Raejaena Dowdy
South Holland,IL
Summary
Professional with strong background in residential support, prepared to make meaningful impact. Skilled in providing compassionate care, managing challenging situations, and supporting individual growth. Known for effective teamwork, adaptability, and delivering consistent results. Proven ability to foster positive and safe living environment.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Residential Support Specialist
Thresholds
08.2022 - Current
- Facilitated daily living activities to promote independence and enhance quality of life for residents.
- Developed individualized care plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to address specific resident needs.
- Implemented behavioral management strategies to support residents' emotional and social well-being.
- Conducted regular assessments to monitor residents' progress and adjust care plans accordingly.
- Advocated for residents' rights and preferences, ensuring their voices were heard in care decisions.
- Administered medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals, ensuring proper dosage and adherence to medication regimens.
- Managed crises effectively by employing conflict resolution skills when dealing with challenging behaviors or situations involving residents.
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
MISERICORDIA HOME
07.2020 - Current
- Provided compassionate support to individuals with developmental disabilities, fostering independence and personal growth.
- Assisted in daily living activities, ensuring safety and comfort for residents at all times.
- Trained new staff on best practices for supporting residents, promoting a positive learning environment.
- 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.
- Supported clients with personal care tasks, ensuring their dignity and privacy were maintained at all times.
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
GARDEN CENTER SERVICES
01.2021 - 07.2022
- Administered bedside and personal care, such as ambulation and personal hygiene assistance.
- Drove motor vehicles to transport clients to physicians' offices or outings.
- Provided clients with communication assistance, typing correspondence and obtaining information for them.
- Responded appropriately to physical, emotional and developmental needs of residents.
- Evaluated client's needs to plan for continuing services.
- Completed and submitted clinical documentation in accordance with agency guidelines.
LIFE SKILLS INSTRUCTOR
UCP SEGUIN OF GREATER CHICAGO
03.2019 - 06.2020
- Developed personalized life skills programs for individuals with disabilities.
- Facilitated group workshops focusing on social skills and community integration.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive care plans.
- Evaluated participant progress, adjusting strategies to enhance learning outcomes.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to support positive interactions.
- Coordinated community activities, promoting engagement and independent living skills.
BEHAVIOR HEALTH ASSOCIATE
TIMBERLINE KNOLLS
07.2019 - 05.2020
- Evaluated clients' physical and mental condition, based on review of client information.
- Facilitated patient care plans in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
- Assisted in crisis intervention, de-escalating challenging situations effectively.
- Educated patients on coping mechanisms and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify behavioral health concerns and determine appropriate interventions.
- Maintained accurate records, updating documentation regularly to track patient progress and inform future care decisions.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Intern
Department of Rehabilitation Services
01.2025 - 10.2025
- Conducted intake interviews to gather essential client information and establish rapport.
- Assessed clients' needs to develop individualized rehabilitation plans.
- Provided guidance on vocational training programs, employment resources, and job placement services.
- Educated clients on rights, benefits, and services available through vocational rehabilitation programs.
- Demonstrated empathy and understanding when addressing barriers faced by individuals with disabilities during the employment process.
- Partnered with community resources, such as local colleges or vocational training programs, to identify additional supports for clients seeking further education or specialized training.
ACTIVITY AIDE
HCR MANORCARE
11.2017 - 02.2020
- Assisted in planning and implementing daily activities for residents, enhancing engagement and participation.
- Supported recreational programs by preparing materials and coordinating logistics for events.
- Fostered positive relationships with residents, promoting social interaction and emotional well-being.
- Adapted activity plans based on resident feedback to ensure relevance and enjoyment.
- Monitored resident participation levels, providing insights for program improvements and adjustments.
WAITER/HOSTESS
TGI FRIDAYS
07.2014 - 10.2017
- Delivered exceptional customer service in high-pressure environments, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Managed food and beverage orders efficiently, minimizing wait times for patrons.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate meal preparation.
- Trained new team members on operational procedures and menu knowledge.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area to meet health standards.
- Managed high volume of customers during peak hours, maintaining prompt and efficient service.
- Maintained a clean and organized dining area, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for guests.
- Greeted and seated guests, ensuring optimal dining experience and atmosphere.
- Managed reservation system, optimizing table turnover and guest flow.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Chicago State University
Chicago, IL01.2019
Master of Science - Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL12-2025
Skills
- Safety awareness
- Mental health support
- Activity planning
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Community integration
- Adaptive equipment use
- Client advocacy
- Disability awareness
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multitasking Abilities
- Problem-solving abilities
- Decision-making
- Goal setting
Timeline
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Intern
Department of Rehabilitation Services
01.2025 - 10.2025
Residential Support Specialist
Thresholds
08.2022 - Current
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
GARDEN CENTER SERVICES
01.2021 - 07.2022
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
MISERICORDIA HOME
07.2020 - Current
BEHAVIOR HEALTH ASSOCIATE
TIMBERLINE KNOLLS
07.2019 - 05.2020
LIFE SKILLS INSTRUCTOR
UCP SEGUIN OF GREATER CHICAGO
03.2019 - 06.2020
ACTIVITY AIDE
HCR MANORCARE
11.2017 - 02.2020
WAITER/HOSTESS
TGI FRIDAYS
07.2014 - 10.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Chicago State University
Master of Science - Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Illinois Institute of Technology