Shimaya Gathings
Starkville,MS
Summary
Vocational rehabilitation professional with extensive experience supporting individuals with physical and mental disabilities in securing employment and enhancing independence. Proficient in client assessment, eligibility determination, and creating individualized plans for employment (IPEs). Strong collaboration skills with employers and community partners to facilitate services that ensure long-term job retention.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Rehabilitation Specialist
Mississippi Department Of Rehabilitation Services
Starkville, MS
08.2022 - Current
- Conducted detailed intake interviews to assess client backgrounds and service needs.
- Evaluated functional limitations and employment barriers to determine client eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services.
- Developed Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs) that outlined services and aligned with vocational goals.
- Provided ongoing vocational counseling/services, achieving successful employment outcomes and long-term job retention.
Intern
Mississippi Department Of Rehabilitation Services
Starkville, MS
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Scheduled client appointments and facilitated effective communication follow-ups.
- Maintained and organized client case files to ensure accessibility and accuracy.
- Entered and updated case data in the state VR case management system known as AACE.
- Attended client-employer meetings to observe job placement processes.
Practicum Student
Mississippi Department Of Rehabilitation Services
Starkville, MS
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Demonstrated professionalism, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity in all client interactions.
- Gained knowledge of vocational barriers, ADA accommodations, job readiness skills, and local workforce resources.
- Attended staff meetings and interagency collaborations to understand service coordination
Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional
Rolling Hills Developmental Center
Starkville, MS
01.2020 - 06.2021
- Served as a liaison between interdisciplinary teams, including direct staff, nurses, therapists, and families, to coordinate client care and ensure service consistency.
- Trained and supervised direct support professionals (DSPs) on client needs, behavior intervention plans, and daily documentation procedures.
- Collaborated with community agencies to secure day programming, supported employment, and medical appointments.
- Facilitated annual team meetings and quarterly reviews to update service plans and maintain person-centered practices
Education
Master of Science - Rehabilitation Counseling
Mississippi State University
Starkville, MS08-2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Mississippi State University
Starkville, MS08-2020
Skills
- Vocational counseling
- Case management
- Job readiness training
- Individualized planning
- Employment barriers assessment
- Client advocacy
Timeline
Rehabilitation Specialist
Mississippi Department Of Rehabilitation Services
08.2022 - Current
Intern
Mississippi Department Of Rehabilitation Services
01.2022 - 05.2022
Practicum Student
Mississippi Department Of Rehabilitation Services
08.2021 - 01.2022
Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional
Rolling Hills Developmental Center
01.2020 - 06.2021
Master of Science - Rehabilitation Counseling
Mississippi State University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Mississippi State University
Similar Profiles
CRAIG YOUNGCRAIG YOUNG
Network Manager at Mississippi Department Of Rehabilitation ServicesNetwork Manager at Mississippi Department Of Rehabilitation Services
Lillian LogginsLillian Loggins
Client Service Specialist Manager at Mississippi Department Of Rehabilitation ServicesClient Service Specialist Manager at Mississippi Department Of Rehabilitation Services
Hannah HeardHannah Heard
Administrative Assistant IV at Mississippi Department Of Rehabilitation ServicesAdministrative Assistant IV at Mississippi Department Of Rehabilitation Services
Ellen ReauxEllen Reaux
Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant at Mississippi State UniversityGraduate Research and Teaching Assistant at Mississippi State University
Monchellus StewardMonchellus Steward
Aviation Maintenance Administrationman at NavyAviation Maintenance Administrationman at Navy