Christina Foster
Buffalo
Summary
Elevating HUMBOLDT HOUSE's Social Work Department, I spearheaded a team rebuild and quality enhancement, integrating client advocacy and motivational interviewing. My strategic vision and leadership, underscored by innovative program development and a commitment to quality improvement, significantly advanced service standards and compliance, showcasing my ability to transform challenges into achievements.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Social Work Department
HUMBOLDT HOUSE REHABILITATION AND NURSING
08.2024 - Current
- Rebuilt the Social Work department from the ground up by recruiting, hiring, and training a highly competent team to meet residents' needs effectively.
- Developed and implemented departmental goals, plans and standards consistent with administrative, legal and ethical requirements of organization.
- Developed and implemented systems to enhance quality assurance processes across both the Social Work and Nursing departments, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Designed innovative, resident-focused programs in collaboration with the Activities Department, tailored to individual diagnoses, social engagement preferences, and input from staff and families.
- Streamlined referral processes, improving access to vital community resources for patients and their families.
Chief Creative Officer & Business Consultant
GIANTS AWAKE INC.
03.2019 - Current
- Elevated brand recognition by implementing innovative and cohesive marketing campaigns.
- Founded and led the development of #NegotiateWithAudacity Academy, an innovative online course empowering Black and Latino social workers to achieve transformative career growth.
- Designed and implemented a curriculum focused on rebranding professional identity, amplifying confidence, and showcasing leadership to excel in competitive job markets.
- Crafted and delivered personalized strategies that helped clients strengthen their professional voice and secure roles aligning with their career aspirations.
Curriculum Developer
Bandage Control University
08.2014 - 08.2024
- Executed innovative marketing strategies to expand outreach and strengthen organizational branding.
- Managed key partnerships by negotiating contracts and fostering collaboration to support growth initiatives.
- Developed customized learning experiences by incorporating multimedia elements, interactive activities, and real-world examples.
- Spearheaded efforts to incorporate emerging pedagogical theories into core curricular frameworks, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Director of Social Services & Administration
Elderwood Grand Island
02.2023 - 05.2023
- Facilitated open communication between staff members, promoting teamwork and collaborative problem-solving approaches to challenges faced by clients.
- Assisted with the functionality and daily operations of a high paced 200-bed facility catering to long term care, sub-acute, and memory care units.
- Managed, organized, and/or facilitated correspondence for weekly care team meetings, utilization review meetings, long term care, sub-acute meetings, and high-risk meetings to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan.
- Participated in and made modifications in order to maintain corporate compliance for MOC Survey, Special Focus, and Quapi
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification in compliance with care plans
Sub Acute Social Worker
Buffalo Centers
11.2022 - 03.2023
- Conducted individual counseling sessions for improved client emotional well-being.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- Participated in and made modifications in order to maintain corporate compliance for MOC Survey, Special Focus, and Quapi
Social Worker
McQuire Group
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Conducted BIMS & PHQ9 assessments to determine residents’ capacity.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations and determine capacity in order to coordinated safe discharge.
- Assess and identified residents social and emotional needs while developing and maintaining individualized care plans.
- Formulated strategies to improve resident's ability to manage physical needs and mental/psychosocial needs.
Outreach & Recruitment Specialist
NORTHLAND WORKFORCE TRAINING CENTER
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Implemented applicant tracking system for better recruitment organization.
- Designed and facilitated workshops and programs to recruit, hire, and train diverse talent pools.
- Built strategic partnerships with community leaders to strengthen and expand recruitment initiatives.
- Designed and facilitated workshops and programs to recruit, hire, and train diverse talent pools.
- Implemented applicant tracking system for better recruitment organization.
Sub Acute & Long Term Care Social Worker
THE GRAND NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER
03.2021 - 06.2021
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Helped clients with recognizing and managing mental health concerns through evidence-based interventions.
- Analyzed client cases to identify underlying issues and develop targeted interventions.
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
Supervisor & Care Coordinator
New Directions Youth & Family Services
03.2017 - 11.2019
- Coordinated cross-functional projects to achieve organizational goals.
- Developed comprehensive crisis intervention plans for families with intellectual disabilities & dual diagnosis in order to divert placement or hospitalization of youth.
- Evaluated employee performance, coached and trained to improve areas of improvement.
- Provided in-home support and services to families referred by Erie County Department of Social Services, ensuring children remained safe and at home.
- Collaborated with families to identify strengths, set goals, and address needs, enhancing family stability and preventing out-of-home placements.
Education
National & International Life Coach Federation - Life Coaching
Life Purpose Institute
San Francisco, CA03-2019
Bachelors of Social Work - Social Work And Sociology
SUNY Buffalo State College
Buffalo05-2011
Skills
- Client advocacy
- Quality improvement
- Motivational interviewing
- Policy analysis
Timeline
Director of Social Work Department
HUMBOLDT HOUSE REHABILITATION AND NURSING
08.2024 - Current
Director of Social Services & Administration
Elderwood Grand Island
02.2023 - 05.2023
Sub Acute Social Worker
Buffalo Centers
11.2022 - 03.2023
Social Worker
McQuire Group
06.2022 - 09.2022
Outreach & Recruitment Specialist
NORTHLAND WORKFORCE TRAINING CENTER
08.2021 - 08.2022
Sub Acute & Long Term Care Social Worker
THE GRAND NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER
03.2021 - 06.2021
Chief Creative Officer & Business Consultant
GIANTS AWAKE INC.
03.2019 - Current
Supervisor & Care Coordinator
New Directions Youth & Family Services
03.2017 - 11.2019
Curriculum Developer
Bandage Control University
08.2014 - 08.2024
National & International Life Coach Federation - Life Coaching
Life Purpose Institute
Bachelors of Social Work - Social Work And Sociology
SUNY Buffalo State College
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