Etta Gathers-Harris
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Compassionate professional in social work, adept at enhancing community support systems and empowering families and children through targeted interventions. Known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion, ensuring timely provision of services and resources. Possess specialized skills in case management, crisis intervention, and behavioral counseling. Excel in empathy, communication, and problem-solving, crucial for navigating complex family dynamics and school environments to foster positive outcomes.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Support Worker
Youth Development Inc.
Albuquerque, NM
05.2024 - Current
- Maintained confidentiality through stringent handling of charts and data.
- Facilitated parental workshops and classes to provide support to children in achieving school and academic success.
- Organized and led group activities for children from various backgrounds.
- Advised families on available governmental assistance programs such as SNAP or TANF.
- Worked closely with schools to ensure that students had necessary accommodations in place.
- Provided counseling and support to families in crisis situations.
Service Specialist
Youth Development Inc.
Albuquerque, NM
12.2023 - 05.2024
- Coached front-line team members in strategies to improve family service, and proactively mitigate issues.
- Promoted company services, products, and special offers to encourage sales growth.
- Answered inbound calls, chats and emails to facilitate customer service.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with families through courteous interactions, and prompt resolution of issues.
- Conducted assessments of family needs and developed individualized service plans.
- Counseled parents on proper child-rearing choices.
Permanency Planning Caseworker
New Mexico Child, Youth & Family Department
Albuquerque, NM
04.2022 - 08.2023
- Attended court hearings when appropriate to provide testimony regarding client status or progress towards goals.
- Counseled families on issues related to family dynamics, substance abuse prevention, recovery, domestic violence prevention, intervention and parenting skills.
- Conducted home visits to assess living conditions and support needs.
- Used knowledge of successful crisis intervention techniques and supportive problem-solving to achieve treatment goals.
- Developed individualized service plans based on client's strengths and identified needs.
TANF Career Consultant
New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
Albuquerque, NM
06.2021 - 04.2022
- Coached clients on resume writing, job search strategies, interviewing techniques, and networking tactics.
- Worked with team to continuously improve career and placement opportunities for students.
- Coordinated recruitment and placement of training program participants.
- Used role-playing, lectures, and simulations to present information in variety of instructional techniques and formats.
- Organized networking events for alumni groups or organizations seeking employment assistance.
Disability Claims Adjudicator I
New Mexico Disability Determination Service
Albuquerque, NM
06.2020 - 06.2021
- Identified discrepancies in claims data and requested additional information from applicants or providers as needed.
- Ensured compliance with applicable federal and state regulations governing the adjudication process.
- Assessed claimants' functional capacity through interviews, observations, and other methods.
- Conducted secondary evaluations of original investigations documentation and reports to facilitate smooth resolutions.
- Reviewed policies to determine appropriate levels of coverage and assist with approval or denial decisions.
Customer Service Representative/Fitness Instructor
Hampton YMCA
Hampton, VA
01.2012 - 01.2020
- Notified clients about class prices, promotions and available payment options.
- Built and continually expanded knowledge and expertise on latest fitness trends and programs and kept class content fresh and interesting.
- Created inviting fitness spaces that welcomed and included people with diverse backgrounds, abilities and orientations.
- Assisted customers with price checks, lifting heavy items and addressing other inquiries.
- Increased customer satisfaction ratings by effectively answering questions, suggesting effective solutions, and resolving issues quickly.
- Engaged in conversation with customers to understand needs, resolve issues and answer product questions.
FIRST Step Preschool Screener
Newport News Public School Dst
Newport News, VA
09.2010 - 11.2013
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss students' progress and areas requiring improvement.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on educational trends.
- Monitored student progress and assisted students and teachers with resolving problems.
- Documented steps taken during each phase of the testing process including setup, execution and resolution of any issues encountered along the way.
- Created detailed reports outlining the results of all tests conducted.
Community Service Associate II
Hampton/ Newport News Community Service Board
Hampton, VA
06.2005 - 09.2010
- Attended trainings related to providing quality social work services.
- Conducted safety inspections of public spaces and properties to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
- Supported animal control efforts by responding to calls regarding stray or dangerous animals in the community.
- Responded to customer messages, delivered accurate information, and offered assistance in solving issues.
- Provided assertive community-based rehabilitation and case management services to high-risk mentally ill patients.
Parent Involvement Specialist
Newport News Public School Dst
Newport News, VA
11.2004 - 06.2005
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Prepared students for later educational experiences by encouraging to explore learning opportunities and persevere with challenging tasks.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of counseling programs and interventions.
- Provided guidance regarding college admissions process including scholarship applications, financial aid options and application deadlines.
- Maintained confidential records of counseling sessions, assessments, and communications with students and parents.
Workforce Developer/ Instructor
Godwill Industries Resource Center
Newport News, VA
01.2001 - 11.2004
- Planned, coordinated and facilitated career development workshops for job seekers.
- Remained up-to-date with developments in area of expertise by reading current journals, books or magazine articles.
- Worked with team to continuously improve career and placement opportunities for students.
- Researched current best practices in the field of workforce development and recommended new initiatives.
Assistant Daycare Director
A Child's First Year
Newport News, VA
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Maintained records in accordance with state laws and regulations regarding health and safety standards.
- Developed multilingual and multicultural staff and curriculum to serve families from diverse backgrounds.
- Worked with parents and staff to improve student behavioral and learning issues with proactive approaches.
- Interviewed potential employees and conducted background checks prior to hiring.
- Monitored staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage for all shifts at the facility.
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching Adult Education & Training
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ11-2012
Ph.D. - Psychobiology
National University
La Jolla, CASkills
- Crisis intervention
- Individualized service plans
- Family counseling
- Data management
- Community outreach
- Program development
- Networking strategies
- Case management
- Community resources
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Goal setting
- Task prioritization
- Microsoft Office Suite
Timeline
Family Support Worker
Youth Development Inc.
05.2024 - Current
Service Specialist
Youth Development Inc.
12.2023 - 05.2024
Permanency Planning Caseworker
New Mexico Child, Youth & Family Department
04.2022 - 08.2023
TANF Career Consultant
New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
06.2021 - 04.2022
Disability Claims Adjudicator I
New Mexico Disability Determination Service
06.2020 - 06.2021
Customer Service Representative/Fitness Instructor
Hampton YMCA
01.2012 - 01.2020
FIRST Step Preschool Screener
Newport News Public School Dst
09.2010 - 11.2013
Community Service Associate II
Hampton/ Newport News Community Service Board
06.2005 - 09.2010
Parent Involvement Specialist
Newport News Public School Dst
11.2004 - 06.2005
Workforce Developer/ Instructor
Godwill Industries Resource Center
01.2001 - 11.2004
Assistant Daycare Director
A Child's First Year
01.2000 - 01.2001
Master of Arts - Teaching Adult Education & Training
University of Phoenix
Ph.D. - Psychobiology
National University