Denise Boland
Petersburg
Summary
Compassionate Direct Support Professional with extensive experience at Exceptional Treasures, skilled in individualized support planning and client advocacy. Proven ability to enhance client well-being through effective behavior management and relationship building, ensuring dignity and safety in care delivery. Committed to fostering independence and improving quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Professional
Exceptional Treasures
Petersburg, VA
12.2015 - 11.2025
- Provided personalized support to individuals with developmental disabilities, enhancing daily living skills.
- Assisted in implementing individualized care plans, ensuring compliance with client needs and preferences.
- Monitored client behavior and emotional well-being, recording observations for team review and support planning.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate services, fostering a supportive environment for clients.
- Trained new staff on best practices in direct support, promoting consistency in care delivery standards.
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
- Supported clients with personal care tasks, ensuring their dignity and privacy were maintained at all times.
- Assisted clients in achieving personal goals through tailored care plans and daily skill-building activities.
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
Direct Support Professional
Southside Vrginia Training Center
Petersburg, VA
01.2009 - 06.2014
- Facilitated community integration activities, encouraging social interactions and engagement among clients.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, building trust and rapport to improve overall satisfaction.
- Advocated for client rights and preferences during case meetings, ensuring their voices were heard in service decisions.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
- Provided ongoing communication between clients, families, and other service providers to enhance overall care coordination efforts.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive environment by addressing behavioral challenges with patience and understanding.
- Monitored clients to assess and report physical and behavioral changes to supervisors.
- Transported clients to medical and dental appointments to provide support.
- Promoted physical well-being by supporting clients in engaging in regular exercise routines or therapeutic activities suited to their abilities.
- Addressed emergency situations calmly and effectively, prioritizing the safety of both clients and staff members involved.
Forensic Mental Health Technician
Central State Hospital
Petersburg, VA
03.2000 - 06.2014
- Monitored patient behavior and reported changes to healthcare team.
- Assisted in implementing individualized care plans for patients.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to encourage social interaction.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with patients to foster trust.
- Trained new staff on safety protocols and patient handling techniques.
- Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
- Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Observed patient behaviors and mental status and notified RN of unusual or potentially dangerous occurrences.
- Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
- Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention.
- Maintained detailed records of patient interactions, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference.
Education
GED -
Hampton Vocational School
Hampton, VASkills
- Behavior redirection
- Client support
- Medication administration
- Behavioral management
- Client documentation
- Health and safety requirements
- Transportation
- ADL support
- Recreational activities
- Individualized support planning
- Care plan management
- Care plan assessment
- Nutrition
- Multitasking and organization
- HIPAA compliance
- Verbal and written communication
- Case documentation
- Behavioral support
- Client advocacy
- Health services
- Support plan management
- First aid and CPR
- Case management experience
Timeline
Direct Support Professional
Exceptional Treasures
12.2015 - 11.2025
Direct Support Professional
Southside Vrginia Training Center
01.2009 - 06.2014
Forensic Mental Health Technician
Central State Hospital
03.2000 - 06.2014
GED -
Hampton Vocational School