Jennifer Gerdes
Doniphan
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated professional with extensive experience as a Direct Support Professional at South East Mental Residential Services. Skilled in healthcare coordination and emotional support, I successfully enhanced client independence and quality of life through tailored activities and advocacy, fostering a nurturing environment that promotes personal growth and community integration.
Professional caregiver with commitment to high standards and achieving impactful results. Proven ability to provide compassionate support and maintain positive living environment. Reliable team collaborator who adapts to changing needs and ensures quality care. Skills include effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Direct Support Professional Caregiver
South East Mental Residential Services (SEMORS)
04.2025 - Current
- Assisted individuals with daily living activities to promote independence and enhance quality of life.
- Monitored client behavior and emotional well-being, reporting significant changes to healthcare professionals.
- Implemented therapeutic activities to encourage social interaction and improve communication skills among clients.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and incidents, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Provided training and guidance to new staff on caregiver best practices and safety protocols.
- Advocated for clients' rights and needs, fostering a supportive environment for personal growth and development.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Maintained detailed documentation of client progress, daily activities, incidents, and relevant observations to ensure continuity of care across team members.
- Improved client quality of life by providing assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, toileting assistance.
- Provided reliable transportation for clients to attend medical appointments, social outings, or other community-based events as needed.
- Cleaned house, ran errands, managed laundry, and completed weekly grocery shopping.
- Helped clients manage money, pay bills, and shop for groceries or personal items.
- Transported individuals to events and activities, medical appointments, and shopping trips.
- Managed medications for clients, ensuring proper dosages were taken on schedule and any side effects were promptly reported to healthcare professionals.
- Monitored client vital signs, administered medications, and tracked behaviors to keep healthcare supervisor well-informed.
- Ensured a safe and comfortable living environment for clients through regular housekeeping tasks and proactive maintenance reporting.
- Established trust-based relationships with clients by consistently demonstrating respect, empathy, reliability, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
Early Childhood Educator
Black River Child Development Center
09.2017 - 11.2024
- Developed engaging lesson plans to promote cognitive and social development in young children.
- Implemented age-appropriate activities that fostered creativity and motor skills.
- Collaborated with parents to support children's educational progress and address concerns.
- Created a safe, nurturing environment conducive to learning and exploration.
- Monitored children's behavior, providing guidance and support to enhance social interactions.
- Assisted in assessing children's developmental milestones and adjusting activities accordingly.
- Utilized educational tools and resources to reinforce learning objectives effectively.
- Supported children with special needs, creating customized learning strategies to accommodate various abilities.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching strategies and methodologies.
Education
High School Diploma -
Maynard High School
Maynard, ARSkills
- Disability awareness
- Emotional support
- Meal preparation
- Personal hygiene assistance
- Community integration
- Transportation assistance
- Healthcare coordination
- First aid and CPR
- Physical assistance
- Respectful and compassionate
- Attention to detail
- Daily Med Charting
- Activity planning
Certification
- DCA - Direct Care Aide
- Med 1 Training
- CDA
- Fist aid
Timeline
Direct Support Professional Caregiver
South East Mental Residential Services (SEMORS)
04.2025 - Current
Early Childhood Educator
Black River Child Development Center
09.2017 - 11.2024
High School Diploma -
Maynard High School