Crystal Austin
Surrey
Summary
Dynamic and compassionate professional with extensive experience in support roles, notably as a Shelter Support Worker.
Experienced with overseeing household management and providing emotional support to residents. Utilizes strong organizational abilities to maintain well-ordered environment. Knowledge of conflict resolution and fostering positive relationships to create harmonious living space.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Shelter Support Worker
Salvation Army, Gateway of Hope
07.2012 - 03.2014
- Promoted independence among clients through skill-building exercises and goal-setting initiatives.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, maintaining client safety and stability.
- Implemented behavior management plans for clients with challenging behaviors, promoting harmonious living environment.
- Assisted in creating safe and supportive environment for clients, fostering sense of security and belonging.
- Conducted home visits to assess clients' home environment and provide support.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
- Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
- Implemented community outreach programs to promote mental health awareness.
- Facilitated psychoeducational classes to help clients develop life skills.
- Developed strong rapport with clients by consistently demonstrating respect, understanding, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
- Helped clients manage and reach individual goals, supporting independent progression and social skills.
- Safeguarded client well-being by monitoring health conditions, administering medications, and reporting any changes to appropriate medical professionals.
- Coordinated appointments for clients with healthcare providers to promote consistent access to essential medical services.
- Maintained detailed records of client progress, interventions, and outcomes to ensure continuity of care across service providers.
- Adapted quickly to changing work environments while maintaining high levels of productivity and professionalism under pressure.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, effectively de-escalating challenging situations while maintaining client safety.
- Improved client satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and implementing feedback in a timely manner.
- Assisted clients in accessing available resources such as housing options, financial supports, and healthcare services.
- Encouraged clients to engage in physical activities, promoting healthier lifestyles and wellbeing.
- Provided emotional support to clients, improving their mental health and overall wellbeing.
- Conducted regular assessments of client needs, adjusting support plans to better serve them.
- Documented client progress and communicated updates to care team, contributing to continuous improvement in service delivery.
- Assisted clients in managing medications, ensuring adherence to prescribed treatments.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to provide effective interventions for clients.
Employment Case Manager
Don't Remember
11.1987 - 04.1989
- Conducted regular follow-up with employed clients, providing ongoing support and troubleshooting any issues that arose during their transition into the workforce.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of client needs for vocational rehabilitation services.
- Assisted in grant writing and reporting efforts, securing necessary funding to maintain or expand employment case management programs.
- Enhanced client employability by conducting comprehensive assessments and identifying individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Analyzed labor market trends to identify industries with high growth potential for targeted job development efforts.
- Advocated on behalf of clients facing discrimination or other challenges during the hiring process, supporting equal access to employment opportunities.
- Provided ongoing case management services, monitoring client progress toward employment goals and making necessary adjustments to plans.
- Developed customized employment plans for clients, addressing unique career goals and barriers to employment.
- Cultivated relationships with local employers, expanding available opportunities for client job placement.
- Facilitated collaboration between various community organizations to coordinate support services for clients, maximizing program impact.
- Negotiated solutions between employers and clients to resolve workplace conflicts or challenges, promoting long-term job retention.
- Assisted individuals with addressing disabilities and developing career plans.
- Coordinated community resources and secured referrals.
Workshop Supervisor
Simon Fraser Society
09.1986 - 05.1987
- Maintained neat and clean work areas to maximize efficiency and safety.
- Monitored quality control measures to ensure all products met company standards before being shipped out to customers.
- Fostered a positive work culture by promoting open communication, teamwork, and recognition of individual achievements.
- Kept team members on task with hands-on supervision and coaching.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and implementing targeted improvement plans when necessary.
- Inspected completed work to verify quality standards and compliance with criteria.
- Trained new employees to learn new systems, apply best practices and comply with protocols and regulations.
- Oversaw daily operations at site, keeping team production moving at optimal pace.
- Created and implemented plans to maximize efficiency of workers.
Child and Youth Worker
Group Home
10.1986 - 04.1987
- Implemented behavior modification strategies to address challenging behaviors exhibited by young clients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for children and adolescents.
- Delivered crisis intervention services when necessary, de-escalating volatile situations while maintaining safety for all involved parties.
- Advocated for client needs within various systems, such as schools, courts, and social service agencies.
- Promoted positive behavior change in young clients by utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
- Coordinated family visits, medical appointments and therapy sessions for [Number] youth residents.
- Assisted in the successful reintegration of youth into their communities after residential care or detention periods.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
Education
No Degree - Special Needs
Douglas College
New Westminster, BC06-1987
No Degree - Criminology & Social Services
Fraser Valley CollegeAbbb
Abbotsford, BC05-1984
Skills
- Daily living support
- Housekeeping tasks
- Health and safety awareness
- Emotional Support
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Dependable and Responsible
- Organizational Skills
- Calm Under Pressure
- Organization and Time Management
- Verbal Communication
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Shelter Support Worker
Salvation Army, Gateway of Hope
07.2012 - 03.2014
Employment Case Manager
Don't Remember
11.1987 - 04.1989
Child and Youth Worker
Group Home
10.1986 - 04.1987
Workshop Supervisor
Simon Fraser Society
09.1986 - 05.1987
No Degree - Special Needs
Douglas College
No Degree - Criminology & Social Services
Fraser Valley CollegeAbbb
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