Onreesha Ammons
Chicago
Summary
Professional counselor with robust background in educational support and student development. Proven track record of guiding students through academic and personal challenges, resulting in improved school performance and well-being. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability, ensuring reliable support for both students and staff. Key skills include conflict resolution and program development, valued for strong interpersonal and communication abilities. Skills in individual and group counseling, academic planning, and crisis intervention, creating supportive and results driven environment.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Professional School Counselor
Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.2022 - Current
- Created a welcoming school atmosphere by offering resources and assistance to new students transitioning into the community.
- Developed comprehensive guidance programs for diverse student populations, fostering positive school environments.
- Facilitated conflict resolution among students, resulting in a decrease in disciplinary incidents.
- Encouraged social-emotional development through small group sessions focused on self-awareness, relationship-building, and decision-making skills.
- Improved the effectiveness of school-wide intervention programs by continuously monitoring and adjusting strategies based on student outcomes.
- Provided crisis intervention support to students facing challenging situations, ensuring their well-being within the school environment.
- Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
- Contributed to a positive school climate by participating in leadership committees focusing on student engagement initiatives.
Child Welfare Specialist
Department of Children and Family Services
12.2020 - 02.2022
- Performed beginning level casework intervention and case management duties utilizing the SACWIS system
- Received training in child welfare services, casework, counseling, and intervention techniques applicable to the laws, rules, and regulations of the State of Illinois
- Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed for clients experiencing urgent challenges related to child protection concerns or family dynamics issues.
- Improved child welfare outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing tailored case plans.
- Mentored new Child Welfare Specialists through sharing knowledge and experience gained from years of practice, fostering a supportive team environment.
- Enhanced family reunification rates through diligent monitoring and support of parent-child visitations.
- Assisted in the placement of children into safe, nurturing foster homes by conducting comprehensive home studies.
- Maintained records in accordance with the department rule, procedure, and standards
- Recommended decisions for adoption with supervisory consultation, aftercare to birth families, and post-adoption referrals and services
- Performed professional adoptive services involving the application of social work principles and theories concentrating on the permanency plans for children with emphasis on adoption
- Identified resource needs as well as developed and recruited additional service resources such as foster care homes, homemaker agencies, advocate, and volunteer services.
- Monitored contractual and noncontractual service resources by agency staff
Regional Director
Individual Advocacy Group
10.2018 - 08.2020
- Discover, analyze, and reduce risk management of client’s behaviors, risk of home environment, interior-cleanliness, structure, any risks with staff including resolving conflicts-moving staff for a more comfortable and successful fit/capability
- Streamlined operations for improved efficiency by evaluating existing processes and introducing innovative solutions.
- Motivated employees through effective communication, recognition programs, and tailored incentive structures that aligned with corporate objectives.
- Led a team of managers to achieve consistent revenue growth through effective leadership and strategic planning.
- Visited sites periodically to view service levels and adherence to global service standards.
- Attended weekly meetings to discuss and optimize strategies.
- Implemented robust performance management systems to identify areas for improvement and support employee development.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal resource allocation for maximum return on investment.
- Delivered comprehensive training programs to build highly skilled teams capable of delivering on company goals and objectives.
Director and QIDP Case Manager
Individual Advocacy Group
08.2009 - 10.2018
- Coordinated crisis management client’s behaviors, risk of home environment, interior-cleanliness, structure, and any other risks with staff including, resolving conflicts-moving staff for a more comfortable and successful fit/capability
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Cultivated high-performance executive team, selecting and mentoring candidates for key leadership roles.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
Education
Post-Degree Certificate - School Counseling
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL07.2017
Master of Science in Education - Mental Health Counseling
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL05.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL05-2004
Skills
- Expertise in using Microsoft Office Suite, ASPEN, Google Classroom
- Leadership
- Case Management
- Conflict resolution
- Mental health assessments
- Time management
- Self-care strategies
- Multicultural competence
- Professional ethics
- Individual counseling
- Student advocacy
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Crisis intervention strategies
Certification
Certification: PEL with School Counselor/Guidance endorsement (2017)
Timeline
Professional School Counselor
Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.2022 - Current
Child Welfare Specialist
Department of Children and Family Services
12.2020 - 02.2022
Regional Director
Individual Advocacy Group
10.2018 - 08.2020
Director and QIDP Case Manager
Individual Advocacy Group
08.2009 - 10.2018
Post-Degree Certificate - School Counseling
Northern Illinois University
Master of Science in Education - Mental Health Counseling
Northern Illinois University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Northern Illinois University
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