Arelis Santoyo
Summary
Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in crisis intervention, child advocacy, family support, and case management. Passionate about empowering individuals/families to overcome challenges, while promoting resilience and safety.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Services Caseworker
Illinois Department of Human Services
Joliet, IL
09.2020 - 05.2023
- Completed comprehensive needs assessments of individuals seeking humanitarian assistance, developed case plans, coordinated services, and advocated for their needs.
- Assisted clients in identification of skills, strengths, motivation, supports, challenges, and barriers to self-sufficiency. In conjunction with the client, established obtainable and realistic self-sufficiency goals and objectives; worked with clients in a problem-solving framework to establish a responsibility and service plan to address barriers to self-sufficiency.
- Referred clients to other agencies for services; provided advocacy services on behalf of aggrieved clients who have been denied services.
- Participated in discussions with other processional staff in local office, the regional office, and the division involving individual needs.
Child Protection Specialist
Department of Children and Family Services
Joliet, IL
08.2019 - 09.2020
- Investigated reports of alleged child abuse/neglect, and exploitation of an advanced complexity level within mandated time limits; assessing immediate safety of children
- Conducted home evaluations, observing family situations relating to allegations of child abuse/neglect.
- Interviewed clients and professionals to obtain information for purposes of making a finding on the allegations and determining protection and service needs.
- Conducted service assessments on a rotating basis, assigned to 24 hour “on call” duty in addition to normal assignments, to ensure that services are provided as mandated by statute and policy.
- Prepared investigation reports for assessing validity of reports of allegations; prepared other statistical and narrative reports, which included documentation in the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System; completed service assessments and opened case records.
- Determined the need for and coordinated the placement of children in substitute care facilities.
- Collaborated with other professionals, including law enforcement, attorneys, social workers, and medical professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to child protection.
- Provided recommendations and testified in court regarding investigative findings.
Child Abuse and Neglect/Intact Services Intern
Illinois Department Of Children And Family Services
Joliet, IL
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Supported child safety by investigating allegations of abuse/neglect, conducting in-home risk assessments and providing case management under supervision.
- . Assisted with child removals, placed children in safe environments, and prepared documentation for court reports.
- Aided in creating safety plans, connected families with services such as counseling or housing, and monitored progress to prevent the need to remove children from the home.
Bilingual Parent Child Educator
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet
Joliet, IL
07.2016 - 07.2018
- Provided for the physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth and development of infants and toddlers in the home based setting and during center-based socialization experiences
- Recruited and established a caseload of 12 infants and toddlers within Early Head Start
- Planned and developed an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) with parent/guardian(s), that established positive early childhood experiences
- Prepared a learning environment during home visits and group socialization events
- Provided educational information for families about community resources and provided support in developing current and long-term goals for their child
- Advocate for family needs within the community and educational settings.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL05-2019
Bachelor of Science - Family and Consumer Sciences: Human Development
Illinois State University
Normal, IL05-2016
Skills
- Crisis Intervention
- Client advocacy
- Trauma-informed practice
- Community resources mapping
Languages
Spanish
Timeline
Human Services Caseworker
Illinois Department of Human Services
09.2020 - 05.2023
Child Protection Specialist
Department of Children and Family Services
08.2019 - 09.2020
Child Abuse and Neglect/Intact Services Intern
Illinois Department Of Children And Family Services
08.2018 - 05.2019
Bilingual Parent Child Educator
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet
07.2016 - 07.2018
Bachelor of Science - Family and Consumer Sciences: Human Development
Illinois State University
Master of Social Work -
Lewis University