Paula Maria Torres
Cheshire,CT
Summary
Compassionate social work graduate student with 5 years of experience working with diverse populations to support mental health and promote positive living choices. Kind and respectful professional with knowledge of dialectical behavior therapy. Demonstrates understanding and sensitivity to serving culturally diverse populations, strong decision-making abilities, and well-versed in advocating for client resources.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Direct Care : Unaccompanied Minors
NAFI CT - ORR
Litchfield, CT
12.2022 - Current
- Perform crisis prevention and interventions including de-escalation techniques
- Prepares summaries of interactions and objective behavioral observations of clients at the end of each shift.
- Demonstrates/role models strong interpersonal skills, pro-social behaviors and professional responsibility to internal and external community.
- Demonstrates Computer literacy, by utilizing an electronic health record to ensure timely, accurate, and well-written documentation of clients’ activities
- Ensures that client success is paramount by implementing an effective daily schedule that creates a culture to inspire clients to achieve goals.
- Provided therapeutic, educational and case management services to young women ages 12-17 while working to reunite them with family members or other identified sponsors.
Behavioral Technician
Ben’s Behavioral Health
Cheshire, CT
09.2021 - 03.2023
- Supports and implements a patient care plan created by a board-certified behavior analyst
- Provides ABA interventions that encourage socially acceptable replacement behaviors so clients can build and improve upon their communication, social interaction, and problem-solving skills.
- Supported clients' transition into new environments such as school or work settings.
Direct Care: Court Support Services
DBT - Touchstone, NAFI CT
Litchfield , CT
03.2022 - 12.2022
- Consulted with multidisciplinary teams regarding patient progress towards goals set forth in the treatment plan.
- Facilitated group activities for students that focused on socialization and communication skills.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Helped patients perform daily living tasks.
- Attended trainings related to behavioral health topics such as trauma-informed care, positive behavior supports.
Shift Manager
Steak N’ Shake Inc
Orlando, FL
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Was responsible for overseeing business operations, delegating tasks to team members and resolving problems that occur on their shift
- Duties included stocking inventory, balancing the cash register and coordinating employee responsibilities to improve efficiency or customer service.
- Positioned skilled staff in key areas throughout shift to optimize department productivity.
- Coached employees on interactions with customers to drive exceptional service.
Preschool Teacher (Ages 4+)
Stork Club Inc (Child Care & Development Centers)
Cheshire, CT
12.2017 - 08.2018
- Incorporated music, art, games, books, blocks, puzzles into daily instruction.
- Enhanced sensory abilities by giving children access to numerous textures and shapes.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Implemented behavior modeling and positive reinforcement into daily routines.
- Maintained records of attendance, grades, health concerns, and other relevant information about the children in my care.
Kumon Tutor
Kumon Learning Center
Cheshire, CT
11.2016 - 12.2017
- Tutored children various ages in math and reading.
- Communicated student progress to parents and teachers through written progress reports and direct conversations.
- Assisted students of varying skill levels with understanding and excelling in math and reading
- Assessed student progress at each session, making recommendations that increased effectiveness of tutoring and lessons.
- Worked closely with students to help develop math and essay writing skills.
Cashier in Drive Thru Window
Wendy's
Manchester, CT
03.2016 - 12.2016
- Welcomed customers, offering assistance to help find store items.
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels by going extra mile to personalize service for each customer.
- Provided excellent customer service while promoting loyalty programs to increase sales potential.
- Built and maintained productive relationships with employees.
- Operated cash register efficiently and accurately, processed payments by cash, check, credit card, gift card or automatic debit.
Education
High School Diploma -
Cheshire High School
06.2018
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CTBachelor of Science - Social Work
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HISkills
- Proven time management and collaboration skills developed from volunteering engagements
- Compassionate
- Strong work values
- Communication Skills
- Leadership/Management Skills
- Computer/Technical “Literacy” Skills
- Microsoft Word / Google Docs
- Google SpreadSheets / Microsoft Excel
- Internet Explorer / Firefox / Chrome
- Trauma Informed Care Framework
- Experience With At-Risk Youth
- Client Advocacy
- Patient-Centered Care
- Cultural Competency
- Fluent in Spanish
- CPR, First Aid, AED
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Internship
Unaccompanied Minors (Case Management) Intern: NAFI CT
- In contract with the Office of Refugee Resettlement
- As an intern, I assisted the case manager in completing required assessments/forms in order to reunite the 12-17 year old minors with family members or other identified sponsors.
Certification
- Department of Children and Families: Medication Administration Training
Date of issue: 2/8/2023
Certification Expiration: 2/28/2025
NAFI CT/NY/RI: Narcan Administration Training
Date of issue: 12/21/2023
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Direct Care : Unaccompanied Minors
NAFI CT - ORR
12.2022 - Current
Direct Care: Court Support Services
DBT - Touchstone, NAFI CT
03.2022 - 12.2022
Behavioral Technician
Ben’s Behavioral Health
09.2021 - 03.2023
Shift Manager
Steak N’ Shake Inc
05.2021 - 08.2021
Preschool Teacher (Ages 4+)
Stork Club Inc (Child Care & Development Centers)
12.2017 - 08.2018
Kumon Tutor
Kumon Learning Center
11.2016 - 12.2017
Cashier in Drive Thru Window
Wendy's
03.2016 - 12.2016
High School Diploma -
Cheshire High School
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Southern Connecticut State University
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Hawaii Pacific University
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