Araceli Estrella
Investigator
Chicago,IL
Summary
Professional Investigator with extensive expertise in conducting detailed field Investigations and gathering vital information. Keen attention to detail, and adept at handling sensitive information. Excels in collaborative environments, consistently adapting to evolving challenges while ensuring reliable and impactful results. Skilled in interviewing, report writing, bringing thorough and methodical approach to every task.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Bilingual Navigator
Chicago Children's Advocacy Center
03.2025 - Current
- Participated in children forensic mock interviews.
- Provide crisis intervention services, effectively deescalating tense situations and connecting individuals with appropriate support systems.
- Develop strong rapport with clients by demonstrating active listening skills and empathetic understanding of their circumstances.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify clients'' needs and determine appropriate services.
- Build trust within diverse communities through culturally sensitive outreach efforts aimed at promoting awareness of available services.
- Enhance community resources for clients through partnerships with local organizations.
- Develop and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
- Assist clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
- Document client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Scribe
Chicago Behavioral Hospital
08.2023 - 12.2024
- Improved patient follow-up and treatment plans by ensuring accurate and timely documentation of diagnoses and prescriptions.
- Developed strong working relationships with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals through effective communication skills.
- Collaborated with team members to share knowledge and keep workflow moving smoothly.
- Maintained patient confidentiality by adhering to HIPAA guidelines and other applicable privacy regulations throughout the documentation process.
Field Investigator
Paragon Investigations
09.2018 - 05.2023
- Leveraged exceptional organizational skills to handle multiple cases simultaneously, ensuring that all investigations received the necessary attention.
- Consistently maintained a professional demeanor even under challenging circumstances, building trust with clients.
- Conducted thorough face-to-face interviews with employers, families, neighbors, friends.
- Identified potential risks within applicant backgrounds through careful examination of financial records, criminal history, and employment records.
- Reviewed and analyzed detailed records.
- Achieved timely completion of assigned cases by effectively managing workload and prioritizing tasks.
- Obtained background check data on characters, financial statuses and personal histories.
- Optimized investigation timelines, employing strategic planning to manage caseloads effectively.
- Documented information and submitted detailed reports.
- Maintained confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive applicant information.
- Conducted comprehensive interviews with subjects, references, and other relevant individuals for accurate background information gathering.
- Searched computer databases, credit reports, public records or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
Family Counselor/Advocate
Connections for Abused Women and Their Children
08.2013 - 08.2018
- Promoted a safe environment for children to express their feelings and emotions, fostering healthy relationships among peers.
- Coordinated with school personnel, collaborating on initiatives designed to support students'' social-emotional growth both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Assisted families in developing positive parenting strategies that promoted healthy attachment bonds between parents and children.
- Assisted youth in developing problem-solving and communication skills to support stress management.
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
- Created and implemented individualized plans for individual youth.
- Encouraged children to talk issues out with each other and without anger, which eased tense situations.
- Helped youth develop and achieve personal goals with close support.
- Established and maintained relationships with youth, families and community partners.
- Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to youth.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Coordinated referrals between agencies to ensure seamless transitions for clients receiving multiple services.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
- Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices.
- Supported clients in development of healthy coping strategies, leading to improved life management skills.
- Fostered supportive environment, enabling clients to openly discuss their feelings and experiences.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Managed complex caseloads with diligence, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely resolution of cases.
- Managed sensitive cases with discretion, protecting client confidentiality and trust.
- Supported families in crisis by providing effective counseling and connecting them with appropriate resources.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Westwood College
Chicago03-2011
Skills
Background Investigations
Interview coordination
Excellent communication
Active listening
Detailed report writing
Case documentation
Organizational skills
Attention to detail
Case management
Effective writing skills
Problem-solving
Time management
Multitasking
Crisis management
Professionalism
Confidentiality
Timeline
Bilingual Navigator
Chicago Children's Advocacy Center
03.2025 - Current
Scribe
Chicago Behavioral Hospital
08.2023 - 12.2024
Field Investigator
Paragon Investigations
09.2018 - 05.2023
Family Counselor/Advocate
Connections for Abused Women and Their Children
08.2013 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Westwood College