Cassandra Barrera
Eugene,OR
Summary
Seasoned COVID-19 Outbreak/Case Investigator seeks to expand role in Public Health workforce. My academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Public Health while pursuing an MPH. I’m drawn to mental, occupational, and environmental health and health prevention and improvement. I work well among a variety of different communication and learning styles. I’ve become adept at building and facilitating relationships with individuals and organizations throughout the pandemic while working at Linn and Lane County. I’m committed to community service and feel my passion for this work is so palpable that it may even rub off on others. You’ve been warned!
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child Protective Services Investigator
Linn County Oregon Department of Human Services
Albany, OR
10.2023 - Current
- Conducted home visits to assess the safety and well-being of children.
- Interviewed families, caregivers, and other professionals involved with the family in order to gather information.
- Assessed risk factors for abuse or neglect within a household.
- Investigated reports or indications of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of at-risk adults, adolescents, and children.
- Participated in ongoing training to maintain license and enhance knowledge of relevant mental health topics.
- Interviewed clients individually and in groups to assess situations, capabilities, and problems.
- Built trust and rapport with victims of violent crimes by remaining calm and compassionate in a variety of situations.
- Remained composed and calm when interacting with individuals, taking into account that children and families were involved in high-stress situations.
- Documented case information by completing forms promptly and filing with appropriate agencies.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with children, guardians, doctors, nurses, and law enforcement to gain insight into individual cases.
- Investigated each child's living environment to determine whether home was safe or presented risks.
- Consulted medical personnel when appropriate regarding injuries or illnesses that may be indicative of abuse or neglect.
- Regularly communicated progress updates with supervisors and other relevant parties.
- Worked closely with social workers and other professionals involved in the case.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies on investigations into allegations of child abuse or neglect.
- Diligently Documented all activities related to cases including interviews, assessments, and observations.
- Assisted in child transportation to appointments, school, home setting.
- Supervised parent/caregiver and child visitations.
Coalition Coordinator
Upstream Public Health
Eugene, OR (Remote), OR
08.2023 - 09.2023
- Responsible for determining the size and scope of the coalition based on budgetary limitations.
- Researched methods for financial reimbursement.
- Decided how frequently the coalition would be able to meet based on budget snd time constraints.
COVID-19 Outbreak and Case Investigator
Linn County Public Health
Albany, OR
07.2021 - Current
- Opening/closing and managing outbreaks.
- Problem-solving outbreak matters with co-workers and regional epidemiologists.
- Educating and explaining appropriate outbreak response to various high-consequence settings.
- Arranging state consultation with Regional Epidemiologists to discuss COVID-19 best practices and recommendations for various high-consequence settings.
- Working collaboratively with Health Promotions and Emergency Preparedness Teams to provide PPE, test kits, and vaccine outreach to organizations and facilities.
- Attending meetings with CBO partners to get referral updates and inquire about assistance capacity.
- Performing initial interviews to asses risks, exposures, and points of contact.
- Creating and managing cases in OPERA Database.
- Collecting data and demographic on cases.
- Explaining pre and post-isolation guidance with cases.
- Submitting requests and documentation for wrap service referrals and isolation work letters.
COVID-19 Contact Tracer
Lane County Public Health
Eugene, OR
10.2020 - 05.2021
- Prioritized and conducted initial interviews with contacts.
- Completed monitoring and end-of-quarantine calls.
- Answered incoming calls about quarantine and isolation guidance.
- Submitted requests and documentation for testing referrals, case management needs, and quarantine letters.
- Completed registration documentation at mass vaccine clinics.
- Updated vaccine information in ALERT Database.
- Scheduled and registered community members for vaccine appointments at call center.
Public Health Internship
The Help Group
Sherman Oaks, CA
10.2019 - 03.2020
- Created numerous emergency drills for staff and live-in clients with intellectual disabilities to practice.
- Designed step-by-step job training manuals for those with intellectual disabilities and those who are neurodivergent to assist them with entering the hospitality workforce.
- Completed outreach for the Kaleidoscope Project (serving neurodivergent LGBTQ youth).
- Helped set up and attended events for clothing drives with the Silver Linings Clothing Store and the Advanced LA project (for transitional services for teens and young adults).
- Created pre and post-screening tests to help assess neurodivergent teens who may be struggling with social anxiety.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Public Health
California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA05.2022
Skills
- HIPPA trained
- Exceptional communication skills
- Facilitating and fostering relationships
- Navigating community resources
- Outreach and event coordination
- ALERT, OPERA, DUDE, and Arias Database proficient
- Cognito Forms, Words, Excel, Zoom, One Note, and Microsoft Teams savvy
- Detail oriented thoroughness
Certification
- CHW Certified
- CHES Certified
- Mental Health First Aide Training
- OHP Assister Certified
- Various IHI Courses completed:
- o QI 101: Introduction to Health Care Improvement*
- o QI 102: How to Improve with the Model for Improvement
- o QI 103: Testing and Measuring Changes with PDSA Cycles*
- o QI 104: Interpreting Data: Run Charts, Control Charts, and Other
- Measurement Tools*
- o QI 105: Leading Quality Improvement*
- o QI 201: Planning for Spread: From Local Improvements to System-
- Wide Change
- o PS 201: Root Cause Analyses and Actions
Timeline
Child Protective Services Investigator
Linn County Oregon Department of Human Services
10.2023 - Current
Coalition Coordinator
Upstream Public Health
08.2023 - 09.2023
COVID-19 Outbreak and Case Investigator
Linn County Public Health
07.2021 - Current
COVID-19 Contact Tracer
Lane County Public Health
10.2020 - 05.2021
Public Health Internship
The Help Group
10.2019 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Science - Public Health
California State University Northridge
- CHW Certified
- CHES Certified
- Mental Health First Aide Training
- OHP Assister Certified
- Various IHI Courses completed:
- o QI 101: Introduction to Health Care Improvement*
- o QI 102: How to Improve with the Model for Improvement
- o QI 103: Testing and Measuring Changes with PDSA Cycles*
- o QI 104: Interpreting Data: Run Charts, Control Charts, and Other
- Measurement Tools*
- o QI 105: Leading Quality Improvement*
- o QI 201: Planning for Spread: From Local Improvements to System-
- Wide Change
- o PS 201: Root Cause Analyses and Actions
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