Andrea Smith
Pryor
Summary
Dedicated Child Welfare Specialist with extensive experience in case management and child advocacy. Skilled in multicultural awareness, resource coordination, and report writing, driving positive outcomes for families and children.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Welfare Specialist II
Cherokee Nation ICW
Tahlequah
06.2012 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of child welfare cases for Cherokee Nation families.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized service plans.
- Monitored compliance with state and federal regulations in child welfare practices.
- Coordinated referrals to community resources and services for families in need.
- Advocated for children's rights and needs within the Cherokee Nation community.
- Educated families about available resources that can assist them in meeting their goals while providing a safe environment for their children.
- Developed case plans and goals for at-risk families, including referrals to community resources.
- Ensured compliance with state laws governing child welfare services through periodic reviews of casework practices.
- Monitored court hearings and provided testimony regarding the best interests of the child.
- Assisted foster parents in understanding their roles and responsibilities while caring for children placed into their care.
- Maintained up-to-date records of client progress and outcomes in accordance with agency guidelines.
- Collaborated with other agencies such as schools, hospitals, law enforcement, mental health providers. to ensure that a comprehensive approach is taken when addressing family needs.
- Participated in regular team meetings with colleagues to review cases and develop strategies for successful outcomes.
- Advocated on behalf of children during court proceedings or other legal proceedings related to custody issues or parental rights.
- Maintained confidentiality through stringent handling of charts and data.
- Used job-related software to compose or prepare correspondence, case notes and technical reports
- Makes home visits to families as assigned to begin the certification process as a foster or adoptive home
- Completes background checks and fingerprinting for families applying to be certified as foster and adoptive homes
- Writes comprehensive home studies regarding families who are applying for certification as foster and adoptive homes.
Education
Certification - Early Childhood Education
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK05-2011
Certification - Elementary Education
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK05-1997
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK12-1992
Skills
- Case management
- Child advocacy
- Foster care support
- Case file management
- Report writing
- Multitasking
- Multicultural awareness
- Interpersonal skills
Affiliations
- Founded My Brothers Keeper on Facebook. Located in Pryor, Ok, this is a family resource for emergency needs such as household items, clothing, food pantry and community resources.
- Volunteer with the Family Support Center of Oaks. Planning committee for upcoming gospel celebration which will bring community resources, games, meal, and singing, to help bring unity to the community.
Timeline
Child Welfare Specialist II
Cherokee Nation ICW
06.2012 - Current
Certification - Early Childhood Education
Northeastern State University
Certification - Elementary Education
Northeastern State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Northeastern State University