Andrea Chavez
Paramount
Summary
Compassionate social services professional with nearly 5 years of experience in crisis intervention and case management for vulnerable populations. Currently a Problem-Solving Specialist, applying trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing to support youth facing housing crises. Skilled in coordinating financial assistance and advocating for long-term housing solutions. Bilingual in English and Spanish, dedicated to driving community impact.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Problem Solver Specialist
Safe Place for Youth
Venice
08.2025 - Current
- The Problem Solving Specialist delivers crisis response support, aiming to help youth in housing crises to rapidly identify alternative housing resources outside the formal homeless crisis response system (e.g., via family, friends).
- Employed active listening, creative conversations, and problem-solving skills to identify housing options for youth.
- Facilitated one-time financial assistance to enhance housing stability or transition to alternative housing.
- Supervised and assisted with basic needs (meals, clothing, hygiene) and daily program operations.
Youth Care Specialist I (Drop-In Case Manager)
LGBT Center
Los Angeles
08.2024 - 08.2025
- Connected street-based youth ages 18-24 to emergency shelters, facilitating immediate access to safe housing.
- Collaborated with youth to create individualized service and housing stability plans, addressing barriers to accessing essential services, housing, and healthcare.
- Submitted referrals for housing navigation to assist clients in securing long-term housing solutions.
- Conduct intake, CES assessments, and individualized needs assessments.
- Supervised and assisted with basic needs (meals, clothing, hygiene) and managed day-to-day program operations to ensure effective service delivery.
Youth Care Specialist I (Outreach)
LGBT Center
Los Angeles
01.2024 - 08.2024
- Delivered comprehensive homelessness prevention services, including street outreach, employment preparation, case management, education, housing location, and retention.
- Connected street-based youth ages 18-24 to emergency shelters, facilitating immediate access to safe housing.
- Supervised and assisted with basic needs (meals, clothing, hygiene) while managing day-to-day program operations.
- Engaged with community members at tabling events to provide information about available resources and services. and explain what resources the center provides.
Resident Assistant
LGBT Center
Los Angeles
10.2022 - 01.2024
- Established house rules and harm-reduction principles to promote resident safety and well-being.
- Monitored residents' entry and departure to ensure security and compliance with policies.
- Assisting with coordination of events and social activities.
- Maintained positive relationships with youth to foster a supportive and trusting environment.
- Distribute daily prescribed and over the counter medication.
Youth Counselor
Dimondale Adolescent Care Facility
Carson
01.2022 - 10.2022
- Supported at-risk youth in South Bay, ages 13 to 17, by providing guidance and mentorship.
- Supervised at-risk youth during daily activities and routines.
- Administered daily medication to youth, ensuring adherence to health guidelines and promoting well-being.
- Coordinated medical appointments for youth, including transportation to ensure access to healthcare services.
- Enrolling youth in school.
Education
BA - Sociology
Cal State Long Beach
Long Beach05-2021
AA - Sociology
Cerritos College
Norwalk05-2019
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Case management
- Problem solving
- Active listening
- Bilingual (Spanish)
- Proficient computer skills
- Time management
- Meeting deadlines
- Professional boundaries
- Communication skills
Awards
- Graduated from CSULB with honors in 2021.
- Graduated from Cerritos College with honors in 2019.
- CPR certified.
Timeline
Problem Solver Specialist
Safe Place for Youth
08.2025 - Current
Youth Care Specialist I (Drop-In Case Manager)
LGBT Center
08.2024 - 08.2025
Youth Care Specialist I (Outreach)
LGBT Center
01.2024 - 08.2024
Resident Assistant
LGBT Center
10.2022 - 01.2024
Youth Counselor
Dimondale Adolescent Care Facility
01.2022 - 10.2022
BA - Sociology
Cal State Long Beach
AA - Sociology
Cerritos College