Deshanae Sanders

Workforce development professional with 6+ years of experience supporting individuals through employment services, career development, community-based programming, advocacy, and individualized coaching. Experienced in building employer and community partnerships, facilitating employment readiness activities, coaching participants through job searches and interviews, coordinating employment opportunities, and providing ongoing support to promote successful employment outcomes. Brings a trauma-informed, participant-centered approach grounded in empathy, accountability, relationship building, and a strong belief in individuals' capacity for growth.

Skilled at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, maintaining accurate documentation, coordinating services, and engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds and with complex barriers to employment.

Job Developer at VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA – GREATER NEW YORK (2025-10 – Present)

• Provide individualized employment services to individuals with disabilities and significant barriers to employment, including individuals impacted by mental, physical, and cognitive disabilities and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
• Support participants in identifying employment opportunities aligned with their abilities, strengths, interests, accommodations, and career goals.
• Provide individualized coaching throughout the employment process, including resume development, job-search strategies, interview preparation, mock interviews, and constructive feedback.
• Help participants identify and navigate barriers that may affect their ability to obtain and maintain competitive employment.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers, workforce partners, training providers, and community organizations to expand inclusive employment opportunities.
• Facilitate connections between participants and employers and coordinate interviews and employment opportunities.
• Advocate for participants by helping identify appropriate employment environments and supporting their ability to communicate their strengths and employment needs.
• Conduct employer and community outreach to develop employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
• Coordinate employment fairs, hiring events, orientations, and workforce-development activities.
• Maintain an organized portfolio of employers and training providers supporting competitive and integrated employment outcomes.
• Provide ongoing follow-up and employment-retention support to help participants sustain employment.
• Collaborate with program staff and community partners to identify resources and address barriers affecting participants' employment goals.
• Maintain accurate participant and employer documentation while meeting established employment and training program outcomes.

Job Developer at CATHOLIC CHARITIES COMMUNITY SERVICES (2024-07 – 2025-10)

• Developed targeted recruitment and employment strategies informed by participant needs, demographics, and labor-market trends.
• Built and maintained community partnerships to strengthen participant support and expand employment opportunities.
• Coached clients in resume development, interviewing, job-search strategies, and professional communication.
• Supported participants in identifying career opportunities aligned with their strengths and employment goals.
• Collaborated with community partners and employers to improve employment placement opportunities.
• Provided individualized guidance and encouragement throughout the job-search and placement process.

Employment Specialist at STOP THE VIOLENCE (2023-04 – 2024-08)

• Provided culturally responsive employment and vocational services to individuals whose lives were significantly impacted by community and gun violence and who faced substantial barriers to education, employment, and long-term career stability.
• Supported individuals navigating the effects of violence, neighborhood instability, and other personal and social barriers while helping them identify pathways toward employment and greater self-sufficiency.
• Delivered individualized job-readiness and workforce-development services, including resume preparation, job applications, interview preparation, workplace communication, and follow-up skills.
• Built trusting relationships with participants from communities heavily impacted by violence, using a supportive, nonjudgmental, and strengths-based approach to encourage engagement and employment readiness.
• Developed and maintained relationships with employers and community businesses to create employment pipelines and expand opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
• Secured memorandums of understanding with businesses to strengthen employment opportunities and create pathways into competitive employment.
• Facilitated employment matches based on participants' strengths, interests, readiness, and career goals.
• Provided coaching and encouragement to help participants develop professionalism, communication, accountability, and other skills necessary to successfully enter and maintain employment.
• Collaborated with community partners and program staff to identify resources and address barriers affecting participants' ability to pursue employment.

Peer Specialist at CHOICE OF NY (2020-10 – 2023-02)

• Provided individualized coaching, support, and assistance with daily living activities to individuals experiencing significant barriers.
• Connected clients with community resources, social-support systems, and employment services.
• Collaborated with treatment teams to develop and implement individualized recovery plans.
• Advocated for clients' needs, rights, and access to appropriate services.
• Built trusting relationships through consistent, respectful, person-centered engagement.
• Supported individuals in identifying strengths, goals, and practical steps toward greater independence.

Teacher's Aide / Youth Advocate at CHILDREN'S HOME OF WYOMING (2018-03 – 2020-10)

• Supported youth in a structured, trauma-informed environment focused on safety, development, and positive outcomes.
• Assisted with individualized treatment and education plans based on participant needs and goals.
• Helped maintain safe and supportive environments while reinforcing appropriate behaviors and expectations.
• Collaborated with staff to support educational, behavioral, and developmental goals.
• Built positive relationships with youth while providing consistent encouragement, structure, and advocacy.

Patient Service Representative at LOURDES UPPER FRONT STREET (2017-02 – 2018-04)

• Managed registration, documentation, insurance verification, and patient information with strong attention to accuracy and confidentiality.
• Communicated policies and procedures clearly to patients and coordinated telephone communication between patients and providers.
• Maintained organized records and demonstrated strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

Bachelor of Arts in Human Services – MONROE COLLEGE (2027-06)