Ashley Benjamin

The Residential Support Specialist is an administrative and clinical supervisor for the childrens residential program and is responsible to assist the Program Manager and Assistant Program Manager in the day-to-day clinical and administrative operations of the home. The Residential Support Specialist will participate as a member of an interdisciplinary team in coordinating and providing services for individuals with acquired brain injuries, autism and other significant neurological disorders. Ensures residential teacher staffing meets regulatory requirements and oversees physical plant issues of the home. May supervise up to twenty staff.
Populations served are sometimes intensely physically challenging. The position requires that staff be aware that students who are served may exhibit aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior. Students served may have had multiple treatment failures prior to this placement. Residential Support Specialist is expected to implement and train highly technical clinical and teaching programs based on the principals of Applied Behavior Analysis. This requires the Residential Support Specialist to be constantly alert and ready to respond to student and staff needs according to effective behavior analytic interventions.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
Communicating with Supervisors and co-workers - Providing information to supervisors and co-workers, by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, set up functions, and enter data, or process information accurately.
Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files, processing paperwork, communicating, and coordinating functions, calendars and department activities.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work.

Under the direction of senior personnel, performs production operations including fermentation or cell culture operations, preparation of media and buffer solutions, chromatographic separation, filtration and concentration operation, etc as well as being involved in both start-up and product changeover activities.
Key Responsibilities: Completing daily manufacturing tasks per standard operating procedures and batch document instructions. Monitors critical process parameters. Documenting all manufacturing activities clearly and accurately. Assist in the training of less experienced team members. Actively participates in effective troubleshooting of equipment and processing problems. Ensures all processing equipment and materials necessary are adequate and available to set the team up for success. Maintains a high level of mechanical and technical aptitude and training. During technical transfer and the start up activities, provide input on design and operation of equipment. Ensures all production activities are completed in a safe and compliant manor.

NASA funded project- Supporting role was to research scientific literature, receive packages, order substances. I was responsible for handling hazardous material, using the Rotovap and purifying solids by re-crystallization. I was able to create buffer solutions that I felt were suitable for the positive progression of the assignment. The focus was primarily on organic polymer plastic synthesis in hopes of creating an adhesive that would sustain extreme pressure and temperatures for space shuttles.

Job Title: Emergency Department Volunteer Purpose: I assisted the staff with services to patients/visitors with the goal of minimizing anxiety by creating an atmosphere that is as relaxing as possible. Also,I was asked to provide emotional support to patients in treatment rooms, assist staff running errands related to patient care, and in escorting visitors to rooms and patients as they leave the department. Location: 5501 Old York Rd,Philadelphia PA 19141 Essential Duties:•Foster a sensitive and caring atmosphere for the patients and their visitors. •Be able to recognize and appropriately respond to any non-medical needs of the patient or significant others(ex: blankets/pillows, food and drink when approved by nurse •Support families by assisting their communication with other family members/external contacts in a calm, sensitive, and effective manner •Recognize unusual anger/fear of patients and significant others and refer issues to appropriate staff •Making room visits •Prep and restock exam rooms with supplies and linens •Assisting patients in the waiting room and in treatment rooms •Assist in transporting patients from Emergency Department to ancillary services upon discharge – Pharmacy, public phones, etc •Assist in additional duties assigned by the charge nurse •Seek out staff members if a visitor should have questions regarding treatment of a patient •Demonstrate knowledge and maintain respect for patients right to privacy by following the HIPAA Privacy and Security policies and procedures •Role model behaviors that value diversity of our patients, volunteers, associates, and customers and supports creating an environment that is inclusive, welcoming and respectful •Communicates with patients, families and customers •Works in a safe manner and promptly reports any hazards identified in the work environment or related to assigned responsibilities •Maintain proper uniform including wearing marked volunteer jacket •Train new volunteer in the emergency department Length of appointment: 4 months Time Commitment: One four hour day a week.