Ilisa Merz
Hamilton,ON
Summary
Skilled Youth Worker passionate about providing meaningful support and services to clients. Excellent communicator bringing 10 years of youth service experience as well as comprehensive experience developing and implementing core programs to meet needs for self-development, behavior management and healing through therapeutic activities. Creative and understanding professional commended for modeling and teaching life skills whilst promoting a trauma informed service lens. Youth services experience combined with a background in policy and advocacy, customer service, leadership, event management and program development.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Life Skills Coach
Wesley Youth Housing
Hamilton, ON
12.2020 - Current
- Completed all necessary reports and documentation to maintain thorough, accurate case records.
- Oversaw day-to-day activities of residents in residential housing facility.
- Worked with clients to improve life choices and maximize benefits of programs.
- Customized strategies based on individuals' goals and strengths and offered each positive reinforcement to continue progress against goals.
Junior Facilitator
Behaviour Innovations
Hamilton, ON
10.2020 - 05.2021
- Observed client behavior and collected, documented and summarized data to formulate treatment plans.
- Conducted Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Functional Analyses (FAs) and developed behavior intervention plans based on principles of applied behavior analysis.
- Visited clients at home, school and other settings to leverage expertise and positively impact individuals' lives with skilled interventions.
Employment Outreach Counsellor
GoodWill Career Centre
Hamilton, ON
05.2020 - 09.2020
- Counseled clients one-on-one regarding current situation, desires, aptitudes, education and employment history.
- Maintained case files and documented actions.
- Provided individualized counseling approaches based on socioeconomic status and cultural background.
- Developed career and education plans based on individual needs.
Program Instructor/Child and Youth Worker
City of Windsor
Windsor, ON
06.2018 - 03.2020
- Applied play-based strategies, including crafts and games, to provide diverse approaches to learning
- Observed play activities to identify positive behaviours and areas in need of improvement, implementing behaviour redirection where appropriate
- Applied positive behaviour management techniques to enhance social interactions and emotional development
- Monitored and evaluated programs, services and activities to support child safety and program quality.
Key Holder
Dynamite Clothing
Windsor, Ont
04.2017 - 01.2018
- Oversaw store operations by counting cash drawers, reviewing equipment to ensure functioning and providing leadership
- Trained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.
- Assisted Manager with scheduling, interviewing and other administrative tasks associated with successfully running store.
Key Holder
La Vie En Rose
Windsor, Ont
09.2015 - 06.2017
- Performed as integral staff member in streamlining opening and closing procedures
- Handled administrative tasks efficiently, including scheduling employees, preparing bank deposit and drafting sales reports to keep daily processes running smoothly
- Advised new employees on company procedures and policies to facilitate daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Trained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.
Program Instructor/Camp Counsellor
Boy's and Girl's Clubs of Hamilton
Hamilton, ON
06.2011 - 09.2015
- Offered top-notch care to 10+ children at once, ranging in age from 6 to 12
- Planned and guided age-appropriate tasks like reading, crafts, active games and passive games
- Managed safety and security of all children under care
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Health And Society - Mental Health And Addictions
McMaster University
Hamilton, ON12.2022
Advanced Diploma - Child And Youth Care
Saint Clair College
Windsor, On05.2020
Skills
- Conflict resolution
- Complex problem resolution
- Event management
- Behaviour management
- Activities planning
- Group leadership
- Self-motivated
- Detail-oriented
- Implementing care plans
- Program facilitation
Educational Field Experience
- Westview Freedom Academy (Secondary School) - Child and Youth Worker
- United Way On Track To Success - Child and Youth Worker/ Success Coach student
- Youth Wellness Centre - Peer Support Worker Student
Certification
- OACYC Full Professional Certification
- First Aid and CPR
- High Five Principles of Healthy Childhood Development
- WHMIS
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
- Accredited DBT Level 1 Facilitator
- LGBT2Q+ Positive Space
- Mental Health First Aid
Timeline
Life Skills Coach
Wesley Youth Housing
12.2020 - Current
Junior Facilitator
Behaviour Innovations
10.2020 - 05.2021
Employment Outreach Counsellor
GoodWill Career Centre
05.2020 - 09.2020
Program Instructor/Child and Youth Worker
City of Windsor
06.2018 - 03.2020
Key Holder
Dynamite Clothing
04.2017 - 01.2018
Key Holder
La Vie En Rose
09.2015 - 06.2017
Program Instructor/Camp Counsellor
Boy's and Girl's Clubs of Hamilton
06.2011 - 09.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Health And Society - Mental Health And Addictions
McMaster University
Advanced Diploma - Child And Youth Care
Saint Clair College
- OACYC Full Professional Certification
- First Aid and CPR
- High Five Principles of Healthy Childhood Development
- WHMIS
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
- Accredited DBT Level 1 Facilitator
- LGBT2Q+ Positive Space
- Mental Health First Aid
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