Chinnaill Hernandez

I worked in close coordination with the Office of Chief Counsel and were assigned foster care cases that the Office Chief Counsel attorneys also worked on. I utilized a consistent and reliable calendar and tickler system to establish regular, timely meetings,schedules with DHS caseworkers to ensure preparation of and for, court reports, testimony and follow

through on court orders; conducting ongoing quality assurance reviews of court reports in advance of submission to OCC and the court. Ensures development of a supportive services case plan based on the needs and strengths identified within 30 days of case opening. Assists and coordinates on submission of

court reports to OCC and court; attends and observes assigned court hearings and reviews. Utilized uniform court observation tools to observe and track caseworker testimony performance for continuous quality improvement. I utilized a uniform court activity and follow-up court log to accurately record

information on all activities including court hearings and reviews, and reasonable efforts findings, no reasonable efforts findings, court ordered staffing’s and next steps for all attorneys and DCFS.

Documented court findings from all hearings and reviews. Documented next action steps following all

meetings with caseworkers for court related responsibilities and court orders; uploading court logs, court orders and other court related updates into CHRIS; calendaring action steps for caseworkers, documenting referrals, scheduling follow-up in conjunction with the foster care casework supervisor,

identifying court actions and follow-through for worker on CHRIS, prompting and providing oversight of

caseworkers with follow-through post-court; serving as the point of contact for the court to contact for scheduling, coordination and follow-up; and, providing oversight and support to ensure that all parties, and children and youth are provided with notice and have in-person or virtual access to participate in

hearings and reviews. Collaboration with the entire foster care team including but not limited to the supervisors, program assistant, foster (resource) parent and any other pertinent DCFS staff or stakeholders. Reaching out to community leaders/stakeholders about additional services for families.

• Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
• Maintained compliance with company policies, objectives, and communication goals.
• Mentored newly hired employees on operating equipment and safety and developed training manual to use for reference.
• Achieved results by working with staff to meet established targets.

• Evaluated each situation objectively based on available evidence and used critical thinking skills to determine appropriate actions.
• Assisted families in understanding their rights during the investigation process while maintaining a respectful relationship.
• Conducted thorough assessments of child abuse and neglect allegations, ensuring child safety and wellbeing.
• Promoted family stability by connecting clients to appropriate community resources such as housing assistance, mental health services, or substance abuse treatment programs.
• Provided ongoing support to families post-investigation, monitoring progress towards established goals and adjusting case plans as needed.
• Developed strong rapport with clients through empathetic listening and clear communication, fostering trust during difficult situations.
• Participated actively in continuing education opportunities to stay current on best practices within child protective services field.

• Conducted ongoing training sessions for foster parents, enhancing their ability to provide quality care for children in need.
• Maintained accurate documentation of case files, adhering to strict confidentiality guidelines and legal requirements.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address complex cases, ensuring the best possible solutions for families involved.
• Supported colleagues in handling complex cases, offering guidance and expertise based on years of experience in the field.
• Assisted families in navigating complex court processes, advocating on their behalf when necessary to ensure fair treatment.
• Provided crisis intervention services to families experiencing emergencies, connecting them with appropriate resources as needed.
• Developed innovative solutions to address unique challenges faced by clients, demonstrating a commitment to continuous quality improvement.
• Promoted family preservation efforts by providing intensive in-home services designed to address specific challenges faced by families at risk of separation.
• Contributed to a positive workplace culture by actively participating in staff meetings and engaging in professional development opportunities to enhance job performance skills continually.
• Reduced risk factors for children by implementing effective case management strategies and monitoring progress.
• Increased cultural competence within the agency through participation in diversity training initiatives and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
• Ensured timely permanency for children in foster care by diligently working towards reunification or alternative placement options.
• Monitored compliance with state regulations and agency policies, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective action plans as needed.
• Improved child safety by developing comprehensive safety plans in collaboration with families and service providers.
• Enhanced family stability by conducting thorough assessments and identifying appropriate community resources.
• Developed strong working relationships with community partners, increasing the availability of supportive services for clients.
• Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
• Strengthened family connections through regular home visits, providing support and guidance to ensure positive outcomes.
• Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
• Developed and implemented programs to support children's mental health and well-being.
• Implemented research-based interventions and strategies to support positive behavior and social-emotional development.
• 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.
• Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
• Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
• Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
• Lead individualized and group counseling sessions with children and families.
• Facilitated groups to address specific needs such as grief and loss, anger management and social skills.

• Enhanced team productivity through regular supervision, training, and support for fellow social workers.
• Spearheaded fundraising efforts to secure additional funding for much-needed programs that benefited underserved populations within the community.
• Conducted comprehensive assessments and developed treatment plans that addressed the unique needs of each client while adhering to evidence-based practices.
• Facilitated therapeutic group sessions designed to increase self-awareness, improve coping skills, and promote healthy interpersonal relationships among participants.
• Managed high caseloads while maintaining quality care by prioritizing tasks and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, attending conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses regularly to enhance professional expertise.
• Advocated for clients'' rights, ensuring access to resources and services necessary for their wellbeing.
• Promoted a positive work environment by modeling professional behavior and encouraging open communication among team members.
• Provided expert guidance on complex cases, mentoring junior social workers in best practices, ethical decision-making, and case management techniques.
• Developed strong relationships with clients by establishing trust and rapport through empathetic listening and effective communication skills.
• Developed and implemented training programs for new employees, creating a standardized onboarding process that improved employee retention rates.
• Increased client engagement in treatment plans by utilizing motivational interviewing techniques and setting achievable goals together.
• Reduced recidivism rates among at-risk youth through targeted prevention programs and community outreach efforts.
• Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
• Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
• Streamlined case management processes by developing efficient documentation procedures and maintaining accurate client records.
• De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
• Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan.
• Monitored clients' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
• Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
• Facilitated group therapy sessions to build supportive, communicative client networks.
• Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
• Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop coping skills and improve communication.

• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in behavioral health case management.
• Provided crisis intervention services promptly, minimizing risk factors and ensuring safety for all parties involved.
• Verified successful coordination of counseling efforts with mental health professionals, doctors, social workers and other stakeholders.
• Evaluated program effectiveness regularly using outcome measurements tools allowing continuous improvement of services provided.
• Reduced hospital readmissions with thorough case management and effective coordination of care.
• Enhanced patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized behavioral health treatment plans.
• Developed strong relationships with local service providers, fostering collaboration that benefited clients'' overall progress toward recovery goals.
• Established positive rapport with clients to foster trust and promote engagement in their treatment process.
• Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, progress monitoring, and timely intervention adjustments.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for clients in need of behavioral health services.
• Maintained strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines, ensuring client privacy and fostering trust throughout the therapeutic process.
• Maintained detailed documentation of client progress, facilitating seamless transitions between providers when necessary.
• Demonstrated cultural competency by working effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds and adapting treatment approaches to meet their unique needs.
• Mentored new case managers, sharing best practices and contributing to a cohesive workplace culture focused on professional growth.
• Applied evidence-based techniques such as behavioral activation, problem-solving treatment and motivational interviewing to support behavioral interventions.
• Educated patients about common mental health and substance abuse disorders to facilitate understanding of treatment options.
• Led regular case conferences to review client progress, identify potential barriers to success, and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
• Connected patients to community resources, increasing support networks and promoting overall wellbeing.