Audrey F. Smith
Chicago Heights,Illinois
Summary
To utilize my experience and education for career advancement. Experienced with coordinating and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Utilizes effective communication and organizational skills to ensure seamless project execution. Track record of implementing process improvements and achieving project milestones.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Section Chief/Program Manager
Illinois Department Of Public Health
11.2015 - Current
- Serves as the Program Manager for the Identified Offenders Program. Works directly with the Illinois State Police Identified Offenders Program and a team of forensic psychologists to obtain sex offenders evaluations and risk assessments. Oversees the program budget to ensure fiscal compliance. Serves as the full line supervisor overseeing the day to day operation of the unit, provides direct supervision to the units employees, approves time reports and time off requests and conducts annual performance evaluations of the units’ staff. Also serves as the hiring manager and interviews potential candidates using documents received from Human Resources.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance public health program effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented policies to improve community health outcomes across diverse populations.
- Established partnerships with stakeholders to foster collaboration on public health initiatives.
- Spearheaded resource allocation strategies to optimize program budgets and funding utilization.
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
- Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
- Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members.
- Met with project stakeholders on regular basis to assess progress and make adjustments.
- Spearheaded innovative problem-solving techniques that addressed challenges head-on, resulting in effective resolution measures.
Part Time Contractual Therapist
Trinity Services, Inc.
08.2023 - 02.2024
- Interviewed potential clients during intake to determine type of therapy requested, obtained insurance information, completed initial assessments, and utilized the DSM 5 to diagnosis the individual. Conducted individual counseling with clients who were children, adolescents, and adults for their individual and/or family issues.
- Developed individualized treatment plans tailored to client needs and goals.
- Conducted therapeutic sessions utilizing evidence-based practices to foster emotional growth.
- Advocated for clients' needs within the community to access necessary resources and support.
- Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
- Maintained detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring effective tracking of progress and continuity of care across providers.
- Established clear boundaries with clients, maintaining ethical practice standards while preserving the therapeutic relationship.
- Enhanced client well-being through personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs and goals.
- Counseled individuals, groups, and families to bring awareness of problems, deal with crisis situations and develop action plans.
- Implemented time management strategies to ensure full caseloads were effectively managed, maintaining high-quality care for all clients.
- Provided crisis intervention services, stabilizing clients in distress and connecting them with necessary resources.
Grants Monitor for IPC Program
Illinois Department of Public Health
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Performed site visits and desk reviews of the grant participant agencies. Validated the grantees’ compliances with the grant to d agreements, regulations, policies and procedures via written reports.
- Monitored public health data for compliance with state regulations and standards.
- Conducted inspections to ensure adherence to health policies and procedures.
- Provided training and support to staff on monitoring protocols and best practices.
- Led initiatives to improve efficiency in data collection and reporting processes.
- Developed comprehensive reports detailing findings and recommendations for improvement.
- Utilized advanced software applications for efficient data management and analysis, contributing to improved overall workflow efficiency.
- Contributed to the development of monitoring policies and procedures, promoting a standardized approach across all units.
- Assisted with staff training on new monitoring technologies, facilitating seamless adoption within the workplace.
- Improved efficiency in the department by streamlining documentation processes for accurate record keeping.
- Monitored government regulations and standards to provide alignment with company policies and procedures.
Human Services Caseworker
Illinois Department of Human Services
01.2007 - 01.2014
- Interviewed customers and conducted continual assessments for programs providing SNAP, Medicaid and TANF benefits. Also maintained detailed case records of the customers.
- Conducted comprehensive needs assessments to determine eligibility for services and support.
- Coordinated with community resources to facilitate access to essential services for clients.
- Led initiatives to enhance case management processes, improving overall service delivery efficiency.
- Advocated for clients' rights and access to resources within the community and government systems.
- Utilized complex client management systems, both digital and manual and maintained sensitive information in highly encrypted databases.
- Assisted clients in obtaining employment, providing job coaching and interview preparation support as needed.
- Maintained strict confidentiality while handling sensitive client information, adhering to all relevant privacy regulations.
- Monitored progress towards goals using data-driven approaches, adjusting interventions as needed for optimal results.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices and emerging trends within the human services field.
- Developed personalized service plans addressing client-specific challenges and goals.
- Adhered to strict client confidentiality laws and site-specific procedures to uphold privacy and provide best experience possible.
- Prepared documents for review and completion by service applicants, supporting completion and responding to questions.
Child Welfare Specialist
Illinois Department of Children & Families Services
01.2001 - 01.2007
- Provided direct case management to children who were wards of the state in various placements. Also presented the cases during administrative case reviews and court hearings.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of child welfare cases to determine appropriate services and interventions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized service plans for children and families.
- Monitored compliance with state regulations and policies to ensure optimal child safety and wellbeing.
- Advocated for children's rights by representing their interests in court proceedings and family meetings.
- Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge and skills by attending trainings, conferences, and workshops related to child welfare best practices.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed for clients experiencing urgent challenges related to child protection concerns or family dynamics issues.
- Contributed to improved inter-agency collaboration by participating in joint meetings, trainings, and initiatives focused on enhancing child welfare practice.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and rapport to better support their needs throughout the case process.
- Coordinated closely with schools, medical providers, therapists, and other relevant professionals to ensure comprehensive support for children in care.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively while adhering to strict timelines as mandated by federal regulations or state policies.
- Enhanced family reunification rates through diligent monitoring and support of parent-child visitations.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
Education
Masters of Social Work -
Chicago State University
Chicago, ILMasters of Science - Human Services Administration
Spertus Institute
Chicago, ILBachelors of Science - Administration of Justice
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, ILSkills
- Problem-solving
- Project management
- Detail-oriented
- Strategic planning
- Process improvement
- Team leadership and direction
- Decision-making
Timeline
Part Time Contractual Therapist
Trinity Services, Inc.
08.2023 - 02.2024
Section Chief/Program Manager
Illinois Department Of Public Health
11.2015 - Current
Grants Monitor for IPC Program
Illinois Department of Public Health
01.2014 - 01.2015
Human Services Caseworker
Illinois Department of Human Services
01.2007 - 01.2014
Child Welfare Specialist
Illinois Department of Children & Families Services
01.2001 - 01.2007
Masters of Science - Human Services Administration
Spertus Institute
Bachelors of Science - Administration of Justice
Southern Illinois University
Masters of Social Work -
Chicago State University