Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Education and Training
Timeline
Generic
Barbara Whitacre

Barbara Whitacre

Capon Bridge,WV

Summary

Experienced professional with a strong background in family engagement. Adept at building and maintaining relationships, fostering community connections, and advocating for family needs. Recognized for exceptional relationship building, communication skills, collaborative teamwork, and adaptability to dynamic environments. Proven expertise in coordinating families with programs and navigating diverse cultural landscapes to achieve impactful results.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Family Engagement Specialist

People Inc.
01.2023 - Current
  • Established partnerships with community organizations to offer additional resources and services for disadvantaged families.
  • Maintained detailed records of family conversations, tracking progress towards achieving family set goals.
  • Managed program budget effectively, ensuring the proper allocation of Parent Activity Funds.
  • Organized activities that encouraged cultural diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all families.
  • Increased parent participation in center events by organizing informative Parent Meetings.
  • Coordinated volunteer opportunities for parents, fostering a strong sense of community within the center.
  • Conducted home visits as needed to establish trust with families and provide necessary resources for support.
  • Led mini sessions focused on parenting skills development, empowering caregivers to better support their children academically and emotionally.
  • Provided training sessions on effective family engagement practices, enhancing overall family outcomes during Socializations and Parent Meetings.
  • Strengthened relationships between families and center personnel through consistent communication and collaboration.
  • Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet individual needs.
  • Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
  • Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
  • Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
  • Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
  • Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
  • Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
  • Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
  • Implemented research-based interventions and strategies to support positive behavior and social-emotional development.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to reduce and prevent family conflict.
  • Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for the family's best interests.
  • Developed and implemented programs to support children's mental health and well-being.
  • Arranged medical appointments or referrals to identify difficulties and indicate potential remedial approaches.
  • Updated family documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
  • Interviewed families to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
  • Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
  • Supported families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
  • De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
  • Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.
  • Advocated for families to assure respected rights and wishes.
  • Maintained regular contact with families by calling and visiting their homes.
  • Conducted home visits to assess living environment and facilitate access to necessary resources.
  • Assisted families with navigating and accessing social services such as housing and medical care.
  • Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics, providing guidance on effective communication strategies and conflict resolution techniques.
  • Promoted a culture of self-care and professional development among colleagues, fostering a supportive work environment that encouraged ongoing growth and learning.
  • Developed and facilitated support groups, promoting healthy coping skills and fostering peer connections among participants.
  • Helped clients with recognizing and managing mental health concerns.
  • Collaborated with public schools to address students' social-emotional needs for Kindergarten Registration.
  • Enhanced community outreach efforts for better service accessibility and increased program enrollment.
  • Coordinated external healthcare professionals to uphold high-quality, person-centered care.
  • Assisted clients in navigating the legal system, attending court hearings as needed and providing support throughout the process.
  • Fostered increased engagement and support, organizing community outreach events and workshops.
  • Improved client access to community resources with thorough needs assessments and effective referral processes.
  • Supported clients' emotional and psychological well-being through the provision of counseling services and support groups.
  • Advocated for client rights and services, resulting in increased access to necessary support and resources.
  • Increased public awareness of social issues and resources available through effective community engagement initiatives.
  • Built strong, trust-based relationships with clients, facilitating effective support and advocacy.
  • Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
  • Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
  • Collaborated with other community professionals to plan and coordinate care for families.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
  • Participated in team meetings to coordinate care for families with center staff.
  • Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
  • Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery resources.
  • Conducted home visits to assess clients' home environment and provide support to family where needed.
  • Provided crisis counseling and intervention services to clients in emergency situations.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing regular updates on their child''s progress and addressing any concerns proactively.
  • Developed weekly lesson plans and activities using Creative Curricula to engage children and promote learning.
  • Sanitized toys and play equipment each visit to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Designed creative lesson plans using Creative Curriculum that incorporated hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences to foster curiosity and engagement in young learners.
  • Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for all children, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation.
  • Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
  • Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group during Socializations and Field Trips.
  • Boosted children''s social development by promoting positive interactions among peers through bi-weekly Socializations.
  • Evaluated child performance regularly through observation, assessment tools, and parent-family conferences to ensure developmental growth was being achieved.
  • Increased parent involvement by effectively communicating with families about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and child progress reports.
  • Adapted lesson plans to meet needs of each family, offering personalized support where necessary.
  • Enhanced children's social skills by organizing Socializations that encouraged parent-child collaboration and communication.
  • Supported emotional development by teaching and modeling empathy and kindness in daily interactions.
  • Maintained detailed records of students' progress and behavior, providing valuable feedback to parents and staff.
  • Initiated parent-teacher conversation to discuss children's progress, strengthening family-center connections.
  • Increased parent involvement by regularly communicating with families and organizing Center events, by use of newsletter, flyers, emails, texts, and phone calls.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to identify client barriers and facilitate behavior change.
  • Assisted clients in finding new ways to inspire healthier habits.
  • Enhanced client accountability by implementing regular check-ins and progress updates via phone calls or email communication.
  • Educated clients on proper food choices, portion control, and healthy cooking techniques for sustained results.
  • Provided ongoing motivation and guidance to help clients overcome challenges and maintain progress toward their goals.
  • Maintained up-to-date patient records, including physical and immunizations.
  • Educated parents and children on proper brushing and flossing techniques to promote long-term oral health.
  • Supported office administrative tasks such as answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and giving tours, when needed.
  • Provided and developed knowledge through continuing education mini-lessons for parents.
  • Maintained accurate medical and dental records by documenting important patient data in Child Plus, including transport if necessary.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.

Child Protection Social Worker

DHHR
03.2023 - 10.2023
  • Conducted home visits and assessments to evaluate the safety and wellbeing of children.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to families in need of immediate assistance.
  • Collaborated with community partners such as law enforcement, schools, and health care providers to ensure the best outcomes for clients.
  • Facilitated meetings between parents and guardians and other stakeholders to discuss progress towards goals.
  • Maintained detailed records of all client interactions including notes, reports, assessments, court documents.
  • Coordinated resources for families in need of financial assistance or social support services.
  • Developed case plans and service agreements that outlined goals and objectives for each family member.
  • Reviewed child abuse and neglect cases through a multi-disciplinary team process to determine risk factors and appropriate interventions.
  • Monitored compliance with court orders ensuring that all conditions are met promptly and accurately.
  • Advocates on behalf of children in court proceedings when necessary to ensure their safety and well-being is protected.
  • Investigated allegations of abuse or neglect within 24 hours according to state guidelines.
  • Participated in Child Protective Services reviews by providing feedback regarding current case status and recommendations for future action steps.
  • Provided emotional support to children experiencing trauma due to neglect or abuse while also connecting them with mental health professionals if needed.
  • Attended monthly staff meetings discussing caseloads and any new developments within the agency.
  • Educated clients about available community resources such as food banks, shelters, job training programs.
  • Regularly attended court hearings representing the agency's interests while advocating for the best interest of the child.
  • Conducted home visits, completed inspections and interviewed family members and witnesses.
  • Updated documents and maintained permanent records.
  • Maintained legal documents for court proceedings and submitted testimony.
  • Addressed legal issues, assisting with hearings and providing testimony to inform custody arrangements
  • Counseled parents on proper child-rearing choices.
  • Interfaced with local court system, attending court proceedings and working directly with attorneys.

Church Administrator

Capon Bible Fellowship
03.2009 - 02.2020
  • Facilitated outreach efforts by recruiting volunteers for various projects within the local community.
  • Assisted in developing new programs designed to reach out to potential members in the community.
  • Educated staff members about mental health issues affecting students so they can better respond appropriately to those needs.
  • Utilized creative approaches such as art therapy or music therapy when working with clients who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
  • Compiled weekly service bulletins and monthly newsletters, ensuring timely distribution to congregation members.
  • Coordinated special events such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other religious ceremonies.
  • Developed communication strategies for publicizing events throughout the community.
  • Monitored church facilities for maintenance needs; coordinated repairs with outside vendors when necessary.
  • Responded to inquiries from congregants regarding spiritual matters or other issues related to the church's mission.
  • Supported clergy in preparing sermons and other materials related to worship services.
  • Updated website content regularly with relevant information about upcoming events or changes in policy and procedures.
  • Ordered supplies needed for daily operations of the church office.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable laws governing churches.
  • Researched grants or funding opportunities that could benefit the church financially.
  • Collected feedback from congregants on various activities or initiatives proposed by church leadership.
  • Coordinated travel arrangements for pastors attending conferences or workshops offsite.
  • Supported work of pastoral staff in running productive church operations by managing day-to-day clerical needs.
  • Coordinated master church calendar with sermons, pastoral vacations and special events.
  • Worked with children's program leaders to meet administrative needs such as communicating with parents and processing security forms for minors.
  • Created and implemented administrative processes and procedures to prioritize job tasks and establish personnel responsibilities.
  • Collaborated with other departmental leaders to establish organizational goals, strategic plans and objectives.
  • Managed busy calendar for executive team, planning and preparing meetings and communications.
  • Determined staffing requirements, interviewing, hiring and training new employees.
  • Established collaborative relationships with parents and guardians in order to provide effective care for their children.

  • Assisted clients in developing healthy coping skills that could be used during times of stress or difficulty.
  • Coached clients on how to manage emotions effectively while also teaching them how to recognize warning signs of distress before it becomes overwhelming.
  • Provided individual and group counseling sessions for clients.
  • Provided guidance and support to families through family therapy sessions.
  • Created an environment that was safe, supportive, and conducive to learning for all students.
  • Provided individual and group counseling to guide clients in areas of social and emotional needs.
  • Responded to crisis situations when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose.
  • Listened to personal stories, asked probing questions and offered knowledgeable advice for different situations.
  • Provided information to clients regarding available resources and services in the area.
  • Organized and distributed food packages according to client needs.
  • Developed relationships with community partners to increase donations of food items.
  • Adhered to safety protocols while handling perishable goods.
  • Conducted outreach activities within the community to raise awareness about hunger issues.
  • Identified opportunities for improvement in existing procedures or processes.
  • Facilitated volunteer orientations for new members of the team.
  • Developed and implemented camp-wide policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all campers, staff, and visitors.
  • Organized daily activities including sports, outdoor games, arts and crafts, swimming, team building exercises, and more.
  • Recruited and trained seasonal staff members in areas such as first aid and CPR certification, risk management strategies, customer service standards.
  • Ensured that all camper files were properly completed with medical forms, emergency contacts information and other important documents prior to their arrival at camp.
  • Provided guidance for counselors on how to handle difficult situations with campers or parents.
  • Created a safe environment by monitoring all activities throughout the day to ensure proper supervision of campers.
  • Planned special events including field trips offsite as well as evening programs at camp.
  • Assisted in developing marketing materials such as brochures or flyers advertising upcoming summer sessions available through the organization's website or social media platforms.
  • Communicated and maintained personal contact with parents or guardians to discuss achievements and behavior concerns.
  • Monitored safety and procedures pertaining to complete supervision of campers and staff.
  • Handled check-in duties to acclimate new campers.
  • Created and coordinated staff schedules, daily activity schedules and field trips, maintaining proper staffing levels.
  • Promoted positive work environment and staff motivation through effective communication and supportive team building activities.
  • Coordinated details of summer activities, scheduling field trips and visits to cultural institutions and recreational swimming pools.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

University of Maryland - College Park
College Park, MD
12.1993

Skills

  • Crisis Intervention
  • Child Protection
  • Community Outreach
  • Family Improvement Plans
  • Court Proceedings
  • Investigations Coordination
  • Home Visits
  • Abuse and Neglect Investigation
  • Safety Evaluations
  • Family Support
  • Community Resources
  • Behavioral Specialist
  • Trauma Informed Care Framework
  • Client Interviewing
  • Child Welfare Advocate
  • IEP Writing Knowledge
  • Experience With At-Risk Youth
  • Client Needs Assessments
  • Counseling
  • Personal Counseling
  • Emotional Awareness
  • Special Needs Specialized Care
  • Behavior Management
  • Family Member Training
  • Convalescence Support
  • CPR Certification
  • Critical Thinking
  • Project Planning
  • Decision-Making
  • Supportive Personality
  • Special Needs Students
  • Creative Instruction Style
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Special Education
  • Tutoring and Coaching
  • Child Development
  • Behavior Modification Techniques
  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Ministry Outreach Activities
  • Administrative Oversight
  • Activity Coordination
  • Attention to Detail
  • Activity Planning and Leadership
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Meeting and Event Planning
  • Curricula Planning
  • Creativity and Artistic Expression
  • Art Instruction
  • Grant Proposal Writing
  • Court Processes
  • Behavioral support
  • Child development
  • Service planning
  • Parent education
  • Eligibility determination

Certification

  • WV Social Worker Registry, DHHR - 2023

Education and Training

other

Timeline

Child Protection Social Worker

DHHR
03.2023 - 10.2023

Family Engagement Specialist

People Inc.
01.2023 - Current

Church Administrator

Capon Bible Fellowship
03.2009 - 02.2020

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

University of Maryland - College Park

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Barbara Whitacre