William Simmons
Windham,NH
Summary
Dedicated professional and current law student with over 13 years of experience in the criminal justice field, specializing in working with at-risk youth within the juvenile system. Highly skilled in developing and implementing treatment and transitional plans to help underserved populations achieve success in their homes, schools, and communities. Experienced in managing social service initiatives and creating effective policies and procedures. Collaborative, compassionate, and committed to addressing social issues to enhance the quality of life in marginalized communities.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Support Worker
Mountain View Counseling
Newport, NH
03.2023 - 02.2024
- Facilitated access to community resources for families in need.
- Provided emotional support and guidance during crisis situations.
- Developed individualized service plans based on family assessments.
- Coordinated workshops and educational sessions for parents and caregivers.
Homeless Prevention Case Manager
Families In Transition
Manchester, NH
11.2021 - 12.2023
- Coordinated individual referrals to obtain housing and recovery services, advocated for client needs and resolved roadblocks.
- Street outreach, often in collaboration with other organizations, to meet with individuals experiencing homelessness to offer resources, supplies and shelter.
- Provided case management sessions with participants to set housing goals and action plans following Housing First Model.
- Implemented Empowering Employment Program, to aide participants in obtaining and sustaining employment.
- Educate participants on harm reduction, assist with setting appointments for MAT and obtaining entry into treatment.
- Assist with obtaining vital documents, state benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, APTD, and SSI/SSDI
- Coordinated with community stakeholders for successful implementation of social and community service initiatives.
Behavior Specialist
Haverhill Public Schools
Haverhill, MA
08.2019 - 10.2021
- Crafted Behavioral Intervention Plans for individual students.
- Utilized positive reinforcement to maximize desired behavior and educational outcomes.
- Partnered with administrative leadership to improve discipline practices based on data findings.
- Conducted weekly groups to support teachers in developing positive behavioral tools and skills.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
Community Service Facilitator
The Upper Room: A Family Resource Center
Derry, NH
07.2018 - 07.2019
- Initiated and supervised service-learning projects for teens to foster increased community connection
- Managed and supervised program interns and volunteers
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with community members to facilitate outreach activities.
- Assisted in developing grant proposals to support social service initiatives.
- Planned and hosted on- and off-campus community service activities.
- Determined needed and relevant interventions based on each client's cognitive abilities and current needs.
GED & HiSet Instructor
The Upper Room, Pinkerton Academy
Derry, NH
07.2018 - 06.2019
- Developed rapport with youth's and encouraged pro-social behaviors individually as well as in a group setting
- Provided academic and behavioral support to students preparing for HiSET exam
- Assisted with lesson plans and direct instruction
- Supported students in their development of postgraduate plans, ensuring connection to resources for health insurance, job training, college, financial literacy, nutrition and other life skills
- Provided individual mentoring and special tutoring to struggling students.
- Advised students on course selection, progress toward graduation, and career decisions.
Residential Supervisor
Becket Family Of Services
Hampton, NH
01.2017 - 02.2018
- Supervised 24 residents in a co-ed group home setting
- Assisted with the training and mentoring of youth counselors
- Recognized changes in behavior indicating potential crisis situations and took immediate and appropriate action.
- Facilitated therapy groups, activities, and developed schedule for daily routine
- Strategized to improve resident care and satisfaction and held weekly meetings with directors to advocate for resident needs.
- Handled daily crisis situations between residents by using non-physical interventions.
- Mentored and coached students to foster positive relationships and encourage successful academic achievement.
Community Support Counselor
Center for Life Management
Derry, NH
04.2015 - 01.2017
- Developed strong rapports with clients by engaging in one on one counseling out in the community
- Supported clients in developing goals and social skills, improving individual wellness and productivity.
- Reinforced therapy goals and interventions that were provided by client's clinician.
- Aided in identification of individuals and families in need of social services to provide benefits and resources.
- Produced crisis management and intervention plans for communities in need.
Paraprofessional
Derry Cooperative School District
Derry, NH
01.2014 - 03.2015
- Implemented goals and objectives outlined on IEP's assigned by special education teachers.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Executed behavior plans, specifically for students with Autism
- Worked directly with classroom teacher and case manager to ensure student success both academically and socially in the classroom and in unstructured settings.
- Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.
- Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
Residential Supervisor
Tahoe Turning Point
South Lake Tahoe, CA
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Supervised at-risk youths in a group home setting
- Responsible for daily activities and independent living skills while maintaining a structured environment
- Conducted and supervised drug and alcohol groups, as long as anger management and gang rehabilitation classes.
- Supported children's emotional and social development by encouraging positive self-concepts and understanding of others.
- Maintained caring, supportive and safe environment for residents through careful monitoring and continuous oversight.
- Strategized to improve resident care and satisfaction and held weekly meetings with directors to advocate for resident needs.
- Solved grievances and complaints by collaborating with residents.
Residential Supervisor
Beckett Family Services
Campton, NH
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Addressed behavioral and emotional needs of residents through activities and interventions, increasing resident socialization, interpersonal, and social skills.
- Engaged appropriate intervention techniques to deescalate aggressive and hostile behavior of residents.
- Created and implemented behavior plans/restorative justice
- Handled multiple crisis situations with non-physical interventions.
- Supported residents in coping with emotions and fears through one-on-one sessions.
- Counseled residents in group sessions to assist in overcoming dependencies and adjustments to life.
Youth Counselor
Nashua Children's Home
Nashua, NH
02.2008 - 05.2009
- Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to youth.
- Coordinated youth programs and activities to enhance life quality and self-esteem.
- Helped youth develop and achieve personal goals with close support.
- Monitored youth behavior and offered guidance and support for positive change.
- Demonstrated positive influence to children by acting appropriately, being respectful to others and actively listening.
- Assisted youth in developing problem-solving and communication skills to support stress management.
Residential Youth Counselor
Antrim Girls Shelter
Antrim, NH
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Worked with at risk female's ages thirteen to seventeen
- Resolved conflicts by performing in-time crisis intervention and enforcing discipline and behavior metrics.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions to help clients address issues of substance abuse, anger management and interpersonal relationships.
- Assisted residents in adhering to treatment plans by setting up medical appointments, arranging transportation, coordinating services, and providing emotional support.
- Educated clients on managing mental health disorders and identifying signs and symptoms of relapse.
Youth Counselor Intern
Youth Detention Center
Manchester, NH
05.2006 - 05.2007
- Co-Facilitated Anger Management Group
- Engaged one on one with incarcerated youth on NH Trails Adolescent Workbook
- Participated in therapeutic recreation activities with the entire unit and staff.
- Counseled clients to help understand and overcome personal, social and behavioral problems.
- Implemented specific interventions to decrease behavior excesses and increase behavioral deficits.
- Encouraged participants to open up and share thoughts at group counseling sessions.
Education
J.D. - Criminal Law, Juvenile Law
Massachusetts School of Law
Andover, MA06-2028
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire 09.2023
Bachelor's Degree - Criminal Justice
Hesser College
Manchester, NH05.2007
Skills
- Restorative justice
- Non-Crisis Interventions
- Active Listening
- Case Management
- Youth supervision
- Life Skills Training
- Individual Counseling
- Mental Health Support
- Legal advocacy
- Behavior Management
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- Community Outreach
- Victim advocacy
Timeline
Family Support Worker
Mountain View Counseling
03.2023 - 02.2024
Homeless Prevention Case Manager
Families In Transition
11.2021 - 12.2023
Behavior Specialist
Haverhill Public Schools
08.2019 - 10.2021
Community Service Facilitator
The Upper Room: A Family Resource Center
07.2018 - 07.2019
GED & HiSet Instructor
The Upper Room, Pinkerton Academy
07.2018 - 06.2019
Residential Supervisor
Becket Family Of Services
01.2017 - 02.2018
Community Support Counselor
Center for Life Management
04.2015 - 01.2017
Paraprofessional
Derry Cooperative School District
01.2014 - 03.2015
Residential Supervisor
Tahoe Turning Point
01.2011 - 01.2014
Residential Supervisor
Beckett Family Services
01.2009 - 01.2011
Youth Counselor
Nashua Children's Home
02.2008 - 05.2009
Residential Youth Counselor
Antrim Girls Shelter
01.2007 - 01.2008
Youth Counselor Intern
Youth Detention Center
05.2006 - 05.2007
J.D. - Criminal Law, Juvenile Law
Massachusetts School of Law
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor's Degree - Criminal Justice
Hesser College