Renee Merrill
Four Oaks,NC
Summary
Service focused professional with extensive experience in supporting people with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities, primarily in ICF-ID settings. Excelled in person-centered planning, training self-advocacy and creating strong, trusting relationships with family and conservator/guardians. Proficient with coordinating client care, achieving significant improvements in client independence and social skills. Blended superior communication skills with a calm, empathetic approach to complex challenges.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional
Gateways To Better Living, Inc.
08.2017 - 06.2023
- Provided care for developmentally disabled adults in ICF-ID group home setting.
- Established trust and rapport with clients, providing safe and supportive environments for growth and development.
- Documented all client information including service plans, incident reports and progress notes.
- Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting support strategies to ensure continued success in achieving personal goals.
- Quickly responded to crisis situations when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose.
- Collaborated closely with treatment team to appropriately coordinate client care services.
- Taught clients anger management techniques, relaxation skills, impulse control, social skills, emotional coping skills and functional living skills.
- Complete life skills assessments, ISPs, client goals and annual documentation.
- Supervision of house management and direct support staff.
- Assisted clients with daily living tasks, promoting self-sufficiency where possible while ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Promoted individual rights and self advocacy.
- Conducted assessments to implement and revise goals for individuals.
- Responsible for teaching and training of staff in each individual's support plans.
- Attended and/or conducted required meetings such as Admission/Discharge Planning, Incident Management, 90-day review, ISP and IDT meetings
QIDP/Client Support Coordinator
Open Arms Care Corporation - Chattanooga
11.1997 - 07.2017
- Guaranteed rules and regulations relative to programs, health care and safety of individuals were followed.
- Responsible for assessing, developing, implementing, documenting, and monitoring each person's Individual Support Plan.
- Conducted Interdisciplinary Team meetings as necessary. Insured any follow-up for all meetings and incidents were completed.
- Trained staff on each individual's plan, as well as proper implementation of program objectives and methodologies.
- Participated as one key resource with opening 2 new group homes in cooperation with Tennessee Department of Developmental Disabilities during de-institutionalization of state run developmental centers.
- Assisted in developing support policies that aligned with company goals while addressing common client challenges effectively.
- Advocated for and acted as liaison to other community-based providers and resources and other benefits, housing, vocation training and employment opportunities.
- Acted as Human Rights Committee Liaison by attending Behavior Review Committee meetings, obtaining written and verbal human rights restrictions approval, coordinating Human Rights Committee meetings, and tracked and communicated progress on client rights restrictions.
- Assisted in monitoring client diets, adaptive equipment, repositioning techniques, and addressed any programming concerns.
- Participated in Quality Team Review process monthly as part of quality management.
- Completed random home observations and validity checks of programs for quality measurement.
- Trained new QIDP's in daily, weekly and monthly responsibilities.
- Insured that communication was maintained with individuals, parents, concerned family members, and other service providers regarding all aspects of individual's ISP.
Recreation Therapist
Allegheny Valley School
09.1994 - 11.1996
- Assessed and evaluated up to 35 individual's skills as related to physical fitness and recreational abilities and needs.
- Developed and implemented personalized fitness and wellness plans/objectives based on assessment findings, personal preference and skills needs.
- Participated as in integral part of each individual's ISP development.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Parks, Recreation And Environmental Education
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, United States
Slippery Rock, PA08.1993
Skills
- People-oriented
- Empathetic
- Networking and relationship building
- Behavioral Intervention
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Social Skills Training
- Community Integration
- Assistive Technology
- Positive Behavior Support
- Social Skills Development
- Individualized Support Planning
- Trained in CPI
- Active Listening
Accomplishments
Managed a caseload of more than 24 clients at any given time. Trained fellow managers and staff on procedures for "Errorless Learning" and "Peacekeepers" training curriculum.
Certification
CPR, CPI, First Aid and Safety, Defensive Driving Instructor
Community Involvement
Special Olympics Tennessee
Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills, high computer application use skills, advanced problem-solving, great organizational skills, exceptional ability to maintain confidentiality and security, case planning and management, consumer advocacy, ability to work well with other staff, ability to work in stressful environment
Timeline
Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional
Gateways To Better Living, Inc.
08.2017 - 06.2023
QIDP/Client Support Coordinator
Open Arms Care Corporation - Chattanooga
11.1997 - 07.2017
Recreation Therapist
Allegheny Valley School
09.1994 - 11.1996
Bachelor of Science - Parks, Recreation And Environmental Education
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, United States
CPR, CPI, First Aid and Safety, Defensive Driving Instructor
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