STEPH DWYER
Milwaukie
Summary
Skilled professional with expertise in navigating complex social services and advocating for client needs. Proficient in building strong relationships and utilizing effective communication to enhance client well-being. Experienced in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to optimize care and resource utilization. Focused on personalized case management that empowers clients and drives positive outcomes.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Direct Support Professional
Empowered Services
Portland
09.2025 - Current
- Advocated for client rights and preferences in community settings and services.
- Provided direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering activities of daily living.
- Provided assistance to individuals with daily activities such as personal care, meal preparation and medication reminders.
Direct Support Professional
Align PNW
Portland
07.2025 - Current
- Supported individuals with developmental disabilities in daily living activities.
- Assisted in implementing personalized care plans for each client's needs.
- Monitored client safety and well-being during various activities and outings.
- Documented client progress and incidents accurately for ongoing assessments.
Caregiver
Caring for Portland
Portland
04.2025 - 09.2025
- Assisted clients with daily living activities and personal care needs.
- Developed strong relationships with clients to enhance emotional well-being.
- Administered medications and monitored health conditions as directed.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals on client care plans.
- Provided companionship and support to promote social engagement.
- Maintained a clean and safe environment for clients at home.
Community Case Manager
New Narrative
Portland
12.2023 - 01.2025
- Developed action plans based on strengths, needs, and preferences of participants.
- Created follow-up system to ensure continuity of care for participants.
- Educated participants about community resources to enhance overall wellbeing.
- Participated in interdisciplinary meetings to discuss client care best practices.
- Facilitated communication among participants, families, and organizations for comprehensive services.
- Assessed risk factors using standardized tools for each case.
- Collaborated with community partners to develop resources like housing and legal aid.
- Established relationships with community agencies to address local needs.
Transportation Services Representative
ODOT
Gresham
05.2023 - 12.2023
- Developed working relationships with customer to coordinate services.
- Demonstrated effective problem-solving and communication skills when dealing with challenging customers.
- Kept information facilities clean during operation.
Case Manager
Various
Gresham
03.2020 - 04.2023
- Advised clients on best practices related to services provided.
- Support to clients via phone and email, displaying excellent communication skills.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for materials or services needed for projects, highlighting negotiation acumen.
- Maintained accurate records of all financial transactions related to projects, illustrating proficiency in bookkeeping processes.
- Independent Contractor, Portland, Oregon
Case Manager
YWCA Senior Services
Gresham
08.2019 - 12.2019
- Participated in team meetings to discuss case management strategies for individual cases.
- Educated clients on available community resources and how to access them effectively.
- Assisted clients with obtaining basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, transportation, employment assistance and medical care.
- Gresham, Oregon
Employment Specialist
Employment Solutions, United Cerebral Palsy
Portland
11.2017 - 07.2019
- Assisted clients in developing resumes, cover letters, and other professional documents required for job applications.
- Met with participants to establish viable and realistic job search work plans.
- Provided employment orientation for new participants and assessed situations to find suitable employment.
- Maintained accurate data entry into case management system regarding client activities and outcomes.
- Created and maintained relationships with employers to identify potential job opportunities for clients.
- Facilitated the development of individualized career plans for clients seeking employment.
- Portland, Oregon
Residential Advocate
Central City Concern
Portland
09.2017 - 11.2017
- Assisted clients with obtaining basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, transportation, employment assistance and medical care.
- Maintained clients' records by reviewing case notes and logging events and progress.
- Demonstrated success in building relationships with clients and providing emotional support.
- Portland, Oregon
Lead Cashier
New Seasons Market
Portland
11.2015 - 09.2017
- Assessed individual situations to determine appropriate interventions or referrals for additional services.
- Maintained confidentiality when handling sensitive information about clients' personal circumstances.
- Fostered a supportive environment by providing emotional support during challenging times.
- Responded promptly and appropriately to emergency situations involving participants.
- Engaged in active listening techniques when working with clients in crisis situations.
- Facilitated group workshops focused on financial literacy, job readiness and life skills development.
- Advised clients on how to navigate the application process for subsidized housing programs.
- Portland, Oregon
Cashier
New Seasons Market
07.2013 - 09.2015
- Performed opening duties such as counting out tills and setting up registers prior to start of business day.
- Demonstrated expertise in cash handling and customer service, providing accurate change for customers.
- Worked collaboratively with other departments within the store to provide excellent customer service experience.
- Handled customer complaints tactfully while ensuring their satisfaction was met before leaving the store.
- Exhibited strong communication skills with staff members to ensure smooth operation of the checkout area.
Education
Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree -
Portland Community College
OregonSocial Sciences Major -
Wiltshire College
WiltshireSkills
- Cultural sensitivity
- Client advocacy
- Ethical practice
- Service planning
- Motivational interviewing
- Adaptability and flexibility
Certification
- Blood Borne Pathogen Training, American Red Cross, OR
- Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, American Red Cross, OR
- Personal Effectiveness Seminar, WINGS Seminars, OR
- ACRE, Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators
- OELN Oregon Employment Learning Network
- QMHA Qualified Mental Health Associate
- Food Handlers Certificate
- First Aid/CPR
- TESL (Teach English as a Second Language) certificate
- NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Level I, II & III Information Technology
References
References available upon request
Professional References
- Jamie Hippe, Executive Director Align PNW 612 298-8653
- Jessica Sands-Bowling, County Coordinator, Empowered Services 503 446-8288
- Connor Woods, Housing Specialist 765-412-8971
Timeline
Direct Support Professional
Empowered Services
09.2025 - Current
Direct Support Professional
Align PNW
07.2025 - Current
Caregiver
Caring for Portland
04.2025 - 09.2025
Community Case Manager
New Narrative
12.2023 - 01.2025
Transportation Services Representative
ODOT
05.2023 - 12.2023
Case Manager
Various
03.2020 - 04.2023
Case Manager
YWCA Senior Services
08.2019 - 12.2019
Employment Specialist
Employment Solutions, United Cerebral Palsy
11.2017 - 07.2019
Residential Advocate
Central City Concern
09.2017 - 11.2017
Lead Cashier
New Seasons Market
11.2015 - 09.2017
Cashier
New Seasons Market
07.2013 - 09.2015
Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree -
Portland Community College
Social Sciences Major -
Wiltshire College