Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Carlis Thomas, MA

2228 Concord CT. Springfield ,IL

Summary

Seasoned detailed-oriented Child Protection Specialist from DCFS, Central Region Investigations, adept in crisis intervention and proficient in case management software. Demonstrated success improving policy through data analysis and collaboration, enhancing child welfare outcomes. Skilled in cultural awareness and organizational development, ensuring comprehensive support for vulnerable families.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Child Protection Specialist

DCFS, Central Region Investigations
Springfield, IL
07.2024 - Current
  • Generated reports summarizing findings from regular policy assessments.
  • Researched relevant laws, regulations, and best practices to inform policy decisions.
  • Completed writing assignments according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style and terminology.
  • Maintained professional and technical knowledge by attending workshops, seminars and lectures.
  • Collected and analyzed data related to child abuse and neglect cases to identify trends and inform policy decisions.
  • Monitored compliance with organizational policies through periodic reviews.
  • Investigated reports or indications of abuse, neglect or exploitation of at-risk adults, adolescents and children.
  • Informed victims about legal processes and timelines.
  • Interfaced with local court system, attending court proceedings and working directly with attorneys.
  • Reviewed and analyzed violent crime reports to identify crime trends.
  • Advocated for victims during difficult situations by filing police reports and connecting to needed services.
  • Interviewed clients individually and in groups to assess situations, capabilities and problems.
  • Used job-related software to compose or prepare correspondence, case notes and technical reports
  • Identified appropriate community resources and provided referrals for services.
  • Facilitated meetings with community partners to ensure that all parties are informed about cases involving child protection issues.
  • Assessed family dynamics through home visits and interviews while also considering cultural backgrounds.
  • Conducted regular home visits to assess safety and wellbeing of children in high-risk situations.
  • Maintained accurate records on all case activities including notes from interviews and assessments conducted with clients and families.
  • Collaborated with social services, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to provide comprehensive support for vulnerable families.
  • Coordinated with local schools to monitor the educational progress of children involved in the system.

PERMANENCY CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST

DCFS, Central Region
Springfield , IL
07.2023 - 07.2024
  • Attended court hearings as an advocate for the best interests of the child or youth.
  • Participated in weekly staffing meetings to discuss client treatment plans and progress towards goals.
  • Maintained detailed documentation on all cases, including progress notes and court reports.
  • Facilitated family team meetings with foster parents, birth parents, case workers, and other stakeholders.
  • Developed permanency plans for children in out-of-home placements.
  • Provided case management services to children and families in the foster care system.
  • Served as liaison between multiple agencies providing services to clients such as mental health providers, substance abuse counselors.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when needed.
  • Maintained confidentiality through stringent handling of charts and data.
  • Used job-related software to compose or prepare correspondence, case notes and technical reports
  • Built trust and rapport with victims of violent crimes by remaining calm and compassionate in variety of situations.
  • Conducted home visits with families to assess the safety of children in their homes.
  • Maintained up-to-date records of client progress and outcomes in accordance with agency guidelines.

Academic Coordinator/Teacher

Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois
Spring, IL
08.2013 - 07.2023
  • Kept information confidential except in cases pertaining to abuse, neglect or threats.
  • Monitored and provided assistance with such activities as homework, fitness and sports, art and literacy.
  • Talked with individuals, sharing positive life experiences to encourage improved self-esteem and boost socialization.
  • Collaborated with peer mentoring program members to devise new methods to generate interest and participation.
  • Performed assessments to determine individual limitations and strengths.
  • Worked closely with disabled or impoverished individuals to locate helpful financial resources and community programs.
  • Monitored student progress and assisted students and teachers with resolving problems.
  • Recruited, trained and evaluated staff and recommended personnel actions for programs and services.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
  • Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and helping to train others.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our behavior and homelessness
  • Greeted parents and children each day of program. Retrieved parent authorization forms, completed sign-out sheets, monitored daily attendance and performed other administrative tasks to help program run smoothly.
  • Attended variety of professional development workshops centered on learning goals, classroom management, student motivation and engaging learning activities.
  • Facilitated activities that developed students' physical, emotional and social growth.
  • Led students through safety procedures for active shooter and fire drills.
  • Used videos, lectures and moderated discussions to engage students during class.
  • Adhered to district standards for reporting on academic progress, student attendance and assessment data.

Family and Community Engagement Liaison

Springfield Public Schools District #186
Springfield, Illinois
01.2006 - 07.2023
  • Organized community resources and coordinated referrals to give parents additional support.
  • Conducted home visits and kept in contact with families in accordance with district policies.
  • Supported needs of at-risk families with housing, food and other critical assistance.
  • Completed intake assessments on families to determine service needs.
  • Protected children by identifying risks and implementing protective actions and improvement plans.
  • Discussed eligibility requirements for different services to help families gather required information and documentation.
  • Maintain quarterly reports to monitor student progress
  • Maintain accurate students records and safeguard confidentiality reports on student progress.
  • Counsel students with personal and psychological issues that impact performance and school behavior.
  • Communicate with educators, administrators and parents to provide an understanding of students' challenges and get further information on how to support students.
  • Reach out to at-risk students, including those with disabilities, those who have experienced trauma and students exhibiting behavioral issues to offer support and guidance.
  • Coordinate transfers and transportation to other facilities including health care centers and housing facilities.
  • Coordinated event logistics, venue scheduling and budgets for events.
  • Compiled documentation for court hearing and presented findings in court.

Education

Master of Arts - Human Services

University of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL
05.2022

Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership

Greenville University
Greenville, IL

Associate of Science - Health Information Technology

Robert Morris University
Springfield, IL

Skills

  • Analytical thinking
  • Policy Analysis
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Research skills
  • Writing proficiency
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication skills
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Project Management
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Adaptability
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Regulatory knowledge

Certification

  • CERAP Certified
  • CANS Certified
  • LEADS Certified
  • Casework Licensed

Timeline

Child Protection Specialist

DCFS, Central Region Investigations
07.2024 - Current

PERMANENCY CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST

DCFS, Central Region
07.2023 - 07.2024

Academic Coordinator/Teacher

Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois
08.2013 - 07.2023

Family and Community Engagement Liaison

Springfield Public Schools District #186
01.2006 - 07.2023

Master of Arts - Human Services

University of Illinois At Springfield

Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership

Greenville University

Associate of Science - Health Information Technology

Robert Morris University

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Carlis Thomas, MA