Alura Black

• 2023 Governor's Recognition Award
• All tasks listed under "Social Worker 2, Case Manager.

Additionally:

• Increase employee retention by encouraging a supportive work environment focused on open communication and collaboration among team members.
• Provide supervision and mentorship to new social workers, fostering professional growth and development within the department.
• Provide leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
• Lead by example, demonstrating commitment and professionalism that inspire team members to excel.

• Train a course entitled "Knowing Who You Are" developed by Casey Family Programs.
• Help new colleagues explore their own racial and ethnic identity, their assumptions and biases, and the influences affecting how they view themselves and others.
• Help new colleagues examine the realities of how race and ethnicity play out in our society, especially within institutions such as the child welfare, education, and health care systems.
• Help new colleagues develop skills for talking about race and ethnicity, addressing racism and discrimination, and beginning to integrate this new knowledge and skills into day-to-day practice.

• Elected and served one year term.
• Worked to Enhance the work environment for staff, boosting employee retention rates.
• Recruited new staff to increase accessibility and deliver uninterrupted services.
• Worked in a group setting utilizing critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
• Developed and utilized engagement surveys and employee feedback to improve the employee experience.

• Conducted research for various projects, leading to Trauma-Informed decisions and successful outcomes within the agency.
• Gained hands-on experience in various clinical settings.
• Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations.
• Utilized strong communication abilities during presentations which led to increased understanding among colleagues regarding Trauma-Informed Care within the agency.

• Completed comprehensive assessments of families and individuals to identify needs and develop case plans.
• Oversaw the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children placed in the custody of the State of Idaho.
• Developed strong relationships with community organizations in order to better serve client needs within their local area.
• Conducted regular home visits to monitor progress and provide ongoing support for families in need.
• Managed caseloads effectively while adhering to strict timelines set by federal and state regulations.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop coordinated care plans that addressed clients'' complex needs holistically.
• Improved client outcomes by developing comprehensive case plans and coordinating services with community partners.
• Empowered clients towards self-sufficiency through goal-setting, skill-building exercises, and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
• Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
• Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
• Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
• Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
• Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
• Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing behavioral health emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
• Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
• Advocated for clients in legal settings, ensuring their rights were protected and voices heard.
• Participated in court proceedings by providing written reports, advocating for the best interests of the involved children and families.
• Supported permanency planning efforts by assisting with reunification processes or adoption proceedings when appropriate.

• Identify foster placements for children after being sheltered
• Request medical records from community partners
• Assist Case Managers with identifying community partners
• Assist Case Managers with coordinating parent/child visits
• Complete necessary case paperwork.

• Job shadowed Case Managers and Safety Assessors.
• Connected educational material to shadowing experience.
• Assisted with accessing and referring families for services.
• Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
• Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.

• Facilitating daily activities
• Assisting client to the restroom
• Redirecting disruptive or destructive behaviors
• Actively listening to clients.