Ava Goncalves
New York,NY
Summary
Highly motivated and passionate professional with extensive experience advocating for vulnerable clients from various backgrounds. Dedicated to building trust and rapport with clients through restorative justice practices, a patient and calm demeanor, and compassionate interpersonal skills. Known for a proactive approach and adapting to changing needs to achieve impactful results. Skilled in case management, legal compliance, and community outreach, demonstrating empathy, reliability, and effective communication.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Project Assistant, Pro Bono Unit
Brooklyn Defender Services
10.2022 - 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.
- Planned and executed legal clinics, partnered with external firms to leverage resources to our clients.
- Served 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
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
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 through advocacy and collaboration 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.
Direct Support Professional
Young Adult Institute
05.2020 - 10.2020
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Rights Studies
Trinity College
Hartford, CT05-2020
Skills
- Deadline oriented
- Proactive approach
- Documentation management
- Resource navigation
- Adaptable and flexible
- Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Volunteer Experience
- Astoria Food Pantry, Grocery Walker
- The Doe Fund, Adult Education Instructor
- Parole Preparation Project
Timeline
Senior Project Assistant, Pro Bono Unit
Brooklyn Defender Services
10.2022 - Current
Client Essentials Navigator
Brooklyn Defender Services
10.2021 - 10.2022
Supported Housing Worker
Fountain House
10.2020 - 10.2021
Direct Support Professional
Young Adult Institute
05.2020 - 10.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Human Rights Studies
Trinity College
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