Experience

Parents Alliance Employment Project

• United States
• Individual and Family Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Employability Instructor

  • Feb 2019 - Present

  I oversee and manage the Project SEARCH Delnor program. I run the classroom component of Project SEARCH, as well as, the internship component. At the end of the program, I work with employers in the community to successfully link each intern up with a job that will greatly benefit them (Utilizing Person Centered Planning)

• Lead Skills Trainer

  • Aug 2014 - Present

  I am the Lead Skills Trainer for the 2nd Project SEARCH site that was established in Illinois. Project SEARCH is a high school transitional program that helps students with cognitive and developmental disabilities acquire job skills that will lead them into competitive employment after they complete the 9 month program. The Project SEARCH program provides students with one full year of internship/real work experience in a community setting (Our setting is Central DuPage Hospital). The students rotate between 3 internships throughout the year (10 weeks each). As the Lead Skills Trainer, it is my responsibility to ensure that each student in the program gets matched up in internships that are appropriate for their current skill level. To do this, I conduct a job analysis on every department at CDH interested in hosting an intern, then I analyze the skills of each student & job match accordingly. I am responsible for collaborating with all parties involved in Project SEARCH. These parties include: Division of Rehabilitation Services, SASED representatives, District 200, District 94,the business liaison of CDH,& all Central DuPage Hospital staff involved with the program. I also provide on site job coaching, I create accommodations for students (as needed), and I interview, supervise, and provide systematic instructional training to all coaches involved in this project. At the end of the 9 month project, it is my goal to place all of the students in jobs out in their local community where they can use all the skills that they acquired during the Project SEARCH school year.

• Employment Specialist

  • Jun 2013 - Aug 2014

  I help individuals with disabilities in DuPage County find jobs that match their skills, abilities, and interests. After I find a job match for each individual, I then coach them to make sure that they have a smooth transition into the workforce. During this process, I also educate employers about how to work best with my clients. I then start fading when the individual starts to feel comfortable with their job duties and natural supports are built into their workplace. I also assist individuals with disabilities in creating resumes, filling out paper and online job applications, writing cover letters, and following up with job applications and job interviews.



Ben Gordon

• United States

• Intern

  • Jan 2013 - May 2013

  As an intern at the Ben Gordon Center, I helped clients with severe mental illnesses connect with appropriate mental health services. I also created and facilitated a cognitive-behavioral therapy group, which I called "Mind Over Matter." As an intern, I held a caseload of 13 individuals. I assessed clients in crisis diagnosed with bipolar, depression, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse issues, and/or anxiety disorders. I received training in suicide intervention and motivational interviewing at the Ben Gordon Center. I also completed locus assessments for clients to assist in determining the appropriate mental health services clients needed on a case by case basis. I created treatment plans for my clients, and collaborated with licensed therapists to verify that the specific needs of each client were being met appropriately.



Division of Rehabilitation Services-Aurora

• Internship

  • Oct 2012 - Dec 2012

  At the Aurora Division of Rehabilitation Services, I conducted intake assessments. I was also actively involved in Hope Wall School's individualized education plan (IEP) meetings for students who were graduating and would be looking for employment in the months following. At the Aurora Division of Rehabilitation Services, I conducted intake assessments. I was also actively involved in Hope Wall School's individualized education plan (IEP) meetings for students who were graduating and would be looking for employment in the months following.

• Internship

  • Sep 2012 - Oct 2012

  *Assisted in the job development, job coaching, and job placement processes. Helped conduct intakes.*Helped put together baskets for the fundraiser "Inspire to Hire"*Created a packet to help assist people with disabilities in preparing for a job interview. Presented at the National Association of Down syndrome conference. *Assisted in the job development, job coaching, and job placement processes. Helped conduct intakes.*Helped put together baskets for the fundraiser "Inspire to Hire"*Created a packet to help assist people with disabilities in preparing for a job interview. Presented at the National Association of Down syndrome conference.