Alicia Lua
Summary
Dynamic Children Social Worker with a proven track record at the Department of Children & Family Services, excelling in client advocacy and relationship building. Enhanced family outcomes through tailored interventions and effective crisis management. Skilled in training and mentoring, fostering professional growth while maintaining a commitment to excellence in service delivery.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Children Social Worker
Department of Children & Family Services- Regional Office
5100 Goldleaf Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90056
04.2011 - Current
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Improved client outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices and tailoring interventions to individual needs.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
- Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
- Developed and implemented strategies to reduce and prevent family conflict.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Evaluated MSW Interns progress through regular assessments and provided constructive feedback, leading to higher levels of achievement.
- Provided expert guidance on complex cases, mentoring social workers in best practices, ethical decision-making, and case management techniques.
- Established clear expectations for student behavior and performance, maintaining a positive learning environment conducive to academic success.
- Enhanced team productivity through regular supervision, training, and support for fellow social workers.
- Promoted a positive work environment by modeling professional behavior and encouraging open communication among team members.
- Maintained detailed records of MSW Interns progress, ensuring timely identification of areas requiring additional support or intervention.
- Actively participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skill sets as a Field Practicum.
- Enhanced field learning experiences by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world scenarios into lesson plans.
- Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.
- Trained and mentored new personnel hired.
- Evaluated and assessed MSW intern progress through performance reviews, ensuring continuous improvement throughout the program duration.
- Served as a liaison between MSW interns, supervisors, clients, and services providers to facilitate open communication channels throughout the internship experience.
- Reinforced employability skills and helped intern understand and interpret work culture.
- Provided ongoing mentorship and support to MSW interns and new hired, fostering professional development and confidence in their abilities.
- Conducted thorough interviews of potential MSW Intern candidates, selecting only those who demonstrated exceptional aptitude and motivation for success in the internship program.
Human Services Aide
Department of Children and Family Services
2325 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501
02.2011 - 04.2011
- Assisted clients in obtaining necessary referrals for health care, housing, employment, and other support services.
- Monitored and documented court ordered visitations between child and parent.
- Assisted in coordinating sibling visits with monitoring and coordinating locations.
- Transported children and/or adult clients to medical counseling, psychological appointments, court, school, foster care, or to other locations as part of the assessment plan.
- Developed trusting relationships with clients while maintaining professional boundaries by demonstrating empathy and understanding throughout interactions.
- Acted as mandatory reporter of abuse.
- Provided support to social workers.
- Enhanced community resources accessibility for clients by establishing strong partnerships with local agencies and organizations.
- Educated clients about available resources within the community to help address their unique needs or concerns.
- Worked collaboratively with DCFS staff, County agencies, and Community Partners
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Activity Coordinator
Social Vocational Services
11849 Firestone Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650
09.2008 - 02.2011
- Developed customized activity plans for diverse groups, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all participants.
- Maintained and ordered supplies for activities.
- Coordinated special events like holiday parties or themed days that fostered a sense of community among participants.
- Maintained open lines of communication between staff members to ensure seamless coordination of all aspects of the programming process.
- Enhanced participant engagement by incorporating interactive games and team-building exercises in activity programs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive and meaningful programs tailored to individual needs.
- Optimized use of available spaces by carefully considering capacity limits and redesigning layouts as needed for various activities.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA05-2021
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Relationship building
- Task prioritization
- Client advocacy
- Conflict resolution
- Goal setting
- Professionalism
- Time management abilities
- Written communication
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Staff management
- Training and mentoring
- Employee motivation
- Complex Problem-solving
- Strategic planning
- Analytical thinking
- Data analysis
- Team leadership
- Computer skills
- Employee coaching and mentoring
- Active listening
- Interpersonal skills
- Cultural competence
Languages
English
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Children Social Worker
Department of Children & Family Services- Regional Office
04.2011 - Current
Human Services Aide
Department of Children and Family Services
02.2011 - 04.2011
Activity Coordinator
Social Vocational Services
09.2008 - 02.2011
Master of Arts - Social Work
California State University, Long Beach