Alfreda Dodd
APO,AP
Summary
Dedicated human services professional with over 20 years of experience in case management, educational support, and program development. Highly skilled in client assessment, individualized planning, and providing guidance to diverse populations. Proficient in creating positive learning environments, fostering academic achievement, and supporting youth development. Excellent communicator, adept at motivating individuals, conducting assessments, and implementing educational and support plans.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Eligibility Specialist
State of Michigan - Department of Health and Human Services
01.2016 - 12.2020
- Assessed needs and coordinated resources for families and individuals to promote self-sufficiency.
- Built and maintained case files, enhancing administrative skills critical to managing student records and lesson materials
- Reviewed applications for different aid programs and determined which qualification criteria for individuals.
- Interviewed applicants and explained scope of different available benefits.
- Followed guidelines when reviewing applicant data to determine eligibility for economic assistance.
- Communicated with people from various cultures and backgrounds on application process.
Semi-Independent Living Specialist
Holy Cross Children's Services
08.2012 - 12.2015
- Guided youth in essential life skills, developing structured lesson plans for skills like budgeting and meal planning
- Conducted assessments and facilitated goal setting, fostering self-sufficiency and preparation for independence
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
Service Specialist / Foster Care Worker
State of Michigan - Department of Health and Human Services
09.2014 - 10.2015
- Conducted casework and developed individualized service plans, skills directly applicable to creating tailored lesson plans and educational materials
- Implemented behavior management techniques to support emotional and social development in children
- Engaged regularly with children, families, and community resources, enhancing adaptability and relationship-building in diverse educational environments
- Assisted families in developing problem-solving and coping skills by providing counseling and referring to appropriate community agencies.
- Conducted home, school and community visits to assigned clients to assess client's level of care and provide guidance towards meeting treatment goals.
- Provided on-going support to resource parents through coaching and crisis intervention techniques.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
Individualized Permanency Planning Specialist
Spaulding for Children
11.2011 - 08.2012
- Coordinated placement of children in foster homes and monitored progress.
- Developed individualized permanency plans to ensure children's long-term success.
- Assisted families in developing problem-solving and coping skills by providing counseling and referring to appropriate community agencies.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
Youth Specialist / School Liaison
Methodist Children's Home Society
04.2002 - 11.2011
- Organized and led educational workshops to build social, mental, and practical life skills.
- Acted as a liaison with school counselors to support student progress, demonstrating the ability to collaborate with school staff and community resources.
- Observed individual behaviors and suspect actions, and reported issues to supervisory staff.
- Maintained safety and security of youth under care.
- Completed necessary reports and documentation on time and to specifications.
Prevention Specialist
R.A.C.E.Y. 2nd Step Program
04.2008 - 05.2008
- Taught school-age children about bullying prevention, promoting social-emotional development and a safe learning environment
Teacher's Aide
21st Century After-School Program
09.2000 - 12.2000
- Supported teachers with classroom organization, management, and daily instructional planning, helping create an effective learning environment for students
Youth Specialist
Lakeside for Children
12.1999 - 12.2000
- Implemented behavior management techniques to support emotional and social development in at-risk youth
Resident Program Assistant
Clare Bridge Memory Care Facility
06.1999 - 12.1999
- Assisted seniors with Alzheimer's in daily routines, demonstrating compassion and attention to individual needs, relevant to providing personalized support in an educational setting
Education
Master of Science - Human Services, Specializing in Social & Community Services
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN09.2011
Bachelor's Degree - Family & Consumer Sciences
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI12.2007
Daycare Certification - undefined
School of Daycare, Ashworth College
Norcross, GA01.2006
Skills
- Intake assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Treatment planning and goal setting focused on strengths, needs and abilities
- Flexible
- Organized
- Documentation and paperwork
- Effective communication skills
- Proven ability to assess for safety and evaluate need for outside intervention
- Familiarity with, and strong connections to, community resources
- Team player
Training
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI)
- Child Welfare Training
- Forensic Fluids Testing
Additionalemployment
- Prevention Specialist, R.A.C.E.Y. 2nd Step Program, 04/01/08, 05/01/08, Taught school-age children about bullying prevention, promoting social-emotional development and a safe learning environment.
- Teacher's Aide, 21st Century After-School Program, 09/01/00, 12/01/00, Supported teachers with classroom organization, management, and daily instructional planning, helping create an effective learning environment for students.
- Resident Program Assistant, Clare Bridge Memory Care Facility, Portage, MI, 06/01/99, 12/01/99, Assisted seniors with Alzheimer's in daily routines, demonstrating compassion and attention to individual needs, relevant to providing personalized support in an educational setting.
Timeline
Eligibility Specialist
State of Michigan - Department of Health and Human Services
01.2016 - 12.2020
Service Specialist / Foster Care Worker
State of Michigan - Department of Health and Human Services
09.2014 - 10.2015
Semi-Independent Living Specialist
Holy Cross Children's Services
08.2012 - 12.2015
Individualized Permanency Planning Specialist
Spaulding for Children
11.2011 - 08.2012
Prevention Specialist
R.A.C.E.Y. 2nd Step Program
04.2008 - 05.2008
Youth Specialist / School Liaison
Methodist Children's Home Society
04.2002 - 11.2011
Teacher's Aide
21st Century After-School Program
09.2000 - 12.2000
Youth Specialist
Lakeside for Children
12.1999 - 12.2000
Resident Program Assistant
Clare Bridge Memory Care Facility
06.1999 - 12.1999
Bachelor's Degree - Family & Consumer Sciences
Western Michigan University
Daycare Certification - undefined
School of Daycare, Ashworth College
Master of Science - Human Services, Specializing in Social & Community Services
Capella University
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