Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Bernadette M. Banks

Katy,TX

Summary

Dedicated Child Protective Investigator with expertise in child welfare investigations and safety assessments. Strong interpersonal skills facilitate effective communication and empathy in sensitive situations. Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Child Protective Investigator

Department of Family and Protective Services
Houston, TX
08.2023 - Current
  • Conducted in-depth interviews with children, guardians, doctors, nurses and law enforcement to gain insight into individual cases.
  • Collaborated with law enforcement and community agencies to assess cases and ensure comprehensive support.
  • Prepared detailed reports documenting findings and recommendations for intervention.
  • Interviewed children, parents, and caregivers to gather essential information.
  • Assessed safety conditions within homes to determine risk factors for children.
  • Developed and implemented safety plans with families to enhance child well-being and reduce risk factors.
  • Maintained accurate case files and documentation in compliance with agency standards.
  • Provided guidance and resources to families to navigate child protective system effectively.
  • Investigated each child's living environment to determine whether home was safe or presented risks.
  • Remained composed and calm when interacting with individuals, taking into account that children and families were involved in high-stress situations.
  • Developed and executed plans to remove children from homes where abuse or neglect had occurred.
  • Facilitated delivery of services and resources after thoroughly assessing each child's individual needs.
  • Provided referrals for counseling and supportive services.
  • Informed families about their rights under applicable laws and policies.
  • Assessed family dynamics and provided guidance for improvement.
  • Provided testimony at hearings related to child protective investigations.
  • Responded to emergency situations involving children requiring immediate attention.
  • Attended trainings related to current trends in Child Protective Services.
  • Participated in ongoing training to maintain license and enhance knowledge of relevant mental health topics.
  • Attended and documented forensic interviews to gather critical information.

Coordinator

Sedgwick Claims Management
Lafayette, LA
10.2012 - 04.2023
  • Managed team of 30 Independent Loss Control Representatives, overseeing caseload and ensuring effective service delivery.
  • Assist with new hire trainings
  • Complete weekly payroll for independent employees.
  • Prepared monthly progress reports on investigation findings, identified risks, and recommended solutions with implementation status updates.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
  • Ensured adequate coverage across designated territory.

Resolved customer complaints and addressed policy and procedure inquiries to enhance customer understanding and satisfaction.

Auto Claims Adjuster

Safeway Insurance
Lafayette, LA
05.2003 - 10.2012
  • Investigated and analyzed auto insurance claims to determine validity, accuracy, and coverage.
  • Investigated claims by collecting statements from involved parties and witnesses.
  • Determined liability based on facts gathered from investigations.
  • Collaborated with repair shops to assess vehicle damage and estimate repair costs.
  • Coordinated with legal teams on disputed claims to facilitate thorough evaluation and negotiation outcomes.
  • Negotiated settlements with claimants when appropriate.
  • Managed multiple cases simultaneously, ensuring timely resolution within established deadlines.
  • Documented findings and decisions in claims management system for accurate records.
  • Researched and verified insurance policy coverage.
  • Analyzed policy language to ensure compliance with state regulations and company policies.
  • Provide customer support to members, providers, billing departments and other insurance agencies regarding claims, appeals and eligibility.
  • Communicated claim status updates clearly to clients and agents throughout the process.
  • Interviewed claimants, witnesses, police officers, medical professionals and other parties involved in the claim.
  • Processed payments according to terms outlined in policy contracts.
  • Assisted in developing process improvements that streamlined claims handling at Safeway Insurance.
  • Attended continuing education seminars to stay abreast of changes in the field.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
09-2017

Journalism And Mass Communication

University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Lafayette, LA

Skills

  • Child welfare investigations
  • Safety assessments
  • Risk assessment
  • Crisis management
  • Family assessment
  • Forensic interviewing
  • Case documentation
  • Report writing
  • Conducting extensive interviews with children of all ages, parents, caregivers, medical professionals
  • Court testimony
  • Law enforcement interaction
  • Family support services
  • Parenting education
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration
  • Data entry accuracy
  • Microsoft outlook, word, and Excel
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Mental health awareness
  • Substance abuse
  • Effective communication
  • Writing and verbal communication
  • Effective customer communication
  • De-escalation techniques
  • Conflict resolution
  • Teamwork and cooperation
  • Task prioritization
  • Time management abilities
  • Resilience building
  • Professionalism
  • Ethical conduct and confidentiality

Certification

Child Protective Investigator II

Timeline

Child Protective Investigator

Department of Family and Protective Services
08.2023 - Current

Coordinator

Sedgwick Claims Management
10.2012 - 04.2023

Auto Claims Adjuster

Safeway Insurance
05.2003 - 10.2012

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Phoenix

Journalism And Mass Communication

University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Bernadette M. Banks