enhanced communication skills of non-verbal clients using alternative communication devices.
  • Assisted with daily living activities, running errands, and household chores.
  • Supported daily hygiene needs of patients by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming.
  • Recorded status and duties completed in logbooks for management.
  • Entrusted to handle confidential and sensitive situations in professional matter.
  • Completed regular check-ins and progress report for each client.
  • Helped coordinate plans for travel and out-of-town functions.
  • Helped in classroom management strategies to foster positive learning environment.
  • Utilized technology tools to support interactive learning experiences for students.
  • Established clear expectations for behavior and classroom management, creating a respectful and productive learning atmosphere.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, promoting involvement in their child''s education.
  • Communicated with parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral challenges.
  • Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
  • Trained new staff on best practices in direct support, elevating overall quality of care provided.
  • Laundered items, changed sheets and made bed to keep patients' bedroom clean.

Education

High School Diploma -

Longwood Senior High School
Middle Island, NY
06-2000

Skills

  • Time management
  • Daily living skills
  • Room checks
  • Safe space creation
  • First aid and safety
  • Behavior redirection
  • Client support

Accomplishments

Certified in CPR, First Aid, SCIP-R for crisis situations involving behavioral challenges. Also took diabetes training class at work for a particular individual who had type 1 diabetes. Also am a new member to the National Alliance For Direct Support Professionals.

Certification

CPR, First Aid and SCIP-R certified.

Member of the National Alliance For Direct Support Professionals

The purpose of this group is to help elevate the status of DSPs by improving practice standards, promoting system reform, and advancing their knowledge, skills and values.

Languages

English

Timeline

Child Care Worker

SCO Family Services
06.2020 - 2025

Direct Support Professional

Maryhaven Center of Hope
11.2019 - Current

Direct Support Professional

Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County
01.2015 - 2025

Direct Support Professional/Classroom Teacher's Aide

Maryhaven Center of Hope
08.2001 - 02.2021

High School Diploma -

Longwood Senior High School

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