Shayna Best
Lithonia, GA, ****8
ad8jbg@r.postjobfree.com
Objective:
Motivated Social Worker with comprehensive knowledge of social justice issues and systems affecting marginalized communities. Passionate about developing and facilitating programs to support communities in need. Collaborative and analytical advocate builds strategic partnerships, advocate for clients and advance change for communities in need. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Education:
B.A. degree in Psychology, Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida, May 2013
LIFE COACH Certification, June 2020
MSW, Albany State University, Albany, Georgia, May 2024
Experience:
Senior Scheduler, Georgia State University
January 2023- Present
Fostered a culture of accountability and collaboration among team members by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and recognizing achievements.
Resolved scheduling conflicts proactively to minimize delays and maintain strong relationships with clients and partners.
Developed customized scheduling templates to streamline procedures and enhance efficiency across projects.
Updated management and clients on progress of production.
Managed change requests effectively by assessing impacts on schedule baselines while maintaining open dialogue with relevant parties throughout the process.
Child Advocacy Intern, Children Advocacy Centers of Georgia
August 2023- May 2024
Established trust with children by maintaining confidentiality and providing a safe space for them to express their thoughts and feelings openly.
Developed comprehensive case files that documented each child''s history, strengths, challenges, goals, and progress over time.
Improved communication between parents and school staff by facilitating regular meetings and providing updates on children''s progress.
Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to create holistic support plans for at-risk youth in need of intervention or assistance.
Foster Care Case Manager Intern, Georgia Hope Inc.
August 2022- May 2023
Completed regular visitations to check on children, families and home environments.
Advocated for foster children by facilitating access to community resources and services to maximize safety and well-being of child.
Established parental eligibility through frequent meetings and reviewing information.
Enhanced community partnerships by building relationships with local schools, mental health providers, and other supportive services for children in foster care.
Checked with newly placed children frequently to support comprehensive success and assimilation.
Paraprofessional Wellspring Living Inc.
January 2019- June 2022
Responsible for relationship building with young female victims of sex trafficking
Accountable for input of GA scores – documenting services received
Parent liaison for Title 1 program through Fulton County schools; responsible for leading presentations on various programs used in the school component of the Girl’s Residential Program
Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
Facilitated communication between general education and special education staff, promoting effective collaboration on behalf of students'' best interests.
Language Arts Teacher, The Lyman School
January 2018- May 2018
Develop and implement individual education program for each special education student.
Identify goals tailored to the specific students’ needs and abilities.
Accurately prepare weekly assessments and provide detailed reports to parents and directors.
Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, promoting a more holistic understanding of language arts.
Dean Behavioral Assistant, Seminole Country Public Schools
January 2017- June 2017
Monitored ongoing progress through data collection and analysis, refining intervention plans to maximize positive outcomes for individual students.
Improved student behavior by implementing customized behavioral intervention plans.
Coordinated with school counselors, psychologists, and other support staff to ensure a holistic approach to each student’s behavioral progress.
Promoted positive peer interactions through guided role-play exercises designed to teach empathy and conflict resolution skills effectively.
Provided ongoing assessments of student progress, making adjustments to intervention plans as needed for optimal results.
Counseling-Para, Rockdale County Schools
August 2016- January 2017
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Regularly met with enrolled students to confirm success and identify problem areas.
Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
Developed a safe and supportive school environment by promoting positive behavior and addressing issues such as bullying and harassment.
Early Intervention Specialist, Babies Can’t Wait ITD Group
January 2015- January 2017
Enhanced child development by implementing individualized early intervention strategies and techniques.
Evaluated children’s progress and adjusted interventions accordingly for continued growth and development.
Established strong relationships with families, fostering trust and open communication for effective collaboration.
Provided ongoing support to families through home visits, phone calls, and written communication, ensuring consistent progress monitoring.
Collaborated with families to develop tailored intervention plans, resulting in improved child outcomes.
Residential Instructor, Laurel Heights Hospital
January 2014- January 2015
Provided instructional grade level to children to children with physical and mental disabilities in group and individual settings.
Provided emotional support for residents experiencing personal challenges or adjusting to new circumstances.
Managed daily schedules for residents, ensuring timely completion of necessary tasks and appointments.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive care plans, optimizing resident wellbeing.
Coordinated with families and outside agencies to ensure seamless integration of services for each resident’s benefit.
Promoted a safe and nurturing environment by maintaining clean living spaces and monitoring health conditions.
Life Skill Instructor, New Heights of NEFL
September 2013- June 2014
Educated adult client with disabilities in a group setting about life skills
Taught individuals with learning or physical difficulties to use technology such as computers, tablets and mobile phones.
Helped to integrate clients in local community by teaching important social and work-related skills.
Prepare and plan social visits and outings for clientele.
Supported people with developmental disabilities and autism in building multi-faceted skillset to promote independence and self-confidence.
Helped clients to identify challenges and set goals.
Para Professional, City Year of Jacksonville
June 2013- September 2013
Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.
Registrar Office Assistant, Edward Waters College
January 2011- May 2013
Organized, reviewed, and filed paperwork for secure recordkeeping.
Greeted every guest with personable approach and provided knowledgeable service.
Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
Verified paperwork accuracy and checked for completion prior to processing.