Carolyn Hirvi
Leesburg,FL
Summary
My professional goal is to make a positive impact in the lives of others by treating each individual with respect, dignity, and compassion. I have worked for over 30 years in the social services field with children and families, as well as survivors of domestic violence, children with varying disabilities, senior citizens as well as those in recovery. Primarily, I have served as a Case Manager while working for the Department of Children and Families and as a Juvenile Probation Officer for the Department of Juvenile Justice, with at-risk children and families.
Most recently, I was an advocate for children placed in foster care. I worked for the Guardian Ad Litem Office and am a certified Child Advocate. Currently, I am on the Board of Directors and serve as Secretary for Life Skills Prep, Inc., a non-profit organization in Lake County, working with teens to aid in preparing them to become successful, self-sufficient young adults. I am looking forward to utilizing my professional experience, skill-set, and education to support your mission statement.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Advocate Manager
Florida Guardian Ad Litem Office
06.2023 - 08.2024
- Advocated for children's best interests during court proceedings, ensuring their voices were heard and considered in decision-making processes.
- Managed and motivated volunteer Guardian Ad Litems to be productive and engaged in their work with the children and families we serve.
- Established trust with children by maintaining confidentiality and providing a safe space for them to express their thoughts and feelings openly.
- Coordinated with social workers, therapists, and medical professionals to address any mental health or physical health concerns affecting a child's well-being.
- Enhanced child welfare by conducting thorough assessments of their home environment and identifying areas for improvement.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to create holistic support plans for at-risk youth in need of intervention or assistance.
- Developed comprehensive case files that documented each child's history, strengths, challenges, goals, and progress over time.
Juvenile Probation Officer
Florida Department Of Juvenile Justice
01.2008 - 05.2023
- Screened offender referrals and completed intake interviews and paperwork.
- Conducted thorough assessments of juvenile offenders to determine risk levels, needs, and appropriate supervision strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure a comprehensive approach in addressing the needs of youth under supervision.
- Reduced recidivism rates through targeted interventions and appropriate referrals to community-based programs.
- Enhanced community safety by closely monitoring and supervising juveniles on probation, ensuring compliance with court-ordered conditions.
- Established a positive rapport with juvenile probationers and their families by fostering trust and open communications. Provided resources and support to aid in the youth's successful rehabilitation.
- Managed caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks, utilizing time management skills, and maintaining organized case files.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on trends, research, and best practices in the field of juvenile justice.
Family Case Manager
Kids Hope United
07.2004 - 01.2008
- Enhanced family well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing individualized case plans.
- Improved child safety by conducting thorough home visits and providing timely interventions when necessary.
- Promoted family stability by connecting clients with appropriate community resources and services.
- Educated families to better understand the case-management process and the legal system related to custody disputes, domestic violence situations and dependency law.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, sharing vital information to ensure holistic support for families in need.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders to coordinate the implementation of social and community service initiatives.
- Ensured accurate documentation of case progress by maintaining detailed records and submitting timely reports to supervisors.
- Utilized excellent time management skills to effectively juggle multiple cases concurrently while consistently meeting deadlines.
Residential Case Manager
Human Services Associates, Inc./ Rivendale
06.2003 - 06.2004
- Provided Case Management services to male teens placed in foster care group home and promoted a positive residential atmosphere by fostering a culture of mutual support among clients.
- Advocated for client needs within the agency and broader community, securing necessary resources and accommodations.
- Assisted residents in setting achievable goals, providing ongoing guidance and support throughout their progress.
- Established rapport with the case-management and families of residents, maintaining open communication lines regarding client progress updates.
- Maintained detailed case-notes; to include, accurate documentation of client progress, risk/needs assessment, services provided, and recommendations .
Education
Master of Non-Profit Management - Non-Profit Managment
Bachelor's Degree in Leisure Services and Studies, College of Education at Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Certified Child Advocate Manager - July 2024
Skills
- Family engagement
- Fundraising strategies
- Trauma-informed care
- Problem-solving abilities
- Motivational Interviewing
- Client Advocacy
- Experience with at-risk youth
- Multicultural Awareness
- Case Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Court Liaison
Timeline
Child Advocate Manager - Florida Guardian Ad Litem Office
06.2023 - 08.2024
Juvenile Probation Officer - Florida Department Of Juvenile Justice
01.2008 - 05.2023
Family Case Manager - Kids Hope United
07.2004 - 01.2008
Residential Case Manager - Human Services Associates, Inc./ Rivendale
06.2003 - 06.2004
University of Central Florida - Master of Non-Profit Management, Non-Profit Managment
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