Adele Connolly Email & Phone Number

After 39 years of State service I am now a relaxed retiree. I may be looking for consultant work at some point in the future.

Hagerstown

Provide management and oversight for Maryland High School/High Tech Program, an enrichment program to encourage high school students with disabilities to enter high tech careers. Provide management and coordination for Baltimore City Literacy and Disability Project, a grant-funded program to increase literacy skills and employability of disabled adults in Baltimore City. I also provide technical assistance and support to DORS field staff in using AWARE (electronic case management system) and other electronic applications, and am proficient in developing AWARE AdHoc reports through the use of Microsoft Access, have assisted in detecting and correcting system errors, and in compiling and analyzing numerous AWARE AdHoc summary reports and end-of-year statistical reports. I also identify training needs of field staff, and liaison with Staff Development Office to facilitate training for field staff.

Provided management, leadership, and supervision of 6 rehabilitation specialists, 2 of which worked with the deaf and hard-of-hearing populations; 1 counselor for the blind and visually impaired; and 3 with general caseloads. In this capacity, I also facilitated training for my staff, monitored casework and caseload expenditures, participated on various Agency committees, and completed performance appraisals on a total staff of 12 individuals. In addition, I provided back-up to the Regional Director in his absence. In January 2005, my unit was restructured and I supervised 5 counselors providing rehabilitation services for transitioning youth, in addition to the 2 counselors for deaf and hard of hearing services.

Managed a caseload of 150-200 people with a variety of physical, mental, emotional, and educational disabilities, and provided vocational and independent living rehabilitation services to those individuals in a timely manner. These services included counseling, analysis of diagnostic information, establishment of eligibility or ineligibility for services, creation/preparation and implementation of rehabilitation plans, coordination of rehabilitation services, determination of financial accountability, and job placement assistance. While in Catonsville; , I worked with transitioning youth from 2 public high schools and one residential treatment school. Also served on various committees and gave presentations to various civic organizations, community groups, and service providers to promote a positive image of the Agency to the public.

Observed and assessed disabled individuals' adjustment to group living and to getting along with others; counseled those individuals on problems in adjusting to disability, being away from home, independent living skills, and in crisis situations.

M.A, Rehabilitation Counseling

B.A, Psychology