Shalene O’Connor
Yeadon,USA
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in guidance counseling and social work, notably at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health. Proven ability in strategic management and training, fostering personal and social adjustment in diverse populations. Adept in Microsoft Suite, with strong communication skills that enhance collaboration and program implementation.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Direct Care Professional
Devereux Advanced Behavioural Health
09.2022 - Current
- Planned, implemented, and documented programs addressing social, emotional, physical, and personal needs of individuals.
- Assisted individuals with individualized daily living plans, ensuring safety, health, and cleanliness in their environment.
- Plan and participate in community outings, and schedule/transport the individuals to appointments, shopping trips, and day programs/schools.
- Mentored staff through observations and feedback during training sessions to enhance service quality.
Guidance Counsellor
Tacius Golding High School
10.2011 - 08.2022
- Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to support student needs.
- Conducted guidance sessions with both the 7-9 and 10-11 groups.
- Guided students to achieve optimal personal and social adjustment.
- Delivered individual counseling and group guidance to support students in managing personal, social, academic, career, and family challenges.
- Consult with parents, teachers, administrators and supporting agencies concerning the needs and abilities of students.
- Identify students with special needs and make appropriate recommendations and referrals.
- Implement an effective program of educational and career planning.
- Schedule opportunities for students to visit with resource persons and recruiters about academic and career choices.
- Provide information regarding financial aid and scholarships for college and vocational training.
- Assist with enrollment to ensure that students complete courses appropriate to their needs and which lead to graduation.
- Assist in a continuous program of student orientation.
- Assist in making recommendations for school curriculum and instructional practices.
- Assist with the activities of student organizations.
- Organize seminars and workshops for parents, teachers and students.
- Support the value of education, and the philosophy and mission of Tacius Golding High School.
- Communicate effectively with all members of the school and community.
- Researched and integrated new information and innovative techniques into counseling practices.
- Obtain advance approval of the principal for all activities and expenditures.
- Maintain quality assurance with regards to environmental health and safety policies.
- Provided technical and administrative support to the Principal.
Foster Care Social Worker
Child Development Agency
04.2014 - 06.2014
- Conducted visits to homes, schools, and courts to assess family situations and gather critical information for case evaluation.
- Conduct interviews for prospective foster parents.
- Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions to support emotional well-being and personal development of foster children.
- Organized training seminars for prospective foster parents to provide essential knowledge and resources for effective caregiving.
Guidance Counsellor
Waterford High School
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Facilitate individual and group counseling.
- Supported students in achieving personal and social adjustment through tailored counseling strategies.
- Guided students and families in navigating financial aid and scholarship opportunities for college and vocational training.
- Delivered educational training for students in grades 7 to 11 to enhance their learning experiences.
- Coordinated seminars and workshops for parents, teachers, and students to enhance community engagement.
- Assist with the development of the needs assessment for the Waterford High School community.
- Assist in making recommendations for school curriculum and instructional practices.
- Develop and organize unit plans and work plans.
- Maintain quality assurance with regards to environmental health and safety policies.
- Provided technical and administrative support to the Principal.
Customer Service Representative – Lead Agent (Greyhound)
ACS, Xerox company
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Handled inbound and outbound calls providing fare and scheduling information to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Assisted customers in navigating online ticket purchase process, improving overall user experience.
- Supported disabled individuals in accessing bus services, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.
Education
Masters of Science - General Psychology
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN02-2025
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Northern Caribbean University
Mandeville, Jamaica 08-2014
Diploma - Guidance and Counselling
The Mico University College
Kingston, Jamaica05-2008
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Behavioral assessment
- Client advocacy
- Training
- Project management
- Communications
- Computer literacy
- Microsoft proficiency
Core Values
Service before Self, To inspire, connect, and encourage others to reach their full potential, as I grow and use my wisdom to help others. I’ve learnt that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou
Core Knowledge And Skills
- Strategic Management
- Succession Planning
- Communications
- Training
- Computer comprehensive – Proficient in Microsoft Suite
- Organizational Development
Volunteer Experience
- Mentor, Voluntary Programme at Tacius Golding High School – Strategic in developing to teach student leaders the value of giving back to their community.
- Co-ordinator, Co-ordinate charitable events (including fundraising concerts) with the Prefect Body (Tacius Golding High School). Garnering funds to help a teacher and students that were in need of medical surgeries.
- Visitor, Visit to the Strathmore Children’s Home.
References
References are available upon request.
Competitive Advantages
- Integrity
- Leadership
- Commitment
Professional Development
- Competence in Interactive Media, Vocational Training Development Institute, 10/01/21
- Job Readiness Trainer the Trainer, Vocational Training Development Institute, 04/01/21
- Life Skill Facilitator, Peace Corps, 07/01/21
- Google Classroom Training, Ministry of Education, 10/01/20
- Virtual Leadership Training, National College of Education, 09/01/20
- International Youth Fellowship Mentorship Program, Ministry of Education, 06/01/17
- Alternative Pathway to Secondary Education, Ministry of Education, 01/01/16
- United Convention on the Rights of a Child, Ministry of Education, 01/01/15
Certification
Registered Behavior Technician
Timeline
Direct Care Professional
Devereux Advanced Behavioural Health
09.2022 - Current
Foster Care Social Worker
Child Development Agency
04.2014 - 06.2014
Guidance Counsellor
Tacius Golding High School
10.2011 - 08.2022
Guidance Counsellor
Waterford High School
01.2010 - 01.2011
Customer Service Representative – Lead Agent (Greyhound)
ACS, Xerox company
01.2009 - 01.2010
Masters of Science - General Psychology
Walden University
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Northern Caribbean University
Diploma - Guidance and Counselling
The Mico University College