Anji M Fesler LBSW-IP
Director of Social Services
Houston,TX
Summary
Compassionate Director of Social Services known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in community outreach, program development, and team leadership. Excel in communication, empathy, and problem-solving to effectively address client needs and improve service delivery.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Director of Social Services
Sharpview Residence and Rehabilitation Center
Houston, TX
05.2024 - Current
- Used active listening skills and supportive diction to cultivate client rapport and open communication.
- Assessed the need for guardianship or conservatorship when indicated by client's circumstances.
- Coordinated care with outside providers, such as psychiatrists and primary care physicians.
- Maintained and developed community relationships to support various client referrals.
- Maintained accurate and timely documentation of assessment results, service plans, progress notes and discharge summaries according to agency standards.
- Participated in case conferences, team meetings and professional development activities.
- Maintained accurate records of all clinical activities according to agency policies and procedures.
Outreach Counselor II
Maximus, Inc.
Houston, TX
01.2021 - 05.2024
- Actively engaged in networking events held by various organizations within the community in order to build relationships between service providers.
- Coordinated resources to support clients and help each achieve targets.
- Attended meetings with local organizations to increase awareness about the availability of services provided by the agency and programs served by Outreach Counselor role.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress and submitted reports as required by program funding sources.
- Assessed client's needs through interviews, questionnaires and surveys then developed comprehensive treatment plans accordingly.
- Conducted outreach including phone calls, home visits, and community presentations in the field in accordance with project policy and procedures (50% of the time). Solely responsible for a specific geographic area and related tasks for that area. Travels independently using proper safety precautions.
- Conducted one-on-one and group outreach presentations to recipients and community members within a specific territory or initiative.
- Presented program education and enrollment options to recipients to encourage recipient action. Presents managed care options to recipients, and assists them in using their health care, dental plans, and community resources as needed.
- Identified, developed, built, and maintained positive relationships with county staff, state agencies, and community/faith-based groups to enhance presence in the community.
- Established and maintained knowledge of the community, and participated in community events, health fairs, and other activities as needed.
Senior Care Coordinator
The Vilage Life Center
Houston, TX
10.2018 - 01.2021
- Assisted youth in coping with the symptoms of their illnesses, minimizing the disabling effects of mental illness on their capacity for independent living, and preventing or limiting periods of inpatient treatment.
- Worked with teachers, administrators, students, parents, and external support agencies to maximize learned behavioral skills success.
- Implemented behavioral improvement plans by working directly with teachers, parents/guardians, and the youth.
- Entered client data in a centralized database, and maintained up-to-date case records for all youthful clients.
- Developed strategies for addressing challenging behaviors exhibited by some clients.
Clinical Case manager II Post Adoptions
Depelchin Children's Center
Houston, TX
02.2018 - 10.2018
- Maintained confidential case documentation.
- Maintained a caseload of 50 families, working under strict deadlines.
- Interviewed clients individually and with their families to determine what services would best address their needs.
- Advised clients on community resources, made referrals, and devised realistic service plans.
- Provided counseling and emotional support for post-adoption clients and families.
- Advocated on behalf of clients to secure necessary services and support.
Comunity Youth Services Specialist
Harris County Protective Services for Children and Adults
Houston, TX
06.2000 - 09.2017
- Staying objective and empathetic while dealing with students and families living in stressful and/or crisis situations.
- Educate clients on how to better resolve a crisis situation.
- Referrals and information to clients regarding their specific needs. Interact objectify with parents or guardians.
- Interview clients individually and with families to determine which services would best address their needs.
- Advise clients on community resources, make referrals, and devise a realistic plan of service.
- Communicate with public, social, and welfare agencies to obtain and provide information.
- Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions per week.
- Evaluate and address individual client needs and concerns.
- Educate clients and their families regarding other community resources. Manage high caseloads and act as an advocate for client rights.
- Provide mental health support to homeless clients and connect them with community resources.
- Enhance the efficiency of the Department of Family Protected Services.
Intensive Investigations Specialist
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Houston, TX
05.1999 - 06.2000
- Conducted an intensive investigation of children ages 0-5 years, including interviews and court processing for minors referred to CPS for allegations of severe abuse by a parent or guardian.
- Recommended temporary placement conditions to the court.
- Created, organized, and maintained files, daily case notes, and electronic databases.
- Referred perpetrators to appropriate community agencies to complete services in compliance with court orders.
- Completed statistical analysis by developing, updating, and maintaining statistical and related records and reports.
Youth Supervisor
Gulf Trade Center for Youth Offenders
New Waverly, TX
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Supervised all female clients referred by the juvenile court.
- Created, organized, and maintained files, daily case notes, and electronic databases.
- Answered phone calls concerning offenders, handled complaints, and responded to requests for information.
- Maintained positive relationships with offenders and their families through weekly visits.
- Facilitated cognitive-behavioral programs with offenders in a group setting.
- Counseled and assisted offenders in adjusting to the placement.
- Developed offender case plans based on an analysis of criminogenic factors.
- Quickly responded to crisis situations when severe mental health, and behavioral issues arose.
- Effectively managed time and caseloads based on individual supportive counseling.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville 12.1994 - 12.1998
Bachelor of Science - Internship with Child Protective Services
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TXSkills
- Grief and bereavement counseling
- Community resources specialist
- Empathetic and sensitive
- Compassionate
- Assessment skills
- Psycho-social assessments
- Community referrals
- Client documentation
- Discharge planning
Accomplishments
Managed a high monthly caseload of over 90 clients.
Assisted in "recapturing" over 30 drop-out clients, in finishing their education.
Created and implemented daily parenting strategies for teen parents in the school setting.
Helped implement a Harris County free prom dress closet, assisting over 5,000 teens within a 12 year period.
Created/developed the 1st Hashimoto's Enchephalopathy worldwide support group on Social Media.
Co-Founded non-profit International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Certification
- Licensed Bachelor of Social Worker (LBSW) - Texas Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
RemoteOn-SiteImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureTimeline
Director of Social Services
Sharpview Residence and Rehabilitation Center
05.2024 - Current
Outreach Counselor II
Maximus, Inc.
01.2021 - 05.2024
Senior Care Coordinator
The Vilage Life Center
10.2018 - 01.2021
Clinical Case manager II Post Adoptions
Depelchin Children's Center
02.2018 - 10.2018
Comunity Youth Services Specialist
Harris County Protective Services for Children and Adults
06.2000 - 09.2017
Intensive Investigations Specialist
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
05.1999 - 06.2000
Youth Supervisor
Gulf Trade Center for Youth Offenders
01.1996 - 01.1998
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Sam Houston State University
12.1994 - 12.1998
Bachelor of Science - Internship with Child Protective Services
Sam Houston State University
Similar Profiles
Myrtelle ElieMyrtelle Elie
RN Floor Nurse at Sharpview Residence And Rehabilitation CenterRN Floor Nurse at Sharpview Residence And Rehabilitation Center
Komiki OgunsulireKomiki Ogunsulire
Licensed Vocational Nurse at Sharpview Residence and RehabLicensed Vocational Nurse at Sharpview Residence and Rehab
Taniah KennedyTaniah Kennedy
Nursing Assistant at Brookshire Residence And Rehabilitation CenterNursing Assistant at Brookshire Residence And Rehabilitation Center