Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Trainings
Timeline
Generic

Shardavius Lofton

Shreveport,LA

Summary

Focused professional with experience in human services field providing support and guidance to individuals in need. Strong understanding of effectively working with people from diverse backgrounds. Passionate about helping others access needed services.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Peer Support Specialist/Housing Specialist

Seedlinks Behavior Management
07.2020 - Current
  • Assisted individuals in identifying and re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports to build support system.
  • Fostered relationships with partner agencies and other interested parties to build pipeline of supportive services.
  • Meet with housing residents and landlords to answer questions, address concerns and clarify policies and procedures.
  • Case management / assist with intake , service planning , and monitoring clients to get there necessary care , and resources.
  • Oversaw housing plans for clients to promote timely transition to permanent housing .
  • Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
  • Demonstrated extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and shared this information with others struggling during recovery.
  • Transported individuals to medical appointments and support meetings whenever needed.
  • Participated in clinical staffing meetings and coordinated with clinical staff to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
  • Provided ongoing assessment, problem-solving and skill teaching to assist individuals with activities of daily living.
  • Negotiated with landlords and real estate agents to obtain vacant apartments for clients with histories of homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse, occupying over apartments by providing direct, hands-on support services.
  • Coordinated with local agencies to provide housing and prevent homelessness, decreasing homelessness.
  • Helped clients navigate social services system and access needed resources.
  • Coordinated with different service providers to meet clients' individual needs.
  • Assisted clients with obtaining housing, employment and support resources.

Mental Health Specialist

Community Enrichment Programs
04.2017 - 05.2019
  • Documented client progress in confidential files.
  • Communicated with clients to develop social and psychiatric observations.
  • Monitored patients and assessed suicide risks.
  • Performed client assessments and developed treatment plans.
  • Created and administered group psycho-education programs to provide life skills, family support and community integration services to patients.
  • Encouraged clients to express feelings and discuss what was happening in day-to-day life in order to help each person develop insight into personal experiences and relationships
  • Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
  • Consulted with other staff members regarding treatment plans as deemed appropriate by team leader.

Youth Support Specialist

Ekhaya Youth Project
11.2014 - 04.2016
  • Created and facilitated recreation and education activities for youths to engage in groups in safe environment.
  • Applied crisis intervention methods to de-escalate potentially dangerous scenarios.
  • Delivered youth transitional assistance in areas of education, life skills and career development.
  • Guided youths through admission and orientation tasks to speed up enrollment processes.
  • Communicated with companies to arrange employment and internship opportunities.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies.
  • Facilitated outreach activities to build community awareness.

Education

Associate of Science - Human Services

Southern University At Shreveport
Shreveport, LA
05.2019

Skills

  • Supporting Daily Living Needs
  • Issue Resolution Abilities
  • Treatment Recommendations
  • Peer Support
  • Independent Living
  • Emotional Support
  • Community Outreach Programs
  • Community Services Information
  • Mental Health Support
  • Case management

Trainings

- Trainings -

Safety Crisis Planning For At-Risk Adolescents and Their Families

Overview of Psychiatric Medications for Paraprofessionals

Overview of Depressive Disorder in Youth for Paraprofessionals

Nutrition and Exercise for Clients in Behavioral Health

Nutrition and Exercise for Children’s Services Paraprofessionals

Motivational Interviewing

Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care

Infection Prevention Part 1

Identifying And Preventing Child Abuse And Neglect

First Aid Refresher 

Family Psychoeducation: Advanced Evidence-Based Practices

Emergency Preparedness

Developmental Stages: Infancy through Adolescence

De-escalating Hostile Clients

Customer Relations

Cultural Issues in Mental Health Treatment

CPR Refresher

Corporate Compliance and Ethics for Paraprofessionals

Co-Occurring Disorders

Communication Essentials: Communication Style Effectiveness

Client/Patient Rights

Case Management Basics

Calming Children in Crisis

Boundaries and Dual Relationships for Paraprofessionals

Bipolar and Related Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Best Practices: Behavior Support and Intervention

Basic Introduction to HIV/AIDS

Autism Overview

Attitudes at Work

Application of the Personal Outcome Measures for Children, Youth, and Families with Young Children

Alcohol and the Family

Advanced Co-Occurring Disorders

Adolescent Suicide

ADHD: Diagnosis and Treatment

Activities for Preschoolers: Approaches to Play and Learning

Timeline

Peer Support Specialist/Housing Specialist

Seedlinks Behavior Management
07.2020 - Current

Mental Health Specialist

Community Enrichment Programs
04.2017 - 05.2019

Youth Support Specialist

Ekhaya Youth Project
11.2014 - 04.2016

Associate of Science - Human Services

Southern University At Shreveport
Shardavius Lofton