Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Suzan Bayorgeon

Stevens Point,WI

Summary

Experienced housing support professional with a strong background in providing comprehensive assistance to clients. Skilled in utilizing effective counseling techniques to help individuals overcome housing obstacles and achieve their goals. Possesses extensive knowledge of community resources and housing regulations, ensuring client success through informed guidance. Demonstrates expertise in conducting client assessments, eligibility evaluations, and needs evaluations to develop tailored employability plans. Proven ability to coordinate with agencies, manage cases, and maintain strict confidentiality while reporting progress.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Housing Counselor

Community Horizons
07.2024 - 10.2024
  • Provided ongoing case management for clients enrolled in housing programs, monitoring progress toward established goals.
  • Assisted clients in accessing essential housing resources, such as utility assistance programs and emergency shelter services.
  • Improved clients' coping with routine life activities such as food budgeting and rental payments.
  • Coordinated with local government to provide resources to clients.
  • Determined needed and relevant interventions based on each client's cognitive abilities and current needs.
  • Cultivated and maintained relationships with community members to facilitate outreach activities.
  • Facilitated outreach activities to build community awareness.
  • Developed and maintained accurate records of programs and services.
  • Provided support to social service clients in navigating available resources.
  • Monitored progress towards service plan goals.
  • Assisted in conducting needs assessments to identify key areas of service needs.
  • Facilitated communication between clients and other service providers.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies.
  • Conducted home and apartment inspections to identify safety issues and needed repairs.
  • Met with housing residents and landlords to answer questions, address concerns and clarify policies and procedures.
  • Maintained database of housing resources, landlords and management companies.
  • Calculated tenant rent amounts to prepare leases and contracts.
  • Facilitated positive outcomes for clients facing eviction proceedings by negotiating payment plans or alternative resolutions with landlords.
  • Increased access to affordable rental units by working closely with landlords and property managers to identify available properties suitable for clients'' needs.
  • Improved client financial literacy by conducting comprehensive budget and credit counseling sessions.
  • Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to fair housing practices and program requirements.
  • Advocated on behalf of clients experiencing discrimination or unfair treatment in their pursuit of safe and affordable housing options.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of client eligibility for various housing assistance programs, ensuring accurate placement and appropriate support.
  • Managed high caseloads effectively while maintaining strict confidentiality standards.
  • Developed successful housing action plans, addressing individual client needs and financial goals.
  • Empowered clients to make informed decisions on their housing options by delivering educational workshops.

Veterans Employment Specialist

State of South Carolina
08.2022 - 06.2023
  • Identified barriers to client employment and helped to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.
  • Placed individuals in jobs based on skills, abilities and interests.
  • Delivered exceptional service level by listening to concerns and providing appropriate solutions.
  • Wrote job support plans with clients and provided follow-along supports to maintain client employment.
  • Assisted clients in obtaining information regarding benefits and compensations.

Crisis Counselor

Sexual Assault Advocate CAP Services
01.2015 - 03.2021
  • Applied abilities in techniques like active listening and collaborative problem-solving to make positive impact.
  • Offered counseling and stabilization support to reintroduce calm in crisis situations.
  • Developed safety plans to minimize crisis risk and intervene with specific procedures.
  • Collected and documented information from clients about concerns and available contextual details.
  • Provided referrals to external providers when necessary for further evaluation or treatment.

Case manager

ODC, INC
01.2018 - 01.2019
  • Provided case managed clients with a comprehensive assessment
  • Recorded all activity with case managed individuals as required, using computer-based application screens.
  • Referred clients to appropriate agencies, supportive services, and other appropriate services such as counseling, testing or job search workshops as necessary
  • Collaborated with other area service providers to ensure the success of clients
  • Assisted special needs clients.
  • Provided special needs clients with opportunities for work experience, transitional employment, and paid work studies
  • Trained employers on job accommodations clients would need to be successful employees
  • Developed necessary job accommodations with employers to ensure client success
  • Advocated on behalf of clients' and guardians' interests and needs
  • Collaborated with parents, placement agencies and courts to effectively coordinate treatment plans for children.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
  • Conducted assessment interviews with clients and family members to gather information on social history, current functioning, and service needs.
  • Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss cases and develop recommendations for treatment planning purposes.
  • Engaged clients in individual counseling sessions focusing on topics such as coping strategies for managing stressors or improving interpersonal relationships.
  • Supported clients in navigating the court system by providing advocacy services.
  • Developed individualized service plans based on identified needs and strengths of each client served.

Employment and Training Specialist

LTE, Wisconsin DWD
01.2014 - 01.2015
  • Assisted clients with completing job applications and submitting resumes to improve interview chances.
  • Established strong relationships with local employers to match clients with suitable job opportunities.
  • Provided ongoing support and guidance for clients during their job search, leading to increased confidence and motivation.
  • Enhanced client employability by conducting thorough assessments and identifying individual strengths and weaknesses.
  • Assisted clients in developing effective job search strategies that leveraged their unique skills, experience, and qualifications for targeted positions.
  • Assessed individuals to identify skills, strengths and interests for job placement.
  • Matched clients to open positions based on skills and work requirements.
  • Developed relationships with diverse businesses to develop competitive and permanent job opportunities for consumers.
  • Worked closely with government agencies such as workforce centers or vocational rehabilitation teams to maximize client resources and support.
  • Recognized client employment barriers and devised strategies to resolve.
  • Advised clients on job searching, interviewing and resume writing techniques to increase employment chances.

Hospice Caregiver

Hospice and Vigil Care Heartland Hospice
01.2014 - 01.2015
  • Utilized therapeutic communication methods to establish trust and rapport with patients.
  • Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal quality of life for the patient.
  • Supported families through the transition process following the death of a loved one.

Social

Work Internship WI Veterans Home
01.2013 - 01.2014

Education

Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling

UWSP
Stevens Point, WI

Bachelor of Arts - Social Work/Sociology

University of Wisconsin
2013

Skills

  • Regulatory Requirements
  • Employee Coaching
  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Program Planning
  • Program Goals
  • Case Management
  • Records Documentation
  • Affordable housing
  • Tenant rights
  • Referrals and networking
  • Temporary housing
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Reliability
  • Certified in CPR/AED
  • Counseling techniques
  • Documentation skills
  • Behavioral Management
  • Care Coordination
  • Risk Assessment
  • Time management abilities
  • Adaptability
  • Crisis Management
  • Resident support
  • Community Outreach

Timeline

Housing Counselor

Community Horizons
07.2024 - 10.2024

Veterans Employment Specialist

State of South Carolina
08.2022 - 06.2023

Case manager

ODC, INC
01.2018 - 01.2019

Crisis Counselor

Sexual Assault Advocate CAP Services
01.2015 - 03.2021

Employment and Training Specialist

LTE, Wisconsin DWD
01.2014 - 01.2015

Hospice Caregiver

Hospice and Vigil Care Heartland Hospice
01.2014 - 01.2015

Social

Work Internship WI Veterans Home
01.2013 - 01.2014

Bachelor of Arts - Social Work/Sociology

University of Wisconsin

Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling

UWSP
Suzan Bayorgeon