Jessica DeMaris
Chicago
Summary
I am motivated and determined to make the world a better place. I graduated a year early from both high school and soon college, and participated in the college honors program at and Living-Learning Community (LLC) at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. I have experience in direct support and case management through internships and employment, demonstrating reliability, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to social justice and leadership. I am skilled in client support, communication, program coordination, and problem-solving, with a passion for gerontology and improving the well-being of older adults.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Intern
The Douglas Center
08.2025 - Current
- Provide individual and group counseling to adults with diverse developmental, behavioral, and mental health needs, using person-centered and strengths-based approaches.
- Deliver case management services including developing and implementing individualized strategies, creating behavior support plans, and coordinating services to enhance client independence and quality of life.
- Conduct monthly progress notes and ongoing documentation in accordance with agency and state standards, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
- Lead and participate in Discovery and Personal Plan meetings in collaboration with clients, families, BCBAs, and interdisciplinary team members to evaluate goals and adjust service plans.
- Support intake processes for new clients by gathering psychosocial information, assessing needs, and assisting with service onboarding.
- Build trusting therapeutic relationships and advocate for client needs through consistent engagement, crisis support, and coordination of external resources.
DSP (Direct Support Professional)
The Douglas Center
10.2025 - Current
- Selected for the DSP role based on demonstrated trustworthiness, strong work ethic, and positive rapport with clients.
- Provide direct care and daily living support to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, ensuring safety, dignity, and comfort.
- Assist clients with skill-building activities, community engagement, and routines that promote independence and quality of life.
- Support implementation of behavior and service plans as directed by supervisory staff and clinical teams.
- Monitor client well-being, communicate observations to team members, and contribute to a supportive and consistent environment
DSP (Direct Support Professional)
Shore Community Services Inc
09.2025 - 10.2025
- Provided daily living support to adults in a CILA residential setting, assisting with hygiene, grooming, bathing, dressing, and other personal care needs.
- Supported residents in meal preparation, cooking, and household tasks to promote independence and daily living skills.
- Ensured a safe, structured, and supportive home environment while monitoring residents’ well-being and responding to routine needs.
- Followed individual service plans and collaborated with residential staff to maintain consistent, person-centered care.
- Built positive, trusting relationships with residents through compassionate, dependable, and respectful support.
Direct Support Professional
Kaskaskia Workshop Inc
05.2024 - 08.2025
- Provided comprehensive direct care to adults in a day program setting, including feeding, toileting, grooming, and hygiene support.
- Assisted individuals with mobility, personal routines, and adaptive needs to ensure safety, comfort, and dignity throughout the program day.
- Supported participants in skill-building activities, structured programming, and community engagement to promote independence and social development.
- Monitored client behavior, communicated observations to team members, and followed individualized service and behavior plans.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and supportive environment while fostering positive, respectful relationships with participants.
Food Runner
Chilis
10.2024 - 03.2025
- Delivered food orders quickly and accurately while maintaining high standards of customer service.
- Coordinated communication between kitchen staff and servers to ensure timely, correct, and high-quality meal delivery.
- Assisted with table setup, bussing, and maintaining cleanliness to support smooth front-of-house operations.
- Handled guest requests, resolved minor issues, and ensured a positive dining experience.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking, teamwork, and time-management skills in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Secretary
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
10.2023 - 05.2024
- Provided administrative support to faculty and staff, including scheduling, correspondence, and document preparation.
- Assisted professors with classroom and research-related tasks, ensuring smooth daily operations.
- Maintained office organization, including filing, cleaning, and supply management.
- Greeted and assisted students, faculty, and visitors, providing information and support as needed.
- Demonstrated reliability, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills in a fast-paced academic environment.
Front Desk Clerk
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
08.2023 - 09.2023
- Served as the first point of contact for students, staff, and visitors, providing information, directions, and support.
- Managed check-ins, check-outs, and guest access while maintaining security and adherence to residence hall policies.
- Handled phone calls, emails, and administrative tasks to support daily operations of the residential community.
- Monitored and reported maintenance issues, safety concerns, and other facility needs to appropriate personnel.
- Demonstrated professionalism, strong communication skills, and reliability in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.
Shift Leader
Scooter's Coffee
12.2022 - 04.2023
- Supervised and trained team members to ensure efficient daily operations, high-quality service, and adherence to company standards.
- Managed cash handling, inventory, and store opening/closing procedures with accuracy and accountability.
- Provided excellent customer service, resolving concerns promptly and maintaining a positive guest experience.
- Coordinated workflow during peak hours to maximize productivity and maintain smooth operations.
- Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Wal-Mart Cashier
Walmart
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Processed customer transactions efficiently and accurately while providing friendly, professional service.
- Assisted customers with inquiries, returns, and product location, ensuring a positive shopping experience.
- Maintained clean, organized checkout areas and supported overall store operations.
- Handled cash, credit, and electronic payments with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated reliability, multitasking, and strong interpersonal skills in a fast-paced retail environment.
Goodwill Cashier
MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries
06.2021 - 05.2022
- Operated the cash register and assisted customers with purchases, returns, and inquiries, providing friendly and professional service.
- Processed incoming stock, including sorting, tagging, and organizing items for display on the sales floor.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and safe work environment in both the cashier and stock areas.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient store operations and timely merchandising.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, reliability, and strong work ethic in a fast-paced retail environment.
Bagger/Stocker
Schnucks
11.2020 - 05.2021
- Assisted customers by bagging groceries, retrieving carts, and providing friendly support at checkout areas.
- Stocked and organized shelves, ensuring products were correctly displayed, rotated, and easily accessible.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of store aisles, storage areas, and workstations.
- Collaborated with team members to complete tasks efficiently and support smooth store operations.
- Demonstrated reliability, strong work ethic, and attention to detail in a fast-paced retail environment
Education
Bachelor's degree - Social Work
Northeastern Illinois University
08-2026
Bachelor's degree - Social Work
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL05.2024
Online course - General Studies
Kaskaskia College
05-2022
High school diploma -
Centralia High School
Centralia, IL05.2023
Skills
- Serving Experience
- Food Preparation
- Quick service & fast food restaurant
- Senior care
- Food handling
- Sales
- Food Service
- Shift management
- Mental Health
- Leadership
- Customer service
- Management
- Crisis intervention
- Life Skills Training
- Home care
- Experience with individuals with mental health conditions
- Team management
- DSP
- Home Health
- Organizational skills
- Care plans
- Retail sales
- Direct Support
- Merchandising
- Long-term care facility experience
- Coffee experience
- Patient monitoring
- Communication skills
- Cleaning
- Substance abuse
- Autism Experience
- Hygiene and Care- Related Skills
- Older adults
- Phone etiquette
- Group Homes
- Working with geriatric patients
- Assisted living
- Experience with individuals with substance use disorders
- Cashiering
- Retail management
- Crisis management
- Intellectual Disabilities Experience
- Patient care
- Hospice care
- Cash Handling
- Busser
- Food industry
- Barista experience
- Food Safety
- Supervising experience
- Cash handling
- Shift Management
- Geriatrics
- Behavior Management
- Working with people with developmental disabilities
- Developmental Disabilities Experience
- Social work
- Cash register
- Direct Care
- Hoyer lift
- Restaurant experience
- Load & unload
- Front desk
- Caregiving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Quick learner
- Fast learner
- Problem-solving
- Computer skills
- Team collaboration
- Multitasking and organization
- Interpersonal and social skills
- Outstanding communication skills
- Flexible schedule
- Client relationships
- Professionalism and etiquette
- Public speaking
- Research and analysis
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Complex Problem-solving
- Strong academic record
- Presentations
- Project management
- Analytical mindset
- Scheduling
- Administrative tasks
- Database management
- Telephone etiquette
- Administrative support
- Data evaluation
- Spreadsheet tracking
Certification
- DSP Present
- Food Handler Certification
- First Aid Certification
- CPR Certification
- Driver's License
Timeline
DSP (Direct Support Professional)
The Douglas Center
10.2025 - Current
DSP (Direct Support Professional)
Shore Community Services Inc
09.2025 - 10.2025
Intern
The Douglas Center
08.2025 - Current
Food Runner
Chilis
10.2024 - 03.2025
Direct Support Professional
Kaskaskia Workshop Inc
05.2024 - 08.2025
Secretary
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
10.2023 - 05.2024
Front Desk Clerk
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
08.2023 - 09.2023
Shift Leader
Scooter's Coffee
12.2022 - 04.2023
Wal-Mart Cashier
Walmart
06.2022 - 09.2022
Goodwill Cashier
MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries
06.2021 - 05.2022
Bagger/Stocker
Schnucks
11.2020 - 05.2021
Bachelor's degree - Social Work
Northeastern Illinois University
Bachelor's degree - Social Work
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Online course - General Studies
Kaskaskia College
High school diploma -
Centralia High School