Serina Rivera
Kingston,NY
Summary
Accomplished Youth Support Specialist with a proven track record at NYS Office Of Children And Family Services, enhancing client well-being through cognitive behavior therapy and evidence-based interventions. Expert in peer mentoring and active listening, I excel in fostering positive behavior changes and promoting mental health support. I have collaborated effectively, achieving significant improvements in client outcomes. As a Youth Care Specialist, I focused on providing the highest quality services to youths of all communities. Exceptional communication skills. Over 20 years of experience designing and implementing youth development services, offering comprehensive career and social development resources for individuals and groups.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Support Specialist
NYS Office Of Children And Family Services
01.2012 - 01.2024
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
DSP Worker
Maranatha Human Services
10.2011 - 04.2023
- Assisted clients with bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating.
- Transported and accompanied clients to therapy and doctor appointments.
- Completed home management tasks by preparing meals, grocery shopping, and cleaning.
- Corrected unacceptable behavior through gentle discipline and feedback to help clients meet necessary house rule requirements.
- Stimulated clients during in-house activities by conducting therapeutic exercises such as recreational games, physical exercises, and occupational arts and crafts.
- Consistently met deadlines under pressure while maintaining high-quality work output in a fast-paced environment.
- Improved team morale and productivity through effective communication and active listening skills.
- Established strong working relationships with clients through excellent communication skills, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust.
Cottage Manager
St. Cabrini Home
02.2007 - 01.2012
- Promoted residents' health and well-being by organizing diverse activities for physical, mental and social stimulation.
- Kept accounts, resident files and regulatory paperwork current and accurate with diligent attention to administrative requirements.
- Offered learning opportunities to help residents develop important life skills.
- Scheduled staff for sites according to individual requests, reviewing and approving vacation time and coordinating coverage during absences.
- Remained available for on-call emergency weekend staffing phone, responding to injuries, mental emergencies and supply deficiencies at moment's notice.
- Communicated effectively with residents, staff and other stakeholders by listening, being respectful and promoting positive demeanor.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology With A Concentration in Addiction
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH05.2024
Skills
- Peer Mentoring
- Mental Health Support
- Career guidance
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- Suicide Prevention
- Positive Reinforcement
- Cultural Competency
- Youth Mentoring
- Active Listening
- Collaboration and Teamwork
Timeline
Youth Support Specialist
NYS Office Of Children And Family Services
01.2012 - 01.2024
DSP Worker
Maranatha Human Services
10.2011 - 04.2023
Cottage Manager
St. Cabrini Home
02.2007 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology With A Concentration in Addiction
Southern New Hampshire University
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