Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Military Service
References
Groups
Timeline
Generic
Seth Phillips

Seth Phillips

NEW COLUMBIA,PA

Summary

Highly motivated Penn State alumni with a passion for empowering individuals of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults and the elderly, both within and outside the criminal justice system. Committed to mentoring and guiding individuals toward achieving personal and vocational goals. Known for a strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Skilled at working independently with minimal supervision and quickly mastering new concepts and skills to meet diverse needs.

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience

Work History

Adult Basic Education Instructor

Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit
11.2024 - 01.2025
  • Provided targeted instruction in reading, writing, language arts, and mathematics to adult learners, helping them prepare for state-approved high school equivalency exams (GED and HiSET®).
  • Developed and implemented engaging, standards-aligned lesson plans that incorporated digital literacy, interactive activities, and research-based teaching strategies to support diverse learning needs.
  • Assessed student progress through standardized tests, informal evaluations, and individualized learning plans, adapting instruction to maximize student growth and retention.
  • Facilitated student intake and orientation sessions, setting clear academic goals and providing structured pathways for workforce development, post-secondary education, and career advancement.
  • Integrated technology into instruction, utilizing online platforms and educational tools to enhance student engagement and digital literacy skills.
  • Collaborated with student support staff and community partners to identify and address barriers to learning, ensuring students had access to necessary resources and support.
  • Maintained meticulous documentation and compliance with program policies, including attendance tracking, student records, and assessment data for continuous program improvement.
  • Engaged in professional development by attending training sessions and collaborating with peers to refine instructional strategies and improve student outcomes.

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Living Unlimited Inc.
02.2024 - 07.2024

Vocational Evaluations & Career Assessments Employment Readiness & Job Placement Case Management & Administrative Coordination Collaboration & Program Participation

  • Conducted McCarron-Dial Evaluations to assess clients' vocational potential, strengths, and aptitudes for work, school, and community integration.
  • Facilitated Community-Based Work Assessments, evaluating work behaviors, interpersonal skills, and job integration in real-world settings.
  • Assisted diverse clientele, including ex-prisoners and individuals with significant physical and mental disabilities, in securing and maintaining meaningful employment.
  • Conducted job shadows and placements for adolescents, adults, and the elderly, providing real-world experience before official employment.
  • Provided on-site support and job coaching, ensuring successful work performance, integration, and retention.
  • Developed resumes for clients, highlighting skills and strengths to enhance job prospects, and personally delivered resumes to employers while advocating for clients.
  • Performed extensive cold calling to businesses across Pennsylvania, securing job shadows, placements, and employment opportunities.
  • Managed job development and placement activities using Microsoft Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams for documentation, coordination, and communication.
  • Handled extensive administrative tasks, including preparing and submitting detailed monthly reports to the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).
  • Managed referrals from OVR Counselors, ensuring timely service delivery and maintaining effective communication.
  • Utilized Google Maps for strategic travel planning and mileage documentation.
  • Worked closely with clients' families to ensure vocational goals aligned with individual needs and support systems.
  • Participated in OVR programs, including the MY Works Program, mentoring adolescents with disabilities in basic work skills through volunteer activities.
  • Operated independently with minimal supervision, while also collaborating with a team of Rehabilitation Specialists and supervisors.

Permanency Specialist

Family Care for Children & Youth, Inc.
05.2023 - 07.2023

Adoption & Permanency Services Case Management & Child Welfare Support Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement Child Preparation & Adoption Finalization

  • Delivered Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) services to establish permanency for children in foster care, including child and family profiles, child preparation, recruitment, matching, and finalization.
  • Developed comprehensive child profiles by gathering critical information on background, medical history, education, and psychological assessments to support successful adoption placements.
  • Facilitated the matching process by assessing children’s needs and evaluating potential adoptive families, leading to numerous successful placements.
  • Provided case management services, including needs assessments, service plan development, and coordination of resources for children and families in the foster care system.
  • Maintained meticulous case documentation, including progress notes, court reports, and service plans, ensuring all records were accurate and accessible for reviews or audits.
  • Ensured confidentiality and compliance by safeguarding sensitive charts, data, and case files in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
  • Utilized case management systems and electronic health records (EHR) for correspondence, case notes, and report composition, enhancing documentation efficiency.
  • Partnered with Child and Youth Services (CYS), schools, hospitals, foster homes, and mental health services to collect and verify crucial data for comprehensive child profiles.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, therapists, educators, and healthcare providers, to conduct thorough child assessments and ensure a holistic approach to care.
  • Trained and educated prospective adoptive families through workshops, one-on-one sessions, and screenings, preparing them for the adoption process and successful family integration.
  • Led individual child preparation sessions using therapeutic techniques to help children process past experiences and emotionally prepare for adoption.
  • Guided families through legal adoption finalization, providing continuous support, conducting post-adoption follow-ups, and promoting agency services through community engagement and outreach.

Education

Trinity Lutheran Seminary
Columbus, OH

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

Penn State University
State College, PA
08.2020

Skills

  • Case Management Service Planning Client Advocacy
  • Behavioral Assessment At-Risk Youth Experience Disabilities Experience
  • Legal Writing Security Social Work Career Development
  • Analytics Qualitative Research Data Entry Interviewing
  • Advanced MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint)
  • Adult Education Curriculum Development Lesson Planning
  • Assessment Administration Student Progress Evaluation
  • Classroom Management Instructional Support
  • Decision-Making Conflict Resolution Leadership
  • Pressure Management Time Management Attention to Detail
  • Training & Development Recruiting

Additional Information


Career Objective


Highly motivated Penn State alumnus with a B.S. in Criminal Justice, dedicated to empowering individuals across all age groups within and outside the criminal justice system.

  • Expertise in career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and career coaching.
  • Passionate about mentorship and helping individuals achieve personal and vocational goals.
  • Strong work ethic, adaptability, and excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Skilled at working independently and quickly mastering new technologies.
  • Eager to leverage AI knowledge and tech proficiency in roles within criminal justice, IT, and allied fields.


Education

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Penn State University, August 2020

  • Completed degree after initially attending from 2013-2016; returned in 2019 following financial and work-related challenges.


Masters of Divinity
Trinity Lutheran Seminary, August 2020 - February 2021

  • Completed 10 credit hours and mentored inner-city youth.
  • Paused due to COVID-19 challenges, with plans to return in a related field.


Professional Experience

  • Permanency Specialist
    May 2023 - July 2023
  • Assisted families and children through the adoption process, including developing child profiles and facilitating matches.
  • Left to care for a seriously ill family member, which highlights personal commitment and family values.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist
    February 2024 - July 2024
  • Supported individuals in achieving vocational goals, job placements, and career development.
  • Left in pursuit of a more impactful, full-time opportunity.
  • Adult Basic Education Instructor
    November 2024 - January 2025
  • Facilitated adult education programs in reading, writing, and math for diverse student populations.
  • Left due to a realization that teaching did not align with long-term career goals, showcasing self-awareness and career focus.

Military Service

Army National Guard, United States
Private First Class
January 2019 - February 2019

  • Medically discharged.
  • Developed strong work ethic, discipline, and adaptability, which continue to influence my professional growth.

References

References available upon request.

Groups

Volunteer Experience

  • Mazeppa Union Church & Dry Valley Lutheran Church: Lector (2006–Present), Usher (2006–2020)
  • Marine Toys for Tots Foundation: Volunteer (2006–2020)
  • MCC Material Resources Center, Ephrata: Volunteer (2010–2012)
  • Mazeppa's Manna: Volunteer (2018–2020)
  • Pennsylvania CASA: Engaged in child advocacy initiatives and support systems during the late 2010s

Timeline

Adult Basic Education Instructor

Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit
11.2024 - 01.2025

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

Living Unlimited Inc.
02.2024 - 07.2024

Permanency Specialist

Family Care for Children & Youth, Inc.
05.2023 - 07.2023

Trinity Lutheran Seminary

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

Penn State University
Seth Phillips