Talora J. Burford
Washington,DC
Summary
Over 15 years of remarkable customer service skills. A self-motivated, responsible and reliable team player with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong in solving problems of diverse scope where in-depth research, evaluation and technical analysis is required. Results-driven professional with skills in team-building and problem-solving with an established reputation for effectively working with diverse groups of people and adaptability to changing environments. Passionate counselor dedicated to improving lives of individuals struggling with mental and other behavioral disorders. Caring supporter of recovering patients with guidance toward tangible improvements and regression prevention. Attentively implements sound treatment plans addressing unique patient needs and helps attain long-term behavioral goals. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level position. Ready to help team achieve company goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
1
1
Certification
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Rehabilitation Counselor
Department Of Youth Rehabilitation Services
01.2023 - Current
- Provided individual and group counseling.
- Monitored client's progress throughout rehabilitation program.
- Explained, described and predicted behavior by studying connection between behavior and causes and identifying appropriate behavior modification strategies for individual situations.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Behavior Technician
Ally Behavioral Health
08.2022 - 01.2023
- Supported patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Developed individualized plans to address challenging behaviors.
- Collaborated with other professionals to develop and modify individualized treatment plans.
- Promoted positive interactions with children with ADHD, Autism and oppositional defiance behavior by using visual supports, simplifying communication, and utilizing stress scales to turn emotions into concrete concepts.
- Treated clients and families with respect and dignity.
- Participated in patient education, helping to reinforce concepts and treatment plans.
- Facilitated family meetings to discuss client progress and behavior plans.
- Worked as part of collaborative team to address changing needs of children and families.
- Provided therapeutic activities to assist with patient development.
Paraprofessional
TAMAH'S LLC
01.2011 - 06.2022
- 11 years as a paraprofessional for special needs children for DCPS programs
- Work with leaders and assistants to teach children through a structured curriculum
- Prepare daily and long-term schedules of activities to stimulate and educate the children in their care
- Including monitor and keep records of children’s progress
- Daily duties include:
- Supervise and monitor the safety of children in my care
- Prepare meals and organize mealtimes and snacks for special needs children
- Support administrative staff by providing information, educational opportunities, and experiential growth opportunities
- Help children keep good hygiene
- Organize activities or implement a curriculum that allow children to learn about the world and explore interests
- Develop schedules and routines to ensure that children have enough mental and physical activity, rest, and playtime
- Watch for signs of emotional or developmental problems in children and bring the problems to the attention of teacher
- Keep records of children’s progress, routines, and interest
- Organize and conduct annual two week "Special Olympics" yearly involving children, families, visitors and staff
- Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed
- Department of Parks and Recreation
- For the last 6 summers I've had the pleasure of working as a facilitator for Aqua Day Camp
- I've taught over a 100 kids learning to swim
- I've created a curriculum throughout the day for the kids, such as arts and craft
- Coordinated with other camp facilitators within the same facility to have kickball tournaments, water play activities, uno and connect four tournaments
- I've also contributed to making sure that all kids are ready for the end of the session swim meets
- Supervise and monitor the safety of children in my care
- Develop schedules and routines
- Keep records of children’s progress, routines, and interest
- Teach kids the foundation of learning to swim
- Making sure everyone on my team have all the tools to have a successful summer
- Organizing the end of the session swim meet with the other Aqua facilitators
Aquatics Supervisor
Department of Recreation and Parks
06.2012 - 08.2021
- Supervised aquatic programs, ensuring safety compliance and quality service delivery.
- Developed staff training programs to enhance lifeguard skills and emergency response effectiveness.
- Coordinated scheduling of aquatic activities, optimizing resource allocation for maximum participation.
- Implemented operational improvements, resulting in increased efficiency in facility management processes.
- Led emergency preparedness drills, enhancing team readiness for crisis situations within facilities.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through participant feedback, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Enhanced swimmer safety by implementing comprehensive training programs for lifeguards and aquatic staff.
- Developed strong relationships with patrons through attentive customer service while addressing concerns or complaints promptly.
- Conducted performance evaluations for team members, providing constructive feedback to facilitate growth and professional development.
- Implemented and maintained safety standards and deployed first aid, CPR, and other emergency management services.
- Promoted positive teamwork among aquatics staff through team-building exercises that fostered camaraderie within the department.
- Increased program participation by developing innovative aquatic classes and activities tailored to various age groups and skill levels.
- Effectively communicated expectations and policies to team members through regular meetings and ongoing coaching sessions.
- Evaluated the overall success of aquatic programs by tracking participation rates, revenue generation, and customer feedback to inform future initiatives.
- Empowered workers to independently handle common issues and maintain strict safety standards.
- Assigned schedules and specific tasks to workers for optimal coverage.
- Monitored workers for performance, professionalism and service quality.
- Helped staff customize plans for specific groups based on age or ability level.
- Coordinated supply orders, storage and distribution for program.
Education
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE - Criminal Justice
Everest College
Arlington, VA05.2011
Skills
- Windows O/S skills (MS Office Suite, including Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Personal Hygiene Education
- Disciplinary Procedures
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Patient Records
- Individual Therapy
- Facility Security
- Post-Trip Inspections
- Recreational Activities
- Problem Management
- Youth Guidance
- Security Procedures
- Counseling Services
- Group Activities
- Community Involvement
- Incident Reports
- Safety Rules
Certification
- [Behavior technician] License - October 2022
Timeline
Youth Rehabilitation Counselor
Department Of Youth Rehabilitation Services
01.2023 - Current
Behavior Technician
Ally Behavioral Health
08.2022 - 01.2023
Aquatics Supervisor
Department of Recreation and Parks
06.2012 - 08.2021
Paraprofessional
TAMAH'S LLC
01.2011 - 06.2022
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE - Criminal Justice
Everest College