Andra Vaden
Jonesboro,GA
Summary
Accomplished Family Service Advocate with a proven track record at Easter Seals, enhancing cultural competency and strengthening family relationships. Expert in behavioral management and effective communication, demonstrated through impactful workshops and advocacy. Achieved significant improvements in program effectiveness and family support, leveraging skills in community resource navigation and case follow-up.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Family Service Advocate
Easter Seals
10.2021 - Current
- Advanced cultural competency within the organization by offering training opportunities on diversity issues related to race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status among others.
- Strengthened family relationships through facilitating communication and conflict resolution skills workshops.
- Maximized program effectiveness through regular evaluation, data analysis, and continuous quality improvement efforts.
- Provided targeted assistance to families facing eviction or homelessness by connecting them with legal resources, housing assistance programs, or emergency financial aid.
Head Start Family Advocate
East Central Illinois Community Action Agency
02.2012 - 06.2021
- Managed a caseload of Head Start families efficiently and effectively, ensuring timely completion of required tasks and thorough follow-up on identified areas for support.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized family partnership agreements, ensuring targeted support for each family.
- Promoted health and wellness among Head Start families by coordinating access to medical, dental, mental health services, and nutrition education programs.
- Advocated for the needs of children and families within the Head Start program by participating in policy discussions at local and regional levels.
- Monitored child attendance records closely, addressing concerns about absenteeism through direct communication with parents.
- Coordinated volunteer opportunities for parents within the classroom setting, enhancing their connection to their child''s educational experience.
- Developed strong partnerships with local organizations that offer supportive services to low-income families, increasing resource availability for Head Start participants.
Mental Health Technician
The Pavilion Behavioral Health System
03.2012 - 07.2017
- Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
- Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) and facility transfers to promote security and patient well-being.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to create safe and supportive environment.
Preschool Lead Teacher
East Central Illinois Community Action Agency
01.2000 - 05.2012
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
- Completed documentation on individual children and teachers for recordkeeping.
- Planned and prepared activities for [age] students.
- Built strong relationships with parents, providing regular updates on student progress and addressing concerns promptly.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment, fostering respect, empathy, and teamwork among students.
Education
Bachelor of Science - General Studies
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL05.2005
Skills
- Professional boundaries
- Client Advocacy
- Behavioral Management
- Multicultural Sensitivity
- Family Dynamics Understanding
- Community resources navigation
- Case tracking and follow up
- Effective Communication
Certification
CPR and First Aid
Timeline
Family Service Advocate
Easter Seals
10.2021 - Current
Mental Health Technician
The Pavilion Behavioral Health System
03.2012 - 07.2017
Head Start Family Advocate
East Central Illinois Community Action Agency
02.2012 - 06.2021
Preschool Lead Teacher
East Central Illinois Community Action Agency
01.2000 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Science - General Studies
Eastern Illinois University