Shakela Dickens
Graceville,FL
Summary
Professional with extensive experience in administration and housing counseling, adept at managing client interactions and ensuring compliance with regulations. Successfully negotiated payment arrangements for clients facing financial difficulties, demonstrating strong conflict resolution skills. Maintained accurate records and case notes in accordance with departmental policies, contributing to improved service delivery and client satisfaction. Supervised staff involved in housing program administration, fostering a collaborative environment to enhance operational efficiency.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Section 8 Housing Counselor
NWFRHA
Graceville, FL
09.2020 - 06.2025
- Attended conferences and seminars related to housing counseling topics such as fair housing laws, reverse mortgages.
- Negotiated alternative payment arrangements with creditors when clients were unable to pay delinquent accounts within a reasonable timeframe.
- Reviewed rental agreements prior to signing by tenants, landlords in order ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations.
- Maintained records of client contact information and case notes in accordance with department policies.
- Informed landlords about resources available through government programs that can help find qualified tenants who are able meet their rental obligations more consistently than those relying solely on market-rate rents.
- Evaluated client eligibility for various state and federal programs such as HUD counseling grants and down payment assistance programs.
- Assessed landlord and tenant disputes regarding lease violations or repairs needed in rental units in order resolve conflicts without court intervention whenever possible.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Verified proof of income submitted by applicants applying for subsidized housing programs administered by public housing authorities.
- Found affordable housing options for individuals and families.
- Supervised personnel directly engaged in housing program administration, maintenance and clerical support.
- Responded to complaints and members' inquiries to improve service delivery.
- Assessed eligibility of applicants in accordance with predetermined criteria to fill vacancies.
- Maintained residential tenancy agreements for renewal or termination following program guidelines.
- Implemented property inspection procedures to maintain compliance with housing codes.
- Monitored client progress and updated case files accordingly.
- Maintained accurate records and documented client data in company databases.
Assistant Social Services Director
Signature Healthcare of North Florida
Graceville, FL
01.2013 - 09.2020
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive strategic plan for the social services department.
- Provided guidance and support to staff members in resolving complex cases.
- Served as a liaison between clients, staff members, and external agencies.
- Maintained records regarding client information, program progress.
- Facilitated meetings between clients and families and other professionals involved in their care.
- Provided leadership in developing policies, procedures, and protocols for social service programs.
- Participated in community events related to social services initiatives.
- Ensured compliance with all state regulations concerning social service programs.
- Reviewed applications for eligibility criteria and determined appropriateness of services provided.
- Conducted assessments of client needs and developed plans for providing appropriate services.
- Provided direct service and support by handling referrals for advocacy issues or resolving complaints.
- Determined organizational policies regarding program eligibility, requirements and benefits.
- Handled administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
Warden/Chief Executive Officer's Secretary
CCA
Graceville, FL
05.2008 - 01.2013
- Investigated incidents involving inmates or staff members, documented findings in reports, and provided recommendations to management regarding disciplinary action.
- Developed and implemented security policies, procedures, and protocols.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate movements within the facility including transfers between cells, wings, buildings and visits from family members, lawyers.
- Enforced all prison rules while maintaining order among the inmates.
- Developed strategies for diffusing potentially violent situations between inmates or staff members before they escalated into physical altercations.
- Provided guidance and support to inmates during times of crisis or distress.
- Coordinated with outside agencies such as probation officers or social workers to provide additional resources for inmates upon release from prison.
- Prepared detailed incident reports after any altercation between inmates or staff members occurred.
- Held regular meetings with correctional officers assigned under one's command to discuss operational issues and address any grievances they may have had.
- Conducted regular inspections of cells for contraband items such as weapons or drugs.
- Monitored inmates' activities within the prison and ensured compliance with rules and regulations.
- Coordinated shakedowns to locate and remove unauthorized items.
- Notified medical staff of inmates requiring medical attention and submitted proper incident reports.
- Assigned daily tasks and responsibilities to employees and filled out daily work logs.
- Recorded prisoner identification, charges and incidents of inmate disturbance, keeping daily logs of prisoner activities.
- Conducted scheduled headcounts to verify presence of prisoners.
- Promoted safety, order, and functionality of facility.
- Established policies, procedures, and protocols to improve operational efficiency.
- Developed creative solutions for complex problems facing the organization.
- Reviewed employee reports before submission to recommend changes or give approval.
- Promoted company values and ethics, ensuring a positive organizational culture.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Faulkner University
Montgomery, AL05-2014
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Chipola College
Marianna, FL05-2007
Skills
- Housing counseling
- Fair housing regulations
- Case management
- Conflict resolution
- Microsoft Proficiency
- Exceptional Typist
- Organizational Skills
- Exceptional Writing Skills
- Ability to diffuse or de-escalate conflicts
- Staff training abilities
- Conduct interviews for New Hires
- Proficiency using calculated computational skills for eligibility purposes
- Ability to conduct inspections for HQS purposes
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Section 8 Housing Counselor
NWFRHA
09.2020 - 06.2025
Assistant Social Services Director
Signature Healthcare of North Florida
01.2013 - 09.2020
Warden/Chief Executive Officer's Secretary
CCA
05.2008 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Faulkner University
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Chipola College