Mary Beth Powers
Thomaston
Summary
Team-oriented professional recognized for establishing and maintaining solid relationships with administration and local, state and federal agencies. Excellent interpersonal, organizational and analytical skills. Compassionate Social Services Specialist known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Specialize in case management, crisis intervention, and community outreach, ensuring comprehensive support for clients. Excel in communication, empathy, and problem-solving to navigate complex situations with ease. Committed to delivering impactful services that foster positive outcomes in challenging environments. Motivated Social Services Case Manager displaying high level of flexibility, adaptability and organizational skills. Superior leadership skills and demonstrated track record of success working with diverse client populations in one-on-one and group settings. Skilled Social Services Specialist with experience in case management, program development, and community outreach. Strengths include problem-solving, effective communication, and the ability to work well with diverse populations. Demonstrated impact through successful advocacy for clients' needs and rights as well as improvement of social service delivery systems. Support program operations by applying strong document management and resource coordination skills to day-to-day needs. Conscientiously address any need and resolve concerns to promote efficiency and maximize service outreach. Proven relationship-building and planning abilities. Compassionate professional with many years of experience coordinating community programs and allocating resources. Dedicated to excellent patient care through an empathetic approach. Thrives in team-based or independently-motivated settings. Compassionate professional with background in social and human service assistance. Skilled in providing support to diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities and those in need of mental health services. Strengths include effective communication, crisis intervention techniques, and development of personalized care plans. Successfully improved client well-being and facilitated community resource connections in previous roles. Compassionate professional with background in social and human services, known for productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in client assessment, case management, and crisis intervention. Excel in communication, empathy, and problem-solving to support individuals and communities effectively. Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals. Recent graduate with excellent research, technical, and problem-solving skills. Detail-oriented and able to learn new concepts quickly. Proactive and versatile professional with a dedication to quickly adapting to new challenges. Strong problem-solving abilities and a proven track record of fostering strong relationships with clients and team members. Focused on supporting team success and achieving positive results.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Services Specialist 1
Upson County DFCS
Thomaston
08.2023 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of foster children's needs and family situations.
- Developed individualized case plans for parents of children in foster care programs.
- Coordinated with social workers and mental health professionals to provide support services.
- Monitored progress of foster placements through regular visits and check-ins.
- Facilitated communication between foster families and biological families when appropriate.
- Maintained accurate documentation of case notes and service plans in case management software.
- Advocated for children's rights and best interests during court hearings and meetings.
- Advocated for many children in court settings and to potential parents.
- Reviewed parent and child information and records to check matches and eligibility.
- Juggled many cases at one time with success rate.
- Coordinated with other agencies, such as court systems, schools, hospitals, and mental health providers, to ensure that families were receiving necessary services.
- Attended court hearings regarding child custody cases involving clients.
- Conducted home visits to assess safety and well-being of children in foster homes.
- Provided referrals for counseling services when needed.
- Assessed and evaluated the needs of foster care families.
- Encouraged positive communication between biological parents and foster parents in order to promote a healthy environment for children.
- Monitored the progress of foster care cases and reported any changes to supervisors.
Nursery Worker
First Baptist Church of Thomaston
Thomaston
05.2023 - Current
- Supervised daily activities for children in a nurturing and safe environment.
- Organized educational games and activities to promote child development.
- Maintained cleanliness and safety of play areas and learning spaces.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding children's progress and needs.
- Monitored children's behavior, providing guidance and support when necessary.
- Implemented safety protocols to ensure a secure environment for all children.
- Provided emotional support to young children.
- Provided assistance during nap time, mealtime, and outdoor play sessions.
- Maintained a safe environment by conducting regular checks on toys and equipment.
- Helped children develop social skills by encouraging positive interactions with peers.
- Ensured that all policies and procedures were followed at all times.
- Assisted children with daily activities such as dressing, eating, and toileting.
- Monitored food intake of each child according to their individual dietary needs.
Middle School English Teacher
Skipstone Academy
Thomaston
08.2021 - 05.2023
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse middle school students.
- Implemented effective reading strategies to enhance student comprehension skills.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to encourage critical thinking and collaboration.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments and feedback.
- Organized literature circles to promote a love for reading among students.
- Integrated technology into lessons using educational software and online resources.
- Communicated regularly with parents about student performance and classroom activities.
- Encouraged students to participate in class discussions about literature.
- Attended professional development workshops regularly in order to stay current with best practices within the field of education.
- Provided individualized instruction to students based on their learning needs and abilities.
- Instructed students on how to use proper mechanics when writing essays and stories.
- Utilized technology tools such as computers, tablets, projectors. in the classroom setting.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, grades, test scores, and other relevant data.
- Educated students on spelling, grammar and language rules through developmentally appropriate curriculum.
- Assisted students with building long-term skills such for academic, social, and emotional development.
- Met with parents to share perspectives on child's strengths and weaknesses.
- Used positive reinforcement method to redirect poor behavior.
- Evaluated students' academic performance, social development and behavior.
- Tested students' comprehension of subject matter through quizzes, tests and projects.
- Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
- Led students through safety procedures for active shooter and fire drills.
Middle School English Teacher
Upson-Lee Middle School
Thomaston
07.2019 - 05.2021
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards for middle school students.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to enhance critical thinking and communication skills.
- Established a positive classroom environment promoting respect and cooperation among students.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student performance and classroom activities.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching practices and methodologies.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Supported special education students by modifying lessons according to individual needs.
- Fostered an appreciation for literature among students by introducing them to classic works from renowned authors.
- Facilitated small group discussions with students in order to improve their communication skills.
- Advised parents about their child's academic progress via parent-teacher conferences or email correspondence.
- Created a safe learning environment by establishing classroom rules and expectations.
- Utilized data analysis tools such as rubrics to assess student work productively.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of diverse students.
- Assessed and improved reading comprehension for students through attentive instruction.
- Participated in professional development workshops focusing on best practices for teaching English language arts.
- Managed classrooms efficiently to cultivate love of learning and disciplinary focus.
- Assisted in the design and implementation of school-wide literacy initiatives.
- Administered standardized tests such as MAPS or PARCC in accordance with district guidelines.
- Conducted reading assessments of student performance in order to evaluate progress.
- Prepared weekly quizzes and tests to measure student comprehension of course material.
- Instructed students on how to fully express ideas.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans for teaching English language arts to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students.
- Monitored student behavior during class time in order to ensure a positive learning atmosphere was maintained at all times.
- Integrated media content in class to improve listening skill, speaking skill and vocabulary.
- Required spoken and written student responses to contexts to increase reading comprehension.
- Designed clear and creative learning materials to promote student engagement in pronunciation exercises.
- Guided students to write for varied purposes and audiences to develop writing skills.
- Used videos, lectures and moderated discussions to engage students during class.
- Led students through safety procedures for active shooter and fire drills.
Counselor Aide
McIntosh Trail Behavioral Health Center
Griffin
04.2018 - 06.2019
- Facilitated group sessions to promote communication and support among participants.
- Monitored client progress and reported observations to senior counselors regularly.
- Provided crisis intervention support during emergencies and high-stress situations.
- Maintained accurate client records and documentation in compliance with regulations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and resources for clients.
- Educated clients on available community resources and support services effectively.
- Developed positive relationships with clients through active listening and empathy.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed.
- Provided guidance and support to clients during counseling sessions.
- Performed administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and ordering supplies.
- Researched community resources available for clients seeking additional assistance.
- Encouraged clients to take an active role in their own recovery process.
- Collaborated with medical staff to coordinate medication management for clients.
- Participated in weekly supervision meetings with counselors and other clinical staff.
- Facilitated group therapy activities such as role playing, problem solving exercises, and art projects.
- Maintained client records, including progress notes, assessments, and other documents related to client care.
- Communicated effectively with other members of the healthcare team regarding patient needs.
- Advised families on methods of coping with challenging behaviors exhibited by their loved ones.
- Observed behavioral changes in patients and reported any concerns promptly.
- Created reports and other types of documentation, which often contained sensitive and confidential data.
- Complied with facility regulations by promoting highest level of care and service to each and every patient.
- Adhered to HIPAA requirements to safeguard patient confidentiality.
- Scheduled and confirmed patient appointments and consultations.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Greeted patients, determined purpose of visit and directed to appropriate staff.
- Prepared reports, invoices, letters, or medical records using word processing, spreadsheet, or other software applications.
Direct Care Staff Member
Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Minis
Meansville
01.2017 - 04.2018
- Provided compassionate care to individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Assisted clients with daily living activities and personal hygiene routines.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress and behavior observations.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans.
- Supported social interaction and community engagement for clients.
- Monitored client safety and well-being during activities and transitions.
- Facilitated therapeutic activities to promote skill development and independence.
- Trained new staff on protocols and best practices in direct care services.
- Utilized appropriate techniques when dealing with challenging behaviors.
- Performed housekeeping tasks, such as changing linens and cleaning rooms.
- Supervised activities of daily living for clients.
- Provided personal care to clients, such as bathing, dressing and grooming.
- Supported client rights in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and ethical standards.
- Communicated effectively with other members of the healthcare team.
- Ensured safety of all clients in accordance with facility regulations.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations involving client health or safety.
- Adhered to professional standards, facility policies and procedures.
- Administered medications or treatments as directed by physician or nurse.
- Encouraged socialization among clients through recreational activities.
- Maintained accurate records and reports related to client care activities.
- Cared for individuals or families during periods of illness or convalescence, providing companionship, personal care, or help in adjusting to new lifestyles.
- Participated in training programs as required by state licensing regulations.
- Transported clients to medical appointments or other destinations as needed.
- Promoted a positive environment that respects the dignity of residents and clients.
- Provided emotional support and encouragement to clients during difficult times.
- Transported specimens or pharmacy items along with proper documentation to authorized personnel.
- Entertained or read aloud to patients to improve mental health and alertness.
- Educated family members on how to provide safe care for their loved ones at home.
- Applied clean dressings, stockings or support bandages under direction of nurse or physician.
- Exercised comatose, paralyzed, or restricted mobility patients to maintain flexibility and muscle tone.
- Developed individualized plans of care to address each client's needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members in providing quality patient care services.
- Assessed changes in physical or mental condition and reported findings to supervisor.
- Monitored vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate.
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
- Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
- Provided direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering activities of daily living.
- Assisted individuals in development of social skills to become integrated in community.
- Documented current patient information to update vital signs, behaviors, and eating habits.
- Tracked and reported clients' progress based on observations and conversations.
- Assisted with planning and coordination of activities and outings based on individual needs.
- Assisted individuals in learning and developing new skills.
- Enhanced patient wellbeing by supporting participation in recreational activities.
- Advocated for disabled individuals to foster communication and self-expression and achieve goals.
- Monitored client's well-being, safety, and comfort under physician direction.
- Leveraged database management system to track and report service hours, details of activities and progress on goals.
- Developed strong and trusting rapport with patients to facilitate smooth, quality care.
- Planned and prepared healthy meals and snacks for clients and provided assistance with eating when necessary.
- Assisted clients with maintaining good personal hygiene.
- Helped clients get in and out of beds and wheelchairs.
- Consulted with client care team to continually update care plans.
- Maintained detailed records of services performed on clients.
- Monitored clients' activity levels and helped prevent sedentary behavior.
- Collected and recorded patients' blood pressure, pulse, and respirations (TPRs) to evaluate and note basic health status.
- Organized oral medications for clients following dosage and schedule requirements.
- Partnered with registered nurses and physiotherapists to provide care to patients.
- Contributed to case reviews of client status and progress.
- Helped clients communicate with loved ones by typing written messages and relaying verbal messages.
- Contacted medical providers on behalf of clients to follow up on appointments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Gordon State College
Barnesville12-2016
Skills
- Case management
- Crisis intervention
- Documentation management
- Individualized planning
- Interagency collaboration
- Advocacy skills
- Effective communication
- Empowerment strategies
- Conflict resolution
- Family engagement
- Resource coordination
- Behavioral observation
- Cultural competency
- Team collaboration
- Child safety assessments
Accomplishments
- CNA Certified
- First Aid and CPR certified
Timeline
Social Services Specialist 1
Upson County DFCS
08.2023 - Current
Nursery Worker
First Baptist Church of Thomaston
05.2023 - Current
Middle School English Teacher
Skipstone Academy
08.2021 - 05.2023
Middle School English Teacher
Upson-Lee Middle School
07.2019 - 05.2021
Counselor Aide
McIntosh Trail Behavioral Health Center
04.2018 - 06.2019
Direct Care Staff Member
Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Minis
01.2017 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Gordon State College
Similar Profiles
Samiyah WattsSamiyah Watts
Registered Behavior Technician at Henry County School DistrictRegistered Behavior Technician at Henry County School District
Heather GandyHeather Gandy
Medicaid Eligibility Specialist at Lowndes County DFCSMedicaid Eligibility Specialist at Lowndes County DFCS
Dawson ScottDawson Scott
Social Services Specialist at Dawson/Haralson County DFCSSocial Services Specialist at Dawson/Haralson County DFCS
Justin ChitwoodJustin Chitwood
Automotive Technology Instructor at Harris County Bard of EducationAutomotive Technology Instructor at Harris County Bard of Education
Dillon MathisDillon Mathis
IT Specialist at See Tickets USIT Specialist at See Tickets US