Stephen Hopper
Los Angeles
Summary
With a proven track record at Greater Los Angeles Veteran Administration, I excel in recovery guidance and building meaningful relationships. My expertise in peer support ethics and adeptness in stress reduction techniques have significantly enhanced client recovery rates. I'm recognized for transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, demonstrating exceptional mental health advocacy and rapport-building skills.
Understanding Peer Support Specialist knowledgeable in care system navigation and willing to share life experiences related to mental illness. Energetic professional with more than [Number] years of expertise providing mental support as well as advice and assistance to those wanting to change lives positively.
Empathetic Peer Support Specialist with proven experience to build trusting relationships with clients. Caring with genuine concern for wellbeing of peers.
Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
Greater Los Angeles Veteran Administration
12.2024 - Current
- Served as a role model for clients, sharing personal experiences of recovery and resilience.
- Assessed client progress regularly, adjusting support strategies as needed to promote continued growth and success.
- Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals and provided support during their journey towards achieving them.
- Developed trusting relationships with clients by maintaining confidentiality, respect, and non-judgmental attitudes.
- Enhanced client recovery by providing emotional support and practical guidance.
- Empowered clients by teaching effective problem-solving skills that they can apply in real-life situations.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, supporting case management efforts.
Care Provider
In Home Supportive Services
08.2023 - 12.2024
- Maintained clean personal areas and prepared healthy meals to support client nutritional needs.
- Helped with home management tasks, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and routine cleaning.
- Organized medication and provided reminders according to schedule.
- Reduced patient anxiety and stress through effective communication and active listening skills.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans tailored to each patient''s needs.
- Promoted social, emotional, and physical health through diverse activities.
- Provided end-of-life care for terminally ill patients, ensuring they received comfort and dignity during their final days.
- Arranged transportation and accompanied patients to doctors' offices and errands.
- Delivered high-quality personal care services that improved overall health outcomes for patients with various medical conditions or disabilities.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment for patients by adhering to infection control protocols and performing regular housekeeping duties.
Registered Behavior Technician
Center for Applied Behavior Analysis
04.2021 - 04.2022
- Promoted positive behavior change by utilizing reinforcement strategies, token economies, and behavior contracts.
- Improved client behavior by implementing individualized ABA therapy plans and tracking progress.
- Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs, and anecdotal notes.
- Prevented instances of maladaptive behavior escalation using de-escalation techniques while maintaining a safe environment for both staff members and clients alike.
- Managed crisis situations with professionalism, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved while adhering to established protocols.
- Maintained detailed records of client progress, enabling data-driven decision making for intervention adjustments and goal development.
- Intervened with clients' challenging behaviors by reinforcing therapeutic alternatives and coping mechanisms.
- Empowered clients to self-advocate by teaching them effective communication strategies and adaptive coping mechanisms.
- Assisted Board Certified Behavior Analysts in designing personalized treatment plans tailored to each client''s needs and goals.
- Developed rapport with clients and families, fostering trust and open communication essential to successful treatment outcomes.
Direct Support Professional
Inclusions Specialized
04.2018 - 04.2020
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
- Supported clients with personal care tasks, ensuring their dignity and privacy were maintained at all times.
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in disability support services.
- Provided ongoing communication between clients, families, and other service providers to enhance overall care coordination efforts.
Supported Living Services Provider
WCAy Inc.
04.2008 - 09.2018
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs.
- Partnered with vocational programs to provide job training opportunities for interested individuals within the supported living program.
- Cultivated a strong network of community connections to help clients build lasting relationships outside of the supported living setting.
- Supported clients in managing challenging behaviors through the implementation of positive behavior support strategies.
- Educated clients on important life skills such as budgeting, time management, and effective communication techniques.
- Facilitated group activities designed to foster socialization among peers within the supported living setting.
- Coordinated with healthcare professionals to address specific medical concerns or treatment requirements for each client.
- Enhanced client independence by creating and implementing personalized support plans.
- Established a safe and nurturing living environment for clients by maintaining clean, organized spaces and addressing any potential hazards.
- Continuously sought opportunities for professional growth and development to enhance overall service delivery within the role of Supported Living Specialist.
- Developed strong rapport with clients and families, fostering trust and open communication during difficult times.
- Conducted regular assessments of client needs to evaluate the effectiveness of current support strategies and make necessary adjustments.
- Served as a consistent advocate for clients'' rights, ensuring that their voices were heard during critical decision-making processes.
- Promoted community integration by assisting clients in accessing local resources and participating in events.
Education
HONORABLE DISCHARGE
United States Army
FORT JACKSON, South Carolina 04-1987
Associate of Arts - Administration of Justice
Los Angeles Valley College
Van Nuys, CA06-1985
Skills
- Peer support ethics
- Recovery guidance
- Boundary setting
- Substance abuse awareness
- Rapport building
- Self-care management
- Mental health advocacy
- Stress reduction techniques
Timeline
Peer Support Specialist
Greater Los Angeles Veteran Administration
12.2024 - Current
Care Provider
In Home Supportive Services
08.2023 - 12.2024
Registered Behavior Technician
Center for Applied Behavior Analysis
04.2021 - 04.2022
Direct Support Professional
Inclusions Specialized
04.2018 - 04.2020
Supported Living Services Provider
WCAy Inc.
04.2008 - 09.2018
HONORABLE DISCHARGE
United States Army
Associate of Arts - Administration of Justice
Los Angeles Valley College
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