Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Additional Information
Generic
Tara Taylor

Tara Taylor

Lexington,KY

Summary

Dedicated and compassionate human services professional with extensive hands-on experience supporting individuals facing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and physical disabilities during recovery and community reintegration. Expertise in providing peer support, employment coaching, and client advocacy, including legal coordination, resource navigation, and assistance with daily living needs. Although not formally credentialed as a case manager, consistently performed similar supportive functions in nonprofit and treatment settings. Driven by a passion for empowering others to achieve stability, gain employment, and attain long-term success.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Employment Specialist

INDEPENDENCE PLACE/ Centers for Assessible Living
08.2024 - Current
  • Assist individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), mental health conditions, and physical disabilities in obtaining and maintaining meaningful, competitive employment.
  • Deliver individualized support services using the IPS (Individual Placement and Support) model, adhering closely to evidence-based practices and fidelity standards.
  • Collaborate with treatment teams, clinical providers, and community resources to support clients’ employment goals and overall recovery.
  • Provide job readiness coaching, resume assistance, interview preparation, and on-the-job support as needed.
  • Build strong relationships with local employers to develop job opportunities that align with clients’ interests and strengths.
  • Support clients through every stage of the employment process, including disclosure planning, transportation coordination, and job retention strategies.
  • Advocate for client needs while fostering self-empowerment and long-term independence.

Judicial Assistant

New Day Recovery Center
10.2023 - Current
  • Oversaw all judicial-related matters for the women’s program, including coordination with courts, probation, parole, and DCBS (Department for Community Based Services).
  • Provided direct support to clients navigating child support cases, custody reunification efforts, and legal obligations.
  • Created and maintained detailed client folders, ensuring all required documents were completed and signed (e.g., ROIs, judicial surveys, and questionnaires).
  • Conducted weekly audits of women’s judicial files and upcoming court dates to ensure compliance and readiness.
  • Coordinated judicial transports, including picking up clients from jail and transporting them to treatment or court-related appointments.
  • Supported clients in making phone calls to attorneys, probation/parole officers, and court personnel to advocate for their legal needs and next steps.
  • Acted as the main point of contact for incoming calls related to judicial matters and general program needs.
  • Collaborated with peer support staff and assisted in facilitating recovery groups and one-on-one client support when needed.

Residential Aide

Recovery Works
12.2020 - Current
  • Facilitated group sessions focused on recovery skills, relapse prevention, and maintaining a sober, structured lifestyle.
  • Supported clients in developing personalized aftercare plans and identifying next steps after program completion.
  • Conducted hourly safety rounds to ensure client well-being, proper attendance at scheduled programming, and facility security.
  • Assisted new admissions with orientation, including guidance on schedules, expectations, and facility policies.
  • Ran errands for clients to meet essential needs, including hygiene supplies, clothing, and over-the-counter medications.
  • Performed searches and safety procedures per facility protocols and as directed by administrative staff.
  • Provided one-on-one emotional support to clients experiencing cravings, personal crises, or difficulty adjusting to treatment.
  • Maintained a consistent, compassionate presence in the facility to promote accountability, safety, and recovery.

Peer Support Specialist

Recovery Works
12.2020 - 05.2024
  • Provided peer-based recovery support to clients by sharing lived experience and serving as a mentor throughout their individualized recovery journeys.
  • Helped clients identify and pursue personal goals, build self-esteem, and develop life skills essential for long-term sobriety and reintegration.
  • Assisted clients with practical needs such as creating résumés, applying for public assistance (e.g., food stamps, housing), and completing essential paperwork.
  • Facilitated both group and one-on-one sessions tailored to clients’ emotional, behavioral, and recovery-related needs.
  • Taught coping strategies, relapse prevention techniques, and sober living skills to promote wellness and long-term success.
  • Supported clients in developing healthy social relationships, building community connections, and improving interpersonal communication.
  • Advocated for client needs while also teaching self-advocacy skills to empower independent decision-making and personal growth.
  • Maintained a nonjudgmental, supportive presence to ensure clients felt heard, understood, and encouraged throughout their treatment process.

Baker

Dv8 Kitchen
09.2018 - 07.2020
  • Began as a front-of-house team member responsible for delivering exceptional customer service by taking dine-in and phone orders, managing the register, and coordinating takeout orders.
  • Operated the expo station, ensuring food accuracy and presentation before delivering to guests; communicated with kitchen staff to maintain quality and efficiency.
  • Ran food and provided table service, addressing customer questions and concerns to enhance the dining experience.
  • Promoted to baker, preparing a variety of baked goods from scratch, including artisan breads, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and specialty items.
  • Managed baking schedules, monitored ingredient levels, and followed precise recipes and safety standards to ensure consistent product quality.
  • Maintained a clean and organized kitchen and front-of-house area, adhering to food safety and sanitation guidelines.
  • Played a flexible, team-oriented role by supporting both kitchen and front-of-house operations during peak business hours and staff shortages.
  • Recognized for reliability, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Restaurant Manager

Steak N Shake
09.2009 - 12.2014
  • Started as a server, delivering prompt and friendly table service, taking accurate food and drink orders, and ensuring guest satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.
  • Promoted to Service Trainer, where I trained and mentored new front-of-house staff on customer service standards, POS system use, and restaurant procedures.
  • Advanced to P.I.C. (Person in Charge) for third shift, responsible for managing all restaurant operations in the absence of upper management.
  • Oversaw drive-thru, dine-in, and kitchen operations during late-night hours, including cooking, order accuracy, customer service, and staff coordination.
  • Maintained a clean, safe, and organized work environment while ensuring food safety compliance and closing procedures were followed.
  • Balanced multiple roles simultaneously — taking orders, preparing food, and managing guest issues — while leading a small overnight team.
  • Recognized for leadership, adaptability, and ability to handle high-pressure situations with professionalism and efficiency.

Delivery Driver

Papa Johns
05.2007 - 08.2009
  • Delivered pizza orders promptly and safely while providing excellent customer service and maintaining a professional appearance.
  • Assisted with pizza preparation during in-store hours, including making dough, topping pizzas, and assembling orders for carryout and delivery.
  • Handled customer interactions both in person and over the phone, taking accurate orders and resolving issues to ensure satisfaction.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization throughout the store, including kitchen areas, prep stations, and customer-facing spaces.
  • Followed food safety and sanitation standards, contributed to team efficiency during busy shifts, and supported opening/closing procedures.
  • Recognized for reliability, punctuality, and ability to work both independently and as part of a fast-paced team.

Carhop

Sonic
02.2008 - 11.2008
  • Provided fast, friendly, and accurate service as a drive-thru attendant and cashier, taking orders in person, over the phone, and via drive-thru intercom.
  • Prepared menu items including cooking all required food orders, assembling sandwiches, and ensuring food quality and presentation met brand standards.
  • Prepared specialty items such as onion rings and milkshakes, maintaining consistency and adhering to food safety guidelines.
  • Delivered food orders to customers as a carhop, ensuring prompt and courteous service in the drive-thru lanes.
  • Maintained a clean and organized work environment, including kitchen stations, dining areas, and drive-thru lanes.
  • Assisted with opening and closing duties, including restocking supplies and conducting equipment checks.
  • Collaborated with team members to meet high-volume demand while maintaining customer satisfaction and efficient operations.

Sorter

B&B Buffing
09.2006 - 12.2007
  • Sorted and inspected metal parts for quality, then carefully bagged and sealed them for shipment to client companies.
  • Organized and prepared totes for efficient transport and delivery.
  • Maintained a clean and safe work environment by sweeping and performing general cleaning duties during slower periods.
  • Followed company protocols to ensure accuracy and timeliness in processing orders.

Cashier

Target
04.2007 - 10.2007
  • Provided friendly and efficient cashier service at the snack bar, accurately handling customer orders and payments.
  • Prepared a variety of snack bar food items according to established recipes and food safety standards.
  • Maintained stock levels by replenishing ingredients, supplies, and beverages to ensure smooth operation during busy periods.
  • Kept the snack bar area clean, sanitized, and organized to meet health and safety regulations.
  • Delivered prompt service to customers while supporting team members during high-volume times.

Cashier/Customer Service

Little Caesars
01.2005 - 01.2007

Education

Bachelor's - Pre-Counseling

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
08.2025

General (N/A) - undefined

National College
Danville, KY
01.2009

General required studies. (N/A) -

KCTCS
Lexington, KY
01.2008

High school or equivalent - undefined

Mercer County Senior High School

Skills

  • Family support services
  • Physical relocation expertise
  • Patient discharge coordination
  • Skilled in Microsoft Outlook communication tools
  • Event catering
  • Excel data analysis
  • Food safety standards implementation
  • Food service management
  • Sales transaction management
  • Meal preparation expertise
  • Dining area support
  • Event host
  • Meal preparation expertise
  • Professional office environment experience
  • Customer engagement strategies
  • Crisis management
  • Quick learner
  • Efficient meal planning
  • Food service experience
  • Experienced in creating PowerPoint presentations
  • Bank deposit management
  • Residential care assistance
  • Experienced in customer service during deliveries
  • Effective time management
  • Experienced in cleaning (4 years)
  • Child engagement
  • Proficient in building rapport
  • Strong organizational abilities
  • Retail sales expertise
  • Client case management
  • Food preparation experience
  • Client advocacy and support
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word

Certification

  • Adult Peer Support Certified
  • May 2020 to Present
  • Employment Specialist

Timeline

Employment Specialist

INDEPENDENCE PLACE/ Centers for Assessible Living
08.2024 - Current

Judicial Assistant

New Day Recovery Center
10.2023 - Current

Residential Aide

Recovery Works
12.2020 - Current

Peer Support Specialist

Recovery Works
12.2020 - 05.2024

Baker

Dv8 Kitchen
09.2018 - 07.2020

Restaurant Manager

Steak N Shake
09.2009 - 12.2014

Carhop

Sonic
02.2008 - 11.2008

Delivery Driver

Papa Johns
05.2007 - 08.2009

Cashier

Target
04.2007 - 10.2007

Sorter

B&B Buffing
09.2006 - 12.2007

Cashier/Customer Service

Little Caesars
01.2005 - 01.2007

General (N/A) - undefined

National College

High school or equivalent - undefined

Mercer County Senior High School

Bachelor's - Pre-Counseling

Capella University

General required studies. (N/A) -

KCTCS

Additional Information

 SMART Recovery Training.

Supported Employment Training

IPS Supported Employment for IPS Practitioners

Brain Injury Training

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