Phalon Carpenter

• Actively participate as a member of the senior management team in leading the organization, participating in strategic planning and budgeting, and making, implementing, and upholding decisions or policies related to the operations of the organization.
• Supervise, inspire, develop and evaluate efforts of Program Mangers. Serve as role model and mentor to Program Mangers and Friends and ensure that they have resources necessary to perform their jobs, act as team facilitator and organizational motivator, and facilitate effective communication in all directions.
• Manage the performance of Program Managers, including completing and conducting annual performance appraisals. Hold Program Managers accountable for work performance; and completing their business objectives
• Participate in regular conference calls with Program Directors of other chapters and otherwise communicate with personnel at National Office and other chapters about the Program. Research, develop, implement and sustain best practice programming to serve current and future needs of the organization.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with our partner schools to allow for effective program implementation and sustainability. Design and implement a process to ensure others are trained/developed to work in this capacity as well, to further strengthen our efforts to cultivate and maintain the critical external relationships.
• Oversee the recruiting, selection and hiring of new Friends or other staff as required.
• Ensure compliance with and accountability to organization’s policies, procedures, and practices as outlined in the Employee Manual and Friends Handbook. Contribute to the development of any of these as required. Help move the organization to one of increased accountability and zero tolerance.

Managed the performance of my direct team, including completing and conducting annual and semi-annual performance appraisals. Held Friends accountable for work performance: adequacy of time spent with children, quality, intentionality, and diversity of activities with children, and administrative responsibilities.

• Had continuing performance discussions to provide feedback to Mentors and to ensure that goals and objectives are being fulfilled.
• Provided continuous constructive coaching as necessary, and work with HR and the Program Leadership Team to resolve issues as needed. Conducting two observations per quarter for each Friend. Manage any required performance improvement activities.
• Co-lead and facilitate weekly Team Meetings to review data and ensure progress of each youth towards intermediate outcomes.
• Created a safe and comfortable team environment so Friends feel supported and open to discussing children and work issues.

• Empowered and built skills in parents to positively and proactively engage in their youth’s education.
• Planned and held Caregiver Cafes which included opportunities to build community among the caregivers and provided them with access to resources and opportunities to build skills.
• Assessed and monitored families’ needs over time and provided ongoing support.
• Maintained efficient, confidential and organized records; provide timely and appropriate case notes.
• Complemented the work of the Friends by serving as an additional resource specialist in a variety of life domains that include, but were not limited to, mental health, workforce development, housing, and public benefits.
• Collaborated and strategized with various stakeholders to effectively partner with outside support systems and organizations.
• Attended initial introductory meeting with new school partners
• Planned and executed two major Family Engagement Events each year – Back to School Picnic and Holiday Gift Drive

• Developed and sustained a long-term, trusting and accepting relationship with each child on my caseload
• Nurtured positive relationships with families, teachers and others involved in the child’s life
• Set realistic expectations and goals based on each child’s strengths, talents, abilities, and needs
• Taught life skills and healthy habits to contribute both to basic development and learning
• Completed, distributed, and collected summaries, activity journals, short term plans, expense reports, and evaluation materials accurately and in a timely manner
• Built relationships with outside agencies in order to provide additional resources for the children’s families

• Responded to crisis calls for youth and families experiencing homelessness
• Assisted children/families in linking with community resources, schools, support systems and other needed services
• Assessed client needs, develop and implement individualized case plans to aide in their success
• Contacted clients through phone, email, office and home visits
• Transported clients to shelters, appointments, or office when needed
• Built and maintained relationships with schools, community and government agencies

• Applied cognitive behavioral interventions, and social skills training, to juvenile offenders in a 24-hour secure facility
• Utilized crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies as necessary to maintain safety and security
• Performed daily searches of detention center for contraband, security violations and safety hazards
• Observed, monitor and supervise activities of detainees in dorms, day rooms, yards, and showers
• Prepared and complete accurate reports, records and logs
• Circle Keeper trained in restorative justice principles and peace circles