DAWN JOHNSON
Philadelphia
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated professional Social Worker with extensive experience in child welfare, housing advocacy, and community resource coordination. Skilled in effectively addressing housing instability, navigating complex systems, and fostering trusted relationships with community partners. Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with shelter directors, housing program specialists, and community organizations to secure stable housing solutions for vulnerable individuals. Experienced in addressing systemic housing challenges, including financial instability, domestic violence, and substandard living conditions, through trauma-informed and equity-focused approaches. Committed to empowering individuals experiencing homelessness and driving systemic change. Excited about the opportunity to utilize skills in advocacy, mediation, and systemic problem-solving as the Ombudsperson for Homeless Services.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Worker2
City of Philadelphia
02.2003 - Current
- Investigated thousands of crimes against children
- Some of these crimes included homicides, accidental deaths, unexplained injuries, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, rape, emotional abuse, physical abuse and egregious neglect
- Many of these investigations were considered "high profile."
- Investigated many reports of domestic violence, where Mothers were victims of crimes, including but not limited to rape and murder
- Presented reports of fatalities or near fatalities during "ACT33's" before many of the City's Leadership, which included City's Medical Examiner, Chairs from several major Universities (Schools of Social Work), Lieutenants from the Special Victim's Unit at the Philadelphia Police Department, Renown Physicians with both the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and St
- Christopher's Hospital for Children, as well as the City's District Attorney and/or Assistant District Attorneys
- Interviewed victims, on reports of abuse and neglect as well as witnesses, including neighbors, religious leaders, school professionals and medical professionals
- Recorded detailed observation of scenes, took photographs, collected evidence and reviewed physician/psychiatrist and medical records
- Obtained factual history and recorded events with emphasis on style and manner surrounding and leading up to the circumstances of abuse and or death
- Prepared and submitted detailed reports to superiors and to City Solicitors
- Filed petitions to bring matters before the Courts
- Prepared for and testified for both criminal and dependency courts to present before Masters and Judges
- Conducted, scheduled and chaired many interagency meetings with other professionals to come to resolutions in mitigating threats to children and families
- Identified and addressed housing issues, drug&alcohol issues, truancy concerns & behavioral health concerns
- Sat on forensic interviews with Police Officers, Detectives and Clinicians to determine whether information obtained would be helpful in any criminal or dependent matters
- Call Center/Hotline/Information and Referral
- Provide consultation to anyone who calls, walks in, send emails or write letters concerning a violation of due process, parental and constitutional rights, domestic violence, criminal or custodial matters, and matters involving abuse and neglect
- Engage in critical, expeditious, but sound responses that determine whether a report needs to be generated for investigation
- Work in direct partnership with community agencies responsible for service delivery
- Respond to Mothers and Fathers who are currently incarcerated and serve as an ambassador by protecting individuals' constitutional and parental rights, while ensuring that the agency responsible for their service needs, conforms to standards and regulations of the Department, the City, State and Federal Laws and regulations
- Have been selected for special assignments from the Commissioner's Office that were viewed as "High Profile."
- Respond to "forthwith" court orders
- Assess incidences so as to determine safety, risk, present or impending dangers.
- All duties required that I familiarized myself with the Child Protective Services Law, The Adoption and Safe Family Act, The Juvenile Act and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Act
- Conducted home visits to assess living conditions and provide in-situ support, improving client safety and well-being.
- Increased public awareness of social issues and resources available through effective community engagement initiatives.
- Advocated for children and families experiencing housing instability because of issues such as substandard living conditions, domestic violence and financial challenges.
- Referred young adults experiencing homelessness to private shelters, fostering connections with housing programs across the city.
- Maintained respected partnerships with shelter directors and intake teams to advocate for fair treatment and equitable access to housing resources.
- Monitored systemic barriers affecting housing access and collaborated with community organizations to address gaps in services.
Youth Advocate
Department of Human Services
08.2022 - 02.2023
- Provide a trust-based relationship for the department’s children and youth
- Conducted assessments to determine types of services individuals required.
- Have targeted, yet solution-focused conversations about the barriers preventing youths from having a successful placement.
- Assist them in identifying possible and potential resources for potential placement.
- Serve as an ambassador between the youth, DHS/CUA, and/or CRU (central referral unit, where all placements’ settings are identified.).
- Receive questions and complaints regarding the quality of care, treatment, and/or education provided to the individual youth.
- Address and advocate for youth regarding any legitimate cause of concern.
- Facilitate meetings and interviews with placement facilities.
- Played a vital role in shaping young minds through consistent encouragement, guidance, and advocacy on their behalf.
- Provided mentorship to young individuals, fostering positive relationships built on trust and open communication.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation in compliance with organizational standards and confidentiality guidelines.
- Collaborated with community organizations to provide comprehensive support services for at-risk youth.
- Connected clients with necessary resources such as tutoring services or mental health counseling for holistic well-being enhancement.
- Advocated on behalf of clients during meetings with school personnel and other stakeholders, ensuring proper representation of their needs.
Social Worker Parent Support Services Facilitator
Department of Human Services
08.2020 - 08.2022
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Performed case consultations with individual parents, advocated for parents when necessary, and maintained contact with DHS Social Workers, CUA case managers, Reunification Support Specialist, and other relevant parties.
- Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
- Helped parents to obtain a better understanding of the role of DHS, CUA, provider agencies, and court professionals who provide services.
- Empowered parents by gaining information through self-exploration.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Developed and facilitated support groups, promoting healthy coping skills and fostering peer connections among participants.
- Increased client engagement in treatment plans by building trusting relationships through empathetic listening and consistent support.
- Led workshops on topics relevant to client populations served, empowering individuals with valuable knowledge and tools for self advocacy.
- Built strong, trust-based relationships with clients, facilitating effective support and advocacy.
- Advocated for client rights and services, resulting in increased access to necessary support and resources.
- Increased public awareness of social issues and resources available through effective community engagement initiatives.
Drug and Alcohol Therapist
Dr. Warren E. Smith Health Centers
05.2001 - 02.2003
- Worked in a gender sensitive program working with women who were weighed down with behavioral health and substance abuse issues
- Developed bio-psycho socials and treatment plans for individual consumers
- Conducted individual and group therapy to address sexual trauma, drug use, parenting, suicidal ideations and basic life skills
- Collected and screened urine samples
- Monitored qualitative urine analysis
- Mediated between various systems for the individual consumer
- Educated individual consumers on the disease of addiction
Case Manager
The Maternity Care Coalition/Momobile
08.1999 - 05.2001
- Provided support to pregnant and newly parenting women and their families in the communities
- Provided support to clients through home visits
- Promoted excellent health care through education, referrals to community resources
- Assisted caregiver in establishing strong relationships with their children
- Educated clients on safe and safer sex
- Provided access to emergency supplies
Case Manager (Intern)
Belmont Hospital Intensive Outpatient Substance Use Program
08.1997 - 05.1998
- Co-facilitated individual and group therapy sessions
- Work with clients on their chemical dependency issues and issues involving obsessions and compulsions
- Assisted in developing treatment plans
Case Management-Intern
Philadelphia Committee to End Homelessness
08.1995 - 05.1996
- Worked with the homeless population in obtaining legal documents
- Provided conseling and job preparation
- Assisted homeless populations in detoxication/rehabilitation by submitting referrals to long term inpatient programs outside of the communities
- Provided breakfast, lunch, facilities to shower and new or gently used clothing
Education
Master of Science - Social Work; Social Welfare
Widener University
1 University Place Chester, Pa. 1901308-2020
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Temple University
Philadelphia, Pa.01.2001
Associate of Applied Science - Behavioral Health
Community College of Philadelphia
01.1999
Skills
- Community Partnership Development
- Trauma Informed and Equity Based Approaches
- Policy Understanding and Advocacy
- Housing Advocacy and Resource Coordination
- Relationship Building with Housing Programs
- Client Centered Service Delivery
- Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations
- Strong Advocate for basic Human Rights
- Efficient under pressure
- Compassionate
Certification
- Enhancing Trauma Aware-Lakeside Global Academy
- Trauma Work across Practice Settings- Widener University 2023
Timeline
Youth Advocate
Department of Human Services
08.2022 - 02.2023
Social Worker Parent Support Services Facilitator
Department of Human Services
08.2020 - 08.2022
Social Worker2
City of Philadelphia
02.2003 - Current
Drug and Alcohol Therapist
Dr. Warren E. Smith Health Centers
05.2001 - 02.2003
Case Manager
The Maternity Care Coalition/Momobile
08.1999 - 05.2001
Case Manager (Intern)
Belmont Hospital Intensive Outpatient Substance Use Program
08.1997 - 05.1998
Case Management-Intern
Philadelphia Committee to End Homelessness
08.1995 - 05.1996
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Temple University
Associate of Applied Science - Behavioral Health
Community College of Philadelphia
- Enhancing Trauma Aware-Lakeside Global Academy
- Trauma Work across Practice Settings- Widener University 2023
Master of Science - Social Work; Social Welfare
Widener University
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