Hardworking Advocate who enjoys working diligently on behalf of Victims or as I like to say "survivors." I take pride in helping persons in need obtain the necessary services. Knowledgeable in court proceedings, court reporting, 16 years of social work experience. Apply communication skills to connect with the survivors and help guide them to the right resources. Enjoy collaborating with service providers and enjoy trying to keep families safe.
Hi, I’m
Cecelia Paniagua
Coachella,CA
Summary
Overview
16
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
Family and Children Services Advocate
01.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Specialized in Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA; Native law) specifically with Juvenile court dependency court. Worked closely with Department of Social Services (Child Protection Services). Collaborating with CPS and high risk families to put preventative services in place to ensure children's and family safety.
- Made referrals to appropriate services, following up to confirm patients received access to required care.
- Supported individuals with legal, physical, or mental health concerns in dealing with routine needs and complex problems such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse, domestic violence and mental health.
- Counseled clients during emotionally challenging situations, offering empathy while maintaining professionalism.
- Demonstrated strong ethical standards in all aspects of practice, upholding integrity of the legal profession.
- Conducted comprehensive client interviews, gathering relevant information to build a strong case foundation.
- Drafted court reports for court submittal, wrote case status updates for attorney to present in court.
- Delivered high-quality representation and support to clients in court in order to support family reunification and maintenance.
- Conducted pre-screening assessments to determine eligibility for supportive services.
- Kept up-to-date case notes, by frequently adding case notes, reviewing records and documenting findings and all client interactions.
- Compiled documentation, ensuring accuracy and detail. Collaboration with Tribal council keeping them up to date on case status, making case recommendations.
- Effectively multi-tasked between phone calls, email, faxes, reports, case staffing's and other methods of communication while managing an average of 15 complex caseloads with diligence, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely resolution of cases.
- Participated in professional development initiatives for consistent improvement and up-to-date knowledge of emerging trends and best practices.
- Completed home-visits, reports, scanning, paperwork and documentation accurately and in timely manner.
- Maintained positive relationships with community to build and nurture dynamic partnerships.
- Worked effectively with fellow team members to coordinate effective solutions to any question or concern.
- Handled complex scheduling for appointments, court appearances, court reports and home visits.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
County Of Riverside
Lead Social Services Assistant
10.2007 - 01.2023
Job overview
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing timely and accurate information on available social services programs.
- Monitored progress towards service plan goals.
- Contributed to program evaluations by tracking client outcomes and providing feedback on areas for improvement.
- Assisted in conducting needs assessments to identify key areas of service needs.
- Testified under oath as child advocate in family court to assist with child custody decisions.
- Organized outreach events to raise awareness about social service programs and connect individuals with necessary resources.
- Conducted thorough assessments of client needs, connecting them with appropriate resources and support networks.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted case managers in developing personalized care plans for clients, resulting in improved well-being and selfsufficiency.
- Served as a liaison between clients and external agencies, advocating for their needs and promoting effective communication.
- Determined needed and relevant interventions based on each client's cognitive abilities and current needs.
- Developed and maintained accurate records of programs and services.
- Provided support to social service clients in navigating available resources.
- Facilitated communication between clients and other service providers.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions and progress towards goals, ensuring effective service delivery.
- Coordinated appointments between clients and essential service providers while remaining sensitive to individual scheduling constraints.
- Provided empathetic support to clients during crisis situations, facilitating timely interventions by relevant professionals.
Education
California State University San Bernardino San Bernardino, CA
No Degree from Social Work
01.2025
University Overview
College of The DesertPalm Desert, CA
Associate of Arts
05.2004
University Overview
Skills
- Case Management
- Court Proceedings
- Mediation
- Collaboration with Support Services
- Legal Document Processing
- Conflict Resolution
- Court reporting
- Client Representation
- Legal counseling
- Document Preparation
- Spanish- speak, write and read fluently
Certification
- Domestic Violence Advocate - Certification provided by Safe Families Justice Center 2023
- CPS, First Aid - Red Cross 2024
- Ca Driver's License.
Timeline
Family and Children Services Advocate
Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians
01.2023 - Current
Lead Social Services Assistant
County Of Riverside
10.2007 - 01.2023
California State University San Bernardino
No Degree from Social Work
College of The Desert
Associate of Arts
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