Elisa Ransom
Wichita
Summary
Seeking an administrative position in program management, and community relations for youth and families in foster care.
Professional with strong experience in aftercare supervision, bringing results-driven approach to team collaboration and adapting to dynamic environments. Expertise in overseeing staff, implementing effective programs, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Known for excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, consistently delivering high-quality care and support.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Aftercare Supervisor
Ember Hope Connections
Wichita, KS
10.2024 - Current
- Ensure a trauma informed focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and those served through knowledge, sensitivity, respect, and a focus on resilience and recovery.
- Provide direct supervision and support of supervisees utilizing the Company model for supervision, Supervision for Success.
- Review and approve required documents and reports as needed. Ensure required family contacts are occurring and documentation is in compliance with aftercare policies and procedures.
- Collaborate with the Adoption Unit and Permanency Services on aftercare needs.
- Partner with the Data Services Department on the Electronic Health Record (EHR) processes and workflows.
- Monitor and coordinate all requests for financial assistance if barriers are identified for a family related to completing needed assessments or accessing necessary services.
- Lead in partnering with community providers to discuss gaps, needs, and improvement opportunities. Coordinate and advocate with State, local, public systems affecting the family.
- Follow Company Policy and Procedure and operate according to the Company’s Program Practice Guidelines.
- Participate in supervisory on-call rotation.
Director
One Hope United
Champaign, IL
08.2023 - 11.2024
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
FOSTER CARE SUPERVISOR II
ONE HOPE UNITED, INC
03.2022 - 08.2023
- Maintained thorough documentation of case progress, ensuring compliance with state regulations and facilitating a well-organized approach to service provision.
- Overseen case responsibilities and provided guidance in case-planning
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to secure additional resources for children in care, such as tutoring or counseling services.
- Staffed all cases with appropriate staff weekly or less frequently if warranted
- Provided supervision to professional and para-professional staff on therapeutic approaches with clients
- Reviewed all written documents generated by staff
- Expedited permanency planning processes by collaborating with legal teams to resolve cases quickly while prioritizing child safety and well-being above all else.
- Attended court hearings, case reviews, staffing, and meetings as needed
- Reviewed funding source policies and procedures and trained staff on the implementation of those procedures
- Worked with staff to ensure permanency for clients
- Ensured that the required documents were in the case file
- Ensured that staff handled unusual incidents in a prompt and effective manner
- Participated in various collateral and community groups to promote agency programs and to network with the community, creating community linkages and opportunities
- Completed various outcome reports as required
- Participated in required meetings and training with the funding source
- Provided staff with training, education, ongoing supervision, and support
- Monitored program expenditures to ensure compliance with budgetary constraints
PERMANENCY SPECIALIST
SAINT FRANCIS MINISTRIES
WICHITA, KS
04.2021 - 02.2022
- Completed initial and ongoing assessments by gathering information from, children and their families, and collaterals
- Was responsible for initial contact of children within 4 hours of referral and subsequent placement
- Researched and recommends possible relative placements, giving them priority, whenever viable
- Facilitated and coordinated family meetings
- Developed and implemented case plans and permanency goals with children and families, ensuring that goals are reached within established time frames
- Determined and recommended which services were needed for the child and family, including mental health, drug and alcohol services, respite care and supervised or unsupervised visitations/interactions
- Assisted families to establish a support network of family, kinship, and community
- Prepared families and/or children for moves, reunification or other appropriate permanency goals
- Provided intervention for children and families in crisis situations
- Developed the ability to work with the court systems and follow court protocols including appropriate business attire
- Assessed ongoing case plan goals and recommended reunification, termination of parental rights or other permanency options
- Completed reports for court, participated in court proceedings, including testifying, and making sure court orders were followed
- Completed and maintained written documentation in child/family's case record accurately and within established time frames
- Supported kinship and foster families to maintain placements and helped children work toward permanency
- If child's permanency goal became adoption, completed necessary documents to assist in the adoption process
- Participated in supervisory and team meetings, sharing pertinent information about children/families' progress, critical trends, barriers and solutions to achieving outcomes; and relationships with other agencies/communities
- Participated in monthly supervision
- Worked collaboratively and provided guidance to family support workers assigned
- Supervised and transported children and families as needed
- Reported critical incidents to DFPS verbally within 12 hours, written within 24 hours
- Implemented Saint Francis policies and followed directives as required
- Followed and adhered to all pertinent Saint Francis Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), rules, personnel policies and procedures; related accreditation and licensure standards; and federal, state and local rules, statutes, regulations, and contractual terms
- Was knowledgeable of and followed all safety procedures
- Reported unusual incidents through appropriate Risk Management, clinical and safety channels
- Ensured clients' rights were protected
WRAPAROUND FACILITATOR
PRAIRIE VIEW, INC
NEWTON, KS
10.2020 - 04.2021
- Provided wrap-around facilitation services to severely emotionally disturbed children/adolescents and their families on the SED waiver
- Facilitated efficient team meetings focused on specific objectives and action items, streamlining the decision-making process.
- Worked hand and hand with families and therapist to ensure best possible care plans were created and implemented
- Conducted billable norms
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions in compliance with agency guidelines, protecting confidentiality at all times.
- Transported patients/clients to and from therapy appointments
- Provided crisis intervention support when needed, de-escalating situations and connecting families with appropriate resources.
- Promoted a strengths-based approach to problem-solving, empowering families to build on their existing skills and resources.
- Strengthened team dynamics through active listening, effective communication, and conflict resolution strategies.
OWNER/OPERATOR
K AND S GROUP DAYCARE HOME
CHAMPAIGN, IL
12.2003 - 11.2020
- Spearheaded K & S Group Daycare Home offering day and night care for children ages six weeks to twelve years of age:
- Crafted a clear and concise business plan with measurable goals and objectives
- Implemented a cash flow and break-even analysis
- Assessed income and expenses and adapted plans to improve profit levels.
- Expanded services and decreased operating costs to increase profitability by 3.5% each fiscal year
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Educated potential clients about available childcare services
- Authored weekly newsletters and delivered mailings to 30+ clients monthly
- Trained employees on Minute Menus and other record filing systems
- Supervised a 15-person fundraising initiative that generated $3,000 for the K and S Group Daycare Home
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality services and timely communication.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
PARAEDUCATOR
WICHITA PUBLIC SCHOOLS USD-259
WICHITA, KS
08.2020 - 10.2020
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Assisted students in achieving academic goals by providing one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction in various subjects.
- Worked with teachers to modify activities to meet individual student’s needs
- Assisted teachers in monitoring, collecting data, and maintaining records regarding student performance and progress
- Assisted in the maintenance of learning areas and/or learning centers and instructional materials and used appropriate educational technology and resources
- Displayed patience and understanding while managing children
- Displayed ability to work in demanding situations and still maintain a sense of order
- Understood and was sensitive to the obstacles facing the children under supervision
- Taught self-help, problem solving and/or coping skills
- Recognized individual learning styles and become knowledgeable of the characteristics of learners served (e.g., cultural background, language proficiency, mobility and family dynamics)
- Challenged students to fulfill their potential
- Documented parent contacts and informed appropriate personnel as many contacts were required for students’ supplemental services
- Was an active part of an educational team within the students served
- Demonstrated knowledge of various philosophies and theories of education
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills in working within a multidisciplinary context
INTERNSHIP
CHOICES COORDINATED CARE SOLUTIONS
URBANA, IL
06.2017 - 07.2017
- Interned for a national non-profit organization committed to supporting youth with significant behavioral and emotional challenges in the community setting
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Assisted families with developing plans identifying strengths and needs to better assist with parenting skills.
- Partnered with families to build a team of community supports and services.
- Assisted families track their progress with the goal of return home.
- Attended face to face meetings, court proceedings, and conference phone calls.
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
- Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Family and Consumer Sciences
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL05.2017
Master of Science - Human Services Programs and Administrations
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL12.2019
Independent Study -
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL12.2017
Skills
- Provides supervision to case managers in comprehensive case management/permanency services to children and families in foster care
- Proven record of success in entry and upper management positions
- Outstanding organizational skills
- Strengths in management of special projects and creative program design
- Skilled in data analysis and administrative problem solving
- Efficient in meeting deadlines
- Ability to work with diverse populations
- Ability to travel
- Works well as a team player
- Ability to work flexible hours and on call
- Articulate and persuasive, in written and verbal communications
- Proficient in QuickBooks, Minute Menu, MS Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel, Publisher, Adobe and other Microsoft operating systems
- Behavioral support
- Child safety
- Parent communication
- Crisis management
Timeline
Aftercare Supervisor
Ember Hope Connections
10.2024 - Current
Director
One Hope United
08.2023 - 11.2024
FOSTER CARE SUPERVISOR II
ONE HOPE UNITED, INC
03.2022 - 08.2023
PERMANENCY SPECIALIST
SAINT FRANCIS MINISTRIES
04.2021 - 02.2022
WRAPAROUND FACILITATOR
PRAIRIE VIEW, INC
10.2020 - 04.2021
PARAEDUCATOR
WICHITA PUBLIC SCHOOLS USD-259
08.2020 - 10.2020
INTERNSHIP
CHOICES COORDINATED CARE SOLUTIONS
06.2017 - 07.2017
OWNER/OPERATOR
K AND S GROUP DAYCARE HOME
12.2003 - 11.2020
Bachelor of Science - Family and Consumer Sciences
Eastern Illinois University
Master of Science - Human Services Programs and Administrations
Eastern Illinois University
Independent Study -
Eastern Illinois University