Shaniqua James
Buffalo
Summary
Compassionate Direct Support Associate experienced in providing quality care to individuals with developmental disabilities. Enhanced personal growth and independence of clients through effective relationship building, communication skills, and crisis intervention techniques. Focused on improving client engagement and well-being while facilitating strong collaboration among families and healthcare providers.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Associate
OPWDD
Buffalo
08.2024 - Current
- Assisted individuals with daily living activities to promote independence.
- Implemented person-centered plans to address unique needs and preferences.
- Facilitated community integration through social and recreational activities.
- Monitored individual progress and reported changes in behavior or health.
- Provided emotional support and encouragement during challenging situations.
- Engaged in training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge in direct support practices.
- Coordinated communication between family members, physicians and other health care providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to treatment of the clients' medical issues.
Direct Support Professional
baker victory services /olv
Lackawanna
01.2016 - 10.2025
- Provided direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering activities of daily living.
- Assisted clients with personal care and daily living activities.
- Provided assistance to individuals with daily activities such as personal care, meal preparation and medication reminders.
- Facilitated community engagement activities, enhancing clients' social skills and independence.
- Coordinated and planned activities and outings tailored to individual needs, promoting engagement and personal growth.
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
- Trained new staff on best practices in direct support services.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and incidents.
- Used approved crisis intervention techniques in emergency situations.
- Planned and prepared healthy meals and snacks for clients.
- Provided daily support to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Assistant Residential Manager
Autism Services Inc
West Seneca
03.2018 - 07.2019
- Coordinated daily activities and schedules for residential staff and clients.
- Organized recreational and therapeutic activities to enhance client engagement.
- Supported crisis intervention efforts by implementing de-escalation techniques effectively.
- Guided clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
Patient Care Advocate
WNY Independent Living
Buffalo
05.2014 - 07.2016
- Coordinated transportation and appointment scheduling for clients as needed.
- Improved patient outlook and daily living through compassionate care.
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
- Supervised medication administration, personal hygiene, and other activities of daily living.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to patients and families facing difficult medical decisions.
manager
Tim Hortons
Buffalo
02.2010 - 08.2015
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth service and high customer satisfaction.
- Trained and supervised staff to enhance team performance and efficiency.
- Monitored compliance with health and safety regulations to protect staff and customers.
- Developed schedules to optimize labor resources and align with demand patterns.
- Monitored staff performance and addressed issues.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Assessed team member's skillsets and assigned tasks accordingly for optimal efficiency.
- Resolved conflicts between employees by providing guidance on company policies and procedures.
Education
High School Diploma -
Kenmore West
Kenmore, NY06-2007
Skills
- Medication administration
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Person-centered planning
- Client progress monitoring
- Daily living support
- First aid and CPR
- Community engagement
- Effective communication
- Emotional support provision
- Leadership development
Timeline
Direct Support Associate
OPWDD
08.2024 - Current
Assistant Residential Manager
Autism Services Inc
03.2018 - 07.2019
Direct Support Professional
baker victory services /olv
01.2016 - 10.2025
Patient Care Advocate
WNY Independent Living
05.2014 - 07.2016
manager
Tim Hortons
02.2010 - 08.2015
High School Diploma -
Kenmore West