Candace Chavers
Grayslake,IL
Summary
Conscientious professional with extensive experience advocating for social and economic well-being of individuals and families. Skilled at providing guidance, support and assistance. Strong communication and management skills and committed to inspiring community service.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child Welfare Advanced Specialist - High Risk
Illinois Department Of Children And Family Services
07.2021 - Current
- Served as a temporary supervisor (TA PSA).
- Increased client satisfaction through consistent communication and timely resolution of concerns.
- Established and implemented a team-based program of staff development and training for subordinate staff to ensure the ongoing communication of rules and procedures and social work practice knowledge, methods, and skills through team meetings and supervision.
- Managed budgets for multiple families, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources and timely completion of deliverables to families.
- Improved child welfare outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing tailored case plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.
- Assisted in the placement of children into safe, nurturing foster homes by conducting comprehensive home studies.
- Ensured child safety through regular home visits, careful documentation, and ongoing communication with involved parties.
- Increased access to resources for struggling families by connecting them with relevant community organizations and programs.
- Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
- Promoted positive youth development by implementing evidence-based programs targeting behavioral issues, mental health concerns, or educational needs.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively while adhering to strict timelines as mandated by federal regulations or state policies.
- Mentored new Child Welfare Specialists through sharing knowledge and experience gained from years of practice, fostering a supportive team environment.
- Coordinated closely with schools, medical providers, therapists, and other relevant professionals to ensure comprehensive support for children in care.
Intact Case Manager
Arden Shore Child And Family Services
05.2019 - 07.2021
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Promoted positive parenting skills, utilizing evidence-based curricula and hands-on activities.
- Reduced risk factors for child abuse and neglect through targeted support services and referrals to community resources.
- Supported youths'' emotional well-being, providing crisis intervention services as needed during critical moments.
- Enhanced staff expertise with ongoing professional development opportunities, including trainings on trauma-informed care and cultural competence.
- Streamlined referral processes for smoother transitions between service providers, reducing gaps in care for clients in need.
- Advocated for policy changes that positively impacted at-risk families within the community context.
- 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.
Foster Care Case Manager
Camelot Care Center
10.2018 - 05.2019
- Increased placement success rates by matching children with suitable foster families based on their needs and preferences.
- Expedited permanency planning processes by diligently working towards reunification or adoption when appropriate.
- Reduced case re-entry rates by providing ongoing support, resources, and crisis intervention to foster families as needed.
- Promoted cultural competence within the agency through diversity training programs and inclusive practices in case management.
- Ensured timely completion of documentation, including case notes, court reports, and treatment plans to maintain compliance with state regulations.
- Streamlined internal processes for efficient case management by implementing new strategies for organization and prioritization of caseloads.
- Provided thorough training to new case managers, fostering a supportive team environment that ultimately benefited client outcomes.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current research, policy changes, and best practices in child welfare through professional development opportunities.
- Completed regular visitations to check on children, families and home environments.
- Checked with newly placed children frequently to support comprehensive success and assimilation.
- Established parental eligibility through frequent meetings and reviewing information.
- Attended proceedings and testified for reunification and permanent placement cases.
Daycare Owner/Operator
Candy's Corner Daycare
09.2013 - 02.2017
- Increased enrollment rates by implementing innovative marketing strategies and community outreach programs.
- Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for children through regular maintenance, staff training, and adherence to safety protocols.
- Developed age-appropriate curriculum plans focused on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
- Managed financial aspects of the daycare business, including budgeting, expense tracking, and revenue generation.
- Recruited qualified staff members through rigorous screening processes to maintain a high-quality team of childcare professionals.
- Organized fun-filled events and activities for children that promoted learning in an engaging manner.
- Streamlined daily operations by implementing efficient scheduling systems for both staff and students.
- Maintained compliance with state licensing requirements through regular inspections, documentation updates, and policy reviews.
- Implemented professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance their skills and knowledge in childcare practices.
- Maintained accurate accounting of tuition and operating reports.
- Oversaw safety requirements, inspection, and certification procedures to facilitate annual licensing review.
- Supervised childcare workers and oversaw facility to meet state requirements for education and training.
Education
Masters in Social Work
Dominican University
River Forest, IL05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
National University
La Jolla, CA05.2018
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Risk Assessment
- Resource Allocation
- Client Needs Assessments
- Service Planning
- Training and Mentoring
- Goal-Oriented
- Critical Thinking
- Relationship Building
- Cultural Awareness
- Quality Assurance
- Conflict Resolution
- Project Planning
Certification
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)
Timeline
Child Welfare Advanced Specialist - High Risk
Illinois Department Of Children And Family Services
07.2021 - Current
Intact Case Manager
Arden Shore Child And Family Services
05.2019 - 07.2021
Foster Care Case Manager
Camelot Care Center
10.2018 - 05.2019
Daycare Owner/Operator
Candy's Corner Daycare
09.2013 - 02.2017
Masters in Social Work
Dominican University
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
National University
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB)
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