Social Services
Caleta Smith-hinds
DHS-Division of Aging Services
Lawrenceville,GA
29
Years of experience
Social services supervisor with a background in adult and child protective services, case management, and investigative review. Leads staff development, quality assurance, risk assessment, and policy compliance while coordinating with law enforcement, healthcare providers, courts, and community partners to support safe, timely interventions for vulnerable children and adults.
Work History
Social Service APS Supervisor
7 Years 4 Months- - Supervised and guided adult protective services investigators handling abuse, neglect, and exploitation allegations involving vulnerable adults.
- - Assigned and prioritized cases, reviewed investigative findings, evaluated case files, and provided feedback to support quality and consistency.
- Monitored staff performance, addressed concerns, and implemented corrective action and professional development plans to enhance team capabilities.
- - Coordinated staff training on APS policies, procedures, applicable laws, investigative practices, and case management standards.
- - Promoted teamwork within APS unit and with external partners, including law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community agencies.
- - Assisted with policy and procedure updates to support effective investigations, case management, and regulatory compliance.
- - Conducted quality assurance reviews of investigations and case files to assess accuracy, completeness, and adherence to standards.
- - Reviewed case data and trends to identify program improvement opportunities and enhance service delivery effectiveness.
- - Guided staff through complex abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases and helped determine appropriate interventions and follow-up services.
- - Ensured accurate, timely, and complete documentation of investigations and service coordination to maintain accountability and compliance.
- - Addressed operational issues, supported decision-making, and identified solutions to improve program effectiveness.
- - Represented agency professionally and ethically in communications with staff, clients, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Social Service Advocate III
8 Years 6 Months- Conducted assessments to determine client safety, risk levels, and appropriate interventions, including referrals to ongoing services when necessary.
- Provided follow-up, consultation, case management, and referrals to community resources and support services.
- Coordinated services and educated community agencies, healthcare professionals, and service providers across multi-county area to enhance collaboration and resource utilization.
- Investigated allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation involving older adults and adults with disabilities.
- Participated in multidisciplinary teams, advisory councils, and collaborative initiatives to advocate for and support vulnerable adults effectively.
- Consulted with staff regarding complex cases, investigative concerns, policy questions, and appropriate case management decisions.
- Served in a lead worker capacity beginning in March 2011, providing guidance and technical assistance to colleagues.
- Presented on roles and responsibilities of Adult Protective Services to community organizations and professional groups to raise awareness and understanding of available support.
Social Services Case Manager
3 Years 9 Months- Conducted investigations of suspected child abuse and neglect, assessing child safety and the risk of harm through face-to-face interviews with children, parents, and caregivers.
- Collaborated with law enforcement, courts, and community agencies to address child safety concerns and coordinate appropriate interventions.
- Participated in decisions and court proceedings concerning children's safety, including protective custody and placement.
- Prepared and presented information regarding child safety, case progress, and family compliance with court-approved service and placement plans.
- Referred families to appropriate services, including counseling, parenting education, and other interventions designed to address identified needs and support family reunification.
- Prepared timely, accurate, and comprehensive case documentation and written reports in accordance with agency policies and court requirements.
- Served as a lead worker, providing guidance and support to colleagues in case-related and operational matters.
- Assessed child welfare cases and developed safety plans with families.
- Coordinated referrals with community partners for family support services.
- Prepared court reports and presented case updates for DFCS hearings.
Child Protective Specialist
8 Years 6 Months- Investigated allegations of child abuse and neglect by conducting interviews, home visits, and comprehensive assessments of family circumstances.
- Evaluated immediate safety concerns and the risk of future harm to children, taking appropriate protective action when necessary.
- Interviewed children, parents, caregivers, and other relevant individuals to gather information and determine appropriate interventions.
- Developed and implemented safety plans to address identified risks and protect children from further harm.
- Provided crisis intervention and connected families with community resources, social services, and eligible assistance programs.
- Collaborated with law enforcement, legal personnel, contracted agencies, and community service providers to coordinate services and promote child safety.
- Made investigative determinations regarding allegations of abuse and neglect based on available evidence and agency procedures.
- Maintained accurate, timely, and confidential electronic case records and investigative documentation.
- Prepared reports, filed petitions, and participated in Family Court proceedings, including providing testimony when required.
- Initiated protective custody or foster care placement procedures when children faced imminent danger and removal was warranted under applicable law and agency protocols.
- Used a strengths-based approach to engage families, identify needs, build on existing resources, and support improved family functioning.
- Examined cases of suspected abuse to ensure child safety and welfare. and neglect referrals for city child welfare cases.
- Interviewed children, parents, and collateral sources during home visits.
Census Bureau Supervisor (Crew Leader)
4 Months- Supervised a team of 10–12 enumerators, providing direction, monitoring performance, and ensuring compliance with census procedures.
- Trained enumerators on field operations, interviewing techniques, and strategies for gaining household cooperation.
- Conducted field quality assurance activities to assess the accuracy and completeness of census work.
- Held daily team meetings to review progress, collect and approve timecards, and address operational challenges.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Associate of Applied Science - Human Services
Skills
Staff Supervision and Leadership
Case Management and Case Review
Risk and Safety Assessments
Staff Training
Mentoring
and Development
Quality Assurance and Compliance
Policy and Procedure Implementation
Crisis Intervention and Safety Planning
Community Outreach and Agency Collaboration
Multidisciplinary Team Coordination
Documentation and Records Management
HIPAA and Confidentiality
Medical and Psychiatric Terminology
ACT Certification (forensic)
Community Presentations and Education
Computer Proficiency and Organizational Skills
Affiliations
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA)
Timeline
Social Service APS Supervisor
DHS-Division of Aging Services
06.2019 - CurrentRead More
Social Service Advocate III
DHS-DIVISION OF AGING
12.2010 - 06.2019Read More
Social Services Case Manager
DIVISION OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES
03.2007 - 12.2010Read More
Census Bureau Supervisor (Crew Leader)
U.S. BUREAU OF THE CENSUS
02.2000 - 06.2000Read More
Child Protective Specialist
ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN'S SERVICES
06.1997 - 12.2005Read More
York College, City University of New York
Bachelor of Science from Social Work
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Kingsborough Community College, City University of New York
Associate of Applied Science from Human Services
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