Keith Lawson
Fort Wayne
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in career counseling and vocational assessment. Expertise in program development and client advocacy, committed to enhancing client outcomes through tailored rehabilitation plans and engaging workshop facilitation.
Overview
53
53
years of professional experience
Work History
English Language Learner Teaching Assistant
Fort Wayne Community Schools
Fort Wayne
05.2024 - 08.2025
- Assisted teachers in preparing instructional materials and classroom activities.
- Organized classroom supplies and maintained a clean learning environment.
- Collaborated with educators to develop engaging lesson plans and resources.
- Facilitated small group discussions to deepen student understanding of topics.
- Assisted teachers in generating materials, developing lesson plans, preparing classes, scheduling, distributing exams, and mentoring students.
- Supported special needs students one-on-one to improve learning outcomes.
- Helped students master learning concepts through one-on-one and small group tutoring.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet the varying needs of individual students.
- Utilized technology resources such as computers, tablets, projectors and interactive whiteboards.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Veteran Affairs/Northern Indiana Healthcare System
Fort Wayne
07.2014 - 01.2024
- Assessed client needs to develop personalized rehabilitation plans.
- Counseled veterans on career transitions, enhancing their confidence and job readiness.
- Facilitated workshops on job readiness and vocational skills development.
- Monitored client progress and tailored rehabilitation plans to meet evolving needs.
- Advocated for veterans' rights and access to employment resources.
- Maintained accurate documentation in compliance with federal regulations.
- Connected individuals with relevant community resources and coordinated referrals.
- Performed assessments to determine individual limitations and strengths.
- Helped individuals address disabilities and put together career plans.
- Recommended appropriate assistive technology solutions based on an individual's unique needs.
- Established partnerships with local businesses to create employment opportunities for clients.
- Developed Individual Plans for Employment with each client to identify short-term objectives that lead to long-term employment goals.
- Prepared patients for self-management and decision-making responsibilities.
Director of Career Services
Department of Agriculture - US Forest Service
Mammoth Cave
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Developed career programs for students and job seekers in natural resource fields.
- Partnered with employers to develop internship opportunities in conservation sectors, enhancing student access to practical experience.
- Coordinated job fairs connecting candidates with agencies focused on environmental careers.
- Collaborated with academic departments to develop career-related programming.
- Coordinated career fairs both on campus and at external locations.
- Created reports summarizing program activities and outcomes for senior leadership review, supporting data-driven decision-making.
- Managed a team of career advisors and counselors to ensure successful delivery of services.
- Established and revised policies and procedures based on operational analysis, ensuring compliance and optimizing service delivery.
- Recruited, hired and oriented departmental staff.
Center Director/Deputy Director
Department of Labor
Detroit
01.1978 - 01.2010
- Coordinated staff training programs to enhance employee skills and improve service delivery.
- Managed daily operations to ensure compliance with labor regulations and policies.
- Developed communication strategies to facilitate information sharing among team members.
- Conducted performance evaluations to support employee development and feedback processes.
- Oversaw program implementation, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and objectives.
- Identified areas of improvement within the organization by implementing new procedures or revising existing ones.
- Provided guidance, support and mentorship to new employees and conducted performance evaluations.
- Coordinated special events such as workshops, seminars or conferences at the center.
- Directed workforce development programs for diverse communities and job seekers.
- Collaborated with local businesses to identify workforce needs and training opportunities.
- Oversaw staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations for optimal service delivery.
- Implemented outreach strategies to engage underrepresented populations in employment services.
- Coordinated partnerships with educational institutions to promote skill development programs.
- Managed daily operations of the center including scheduling, customer service, safety protocols.
- Oversaw recruitment, hiring, training and supervision of staff members.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors providing goods and services needed by the organization.
- Monitored financial performance of the organization against established targets.
- Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
- Streamlined productivity initiatives by managing budgets, accounts, and scheduling to ensure efficient operations.
Military Police/Correctional Officer
US Army
Stuttgart
08.1972 - 08.1974
- Monitored inmate behavior, reported violations and identified potential security threats to enhance facility safety.
- Supervised inmate activities to maintain safety and order within correctional facilities.
- Enforced prison rules and regulations to ensure safety and order for inmates and staff.
- Responded effectively to emergency situations, coordinating with team members for resolution.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate interactions, incidents, and facility operations for reporting purposes.
- Prepared detailed reports on daily operations to support effective facility management and compliance.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and legal personnel during inmate processing and transport.
Education
Master of Arts - Guidance Counseling And Education
University of Scranton
Scranton, PA06-1985
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work/Community Development
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, PA12-1976
Some College (No Degree) - Organizational Leadership
Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College
Bowling Green, KYSkills
- Classroom guidance
- Academic support
- Academic advisement
- Career counseling
- Vocational assessment
- Program development
- Regulatory compliance
- Rehabilitation planning
Timeline
English Language Learner Teaching Assistant
Fort Wayne Community Schools
05.2024 - 08.2025
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Veteran Affairs/Northern Indiana Healthcare System
07.2014 - 01.2024
Director of Career Services
Department of Agriculture - US Forest Service
01.2010 - 01.2013
Center Director/Deputy Director
Department of Labor
01.1978 - 01.2010
Military Police/Correctional Officer
US Army
08.1972 - 08.1974
Master of Arts - Guidance Counseling And Education
University of Scranton
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work/Community Development
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Some College (No Degree) - Organizational Leadership
Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College