Amanda Wilson
Pekin,IL
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child Welfare Specialist
The Children's Home Association Of Illinois
11.2023 - Current
- Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
- Facilitated successful adoption placements by completing detailed assessments and matching children with appropriate adoptive families.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively while adhering to strict timelines as mandated by federal regulations or state policies.
- Reduced risk factors for child abuse and neglect by providing timely interventions and supportive services to at-risk families.
- Ensured child safety through regular home visits, careful documentation, and ongoing communication with involved parties.
- Mentored new Child Welfare Specialists through sharing knowledge and experience gained from years of practice, fostering a supportive team environment.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed for clients experiencing urgent challenges related to child protection concerns or family dynamics issues.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.
- Promoted positive youth development by implementing evidence-based programs targeting behavioral issues, mental health concerns, or educational needs.
- Assisted in the placement of children into safe, nurturing foster homes by conducting comprehensive home studies.
Director of Programming
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria
08.2022 - 11.2023
- Developed and implemented programming strategies to meet organizational objectives.
- Directed the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of all program activities.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure successful execution of programs.
- Recruited and managed a team of program staff members.
- Managed the scheduling of internal and external resources necessary for program success.
- Provided oversight on all marketing efforts related to programming initiatives.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Tracked progress against established goals and benchmarks for each program.
- Analyzed data from past programs in order to identify areas for improvement.
- Resolved any issues that arose during the course of programming initiatives.
- Created and implemented new programming ideas to keep station relevant and growing.
- Administered budgets and monitored expenditures to keep program operations aligned with budget targets.
- Logged program activities and maintained official station records for internal use and government review.
- Demonstrated teamwork and reliability, showing up on time with a positive attitude, ready to work each day.
- Empathetically listened to others, encouraging open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
- Experienced in delivering impactful presentations at conferences, seminars, and corporate events. Highly skilled in crafting and delivering compelling speeches that leave a lasting impression.
Residential Coordinator
The Children’s Home Assocation Of Illinois
02.2014 - 08.2022
- Provided support to residents in crisis situations, advocating for their needs.
- Organized and facilitated recreational and educational activities for residents.
- Maintained accurate records of resident information, including assessments, progress notes, and incident reports.
- Monitored safety protocols within the residential facility to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Developed individual service plans for each resident based on their unique needs and goals.
- Created a positive environment through active listening skills and respect for all individuals.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate services such as medical care, education, and vocational training programs.
- Facilitated group meetings with residents to discuss concerns or provide feedback on policies and procedures.
- Assisted in resolving conflicts between residents by providing constructive guidance and support.
- Served as a role model for appropriate behavior and attitude by modeling respectful communication techniques.
- Ensured that all paperwork was completed accurately according to established guidelines.
- Participated in staff meetings to review current policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Encouraged independent living skills among residents through instruction in meal preparation, budgeting, laundry management.
- Responded promptly to any emergency situations that arose within the facility.
- Worked closely with families of residents to ensure they were informed about their loved one's progress.
- Implemented behavioral intervention strategies when necessary while maintaining a therapeutic approach.
- Maintained confidentiality of client information at all times according to HIPAA regulations.
- Maintained dignity and confidentiality of clients, conducted personal assessments and intakes for potential clients and administered emergency procedures and safety management.
- Launched recreation and leisure programs and customized events for residents, helping people maintain contact with families, friends and other support structures.
- Hired, trained and supervised 15-member team of residential counselors and support staff, managed medical cases and protocols and supervised medication administration.
- Worked closely with case managers to support and reinforce client's service plan, maintained ongoing communication on client progress and accompanied clients to key appointments.
- Dedicated and experienced trainer with a proven track record of facilitating diverse training programs over the span of 8 years
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, offering feedback and opportunities for professional development in their respective roles.
Activity Specialist for Residential
The Children's Home Assocation Of Illinois
08.2012 - 02.2014
- Assisted in the development of activity plans and programs to meet the needs of residents.
- Conducted daily activities with residents, such as arts and crafts projects, music therapy, and outdoor recreational activities.
- Organized group outings and field trips for residents to promote socialization skills.
- Provided emotional support to residents during challenging times.
- Encouraged participation in all activities by providing positive reinforcement and encouragement to residents.
- Maintained records on resident participation in activities and documented progress towards goals.
- Developed individualized activity plans based on assessments of each resident's physical, mental, and emotional abilities.
- Assisted with special events such as birthday celebrations, holiday parties.
Caseworker
The Children’s Home Assocation Of Illinois
07.2011 - 08.2012
- Provided casework services to clients, including conducting initial assessments and developing individualized case plans.
- Conducted home visits to assess client needs, evaluate progress toward goals, and document service delivery.
- Assisted clients with job searches, budgeting, parenting skills, housing resources and other social services as needed.
- Maintained accurate records of client information in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Assessed needs of each client and recommended appropriate services and resources.
- Monitored case progress for timely completion and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Established trusting relationships with clients, fostering open communication and rapport building.
- Prepared detailed reports for court proceedings that accurately reflected clients'' progress and recommended next steps.
- Maintained high level of client confidentiality, following strict guidelines, and recommendations.
- Facilitated client access to community resources, promoting self-sufficiency and independence.
- Advocated for client rights and represented client interests at administrative hearings.
- Managed high-risk cases involving substance abuse or domestic violence concerns with specialized interventions tailored to each situation.
- Provided crisis intervention services, ensuring the safety and stability of clients during challenging situations.
Residential Counselor
The Children’s Home Assocation Of Illinois
08.2006 - 06.2011
- Developed therapeutic relationships by providing emotional support and positive reinforcement to clients.
- Created a safe environment that promotes self-expression, respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, empathy, and acceptance among residents.
- Implemented behavioral interventions designed to modify or reduce problematic behaviors.
- Provided guidance and support to clients in need of assistance with daily living skills.
- Facilitated group meetings, activities, and workshops for clients to help them develop social and interpersonal skills.
- Monitored client progress, documented observations, and reported changes in behavior to supervisors.
- Assisted with crisis intervention services when needed.
Education
Master of Arts Degree - Non-Profit Leadership
Bradley University
12.2025
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Exercise Science
Central College
05.2006
Skills
- Software Skills: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point, Internet
- Office Equipment Skills: Multi-line phone, Fax Machine, Copy Machine
- Resource Allocation
- Budget Administration
- Partnership Development
- Program Scheduling
- Strategic Leadership
- Dependability and Cooperation
Certification
First Aid and CPR Certified, 2002-present
Timeline
Child Welfare Specialist
The Children's Home Association Of Illinois
11.2023 - Current
Director of Programming
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria
08.2022 - 11.2023
Residential Coordinator
The Children’s Home Assocation Of Illinois
02.2014 - 08.2022
Activity Specialist for Residential
The Children's Home Assocation Of Illinois
08.2012 - 02.2014
Caseworker
The Children’s Home Assocation Of Illinois
07.2011 - 08.2012
Residential Counselor
The Children’s Home Assocation Of Illinois
08.2006 - 06.2011
Master of Arts Degree - Non-Profit Leadership
Bradley University
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Exercise Science
Central College
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