Yolanda Dennis
Bryant,AR
Summary
Hands-on Peer Support Specialist known for helping people in challenging situations and achieving recovery successes. Offering more than 7 years of sobriety and ready to help others reclaim lives through the use of proper services. Engaging and outgoing with strong communication skills. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office
10.2021 - Current
- Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and shared this information with others struggling during recovery.
- Assisted individuals in identifying and re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports to build support system..
- Observed strict regulations and procedures regarding each individual to maintain confidentiality of personal and health information.
- Fostered relationships with partner agencies and other interested parties to build pipeline of supportive services.
- Educated 80 men and 40 women on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth.
- Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
Program Director
ReNu Life Center At Hope Rises
04.2020 - 10.2021
- Communicated regularly with 25 residents, answering questions and addressing concerns.
- Coordinated services, including various types of therapy for residents, ensuring attendance for scheduled appointments.
- Participated in community events and met with local leaders to develop recovery activities for residents.
- Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Referred residents to mentors and sponsors, community activities and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Coordinated individual referrals to obtain community services, advocated for resident needs and resolved roadblocks.
- Developed monthly schedules and assignments for residents, staff, and volunteer staff.
- Developed and created programs and monitored effectiveness against individual residents needs.
- Developed and implemented variety of innovative plans and strategies to promote resident self-sufficiency.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
- Communicated with courts to resolve any issues for residents.
- Processed all new resident intakes and built files for each individual.
- Transported residents to courts, doctors appointment, employment,etc.
- Held residents accountability for negative behaviors and built them up when they were down.
Chef
Recovery Centers Of Arkansas At Riverbend
02.2020 - 07.2020
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish and eggs.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet residents needs.
- Prepared meals for over 50 clients from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate great meals.
- Oversaw grill, stove and oven and cleaned all equipment after every shift.
- Maintained well-organized kitchen to keep work consistent.
Housekeeper
Recovery Centers Of Arkansas At The Oasis
11.2019 - 02.2020
- Removed bed sheets and towels from 20 rooms and pre-treated stains to maintain and restore linen condition.
- Cleaned elevators, glass and planters in public areas such as lobby, pool and public restrooms.
- Kept building entryway glass clean and polished for professional presentation.
- Responded to requests from residents for linens and toiletries.
- Documented and reported all necessary facility and building repairs observed.
- Vacuumed rugs and carpeted areas in offices, lobbies and corridors.
- Slid beds, sofas and other furniture aside to wipe down baseboards and remove dust and dirt from hard-to-reach areas.
- Disposed of trash and recyclables each day to avoid waste buildup.
- Cleaned and stocked resident rooms by replacing used towels and linens, vacuuming floors, making beds and restocking bathroom items.
- Verified cleanliness and organization of storage areas and carts.
Restaurant Manager
Flavours
04.2016 - 11.2019
- Created and oversaw culinary training programs for restaurant operations for people with developmental disabilities.
- Developed, implemented and managed business plans to promote profitable food and catering sales.
- Purchased adequate quantities of necessary restaurant items, including food, beverages, equipment and supplies.
- Controlled purchases and inventory by negotiating prices and contracts with over 5 vendors.
- Continuously evaluated business operations to effectively align workflows for optimal area coverage and customer satisfaction.
- Spearheaded regular maintenance and repair operations to keep building and equipment in peak condition.
- Created fun team building activities to engage staff in up-selling to meet revenue targets.
- Conducted health, safety and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, including completion of proper paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Prepared for and executed new menu implementations.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Actively participated in ongoing customer service programs to build sales and rapport in community.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
Education
High School Diploma -
Bryant High School
Bryant, AR05.1991
Skills
- Recovery Guidance
- Problem-solving skills
- Organizational planning
- Coaching and mentoring
- Inventory management
- Group and individual instruction
- Proficient computer and 10-key skills
- Case Management
- Legal Processes
- Treatment Recommendations
- Data Entry
- Advanced Excel Spreadsheet Functions
Certification
- Peer Recovery Support Specialist
- Advanced Peer Support Specialist Training - 2023
- Counselor in Training-2022
Affiliations
Member, Women"s Justice Health Alliance
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
(2023-Present)
Founding Board Member, Health and Legal System (HEALS) Cab Advisory Board
Department of Psychiatry Research
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
(2021-Present)
Timeline
Peer Support Specialist
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office
10.2021 - Current
Program Director
ReNu Life Center At Hope Rises
04.2020 - 10.2021
Chef
Recovery Centers Of Arkansas At Riverbend
02.2020 - 07.2020
Housekeeper
Recovery Centers Of Arkansas At The Oasis
11.2019 - 02.2020
Restaurant Manager
Flavours
04.2016 - 11.2019
High School Diploma -
Bryant High School
- Peer Recovery Support Specialist
- Advanced Peer Support Specialist Training - 2023
- Counselor in Training-2022
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