Jaclyn Guernsey

Licensed long-term care administrator and trained gerontologist with specialized expertise in Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and cognitive decline. Experienced in leading social services operations within assisted living and residential care settings, including resident assessments, care planning, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary team coordination. Proven ability to manage crises—such as natural disasters—while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and continuity of care.

Strong background in facility evaluation using state survey standards and acuity-based staffing models. Skilled in negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution, with extensive experience serving diverse and vulnerable populations, including older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Shelter Manager and Shelter Liaison for National Headquarters - American Red Cross - Portland, U.S.A.

• Provided leadership, structure, and security within high-stress emergency shelter environments while ensuring the safety of staff, clients, volunteers, and community members.
• Supervised and scheduled a team of 10 staff members and community volunteers while promoting staff wellness and operational efficiency.
• Collaborated closely with American Red Cross staff, government agencies, Life Safety and Asset Protection, nursing services, and mental health teams to coordinate shelter operations and client care.
• Applied conflict resolution, mediation, facilitation, and restorative justice principles to de-escalate crises and maintain a trauma-informed, restorative environment.
• Enforced shelter policies and safety procedures, including a two-tier no-tolerance policy addressing violence, fraud, substance abuse, harassment, and disruptive behavior.
• Built strong community partnerships to secure essential resources and services, including transportation, clothing, vaccinations, and emergency assistance for clients.
• Facilitated meetings with staff, government officials, community stakeholders, and clients to improve communication and operational outcomes.
• Developed and implemented assessment tools, including a comprehensive 35-question survey used to evaluate shelter and client needs, while maintaining accurate records, managing public relations, and collecting critical data in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Demonstrated exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills while working respectfully and effectively with highly diverse populations and creating innovative, flexible solutions to complex operational challenges.

Community Service Aide for the Portland Citizens Disability Advisory Committee - City of Portland - Portland, U.S.A.

• Facilitated access for community members to local resources and services, enhancing their ability to navigate available support.
• Coordinated community events to foster engagement and increase participation among diverse residents.
• Partnered with local organizations to address community needs, strengthening collaboration and resource sharing.
• Directed committee operations and management to enhance effectiveness.
• Resolved issues and facilitated productive meetings with committee members and community organizations.
• Maintained and updated the comprehensive community database for the disability program.
• Collaborated with committee members to achieve compliance with ADA regulations at the municipal level.
• Championed advocacy efforts for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
• Conducted in-depth research on best practices to inform program strategies.
• Leveraged various computer programs to streamline operations.
• Ensured accurate record-keeping of all committee activities.
• Collected and analyzed relevant data to support decision-making processes.
• Fostered clear communication between committee members and community organizations.
• Demonstrated composure and organization in challenging situations.
• Revitalized the committee's webpage to enhance community engagement.
• Planned and executed impactful community events for the committee.
• Developed and coordinated collaborative services with community partners for individuals with disabilities.
• Participated actively in all committee and sub-committee meetings to drive initiatives.
• Engaged respectfully with a diverse population to promote inclusivity.
• Innovatively addressed complex problems to deliver effective solutions.

Director of Social Services - West Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center - Portland, U.S.A.

• Directed operations of the social services department while overseeing a full caseload.
• Led efforts in providing counseling and referrals to critical services.
• Engaged with fellow managers and staff on patient concerns and team dynamics.
• Orchestrated family care meetings to support client needs.
• Executed intake processes for new patients and ensured meticulous record-keeping for regulatory compliance.
• Initiated follow-up with patients to guarantee their ongoing requirements were met.
• Gathered and maintained accurate, consistent data for reporting.
• Resolved conflicts promptly to maintain team cohesion.
• Promoted a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Applied exceptional communication skills when interacting with patients and their families.
• Remained composed and detail-oriented in high-pressure situations.
• Oversaw assistant's responsibilities to enhance department productivity.
• Achieved a citation-free outcome in the ODHS survey, demonstrating compliance excellence.
• Recognized as a gerontologist with advanced knowledge in dementia and cognitive decline.
• Experienced in administering MMSE assessments and informed on relevant state and federal regulations.

Special Projects Coordinator for Portland State University (PSU) Volunteers and Students and Deferred Sentencing Victim Specialist - Washington County Community Corrections - Hillsboro, U.S.A.

• Facilitated effective communication between stakeholders and project teams, ensuring alignment on project goals and timelines.
• Organized training sessions for staff on new operational procedures, enhancing operational effectiveness and team readiness.
• Cultivated strong relationships with volunteers, supervisors, and community partners to foster collaboration.
• Orchestrated community outreach initiatives to heighten awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Ensured meticulous tracking of volunteer and community activities to support program effectiveness.
• Conducted thorough assessments of client needs and orchestrated service delivery with community partners.
• Designed comprehensive case plans with clients while advocating for their rights and needs.
• Provided expert social services related to domestic violence, promoting client welfare.
• Accompanied clients through court processes, aiding in the acquisition of restraining orders.
• Crafted tailored safety plans to enhance client security.
• Managed a moderate caseload while delivering impactful counseling services.

Master of Arts - Gerontology - University of Southern California (USC) (2025-12)

Bachelor of Science - Sociology - Portland State University (PSU) (2001-06)

Associate of Science - Sociology - Portland Community College (PCC) (1999-06)

Master of Science - Conflict Resolution - Portland State University (PSU)