Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Languages
Certification
Hiking, teaching Reiki
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

JENNIFER MAHER

North Vancouver,BC

Summary

Skilled Consultant Specialist focused on maximizing successful outcomes through effective use of training and development of team members, My extensive knowledge and skills abilities. Top-notch communicator with excellent time management, administrative and customer service skills.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

ASW Specialist

District 44
  • Trained and experienced with Autism, non-verbal, severe behaviour, learning support – secondary
  • Over 5000 hours of experience working as part of a home support team
  • Specialized work supporting autistic students and staff working with such students
  • Considerable knowledge of learning theories, discrete trials, and other instructional approaches such as Applied Behaviour Analysis Interventions
  • Considerable knowledge of communication techniques such as sign language, visual scheduling, active listening, and other forms of augmentative and adaptive communication for students with autism or autistic tendencies
  • Considerable knowledge of stress management techniques for students with autism or autistic tendencies
  • Considerable knowledge of the methods and practices related to the learning style and other needs of students with autism or autistic tendencies
  • Working knowledge of methods and procedures in controlling and regulating the behaviour of students with autism or autistic tendencies using non-violent crisis intervention techniques
  • Working knowledge of child development
  • Working knowledge of basic first aid
  • Ability to assist in developing and implementing student Individual Education and behaviour plans
  • Ability to utilize and demonstrate Applied Behaviour Analysis Interventions
  • Ability to perform a variety of record-keeping tasks, including the collection and monitoring of data
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of students who have autism or autistic tendencies
  • Ability to function cooperatively with staff, professional personnel, and parents
  • Ability to monitor, adapt, and respond to meet students' varying medical, physical, educational, social, emotional, and behavioural needs
  • Ability to administer basic first aid
  • Ability to utilize a computer and appropriate educational software applications, audio-visual equipment, and other educational equipment as necessary
  • Sufficient strength and agility to physically assist students with special needs.

Clinical Manager

Hollyburn Family Services
01.2015 - Current
  • Experience and training in Sexual Health Education for Special Needs with the ability to apply approaches to implement client-centered programming
  • Assessments
  • Ability to write/implement and train professionals on Behaviour Support Plans and Emergency Management Plans
  • Ran workshops bi-monthly on Functional Communication
  • Oversee and provide support to Supervisors regarding client files
  • Work with Supervisor to complete client intake, transition and discharge process
  • Observation and assessment of clients
  • Behaviour support plans (review as required every six months)
  • Emergency management plans (continuously monitor)
  • Review monthly reports (modify templates to correlate with the BSP)
  • Consult with and provide clinical direction to Supervisors and staff
  • Work collaboratively with professionals to implement client-centered life skills, social development, sensory integration, communication and Therapeutic Programming (ABA, VB, etc.)
  • Work with family members, caregivers, social workers, resource analysts, teachers, and others on the client's support team to ensure consistency in providing behavioural programming and support
  • Work with medical and mental health professionals about prescribed medication and purpose, administration and PRN
  • Support and train programs in various areas
  • Provide Supervisors with information and support related to autism funding
  • Support staff in obtaining required client services, getting sensory equipment, tools, and communication devices
  • Attend IEP, CPOC, Transition Planning, Integrated Case Management, Psychiatric and other requested meetings for all youth as required
  • Attend program meetings, events, and functions
  • Consult with the Director of Special Needs and Clinical psychologist regularly.

Behaviour Consultant

Family in West Vancouver
01.2015 - 01.2021
  • Worked and supported family development
  • Designed and implemented individualized ABA-based intervention programs for children with behavioural challenges and those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other Developmental Disabilities
  • Provided ongoing monitoring and evaluation of ABA-based intervention programs
  • Provided training to behavioural interventionists, parents, and other related parties
  • Conducted assessment activities related to the need for behavioural interventions
  • Provided consultation to families, behavioural interventionists, and other related parties for ongoing ABA-based intervention programs
  • Designed and presented training workshops
  • Researched the literature related to ABA-based interventions
  • Supervised team meetings in the family home, as well as participated in clinical discussions with relevant professionals
  • Designed data collection protocols and interpreted data to make data-based decisions relative to each child's program
  • Collaborated with Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, School Staff, and other professionals with regard to individual client program
  • Performed functional assessments and designed behaviour support plans with families, schools, and community programs
  • Provided implementation support for behaviour support plans
  • Prepared supports and materials
  • Provided collaborative support in transitioning children from home-based to school-based programs
  • Met clinical competencies
  • Maintained professional and ethical standards
  • Possessed or pursued ongoing training in the field
  • 19 years' experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
  • Experience assisting in the design, implementation, and monitoring of individualized ABA-based intervention programs for individuals diagnosed with ASD
  • Experience training Behavioural Interventionists, parents, and other related parties
  • Experience assisting with assessment activities related to the need for behavioural intervention
  • Experience assisting with functional assessments and designing positive behaviour support plans with families, schools, and community programs.

Clinical Manager

Hollyburn Family Services
01.2014 - 01.2015
  • Oversee the Community Inclusion Program
  • Behaviour Intervention Program
  • Clinical Support for the Canyon Program and So Sah Latch (Ayes Men Men)
  • Program start-up NOVA – Worked in collaboration with Coordinator Lori Rose
  • Hired team members
  • Trained and developed Supervisor and staff members
  • Created Programming and implementation of programming.

Program Manager

Hollyburn Family Services
- 01.2013
  • NVCI Instructor
  • Program start-up Surrey Adult Day Program
  • Clinical Support for the Day Program
  • Hired team members
  • Trained and developed Supervisor and staff members
  • Created Programming and implementation of programming.

Program Manager

Hollyburn Family Services
01.2009 - 01.2013
  • NVCI Instructor
  • Program start-up Surrey Adult Day Program
  • Clinical Support for the Day Program
  • Hired team members
  • Trained and developed Supervisor and staff members
  • Created Programming and implementation of programming.

Behaviour Specialist

01.2005 - 01.2010
  • Worked on various home teams, school districts, and residential settings
  • Taught behaviour management techniques for classroom and individual behaviour management
  • Developed and trained staff on behaviour interventions
  • Consulted with Special Education Staff with the development of Behavior Intervention Plans
  • Worked between four elementary schools
  • Consulted with Parents and Special Education Staff during IEP meetings
  • Provided consultation and modelling to school personnel for classroom management techniques and individualized behaviour plan training and implementation for students educated in sub-separate specialized programs and within the general education setting
  • Conducted Initial Assessments for Home-Based Services, Functional Behavior Assessments, and made service recommendations accordingly
  • Participated in team meetings to determine special education eligibility, develop IEPs, and discuss transition plans for students returning to the school system
  • Completed progress reports based on data collection about each student's goals and objectives
  • Facilitated small group social skills training for elementary-aged students
  • Designed and provided home-based consultation and parent training centered on adapting and reducing challenging behaviour, teaching daily living skills, communication, and socialization
  • Utilized clinical background to evaluate behavioural issues displayed by individuals with intellectual disability and at least one mental health diagnosis
  • Created goal-focused and individualized behaviour plans to guide direct care staff in how to address behavioural issues
  • Collected and analyzed behaviour data and consulted with the Psychiatrist on potential medication additions or reductions
  • Developed and implemented behaviour plan training for all staff working with the individual
  • Worked with staff, Psychologist, and other team members to achieve positive outcomes for the individual in care
  • Provided insight and recommendations to team members regarding the current clinical needs of individuals in care.

Behaviour Specialist

01.2005 - 01.2010
  • Supported and worked with individuals with ADHD
  • North Yorkshire England.

Supervisor

Hollyburn Residential Programs
01.2008 - 01.2009
  • In consultation with Program Coordinator, recruited, hired, oriented, trained, and completed performance evaluations of program staff
  • Supervised staff about case planning, integrated case management, implementation, and follow-up
  • Provided clinical supervision regularly
  • Assisted and supported staff in developing personal wellness and professional development
  • Provided crisis case management consultation when required
  • Respected and assured confidentiality of staff issues
  • Attended and actively participated in team meetings
  • Ensured all reports, updates, statistics, timesheets, and petty cash records were completed within deadlines and reviewed
  • Monitored and coordinated staff holidays, medical days, and leaves with the Administrative Assistant
  • Provided Program Annual Reports
  • Reported to the Coordinator
  • Established professional working relationships with government Ministries and other relevant agencies to facilitate appropriate case management in the client's best interest
  • Participated in agency supervisory meetings and training
  • Provided advocacy as required
  • Maintained knowledge of all relevant services and programs
  • Kept informed of all current trends and issues
  • Maintained a working relationship with other community service providers, stakeholders, and interest groups.

Behaviour Support Worker

Hollyburn Family Services
01.2006 - 01.2007
  • As a Behaviour Support Worker, responsibilities included ensuring completion of intake form, clothing inventory, progress reports, and discharge reports for each primary youth assigned
  • Maintained open and informative communication with family and professionals involved with the youth
  • Maintained youth's visual schedules, updated pics, and ensured team consistency in application
  • Communicated with the Program Manager to ensure that behaviour support plans were fully implemented and updated regularly
  • Maintained household and ensured safety and health standards
  • Provided and prepared nutritious meals
  • Attended school meetings and case conferences when required
  • Facilitated recreational and educational activities
  • Assisted youth to achieve success around house routines and hygiene
  • Assisted/taught youth life skills as required
  • Observed youth behaviours and ensured proper tracking
  • Took youth clothes shopping
  • Encouraged acceptable social standards
  • Communicated with the community to educate and bring awareness of mental health
  • Set and followed appropriate programming
  • Built positive working relationships with all youth, family members, and professionals involved in the care team
  • Acted as a positive role model for all youth
  • Engaged in frequent interaction with the youth daily, using appropriate means of communication as required by that youth
  • Provided youth with a safe environment where communication was encouraged
  • Attended all training provided by Hollyburn Family Services
  • Gave input into general and specific care approaches and decisions
  • Was responsible for daily petty cash while on shift.

Education

Special Education -

Capilano University
North Vancouver, BC
01.2013

Skills

    • Created manuals for clinical strategies and support across the agency
    • Conducting Training on workshops for ABA-Functional Communication Training
    • Completed Level 1 and 3 REIKI
    • Completing Level 3 REIKI
    • Peter Sage Ultimate Self Mastery 2023-2024
    • Sexual Educator Theresa M Grech
    • Certificate of Appreciation (Field Instructor) 2022-2024
    • Awarded spotlight for the agency for outstanding service
    • Awarded Top Peak Performance award for the entire agency in recognition of Service Excellence
    • Trained consulted weekly with Doctor Sara White BCBA-D, Doctor Hayley Neimy BCBA-D, BCBA Sam Kwon
    • Trained by Greg Hanley for Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment
    • FTF Credentialing Directory
    • Credentialing CEU ABA
    • Created Resources For our clients transitioning from MCFD to CLBC
    • Created Rationales for increased funding, staffing and modifications to support high-risk individuals
    • Created a Day program proposal for the Adult Community
    • Created and ran workshops on ABA, Functional communication and Skill-Based Treatment
    • Lead and co-host Quarterly Meetings for the entire agency
    • Created the Visual Hollyburn Cook Book in working with Hollyburn Family Services
    • Delivered a presentation and received Approval for a 40,000 dollar sensory room for the Evergreen Home
    • Managed Community Inclusion
      • Oversee Clinically the Adult and Respite Homes
      • Worked with Richard Stock, instructor and certified in ABA; Anna Macheva, certified in Verbal Behaviour; Mariko Okano-Doctor Lovaas assistant; Dr Stephanie Bull and Doctor Sarah White, Clinical Director and Board of Directors
      • Worked with Jessica Wallen, Sexual Educator
      • Created the Seven series Module training program, which is now in effect
      • Developed a personal succession plan
      • Created Strategies and Learning Support Binders for the Special Needs Department
      • Completed A self-development series of courses and now certified to lead introduction seminars
      • Started the Surrey Day Program for Hollyburn Family Services
      • Working in the field with individuals with Special Needs, Brain Injury, Dual Diagnosis, Mental Health, and Autism Spectrum Disorder from 2004 until present
      • Person-centered planning following the Lifestyle Development Process, including transition planning and goodness of fit for various planning processes (including in the home, community and residential setting
      • Functional behaviour assessments (FBAs)
      • Written professional, individualized reports and multi-element support plans for each assessment/case
      • Professional assessment report presentations
      • Development of individualized written, plain language proactive strategy descriptions which address challenging behaviour and are evidence-based
      • Development, training, and monitoring of Non-Violent Practise Plans
      • Training of support people which includes hands-on modelling and training of team members to implement those proactive strategies as part of a multi-element support plan
      • Development of visual supports in a variety of formats for individuals who are non-verbal or require augmentative communication systems
      • Administrative duties, including maintaining client files, submitting client reports, annual reports and assessments
      • Remain professional at all times
      • Make use of technology to work as efficiently and effectively as possible; be proficient in the use of technologies and updated in RDI and a variety of treatment modalities
      • Other duties as requested

Accomplishments

  • Lead the Manager's Team in providing strategic direction and leadership in the agency to facilitate the professional development of the managers and supervisors and nurture a culture of belonging for staff across the agency. The Managers are responsible for organizing, structuring and developing the agenda for the Quarterly Management meeting.
  • Practising the philosophy of Person-centered planning and support and following the Lifestyle Development Process
  • Skilled at performing functional behaviour assessments (FBAs)
  • Evidence-Based Practices and can produce comprehensive individualized multi-element support plans and concise, plain-language strategy descriptions
  • Experience developing and implementing evidence-based, proactive strategies which address the needs of the Individual
  • Confident and professional presenter and trainer
  • Experience working as part of a collaborative team; excellent facilitation skills and skilled at modelling and training team members to implement those strategies that make up each individualized support plan
  • Excellent computer and audio/visual skills; comfortable around electronic equipment; can develop visual supports in a variety of formats for individuals who are non-verbal or require augmentative communication systems
  • 19 years commenced in 2004/ experience working with individuals with challenging behaviour and developmental disabilities;
  • Demonstrated skill in applied behavioural analysis, particularly positive behavioural support (functional behaviour assessment and multi-element support plans);
  • Demonstrated skill designing and implementing proactive, evidence-based visual support strategies, communication, language and social skill strategies, and systematic direct instruction;
  • Training provided by Doctor Lovaas's assistant, Mariko Okanao
  • Courses in Positive Behaviour Support, Functional Behaviour Assessment, Applied Behaviour Analysis and Developmental Disabilities.
  • Training provided by top certified professionals who have been in the field for 20-plus years

References

References are available upon request.

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Professional Working

Certification

  • NVCI Training -
  • Certified

Seminar Leader Landmark

Reiki Level 2

Hiking, teaching Reiki

I am currently walking over 70,000 steps per week and I also enjoy training and teaching Reiki

Additional Information

I have a drive and a passion for working in this field and my goal to develop and train as a department head or leadership

Timeline

Clinical Manager

Hollyburn Family Services
01.2015 - Current

Behaviour Consultant

Family in West Vancouver
01.2015 - 01.2021

Clinical Manager

Hollyburn Family Services
01.2014 - 01.2015

Program Manager

Hollyburn Family Services
01.2009 - 01.2013

Supervisor

Hollyburn Residential Programs
01.2008 - 01.2009

Behaviour Support Worker

Hollyburn Family Services
01.2006 - 01.2007

Behaviour Specialist

01.2005 - 01.2010

Behaviour Specialist

01.2005 - 01.2010

ASW Specialist

District 44

Program Manager

Hollyburn Family Services
- 01.2013

Special Education -

Capilano University

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JENNIFER MAHER