Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Community Service
Languages
Timeline
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Damian Mendez

Brownsville,United States

Summary

With a robust background at Case Management and expertise in bilingual communication and strategic decision-making, I excel in transforming challenges into solutions and fostering impactful community outreach. My proven record in efficient records management and advocating for vulnerable populations underscores my commitment to excellence and collaborative teamwork.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Case Manager

Southwest Key Programs Casa Padre
Brownsville, Texas
07.2023 - Current
  • Delivered clear overviews of available care and services during initial consultations.
  • Interviewed family members, friends of the family, and sponsors to assess relationship integrity within 24 to 48 hours of minor's admission.
  • Guarantee assessments are completed on schedule per state and federal guidelines.
  • Recorded all interactions and steps with stakeholders in progress notes per state and federal contract requirements.
  • Performed frequent audits on cases to identify pending information.
  • Served as an advocate for vulnerable populations by driving state-level policy changes.
  • Cultivated effective alliances with various social services organizations, medical providers, and public agencies.
  • Counseled clients on available resources within the community that could help meet their needs.

Case Manager/Mentor

Southwest Key Programs Casa Norma Linda
Los Fresnos, Texas
12.2021 - 02.2023
  • Guided clients to identify community resources suitable for their needs.
  • Developed individualized care plans with input from clients and their families.
  • Processed completed orders from Case Manager, ensuring prompt youth discharge.
  • Mentored colleagues to enhance their skills in case management.
  • Supported vulnerable populations by lobbying for policy changes at state level.
  • Prepared and maintained budgets, personnel records or training manuals.
  • Evaluated work of staff and volunteers to maintain quality and effectiveness of resources.
  • Cultivated effective partnerships with both social services and health care sectors along with government entities.
  • Maintained logs and electronic client records following department and agency policies for effective monitoring.

Case Manager

IES – International Education Services/CHS
Los Fresnos, Texas
06.2016 - 12.2021
  • Liaised with court and ICE to verify minor's legal status.
  • Evaluated collected information to identify indications of human trafficking, physical abuse, or sexual exploitation.
  • Facilitated monthly briefings with staff and clients on court proceedings, case progress, medical reports, event calendars, and adjustments to service plans.
  • Coordinated frequently with ICE and DHS on status updates for minors with extended stays.
  • Follow-up calls are made 30 days after the client's discharge to assure the child's safety and any needed additional resources.
  • Handled administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
  • Participated in routine training sessions focused on children's well-being.

Youth Development Professional

Boys and Girls Club Laguna Madre
Port Isabel, Texas
02.2015 - 06.2016
  • Communicated daily with Youth Development professionals, club members, and supervisors to exchange information.
  • Engaged external groups and families to support program development.
  • Coordinated youth programs and services to ensure safety and high-quality.
  • Organize promotion of various daily programs, events, and community partnerships.
  • Coordinate with program director of services to plan and implement grand programs.
  • Led bi-weekly mentoring sessions for at-risk youth.
  • Developed and structured curriculum for youth-focused after-school initiatives and seasonal programs.
  • Fostered safety and therapeutic standards by overseeing youth activities and routines.

Case Aide/Youth Care Worker

Southwest Key Casa Esperanza
Brownsville, Texas
06.2014 - 11.2014
  • Ensured safety, aid, and guidance to undocumented youths within a secure environment.
  • Conducted ongoing training in resolving psychological issues, focusing on problem resolution and suicide prevention.
  • Accompanied minors to designated families nationwide within 24-hour timeframes.
  • Conducted educational programs focused on understanding substances and cultural influences.
  • Supervised over 10 youths in settings such as museums, parks, and church masses.
  • Informed family twice per week regarding youth progress.
  • Collected relevant data on legal services for youth post-facility.
  • Reached out to family member for financial support enabling youth's travel to destination.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology and Sociology

The University of Texas At Brownsville
Brownsville, Texas, USA
05.2014

Associate of Arts - Social Work

Texas Southmost College
Brownsville, Texas, USA
01.2014

Some College (No Degree) - Study Abroad

Universidade De Fortaleza
Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil

Skills

  • Bilingual Proficiency in Speaking and Writing
  • Prioritized Task Scheduling
  • Organization
  • Strategic Decision Making
  • Effective Verbal Communication
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
  • Collaborative Team Member
  • Driven Professional
  • Patient support
  • Records management
  • Risk assessment
  • Community outreach

Certification

  • Trauma and Trauma Informed Care
  • FEMA certification
  • Trafficking Prevention
  • Certificate of Training in HIV and Substance Abuse Prevention
  • Crisis Prevention Intervention Certified (CPI)
  • Infant, Child & Adult CPR Certified
  • Basic First Aid Certified
  • Mentor Certification

References

  • Ismael Ramirez, 956.983.0415
  • Mariel Gonzalez, 956.502.9252
  • Fabian Lozano, 956.455.6079
  • Jaime Guajardo, 512.900.0783

Community Service

  • Texas Attorney General, Volunteer
  • Monica's House
  • Good Neighbor Settlement House
  • Blood Drive, 2010-Present
  • Beach Clean Ups, 2015

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Portuguese
Limited

Timeline

Case Manager

Southwest Key Programs Casa Padre
07.2023 - Current

Case Manager/Mentor

Southwest Key Programs Casa Norma Linda
12.2021 - 02.2023

Case Manager

IES – International Education Services/CHS
06.2016 - 12.2021

Youth Development Professional

Boys and Girls Club Laguna Madre
02.2015 - 06.2016

Case Aide/Youth Care Worker

Southwest Key Casa Esperanza
06.2014 - 11.2014
  • Trauma and Trauma Informed Care
  • FEMA certification
  • Trafficking Prevention
  • Certificate of Training in HIV and Substance Abuse Prevention
  • Crisis Prevention Intervention Certified (CPI)
  • Infant, Child & Adult CPR Certified
  • Basic First Aid Certified
  • Mentor Certification

Bachelor of Science - Psychology and Sociology

The University of Texas At Brownsville

Associate of Arts - Social Work

Texas Southmost College

Some College (No Degree) - Study Abroad

Universidade De Fortaleza
Damian Mendez