Sarah Akarne
SPRINGFIELD,MO
Summary
Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals.
Overview
1
1
Certification
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Regional Director
Firefly - Supported Living and Employment Services
Springfield, MO
06.2012 - 09.2026
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance service delivery to an average of 180 individuals served in three locations and to optimize resource utilization.
- Conducted training sessions for staff to enhance quality of care and elevate client satisfaction. Supervised office managers and trainers that were responsible for personnel to ensure all training was completed and all qualifications were met.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff, promoting professional growth and enhancing service delivery in supported living environments.
- Followed and enforced documentation and reporting processes to maintain compliance with state requirements and uphold organizational policies including incident reports and medication errors.
- Developed and maintained relationships with prospective and current clients.
- Oversaw budget management to ensure optimal resource allocation and enhance operational efficiency. Reviewed every budget and service authorizations forr all authorized services month on CIMOR and completed audits.
- Eestablished open lines of communication among staff members, fostering teamwork and mutual support towards achieving shared goals.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback to staff and facilitating professional development opportunities.
- Participated in special projects and performed other duties as assigned.
- Implemented quality control measures to maintain high standards of service delivery.
- Collaborated in weekly meetings to refine and optimize operational strategies.
- Visited sites periodically to view service levels and adherence to the Department of Mental Health's standards.
- Monitored and reviewed financial reports to identify potential issues and ensure adherence to budgetary constraints and service authorizations.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Resolved customer and client issues to empower lower-level employees and uphold exceptional service standards while maintaining clients' safety.
- Optimized employee shift scheduling based on clients' need and staffing patterns and staff's individual strengths.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Fostered enduring client relationships to ensure satisfaction and loyalty by addressing issues proactively and maintaining open lines of communication.
Direct Support Professional
Arc Of The Ozarks
Springfield, MO
05.2012 - 06.2016
- Provided personalized support to individuals with disabilities, enhancing daily living skills and independence.
- Facilitated engaging activities tailored to individual needs, promoting social interaction and community involvement.
- Assisted in implementing behavior management strategies, improving client outcomes and fostering positive behaviors.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and update care plans, ensuring alignment with individual goals.
- 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 clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- 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.
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in disability support services.
- 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.
- 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.
Education
High School Diploma -
State of Missouri
Springfield, MOSkills
- Program operations management
- Budget development and adherence
- Performance reporting
- Service quality management
- Program coordination
- Staff development oversight
- Effective leader
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Organizational management
- Time management
- Task prioritization
- Attention to detail
- Conflict resolution
- Effective communication
Certification
- Level One Medication Training
- CPR and First Aide Training
Timeline
Assistant Regional Director
Firefly - Supported Living and Employment Services
06.2012 - 09.2026
Direct Support Professional
Arc Of The Ozarks
05.2012 - 06.2016
High School Diploma -
State of Missouri