Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
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Yolanda Russell

Hamden,US

Summary

As a visionary and persistent leader and driven by a strong desire to lead and cultivate the growth of organizations. With over 16 years of experience, a respected and compassionate professional dedicated to empowering underprivileged communities to thrive independently or age gracefully in place.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Resident Service

Savin Rock Communities
06.2021 - Current
  • Overseeing four Public Housing/Section 8 Elderly & Disabled developments consisting of 517 units and three family and veterans sites consisting of 355 units.
  • Responsible for overseeing work of two assistants and carrying out performance assessments.
  • Work closely with property managers, VASH social workers, and management team to develop a comprehensive plan that enables residents to sustain their housing to comfortably age in place or increase their income to become more economically independent.
  • In conjunction with senior leadership team, assisting with relocation and construction team, dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition during the process of packing, moving, and alleviating anxieties and pressures associated with relocating.
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate activities for Savin Rock Communities seniors, disabled, and families to stimulate residents' interest, involvement, and engagement on and off-site.
  • Manage a $15,000 annual budget creatively by drafting program budgets and monitoring expenditures through inventory management.
  • Created a senior and family resource book to access local agencies for an array of services relating to education, job seekers, homeownership, transportation, insurance, and food options.
  • Established city's first annual Health Fair to provide a variety of resources supporting community's needs.
  • Work with local police departments, schools, hospitals, and health department staff to identify and document changes in senior and families mental acuity and physical abilities.
  • Network with community organizations and leaders for volunteer opportunities and cooperative engagements.

Resident Service Coordinator

Savin Rock Communities
01.2016 - 01.2002
  • Oversaw four Public Housing/Section 8 elderly and disabled sites consisting of 517 units; containing 583 residents.
  • Conducted intake, orientation, and needs assessment of residents to create solid self-sufficiency or aging-in-place plan.
  • Implemented activities to promote a healthy community, including support groups, social gatherings, and resident empowerment.
  • Provided direct services such as case management, crisis intervention support, CMHC, cognitive assessment referrals, translation, medical insurance, and social services assistance.
  • Managed food commodity program in conjunction with CT Foodshare and senior lunch program.
  • Created quarterly calendar of events and activities and produces outreach flyers and quarterly newsletters.
  • Completed detailed notes, thoroughly documenting referrals, service plans, and outcomes.
  • Supported resident leadership by aiding in the development and establishment of Resident Councils.
  • Served as a liaison between property management staff and residents to address concerns effectively before escalating issues in the organization.
  • Increased resident retention rates through consistent follow-up on service requests and proactive problem-solving efforts.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution among residents, resulting in a more harmonious living environment.

Outpatient Intern

Child and Family Guidance
06.2021 - 12.2021
  • Provided individual counseling for adolescents aged 8-14; Caseload of 13.
  • Conducts intakes, and provides individual, and family therapy services in virtual setting. Services include initial clinical assessments, diagnosis, clinical treatment planning, and implementation, referral, and termination
  • Develops treatment goals and objectives with children, adults, and/or family.
  • Utilizes evidenced-based treatments and appropriate treatment modalities (individual, family & group).
  • Follows CFGC’s reporting protocols to Department of Child and Families.
  • Conducts parent education programs and family support groups.
  • Consulted with supervisor for proper guidance and following ACA Code of Ethics.
  • Participates in supervision, meetings, and training related to position and services provided including evidence-based practice training and consultations assigned.
  • Logged all documentation via our electronic recordkeeping system.
  • Completed 240 clinical hours

Counseling Services Intern

Southern CT State University
01.2021 - 06.2021
  • Participated in Clinical Team and conducted brief assessments with students who walk-in.
  • Participated in individual and group supervision with an openness to learning and receiving feedback.
  • Developed skills in assessments, treatment goals, objectives, and appropriate referrals.
  • Provided short-term in-person or tele-mental health individual counseling.
  • Implementation of a theoretical framework and Crisis intervention.
  • Maintained up-to-date clinical documentation via an electronic recordkeeping system.
  • Completed 100 clinical hours.

Manager of Career Counseling

New Haven Job Corps
05.2010 - 12.2015
  • Oversaw the daily operations of the Counseling and Career Preparation departments, which included managing six staff, (four career counselors and two classroom instructors) safeguarding the confidentiality of student records, assisting with career and personal planning, welcoming new students, updating policies and procedures, and providing academic, vocational, and career counseling services.
  • Coordinated relevant social groups to ensure student success and well-being.
  • Developed innovative methods of providing community resources based on students’ needs.
  • Coordinated weekly meetings to determine preventive measures to support student retention.
  • Maintained Center Information Systems (database) to ensure all student records were accurate.
  • Contributed to monthly performance management to ensure performance goals.
  • Reviewed, analyzed, and maintained data for required US Department of Labor and Career Systems Development records.
  • Successfully graduated over 250 students with a high school diploma, GED, and vocational trade.

Career Counselor

New Haven Job Corps
04.2008 - 05.2010
  • Demonstrated commitment to preparing young people for the workforce by providing enrichment sessions to enhance personal growth and development, understanding of different cultural backgrounds, interpersonal skills, career and personal planning, communications, workplace relationships, and ethics.
  • Responsible for a caseload of 50-60 students’ day-to-day accountability and ensuring retention goals are met monthly.
  • Provided individual and group counseling to improve relationships and wellbeing.
  • Conducted intakes and new student orientation and performed assessments to determine individual student needs.
  • Completed case notes about students’ daily status and monthly goals.
  • Provided crisis intervention for students and referred students to outside resources for additional counseling services.

Education

Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT
05.2022

Bachelor of Arts - History

Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL
05.2005

Timeline

Director of Resident Service

Savin Rock Communities
06.2021 - Current

Outpatient Intern

Child and Family Guidance
06.2021 - 12.2021

Counseling Services Intern

Southern CT State University
01.2021 - 06.2021

Resident Service Coordinator

Savin Rock Communities
01.2016 - 01.2002

Manager of Career Counseling

New Haven Job Corps
05.2010 - 12.2015

Career Counselor

New Haven Job Corps
04.2008 - 05.2010

Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Fairfield University

Bachelor of Arts - History

Tuskegee University

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