Dawn Nguyen
Dawson
Summary
Considerate Juvenile Probation Officer looking to build upon skills and tackle new responsibilities. Recognized for maintaining a low rate of recidivism. Several years of experience working with juvenile offenders. Devoted to assisting offenders with getting back on the right track.
Compassionate social worker with several years of comprehensive experience providing social services to various groups of people to aid with day-to-day issues. Well-versed in assessing client strengths, advocating for client resources and conducting thorough home and community visits. Kind and respectful professional with demonstrated conflict resolution skills and strong decision-making abilities.
Dedicated Social Worker with many years of experience helping clients change behaviors and access family and community resources to manage health. Develops and implements training for staff and attends seminars and conferences for professional development. Continuously improves processes and services to support patient care, education, and research.
Overview
2019
2019
years of professional experience
Work History
Juvenile Probation Officer
Department of Juvenile Justice
Lakeland
05.2011 - 11.2018
- Conducted home visits to verify living conditions and ensure a supportive environment for rehabilitation.
- Assisted probationers in understanding legal obligations and consequences of non-compliance.
- Conducted initial interviews with probationers to assess risk levels and establish supervision plans.
Juvenile Probation Officer
Department of Justice
Lakeland
05.2011 - 05.2017
- Conducted home visits to verify living conditions and ensure a supportive environment for rehabilitation.
- Assisted probationers in understanding legal obligations and consequences of non-compliance.
- Conducted initial interviews with probationers to assess risk levels and establish supervision plans.
Social Worker Case Manager
Child Protective Services
01.2009 - 03.2011
- Provided guidance on parenting issues such as discipline methods, nutrition education and developmental milestones.
- Coordinated mental health assessments for children, adolescents and adults receiving child welfare and prevention services.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities prior to release from residential facilities or hospitals.
Social Worker
Department Of Children and Families, State of Florida
Lakeland
06.2006 - 02.2010
- Investigated reports of child abuse and neglect.
- Assessed the safety of children within a family.
- Developed case plans to address and identify issues.
- Provided support and interventions to families
- Advocated for the well-being of children by working with other agencies and community resources
- All while adhering to state laws and regulations regarding children.
- Participated in court proceedings related to cases involving children or vulnerable adults.
- Interacted with court personnel as well as attorneys representing inmates in legal proceedings.
- Analyzed current procedures for maintaining security standards in the handling of confidential documents.
- Communicated with supervisors about necessary filing, transcribing or documentation requirements for different pieces of evidence.
- Prepared reports on inmates' activities, such as release dates, transfers, disciplinary actions.
- Created sketches and diagrams to depict crime scenes.
- Tested surfaces to identify and collect fingerprints and other trace evidence using casting and dusting kits.
- Assisted in verifying that all required forms were completed correctly before filing them away.
- Provided assistance with researching past records pertaining to individual prisoners as requested by authorized personnel.
- Generated monthly reports summarizing key statistics concerning the number of inmates processed during that period.
- Assisted in developing training materials related to record keeping protocols.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure accurate documentation of inmate records.
- Packaged and properly stored evidence for use in cases.
- Provided support in responding to subpoenas related to inmate records.
- Checked crime scene records, including films, evidence bags and boxes, to verify evidence and file items in appropriate locations and in accordance with established procedures.
- Compiled statistical data relating to prison population trends, recidivism rates.
- Exchanged information on crime scene collection activities with other law enforcement personnel.
- Maintained a high level of confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information concerning inmates.
- Monitored evidence inventories and double-checked accuracy and security of handling procedures to support effective investigations and eventual prosecution.
- Ensured that all necessary paperwork was submitted promptly and accurately upon completion.
- Conducted Interviews with victims, witnesses, suspects, and other law enforcement personnel.
- Created systems for tracking changes made to existing or new inmate files.
- Handled pieces of evidence in processing labs to examine, identify and accurately classify items.
- Managed and maintained records of inmates, including personal information and criminal history.
- Monitored trends in prisoner populations over time by analyzing various data sources.
- Communicated regularly with staff members regarding updates on existing or new inmate files.
- Drafted letters and documents related to inmates' cases when needed.
- Examined and processed evidence at crime scenes, during autopsies, or in laboratories.
- Developed and implemented policies for the secure storage of inmate records.
- Reviewed applications for accuracy and completeness prior to entering data into the system.
- Submitted pieces of evidence supervisors and prosecutors for evaluation and use in legal proceedings.
- Conducted regular audits of inmate files to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations.
- Processed requests from external agencies regarding inmate records.
- Briefed employees on how to process specific types of evidence, protect chain of custody and support case requirements.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Conducted routine maintenance and repairs on mechanical systems and industrial equipment.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Operated a variety of machinery and tools safely and efficiently.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Conducted system analysis and testing to identify and resolve technical issues or inefficiencies.
- Completed routine maintenance and repair.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Utilized various computer systems for data entry and tracking caseworker activities.
- Facilitated family reunification when possible following appropriate safety considerations.
- Provided follow-up care after termination of a case to ensure continued safety of the child.
- Conducted initial assessments for child abuse or neglect cases.
- Prepared detailed reports of all findings regarding cases of suspected abuse or neglect.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for court appearances and other service needs.
- Supported individuals by facilitating weekly group sessions.
- Supervised volunteer personnel, delivering in-depth training and mentoring.
- Reviewed case documentation to ensure compliance with state regulations and laws governing Child Protective Services.
- Adhered to ethical standards established by professional organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers.
- Counseled parents on proper child-rearing choices.
- Investigated reports or indications of abuse, neglect or exploitation of at-risk adults, adolescents and children.
- Assessed risk factors that may lead to further harm or danger to a child's physical or emotional health.
- Built trust and rapport with victims of violent crimes by remaining calm and compassionate in variety of situations.
- Used job-related software to compose or prepare correspondence, case notes and technical reports
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed.
- Educated parents about their rights and responsibilities regarding custody issues.
- Provided education, counseling, referral services, and advocacy for families involved in CPS cases.
- Maintained confidentiality through stringent handling of charts and data.
- Attended court hearings as necessary to represent the agency's interests in protecting the welfare of children.
- Collaborated with state agencies and benefits coordinators to develop individualized plans for each case.
- Monitored children's well-being through home visits, school visits, and medical appointments.
- Actively participated in staff training sessions on best practices related to Child Protective Services caseworking.
- Developed and maintained relationships with families, community resources, and other stakeholders to provide appropriate services.
- Identified appropriate community resources and provided referrals for services.
- Advocated for victims during difficult situations by filing police reports and connecting to needed services.
- Worked with care team to assess client needs and discuss collaborative treatment efforts.
- Established behavioral modification goals and assessed progress toward goals.
- Interfaced with local court system, attending court proceedings and working directly with attorneys.
- Arranged adoptions and found foster homes for abandoned or abused children.
- Interviewed clients individually and in groups to assess situations, capabilities and problems.
- Created safety plans for children in need of protection from abuse or neglect.
- Maintained accurate records of client contact and progress according to agency policies.
- Collaborated with law enforcement personnel on investigations related to child abuse or neglect cases.
- Reviewed and analyzed violent crime reports to identify crime trends.
- Served as a liaison between agencies providing support services for at-risk youth.
- Attended hearings with victims to provide emotional support.
- Participated in ongoing training to maintain license and enhance knowledge of relevant mental health topics.
- Participated in interagency meetings to coordinate services for clients affected by abuse or neglect.
- Investigated allegations of child abuse or neglect by gathering information from the family and other sources.
- Worked with community resources to engage youth in pro-social activities and help families access services.
- Facilitated parental workshops and classes to provide support to children in achieving school and academic success.
- Informed victims about legal processes and timelines.
- Managed parent support groups addressing topics such as positive discipline and parenting styles.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Conducted testing of software and systems to ensure quality and reliability.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Operated equipment and machinery according to safety guidelines.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
Juvenile Probation Officer
Department of Juvenile Justice
Lakeland
- Conducted home visits to verify living conditions and ensure a supportive environment for rehabilitation.
- Assisted probationers in understanding legal obligations and consequences of non-compliance.
- Conducted initial interviews with probationers to assess risk levels and establish supervision plans.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Bachelors Degree in Social Work
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL05-2006
Two Year Liberal Arts Degree - Liberal Arts And Sciences
Polk State College
Winter Haven, FL01-2004
Skills
- My experience as a social worker, as well as a juvenile operations officer, has taught me many skills I have ganged knowledge in many areas of my life and through my professional experience/career A social worker typically possesses skills like: active listening, empathy, critical thinking, cultural competence, strong communication, organization, problem-solving, patience, collaboration, time management, advocacy, and the ability to build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds; all while maintaining ethical boundaries and practicing self-careKey points about social worker skills:Communication skills:
- Effective verbal and non-verbal communication is crucial for understanding clients' needs and building trust
- Active listening:Fully focusing on what the client is saying, acknowledging their feelings, and responding thoughtfully
- Empathy:The ability to understand and share the feelings of others, putting oneself in the client's shoes
- Cultural competence:Respecting and understanding different cultural norms and values to tailor interventions accordingly
- Critical thinking:Analyzing situations comprehensively, considering various factors, and making informed decisions
- Problem-solving:Identifying issues, developing strategies, and finding solutions to complex client challenges
- Organization:Effectively managing caseloads, maintaining accurate documentation, and prioritizing tasks
- Collaboration:Working effectively with other professionals, community agencies, and client families
- Advocacy:Speaking up for clients' needs and rights, navigating systems to access necessary services
- Self-care:Maintaining personal well-being to prevent burnout and provide optimal client care
- Case study experience
- Policy interpretation
Interpersonal relationships
- Mental health awareness
My additional thoughts…
One of the most rewarding and one of the best decisions I have made is to become a social worker. I feel it is so very important. To treat people with the utmost dignity and respect! This is treating someone with dignity and respect! Being a social worker makes me very very proud, happy and complete.
Timeline
Juvenile Probation Officer
Department of Juvenile Justice
05.2011 - 11.2018
Juvenile Probation Officer
Department of Justice
05.2011 - 05.2017
Social Worker Case Manager
Child Protective Services
01.2009 - 03.2011
Social Worker
Department Of Children and Families, State of Florida
06.2006 - 02.2010
Juvenile Probation Officer
Department of Juvenile Justice
Bachelor of Science - Bachelors Degree in Social Work
University of South Florida
Two Year Liberal Arts Degree - Liberal Arts And Sciences
Polk State College