Ava Goncalves
Queens,NY
Summary
Highly motivated and passionate about anti-carceral justice and mental health advocacy. Firm believer that trauma-informed intervention and human rights are foundational to meaningful social justice and political reform. Dedicated to building trust and rapport with clients through restorative justice practices, a patient and calm demeanor, and compassionate interpersonal skills.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Pro Bono Project Assistant
Brooklyn Defender Services
Brooklyn, NY
October - Current
- Tasked with assisting and supporting the Director of Pro Bono with general administrative tasks as well as project coordination and management within the unit.
- Serve as the logistical contact between external contacts and internal attorneys; providing technical assistance and timely responses to referrals, ensuring all stakeholders have all relevant information required to successfully execute a project.
- Maintained and expanded internal and external communications; created a new internal referral system that increased referrals and case placement by 21% in one-year.
Client Essentials Navigator
Brooklyn Defender Services
Brooklyn, NY
10.2021 - 10.2022
- Soley managed the Client Essentials program, receiving upwards of 300 requests per month for essential items and/or critical needs items for at-risk clients across all practice areas.
- Managed and maintained the Client Essentials inventory; worked with a variety of community based organizations and private sector companies to coordinate and obtain donations.
- Worked collaboratively with the CFO to manage the programs budget; tracked all expenses and produced comprehensive plans for spending.
- Directly coordinated with the development team to identify qualifying grants to maximize budget and inventory; tracked all spending and data necessary for quarterly and annual grant reporting.
Supported Housing Worker
Fountain House
New York, NY
10.2020 - 10.2021
- Provided case management services to 35-40 clients diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI); including psychosocial assessment, service plan management, critical needs support plans, and referrals.
- Successfully secured housing, medical care, and employment for clients by collaborating with various community agencies, programs, and teams.
- Took on additional responsibilities in the GuestHouse On-Ramp program; provided intensive case management services to residents with SMI who were recently released from incarceration during community reentry.
- Collaborated with clients’ legal teams, medical providers, and parole officers to maintain compliance with ATI requirements. Advocated for clients throughout their Mental Health Court cases and during community reintegration.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Rights, Minors in Legal Studies, Philosophy
Trinity College
Hartford, CT05-2020
Skills
- Operations Support
- File Management
- Project Management
- Case Management
- Detailed
- Adaptable
Volunteer Expierience
- Astoria Food Pantry, Grocery Walker
- The Doe Fund, Adult Education Instructor (Computer Skills)
Timeline
Client Essentials Navigator
Brooklyn Defender Services
10.2021 - 10.2022
Supported Housing Worker
Fountain House
10.2020 - 10.2021
Pro Bono Project Assistant
Brooklyn Defender Services
October - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Human Rights, Minors in Legal Studies, Philosophy
Trinity College