Palak Dadwal

Strong communications skills, verbal and written, including public speaking, conferences and group facilitations. 8 ½ years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities. Strong organizational skills, flexibility and problem-solving abilities. Excellent experience in utilizing crisis intervention strategies to diffuse potential behaviour escalations.

Proven leadership skills and able to implement conflict resolution strategies. Profound knowledge of person-centered planning and trauma informed care. Able to maintain strict confidentiality.

Team Leader - Vecova - Calgary, Alberta

(2024-03 - 2025-03)

• Supervised a team by providing strong leadership and guidance.
• Hired and trained new employees to ensure they are equipped to work effectively in their roles.
• Served as a liaison between relief team, Team Leaders and permanent staff members to ensure all staff absences are filled and adequate staffing is maintained.
• Conducted performance reviews and supervision meetings with frontline staff members.
• Maintained accurate documentation and reporting of incidents.
• Responded to emergencies and crisis, ensuring the safety and security of clients and staff.
• Facilitated team meetings and fostered an inclusive environment to ensure all team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives.
• Addressed any conflicts or disagreements within the team very constructively and professionally.
• Maintained a supportive and positive environment that fostered teamwork and collaboration.

Relief Midnight Crisis Line Worker - Distress Centre - Calgary, Alberta

(2024-02 - 2024-12)

• Answered incoming calls on crisis and partner lines.
• Provided compassionate, empathetic and non-judgemental support to service users.
• Followed established frameworks to assess suicide risk and other safety concerns.
• Developed safety plans in collaboration with the caller to ensure safety.
• Communicated effectively with the Contact Centre Cordinator to deescalate high-risk situations.
• Attended scheduled training sessions and team meetings to stay updated on best practices.
• Provided coaching and guidance to new responders.

Service Coordinator - YWCA Edmonton - Edmonton, Canada

(2021-03 - 2023-06)

• Prepared individualized budget proposals.
• Worked collaboratively with families, funder representatives, and other community agencies to assess the needs of each individual.
• Conducted intake procedures for the individuals and their families.
• Conducted recruitment and hiring processes for support staff.
• Ensured adequate level of staffing are maintained.
• Supervised direct support staff working with each individual.
• Coordinated staff's schedules in accordance with individuals' contractual hours.
• Reviewed and authorized bi-weekly payroll submissions.
• Attended all regular department meetings.
• Provided case management to the individuals and families by ensuring that all files are up-to-date inclusive of all written documentation.
• Provided conflict resolution to support staff and/ or families.
• Conducted individualized service planning meetings with individuals, families, support staff and funding bodies.

Manager/Team Leader - Mirka Care Services - Edmonton, Canada

(2018-06 - 2021-02)

• Efficiently managed group homes for residents with developmental disabilities and behavioural challenges.
• Successfully developed and implemented person-centered support plans for people-in-care.
• Strategically allocated and administered budget to optimize use of resources and control costs as well as assisted residents with personal finances.
• Responded 24/7 to emergencies and guidance.
• Instituted systems at the facility to oversee residents' nutritional needs and special diets and the storage and disposal of medications.
• Recruited, trained, scheduled and evaluated staff in accordance with approved human resources policies.
• Ensured that the team is working according the standards for the health and safety.
• Participated in the development of identification and definition of the person-in care's personal goals.
• Encouraged clients to exercise their individual rights and responsibilities in making positive choices.
• Supported and at times lead the practical complex behaviour management and risk assessments of person-in-care.
• Completed motivational and functional assessments of person-in-care.
• Observed and recognized behavioural changes in clients.
• Properly maintained clear and objective records as well as prepared any required reports and documentations such as timesheets /pay administration, employee WCB reports, monthly/weekly reports, quality of service review and critical incident reports.
• Developed and implemented crisis intervention strategies

Community Specialist - Alberta Adaptabilities Association - Edmonton, Canada

(2017-09 - 2018-06)

• Planned and implemented programs to support clients to connect with the community.
• Provided direct and purposeful support in an engaging, fun and safe environment.
• Suggested and implemented behavioural management strategies.
• Worked with children and families to strengthen parent/child relationships.
• Facilitated fully engaging activities and coaching with clients.
• Maintained the overall cleanliness and organization of the facility.
• Empowered clients to create meaningful days and achieve their daily goals.
• Administered medications, prepared and maintained reports and other documentation as required, participated in the daily debrief meetings with the supervisor and coworkers.
• Developed and facilitated genuine relationships with clients and their families.
• Implemented crisis intervention strategies.
• Arranged for referrals to other agencies and programs where appropriate.

Community Support Worker - SKILLS Society - Edmonton, Canada

(2014-10 - 2017-08)

• Implemented person-centered plans based on the needs of the individuals
• Administered medications, prepared healthy meals for clients, provided personal care to clients, took clients to Doctor's appointments, day programs and other outings.
• Assisted individuals with behaviour challenges by implementing restrictive procedures and other behaviour management program plans
• Maintained client's files with consultation notes, medical assessments and person-centered plan goals
• Attended staff meetings and training programs as directed by the management.
• Provided supportive counselling to the individuals
• Implemented conflict resolution skills
• Maintained the overall cleanliness and organization of the facility.
• Build positive relationships with clients and community members.
• Upheld client safety standards in all tasks and activities.

Behaviour Interventionist - Center for autism services Alberta - Edmonton, Canada

(2014-09 - 2016-08)

• Worked one-to-one with children diagnosed with ASD (age 2 years - 7 years) in their home and classroom settings.
• Collaborated with a team of clinicians: Psychologist, Speech language pathologist and Occupational therapist to develop and implemented service plan based upon family goals.
• Implemented behaviour therapy intervention using a parent teaching model with a play-based focus.
• Provided learning opportunities by demonstrating and modelling activities that support children's brain development and functioning.
• Provided consultation services to families and their children.
• Modeled approved strategies for caregivers and family members to generalize learning and support positive child development.
• Maintained communication log notes, data sheets, ABC behaviour management sheets, completed progress reports and other required documents.
• Connected families with community resources.
• Conducted weekly home visits based upon family needs and attended client meetings.

Diploma - Crisis And Trauma Counselling - Vancouver College of Counsellor Training

Diploma - Professional Counselling (Specialization in Addictions Counselling) - Vancouver College of Counsellor Training

Certificate - Grief and Loss Counselling - Vancouver College of Counsellor Training

Certificate - Breathwork and Meditation Facilitation - Vancouver College of Counsellor Training

Certificate - Neuro-Linguistic Programing (Mindset Reframing Coaching) - Vancouver College of Counsellor Training