Latrenda Guines
Okolona
Summary
Achieved community engagement by coordinating tailored service programs.,Enhanced client support through efficient referral management and direct assistance.,Established strong partnerships that advanced organizational objectives and outreach effectiveness.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Services
Diversicare of Amory
Amory, MS
03.2025 - Current
- Assisted displaced individuals in obtaining necessary documentation, facilitating access to social services and support networks.
- Increased staff efficiency by providing comprehensive training programs focused on best practices in social services.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities, staying current on best practices within the field of social services.
- Led multidisciplinary teams to design and execute comprehensive social services plans, meeting varied needs of community.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing comprehensive social services support and guidance.
- Formulated and implemented outreach strategies to engage individuals and families in need of social services.
- Monitored and evaluated impact of social services on community.
- Assisted families in navigating social services systems, increasing access to essential resources and supports.
- Connected patients with appropriate social services, addressing barriers that hindered their overall wellbeing.
- Trained new hires on agency policies and procedures, ensuring a smooth transition into their role as Social Services Coordinators.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in social services.
- Contributed to successful discharge planning through coordination with social services and rehabilitation facilities.
- Supported families in navigating healthcare systems, improving their ability to obtain necessary medical care and social services.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on trends and best practices within the field of social services.
- Helped caregivers and family to understand mandates and perspectives of other team members while navigating through social services systems.
- Helped individuals to provide education and understanding of available social services.
- Coordinated with external service providers to ensure seamless delivery of healthcare, educational resources, and social services for clients.
- Coordinated with external agencies such as community mental health providers or social services, ensuring a smooth transition for patients upon discharge.
- Conducted comprehensive needs assessments for patients to facilitate access to necessary medical and social services.
- Assisted individuals in completing applications for social services benefit programs.
- Educated community members about available social services through engaging presentations at local events and organizations.
- Assisted families in navigating complex social services systems by offering guidance on the application process, eligibility criteria, and available resources.
- Increased community awareness of available social services by conducting informative workshops and presentations.
- Liaised with social services to provide holistic support for patients, addressing both health and social needs.
- Assisted clients in navigating complex systems such as healthcare providers, social services agencies, or educational institutions to access necessary resources.
Social Services Director
Care Center Of Aberdeen
Aberdeen, MS
05.2019 - Current
- Developed and implemented variety of innovative policies and strategies to promote client self-sufficiency.
- Organized individual referrals to obtain community service, including advocating for needs and resolving roadblocks.
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.
- Attended education opportunities and created in-service training alliances to meet mission of organization.
- Established preliminary and comprehensive assessment for social service needs of consumers.
- Collaborated with department managers to correct and improve services.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
Front End Supervisor
Ross Dress For Less
Tupelo, MS
02.2012 - Current
- Delegated work to employees based on shift requirements, individual strengths and unique training.
- Handled the complaints and concerns of customers.
- Handled communications systems.
- Provided key administrative support to over 5 coworkers.
- Resolved customer problems by investigating issues, answering questions and building rapport.
- Addressed and welcomed numerous patrons to the business per day.
- Handled money for customers and visitors.
- Provided bookkeeping of important files.
- Confirmed transactional data.
- Received and processed cash and credit payments for in-store purchases.
- Collaborated with customer service team members to give exceptional service throughout the entire shopping and purchasing experience.
- Informed customers about all product lines and services offered by the company.
- Demonstrated that customers come first by serving them with a sense of urgency.
- Marked clearance products with updated price tags.
- Directed strategic and brand-appropriate marketing initiatives to improve presentation and maximize sales.
- Processed an average of over a hundred transactions each day in a timely manner.
- Processed shipments and maintained organized stock shelves.
- Offered direction and gave constructive feedback to motivate team members.
- Kept the showroom clean and maintained neat, orderly product displays.
- Kept current on market and product trends to effectively answer customer questions.
- Maintained visually appealing and effective displays for the entire store.
- Described use and operation of merchandise to customers.
- Communicated merchandise needs and issues to appropriate supervisors in a timely fashion.
- Balanced the needs of multiple customers simultaneously in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Attended one team meeting each month to voice concerns and offer constructive feedback to others.
- Consulted with customers on the latest styles and trends.
- Completed floor replenishment to guarantee size availability and promote customer satisfaction.
- Verified that all merchandising standards were maintained on a daily basis.
- Built customer confidence by actively listening to concerns and giving appropriate feedback.
- Held each team member accountable for achieving brand and performance goals.
- Offered exceptional customer service to differentiate and promote the company brand.
- Answered customers' questions and addressed problems and complaints in person and via phone.
- Worked as a team member to provide the highest level of service to customers.
- Processed all sales transactions accurately and in a timely fashion.
- Built and maintained effective relationships with peers and upper management.
- Unloaded trucks, stocked shelves and carried merchandise out on the floor for customers.
- Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
Trace Regional
Director of Social Services
Houston, MS
08.2023 - 03.2025
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Identified issues, analyzed information, and provided solutions to problems.
- Resolved problems, improved operations, and provided exceptional service.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies, and promptly addressing for resolution.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Adaptable individual with exceptional interpersonal skills and talent for building relationships. Known for delivering outstanding service and enhancing client satisfaction. Focused on fostering positive interactions and creating collaborative environment.
- Organized professional with expertise in managing resources and optimizing performance. Proficient in providing valuable insights and supporting decision-making processes. Committed to enhancing productivity and contributing to overall success.
Director of Social Services
Diversicare Of Tupelo
Tupelo, MS
04.2022 - 08.2023
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for social services initiatives.
- Oversaw staff development through in-depth trainings, workshops, seminars, and other learning opportunities.
- Developed and implemented variety of innovative policies and strategies to promote client self-sufficiency.
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired staff members offering exceptional talent and brought great skills to team.
- Educated families and community members about domestic violence and impact on children.
- Championed client-centered approach throughout organization, leading to increased satisfaction rates amongst service recipients.
- Enhanced community engagement by developing and implementing outreach programs tailored to diverse populations.
- Developed and maintained strong community partnerships, resulting in increased access to resources for clients.
- Initiated community volunteer program, increasing engagement and support for clients.
- Coordinated with mental health professionals to integrate psychological support services into overall care plans.
Director of Social Services
Vineyard Court Nursing Center
Columbus, MS
01.2020 - 03.2022
- Developed and implemented policies to enhance resident care and support services.
- Led interdisciplinary teams to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Facilitated training programs for staff to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with community organizations to expand resources for residents and families.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify gaps in services and program effectiveness.
- Advocated for resident rights, enhancing quality of life through tailored support plans.
- Evaluated program outcomes, driving continuous improvement in service delivery standards.
- Referred families to shelters, legal resources, and educational programs.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Fostered partnerships with local businesses and organizations to expand resource availability for clients.
Behavior Interventionist
Canopy Children's Solutions
Starkville, MS
04.2020 - 01.2022
- Developed and implemented individualized behavior intervention plans for diverse student populations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess behavioral needs and progress of clients.
- Trained staff in behavior management techniques to enhance client outcomes and support strategies.
- Monitored client behavior and documented progress to inform adjustments in intervention strategies.
- Facilitated parent training sessions on effective behavioral strategies to promote consistency at home.
- Conducted functional behavior assessments to identify triggers and develop targeted interventions.
- Enhanced program efficiency by streamlining documentation processes for behavioral tracking and reporting.
- Maintained records of ongoing assessments and documentation of updates.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all individuals involved.
- Promoted positive behavior change through consistent reinforcement and appropriate consequences.
- Improved student behavior by developing and implementing tailored intervention plans.
- Evaluated progress regularly, adjusting intervention plans as needed to ensure continuous improvement in student behavior.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive support strategies for students in need.
- Completed observations of students in classroom and social situations.
- Developed intervention plans based on established guidelines and individual needs.
- Mediated conflicts through structured sessions.
- Helped students build skills to navigate typical academic and social situations.
- Improved behaviors through modeling, role-playing and other effective strategies.
- Conducted thorough assessments for accurate identification of behavioral issues in students.
- Established rapport with each student, building trust and fostering a safe environment conducive to learning and growth.
- Advocated for additional resources and support services for students with significant behavioral challenges when needed.
Social Work Intern
Diversicare of Amory Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
Amory, MISSISSIPPI
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Helped to foster conflict resolution among families and clients.
- Provided support for clients and client support groups.
- Assisted Social Workers in the completion of home evaluations and wellness visits.
- Collaborated with licensed Social Workers to perform home assessments and unscheduled wellness checks.
- Offered accessible community resources to provide clients with basic needs.
- Guided clients in diverse life facets such as job interview coaching, applications for assistance and recovering and counseling programs.
- Assisted with finding appropriate treatment programs to address substance abuse issues.
- Interviewed clients to gather required information and accurately update case records.
- Served as a client advocate and promoted ideas that aligned well with clients’ best interest.
- Educated residents and families about available services and resources.
- Collaborated with community leaders, organizations and public agencies to promote the organization's community service programs.
- Coordinated discharge planning to create smooth transitions into the community.
- Ensured that services, including counseling, case management, education and job training, were provided to a diverse client base.
- Directed the proper use of program facilities by staff and the general public.
- Determined customer eligibility for benefit programs and services.
- Led presentations aimed at developing comprehensive programs to meet community employment, housing, transportation, medical and crime prevention needs.
- Gathered and analyzed data on community needs and interests.
- Oversaw the intake process for all new residents.
- Solicited contributions and participation from local businesses to promote and improve community events and activities.
- Maintained up-to-date and accurate program files and records.
- Assessed residents' psychosocial needs in a long-term care atmosphere.
- Entered client data in a centralized database and maintained up-to-date case records for all clients.
- Addressed questions and concerns from the general public.
- Recruited individuals and built membership rosters through a variety of methods including community event attendance and promotional materials.
- Conducted needs' assessments and referred clients to financial, medical, social and community assistance and services.
- Met with clients one-on-one to determine necessary services and make appropriate treatment recommendations.
- Referred clients to partner agencies for additional services.
- Operated computers and portable radios during special programs.
- Created relationships with businesses, community leaders and citizens through events to promote activities and add new donors and volunteers.
- Identified maintenance and safety issues at program facilities and coordinated repairs.
Interventionist
Tupelo Public School District
Tupelo, MS
01.2015 - 05.2016
- Helped children with behavioral and/or academic issues in a classroom settings.
- Evaluated progress of each person in advancing reading and math skills.
- Selected interventions most appropriate to individual students and laid out treatment plan.
- Documented evaluation results, treatment plans and other actions according to requirements.
- Earned positive feedback from parents regarding classroom instruction and student learning success.
- Employed many different techniques to encourage student learning and build community within the classroom.
- Provided feedback on individual actions, behaviors and verbal responses.
- Implemented student discipline measures, decreasing classroom disruptions by 80%.
- Provided continuous evaluation of program operations as compared with established mission and set parameters.
- Developed and maintained effective frameworks, standards and requirements.
- Managed and controlled office supply inventory to ensure timely ordering or requisition of depleted or low-level stock.
- Developed, administered and graded tests and quizzes in a timely manner.
- Received high remarks for the creativity of classroom lesson plans and instructional techniques from students, parents and faculty.
- Created and enforced child-based hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
- Compiled and produced documents and reports and filed, copied or faxed required papers to appropriate parties.
- Kept youth safe and secure at facility and in public.
- Observed and documented behaviors and actions.
- Tracked class attendance and student progress.
- Performed student background reviews to develop tailored lessons based on student needs.
- Established and enforced rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among a class of 20 students.
Assistant Manager
Body Central Corp
Tupelo, MS
06.2014 - 12.2014
- Reviewed and verified weekly and monthly store invoices.
- Improved efficiency by training staff on best practices and protocol.
- Reduced process lags, efficiently training staff on best practices and protocols while coordinating scheduling for optimal productivity.
- Secured revenue, accurately monitoring cash intake and deposits to eliminate discrepancies.
- Initiated inventory control measures to manage and replenish stock, maintain costs, meet customer demands while monitoring clothing, accessory and shoe levels.
- Improved customer satisfaction and sales by working with store manager and colleagues.
- Addressed customer issues to ensure quick and successful resolution.
- Supported senior leadership by accurately reporting monthly and annual sales and staff efficiency reports.
- Oversaw daily opening and closing procedures and helped to optimize daily operations.
- Reduced process lags by effectively managing 3 associates to ensure optimal productivity.
- Proactively identified and solved complex strategy problems that impacted sales management and business direction.
- Maintained store appearance, including rack and shelving organization, store lay out and planogram planning.
- Encouraged sales associates to cross-sell additional products and services to purchasing customers.
- Networked with customers and asked open-ended questions to determine immediate needs.
- Processed credit and debit card payments and returned proper change for cash purchases.
- Proactively identified and solved complex strategy problems that impact business direction.
- Oversaw daily operations of store, including inventory and supply restocking, cash-handling and assisting customers.
- Supported long-term business strategies, generating guest relations feedback for process improvements.
- Created engaging merchandise presentations to motivate impulse purchases.
- Coordinated with store manager to initiate strategies to achieve sales and profit goals.
- Verified merchandise pricing to achieve revenue and profitability goals, reduce shrink and forecast sales.
- Ensured that personnel were properly trained and supervised department managers, shift leads and production personnel.
- Diminished financial discrepancies, managing monetary transactions, including deposits and credit card transactions.
- Assisted in store opening by setting up office space, computers and cash registers.
Patient Care Associate
Millcreek of Pontotoc
Pontotoc, MS
01.2010 - 11.2011
- Interviewed patients to obtain medical information, weight and height measurements and vital signs to aid physicians with patient care planning.
- Worked to improve patient outlook and daily living through compassionate care.
- Developed strong and trusting rapport with each client to facilitate best care possible.
- Treated all patients and their families, visitors, peers, staff and providers in a pleasant and courteous manner.
- Supervised frequent activities such as medication and personal hygiene to ensure safety.
- Monitored clients' progress to report necessary changes.
- Identified the needs of patients and families and helped to address those needs through play or counseling.
- Maintained a clean and well-organized environment to promote client happiness and safety.
- Contributed to community-focused public relations.
- Performed all tasks with a patient-centered focus while seeking opportunities for improvement of processes and treatments.
- Delivered high-quality and compassionate treatment to indigent and low-income patient community.
- Evaluated accuracy and compliance of all documentation and reports.
- Organized, updated and maintained over 15 patient charts.
- Participated in unit based Quality Assurance Program.
- Evaluated nursing notes to confirm accuracy of described care provided and patient responses.
- Evaluated patient care needs, prioritized treatment and maintained patient flow.
- Assessed patients in active withdrawal and provided interventions to manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
- Worked as part of team to ensure proper care of body mechanics and safety of patient.
- Relayed feedback on clinical settings’ effectiveness in enabling students reach course and program goals.
- Frequently commended for maintaining the safety, respect and dignity of residents.
- Documented contacts with prospects, related families or advisors and developed relationships with potential referral sources.
- Communicated students’ individual and group performance to lead faculty.
- Provided primary resident care and assistance with daily living activities.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Traceway Retirement Community
Tupelo, MS
03.2007 - 12.2009
- Turned and repositioned patients for comfort and medical safety.
- Assisted patients with mobility and ambulation throughout facility.
- Created and maintained a safe patient and working environment.
- Tended to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Created and maintained safe living environment for patients, and helped facilitate activities of daily living (ADL).
- Read and recorded temperature, pulse and respiration of patients.
- Displayed sensitivity to the needs of geriatric patients.
- Facilitated activities of daily living, including personal hygiene management, feeding, ambulation and locomotion.
- Provided personal nursing care in pre- and post-operative situations.
- Documented activities and recorded information in EMR system.
- Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
- Turned and re-positioned bedridden patients.
- Comforted patients and provided reassurance and encouragement.
- Identified and advocated patient care needs,and helped to determine best approach to care.
- Promoted personal and co-worker safety in all patient interactions through specialized training..
- Provide personal care for patients, including taking vital signs, monitor I&O, administering routine respiratory treatments and completing patient need assessments.
- Assessed patients, documented and monitored vital signs, and communicated changes to supervising RNs.
- Monitored and recorded patient vital signs, including recording daily inputs and outputs.
- Provided patients and families with emotional support.
- Implemented and enforced policies and procedures.
- Provided hands-on nursing care to patients under direct RN supervision and in alignment with medical center's policies and procedures.
- Assisted patients with daily activities including bathing, grooming and exercising.
- Contributed to workflow optimization to achieve patient care objectives and organizational goals.
- Continuously advocated patient needs, rights and welfare.
- Answered patient call lights and requests.
- Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
- Observed and documented patient responses.
- Documented resident records on daily flow sheets.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to provide high-quality support to patients.
- Supported patient mobility needs and transported to appointments.
- Managed and maintained patients' rooms, shared living areas and nursing stations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social work
University of Mississippi
University, MS2017
Associate of Applied Science - Social work
Itawamba Community College
Fulton, MS2010
High School Diploma -
Amory High School
Amory, MS1998
Skills
- Directed team operations to achieve exceptional levels of reliability and dependability
- Enhanced team performance by serving as a committed contributor
- Resolved client issues efficiently through a strategic, solution-focused approach
- Executed project management for multiple initiatives, resulting in timely deliverables
- Orchestrated workflows to maximize efficiency and boost productivity
- Acquired basic cardiac life support (BCLS) certification to maintain high safety standards
- Cultivated effective communication strategies to align team and client expectations
- Leveraged strong listening abilities to comprehend and address client needs and feedback
- Pioneered effective planning to navigate project success and adhere to deadlines
- Exhibited leadership in steering team efforts towards goal attainment
Timeline
Social Services
Diversicare of Amory
03.2025 - Current
Trace Regional
Director of Social Services
08.2023 - 03.2025
Director of Social Services
Diversicare Of Tupelo
04.2022 - 08.2023
Behavior Interventionist
Canopy Children's Solutions
04.2020 - 01.2022
Director of Social Services
Vineyard Court Nursing Center
01.2020 - 03.2022
Social Services Director
Care Center Of Aberdeen
05.2019 - Current
Social Work Intern
Diversicare of Amory Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
05.2017 - 08.2017
Interventionist
Tupelo Public School District
01.2015 - 05.2016
Assistant Manager
Body Central Corp
06.2014 - 12.2014
Front End Supervisor
Ross Dress For Less
02.2012 - Current
Patient Care Associate
Millcreek of Pontotoc
01.2010 - 11.2011
Certified Nursing Assistant
Traceway Retirement Community
03.2007 - 12.2009
Bachelor of Science - Social work
University of Mississippi
Associate of Applied Science - Social work
Itawamba Community College
High School Diploma -
Amory High School