Courtney CJ Hughes
Lee's Summit,MO
Summary
Compassionate and results-oriented Community Support Specialist with extensive experience in delivering personalized support to diverse populations. Proven track record in developing and implementing crisis management plans leading to a 40% reduction in service gaps, effectively assisting communities in distress. Expertise in client advocacy and goal setting empowers individuals to achieve personal development objectives. Committed to leveraging skills in community outreach and resource coordination to drive meaningful, positive change.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Case Manager
Synergy
Kansas City, MO
09.2025 - Current
- Managed client assessments to develop tailored care plans and ensure service delivery.
- Coordinated communication between clients, healthcare providers, and support services to enhance collaboration.
- Monitored client progress and adjusted care strategies based on evolving needs and feedback.
- Conducted regular follow-ups to evaluate outcomes and ensure compliance with treatment protocols.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Managed a caseload of over ten youth.
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Streamlined case documentation processes, improving accuracy and efficiency of record-keeping systems.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Fostered open lines of communication with clients'' families and support networks, involving them in the case management process as appropriate.
Community Support Specialist
Rediscover
Lee's Summit, MO
02.2025 - 09.2025
- Facilitated support for individuals with disabilities, enhancing daily living skills and community integration. Developed tailored support plans based on individual needs, ensuring personalized care and engagement. Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate services and resources for clients effectively. Mentored junior staff in best practices for client interactions and service delivery strategies. Liaised with community members, recommending resources and programs. Produced crisis management and intervention plans for communities in need. Provided emotional support to affected residents and victims and assisted in developing long-term recovery plans and goals. Tracked service activities and outcomes against outlined plans and goals. Coordinated with different service providers to meet clients’ individual needs.
- Facilitated support services for individuals with mental health challenges, enhancing community integration.
- Conducted regular assessments to monitor client progress and adapt strategies as needed.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to expand resource availability for clients.
Treatment Foster Care Specialist
Cornerstones Of Care
Kansas City, United States
05.2018 - 08.2025
- Provided weekly in-home visits to establish consistent and reliable relationships with children and families served. Completed ecological psycho-social assessments and treatment planning that establishes goals with the youth and family. Service is provided from an Eco-systemic perspective.
- Achieved family goals for 100% of clients by providing referrals, resources, and tools for assistance.
Community Support Specialist Supervisor
Burrell Behavioral Health Center
Independence, MO
07.2024 - 01.2025
- Provided individualized support to community members, enhancing their access to resources and services. Facilitated workshops and training sessions, promoting skill development and self-sufficiency among participants. Collaborated with local organizations to coordinate outreach programs, increasing community engagement and participation. Implemented feedback mechanisms to assess program effectiveness, driving continuous improvement in service delivery. Advocated for client rights and access to services within the community, strengthening support networks. Enhanced client well-being by providing personalized support and resources tailored to individual needs. Monitored client progress regularly, adjusting support strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances. Trained new staff members in best practices for community support work while promoting a culture of empathy and professionalism. Conducted assessments to determine clients’ needs, strengths, and potential barriers to success.
- Coordinated community resources, linking clients with essential services for holistic support.
- Monitored client progress and adjusted interventions based on ongoing assessments and feedback.
Behavior Interventionist Case Supervisor
Foster Adopt Connect
Independence, MO
05.2022 - 07.2024
- Completed professional development courses, attended industry conferences, and read current publications to maintain knowledge of updates to the field. Utilized techniques such as behavior modeling and role-playing to improve interactions between students. Completed continuous assessments and documented updates to care to maintain current records. Conducted peer mediation sessions and conflict resolution groups. Modeled social, peer facilitation, and peer training to achieve academic, social, emotional, and behavioral goals. Monitored employee productivity to provide constructive feedback and coaching. Complied with company policies, objectives, and communication goals. Coordinated employee schedules according to shift changes and availability. Provided ongoing training to address staff needs. Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality, and conformance. Established and enforced clear goals to keep employees working collaboratively. Interviewed applicants, recommended individuals for hiring, and evaluated staff performance. Coached staff members to develop long-term career goals. Maintained positive working relationships with fellow staff and management. Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes. Developed and implemented individualized behavior intervention plans for clients. Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess client needs and progress.
- Developed training materials to enhance staff understanding of trauma-informed care principles.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
- Developed intervention plans based on established guidelines and individual needs.
- Evaluated progress regularly, adjusting intervention plans as needed to ensure continuous improvement in student behavior.
Shelter/Housing Case Manager
Rose Brooks Center
Kansas City, Missouri
03.2019 - 05.2022
- Took an active role in the patient and family planning process, detailing instructions and responding appropriately and effectively to questions and concerns. Developed and implemented a transition services plan to facilitate movement from shelter to community. Adhered to established rules, ethical standards, and codes of professional conduct conducive to a positive treatment atmosphere. Collaborated with external agencies to meet the individual needs of shelter clients. Managed case load of up to fifteen clients in emergency shelter, providing comprehensive, community-based care. Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients’ homes. Referred client or family to appropriate community resources to obtain support for mental or physical illness. Monitored and evaluated client progress compared to measurable treatment and care plan goals. Collaborated with other professionals to assess client needs. Provided information to access financial assistance, legal aid, or housing. Transported patients safely to social activities and doctors' appointments.
- Coordinated access to resources, including food, transportation, and legal services.
- Developed individualized housing plans to address client needs and goals.
- Advocated for clients in securing stable housing and navigating local services.
- Assisted clients in developing budgeting skills and financial planning strategies necessary for maintaining stable housing situations long-term.
- Empowered clients to make informed decisions related to their housing needs by conducting comprehensive assessments and providing tailored guidance.
Behavioral Interventionist (Lead)
Foster Adopt Connect
Independence, MO
12.2016 - 05.2019
- Provide one-on-one services to clients enrolled in the Behavioral Intervention program. Provide direct supervision at all times. Provide redirection and approved intervention strategies at all times. Engage the client regularly in approved Bruce Perry trauma-informed brain-stimulating activities. Adhere to the goals established in the treatment plan. Adhere to family routines and structure, as established. Arrive at the family home prior to the opening of the session to read the client's log. Have open, honest communication with family, program manager, and therapist. Complete the required documentation before the shift ends. Ensures adherence to all applicable county, state laws, and other regulations. Participates in community liaison activities. Provides/oversees proper record keeping and documentation for all activities. Contributes to team effort by consulting with other professionals; accomplishes related results as needed. Negotiated agreements between employees to clarify misunderstood directions and resolve conflicts affecting performance. Devoted special emphasis to punctuality and worked to maintain an outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving at work ready to start immediately. Worked with Family Connections Center Staff to resolve emergency problems, improve operations, and provide exceptional customer service. Organized and supervised games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development. Maintained compliance with company policies, objectives, and communication goals. Adjusted job assignments and schedules to keep pace with dynamic business needs, factoring in processes, employee knowledge, and customer demands. Delegated tasks to others on the B.I. team.
- Trained and mentored new staff on behavioral intervention techniques and best practices.
- Ensured adherence to organizational policies while maintaining a supportive client environment.
Care Manager
Missouri Alliance for Children and Families
Kansas City, MO
07.2014 - 05.2018
- Facilitate Family Support Team meetings while making decisions on the placement of the child. Initiate and complete family/child assessments that address safety, risks, family strengths and needs, domestic violence issues, and any other socioeconomic needs relating to sound treatment planning. Make decisions regarding permanency goals, necessary services, and make recommendations to the court. Participate in related Care Management teams and Case Reviews of the client case load. Be available to meet the needs of the family (often outside of normal working hours). Direct, plan, arrange, and/or provide crisis intervention as needed. Testify on behalf of abused and neglected children in court. Assess the risk of child abuse/neglect and the ongoing safety of children. Assess child and family functioning, protective factors, family strengths, family needs, stressors, and coping mechanisms. Engage families who may not want the service. Interact with community professionals as required, including CD, CPS, MRDD, DYS staff, School personnel, the DJO, and other court personnel. Coordinate the implementation of the client’s individualized care plan. Implement the Wraparound process with each assigned client and/or family, obtain guardian signature on Release of Information, facilitate Family Support Team meetings, write individualized care plan, arrange/schedule child and family support providers, and monitor ongoing coordination of the care plan implementation.
- Managed complex caseloads, ensuring timely assessment, intervention, and documentation for optimal care outcomes.
- Facilitated family meetings to address concerns, establish goals of care, and provide psychosocial support.
- Arranged transportation and documented details of discharge transition plans.
- Communicated with healthcare providers to facilitate continuity of care.
Lead CSS
Preferred Family Healthcare - Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
09.2012 - 06.2014
- Completing Community support assessments. Complete regular communication with family and referral sources. Request correspondence from past treatment. Establish Positive transition planning. Creation of extensive treatment planning. Supported clients in developing goals and social skills, improving individual wellness and productivity. Assisted in the implementation of community support services in alignment with needs. Managed support services and fostered communication among social workers, clinical therapists, hospital staff, and patients. Took an active role in the patient and family planning process, detailing instructions and responding appropriately and effectively to questions and concerns. Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows to meet any daily demand. Maintained compliance with company policies, objectives, and communication goals.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Education
Master of Arts - Sociology, Criminal Justice
Lincoln University
Jefferson City, United States01-2014
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Lincoln University of Missouri
Jefferson City 05-2010
High School Diploma - undefined
Chicago Vocational Career Academy
Chicago, United States01-2005
Skills
- Community Outreach
- Client Advocacy
- Goal Setting
- Crisis intervention
- Social Services
- Assess risk
- Safety
- Supervision
- Teamwork/Collaboration
- Documentation
- Discharge Planning
- Treatment planning
- Community-focused professional
- Reliability
- Adaptability
Certification
Over ten years of experience in case management, specializing in services for at-risk youth, survivors of domestic violence, foster care, veteran support, and mental health. Skilled in developing case goals, discharge planning, and possessing in-depth knowledge of community-based programs.
Timeline
Case Manager
Synergy
09.2025 - Current
Community Support Specialist
Rediscover
02.2025 - 09.2025
Community Support Specialist Supervisor
Burrell Behavioral Health Center
07.2024 - 01.2025
Behavior Interventionist Case Supervisor
Foster Adopt Connect
05.2022 - 07.2024
Shelter/Housing Case Manager
Rose Brooks Center
03.2019 - 05.2022
Treatment Foster Care Specialist
Cornerstones Of Care
05.2018 - 08.2025
Behavioral Interventionist (Lead)
Foster Adopt Connect
12.2016 - 05.2019
Care Manager
Missouri Alliance for Children and Families
07.2014 - 05.2018
Lead CSS
Preferred Family Healthcare - Kansas City
09.2012 - 06.2014
High School Diploma - undefined
Chicago Vocational Career Academy
Master of Arts - Sociology, Criminal Justice
Lincoln University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Lincoln University of Missouri