TANIKA HERNANDEZ
Newark
Summary
The objective is to inspire, lead and motivate our residents to achieve their greatest goals throughout the school year and their remaining time in detention facility. To mentor, coach and be a role model to the future adults . To set visions and mission for a successful transition here in horizon detention facility.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Development Specialist
ACS
07.2023 - Current
- As a youth development specialist in a detention facility is my responsibility to provide comprehensive support, guidance, and mentorship to incarcerated youth
- work closely with the residents to create and implement individualized plans aimed at fostering personal growth, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration into society some of these are engaging with youth throughout the day counseling and implementing positive behavior's during all task through out the day obtaining a independent status on their strive. making sure that the hall is in compliance at all times. making sure doors are secured and residents are following proper protocol throughout the day.
- These specialists facilitate various programs and activities that promote positive behavior, educational advancement, and skill development
- We also collaborate with other professionals, such as social worker, case workers, mental health workers and program counselors, to address the emotional, behavioral, educational and daily needs of the youth
- Additionally, serve as advocates for the residents, ensuring their rights are protected and that they have access to necessary resources and opportunities
- Overall, the role of a youth development specialist in a detention facility is crucial in providing a safe and supportive environment that encourages personal transformation and future success for incarcerated youth
- youth development specialist are the first line of communication when engaging with youth as far as preparing youth for school, court services,all program activities, mental heath calls, sick calls, case manager assistance and visiting are all in collaboration with youth development specialist and much more.
- calling codes through out the day to make safe transmission throughout the building listening to the codes being called making sure all residents are safe and secure.
Paraprofessional
Department of Education
09.2017 - 09.2023
- As a paraprofessional, plays a vital role in supporting students and teachers both inside and outside of the classroom
- Inside the classroom, a paraprofessional works closely with the teacher to provide assistance and individualized support to students
- Some of the responsibilities of a paraprofessional inside the classroom include: Assisting the teacher: assists the teacher in various tasks, such as preparing instructional materials, setting up equipment, and organizing the classroom checking homework, preparing students for movement adjusting the classroom in order to better assist students that need accessibility to materials
- Providing individualized support: working with students on a one-on-one basis or in small groups to reinforce lessons, provide additional explanations, and offer extra help to students who may be struggling academically
- Students who have a IEP (Individual education plan) targeting the lower level learners in the classroom to keep them engaged in the lesson
- Monitoring student progress: help track and record student progress, assist with assessments, and gather data to evaluate student performance
- Managing behavior: maintaining a positive classroom environment by implementing behavior management strategies, reinforcing rules, and providing support to students with behavioral challenges
- Outside of the classroom, paraprofessionals may have additional responsibilities that include: Supporting students with special needs: often work with students who have individual education plans (IEPs) or require special accommodations
- Provide support to these students in various settings, such as inclusion classrooms, resource rooms, or specialized programs
- Collaborating with parents and guardians: communicate with parents or guardians to provide updates on student progress, discuss areas of concern, and offer suggestions for supporting their child's learning at home
- Assisting with extracurricular activities: Support students during extracurricular activities, such as field trips, sports events, or clubs, ensuring their safety and engagement
- Promoting inclusion and diversity: help create an inclusive environment by celebrating diversity, fostering positive relationships among students, and encouraging acceptance and understanding
Youth Counselor
Department of Education
09.2019 - 06.2022
- Providing students' in the 4th 'and 5th grade age ranging 10-12 in a small group setting ranging from 10- 20 students' in collaboration with the Gents
- The students' work on workshops on self-esteem, Basic Hygiene, Vision Boards created by students'
- Arts and crafts, journal writing logs for group conversations
- Homework assistance collaboration with Teachers who referred students' as individuals who could benefit from this entity
- Providing additional support during the day for students' with behavioral issues, students' who arrived to school late and students' that are confrontational with students' or adults will benefit from the program
- Inclusion with Gents once weekly
- Outdoor activities include Jump Rope, Basketball, Dance, Singing, lunch and learn
- Birthday and graduation celebrations
- Supports to students' dealing with grief
- End of the Year celebration: Certificate, Food and fun
Youth Counselor
Department of Education
09.2017 - 06.2022
- 4th'and 5th grade students' aging from age 10-12
- The objective is to inspire, lead and motivate our scholars to achieve their greatest goals throughout the school year
- To mentor, coach and be a role model to the future leaders
- To set visions and mission for a successful school year
- The Tiger Leaders target students' who may need extra support or guidance
- We work with them to develop skills, strategies, and attitudes that will help them succeed academically
- Throughout the school year we organize and participate in various activities and events that promote social-emotional development and community engagement
- Tiger Leaders have various spirit days that the students' look forward to which includes
- Just to list a few
- Dress for success day, Pajama Day, Jersey Day, 100 Day of school day, Dr.Seuss Day, Flag day, Character Day, Twin Day, Wacky Tacky Day, and a host of other days
Education
bachelor degree -
02.2025
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Boricua College
Boricua College06.2022
Skills
- SCM certification
- Suicide prevention
- Youth mentoring
- Social-emotional learning
- Multitasking
- Emotional awareness
- Bullying prevention
Timeline
Youth Development Specialist
ACS
07.2023 - Current
Youth Counselor
Department of Education
09.2019 - 06.2022
Paraprofessional
Department of Education
09.2017 - 09.2023
Youth Counselor
Department of Education
09.2017 - 06.2022
bachelor degree -
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Boricua College
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