ABASS HARUNA
St. John's,NL
Summary
I am an experienced graduate in Psychology with prior experience in supervisory roles, Child and Youth Care, mental health, teaching and research assistantship etc. I am passionate about learning new things, growing my professional skills, and putting my skills to good use. My long-term career goals include being a psychologist and a researcher. Thus, I strive for success in all environments I find myself in.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child and Youth Care Worker
Key Assets
01.2024 - Current
- Provide key emotional support to special needs youth.
- Enhance youth development by implementing engaging and age-appropriate programs.
- Deliver crisis intervention services when necessary, de-escalating volatile situations while maintaining safety for all involved parties.
- Promote positive behavior change in young clients by utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Psychology Department, Memorial University of Newfoundland
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
- Developed strong rapport with students through open communication channels, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
- Provided timely and constructive feedback on assignments, enabling students to refine their work and achieve higher grades.
- Supported instructors in grading exams and papers, maintaining accurate records of student performance throughout the semester.
- Served as liaison between faculty members and students, addressing concerns and promptly resolving issues.
Graduate Research Assistant
Psychology Department, Memorial University of Newfoundland
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Utilized advanced statistical software to analyze datasets, uncovering key insights for informed decision-making.
- Enhanced research quality by conducting thorough literature reviews and synthesizing findings.
- Planned, modified and executed research techniques, procedures and tests.
- Presented research findings at conferences and seminars, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the academic community.
- Mentored undergraduate students, providing guidance on research methodologies and techniques.
- Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analyses.
Developmental Support Worker
Momentum Developmental Support
05.2021 - 05.2023
- Guided developmentally disabled adults through customized day programs.
- Improved quality of life for clients through compassionate care and assistance with daily tasks.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to assess client progress and adjust support plans accordingly.
- Assisted clients in managing personal finances, developing budgeting skills to promote long-term financial stability.
- Advocated for client rights within various settings, promoting an inclusive society that values diversity.
Project Supervisor
Rural Smile Foundation (RSF)
08.2018 - 12.2020
- Supervised and coordinated the Hope Project for RSF
- Community-based engagement with people with disabilities (PWDs)
- Organized and supervised public education on the destigmatization and rights of PWDs
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered teamwork, creativity, and productivity among all team members.
- Improved team collaboration with regular meetings, clear communication, and shared goals.
- Mentored junior team members for professional growth, improving overall team performance.
- Supervised work of 15 team members, offering constructive feedback regarding work performance.
Mental Health Worker
Ashaiman Municipal Hospital
07.2017 - 12.2019
- Worked with children facing mental health challenges such as suicidal ideation, addiction, and anxiety
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, resulting in increased safety for both patients and staff.
- Promoted a positive therapeutic environment through clear communication and consistent reinforcement of established boundaries within treatment settings.
- Monitored patient progress through regular assessments and documentation, ensuring accurate tracking of treatment effectiveness.
- Documented client progress in confidential files.
- Developed rapport with patients by actively listening and demonstrating empathy during one-on-one sessions, fostering trust and open communication.
- Educated family members about mental health disorders and treatment options to enhance their understanding and support of loved ones.
Teaching Assistant (National Service)
University of Ghana, Department of Psychology
09.2018 - 08.2019
- Assisted lecturers to conduct research, organized tutorials for undergraduates, supervised undergraduates' research project, invigilated during examination (undergraduates), marked students' test and exams scripts
Supervising Assistant (Volunteer)
Rural Smile Foundation
06.2016 - 07.2016
- Assisted the supervisor for the reading project, successfully helped in distributing over 1000 books to basic schools in rural areas
Education
Master of Science - Experimental Psychology (Behavioural Neuroscience)
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St John’s, NL03.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Ghana, Legon
Accra, Ghana01.2017
Skills
Attention to details
Responsible and great team player
Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office
Good leadership abilities and fast learner
Friendly and positive towards everyone
Goal-Oriented
Complex Problem-Solving
Individual Counseling
Crisis Intervention
Suicide Prevention
Mental Health Support
Certification
- ASIST trained
- First Aid and CPR - Canadian Red Cross
- WHMIS certification- Memorial University
- Teaching Assistantship Certificate - Teaching Assistant (TA) Training Program, Memorial University
- Biosafety Certificate (working with Biohazards) - Memorial University; Environmental Health, and Safety
- Safety in the Science Lab certificate - Memorial University
- Certified - Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) National Institutional Animal User Training
- Animal Handling (Rat) Certificate - Memorial University
Leadership Roles
- Grievance Appeals Committee member, Teaching Assistants Union of MUN (TAUMUN), 07/2021, Present
- General Secretary, Ghana Muslims Students Association, 08/2016, 09/2017
- Deputy Organising Secretary, GMSA; Commonwealth Hall Chapter, 2015, 2016
- President, National Commission for Civic Education; Ejuraman Anglican Senior High School, 2012, 2013
Other Specific Skills
- Knowledgeable in data analysis tools (Software); Jamovi, SPSS, ImageJ (FIJI), RStudio, MCID Image Analysis Software, etc.
- Equipped with neuroscience techniques; nissl, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry
- Experience in administering psychological tests and inventories.
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Child and Youth Care Worker
Key Assets
01.2024 - Current
Developmental Support Worker
Momentum Developmental Support
05.2021 - 05.2023
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Psychology Department, Memorial University of Newfoundland
01.2021 - 12.2023
Graduate Research Assistant
Psychology Department, Memorial University of Newfoundland
01.2021 - 12.2023
Teaching Assistant (National Service)
University of Ghana, Department of Psychology
09.2018 - 08.2019
Project Supervisor
Rural Smile Foundation (RSF)
08.2018 - 12.2020
Mental Health Worker
Ashaiman Municipal Hospital
07.2017 - 12.2019
Supervising Assistant (Volunteer)
Rural Smile Foundation
06.2016 - 07.2016
Master of Science - Experimental Psychology (Behavioural Neuroscience)
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Ghana, Legon