FRANCISCA (FRANCES) LOPEZ
Summary
I have dedicated my professional career (33 years) to working with underserved children and families throughout NYC. I am trilingual (English, Spanish and ASL) and have utilized this language proficiency in my work with communities. Currently, I am Senior Director of Family Support Programs at Children’s Aid and am a licensed social worker. Born and raised in East Harlem, I was naturally the “social worker” in my family and this inspired my life’s calling. I currently oversee four Family Support Programs and lead a team of about 70 staff members, providing prevention services to nearly 400 families across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. I am honored to be part of Children’s Aid’s collective impact initiative, serve on the educational committee, and collaborate with a dynamic prevention leadership team. I am deeply passionate and committed to giving a voice to the most disenfranchised and vulnerable communities.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Family Support Programs
The Children’s Aid
07.2020 - Current
- Oversee the daily functioning of 4 SBC programs, (2 in the Bronx, 1 in Bklyn and 1 SI)
- Oversee services provision to 384 families (192 Bronx, 96 Bklyn, 96 Staten Island)
- Provide direct supervision to the 4 SBC program directors, one office manager and one security officer
- Work closely with the Deputy Director and assist with Children’s Aid contract budget development, modifications and oversight of spending for all four SBC programs.
- Conducted bi-monthly leadership meetings with SBC leadership team to align on program strategies and initiatives.
- Report to the Deputy Division Director of Prevention and IPV programs at Children’s Aid
- Provide supervisory coverage to supervisors in a program director’s absence
- Respond to contractual obligations, ACS and OCFS audits & mandates
- Managed internal departments, PROMIS monthly, CoQI, and other data to support program objectives.
- Submitted statistical data and program progress reports to partners, stakeholders, and evaluators.
- Attended community meetings to promote SBC model, establishing critical linkages and referrals for families.
- Participated in internal administrative meetings and ACS Director's meetings to ensure alignment on program goals.
- Responsible for hiring and assisting with training of new staff
- Contributed to the Children’s Aid Collective Impact Initiative Team.
- Contributed to the Children’s Aid Educational Support Committee.
- Co-chaired the Children’s Aid Bronx Regional Cabinet from 2018 to 2020.
General Preventive Services Program Director
Children’s Aid
09.2016 - 06.2020
- Oversee services provision to 348 families (192 Bronx, 108 Manhattan, 48 Staten Island)
- Oversee the daily functioning of 3 sites: Bronx, Harlem and Staten Island
- Provide direct supervision to 7 supervisors (4 Bronx, 2 Manhattan, 1 Staten Island) and 2 FTC Coordinators
- Conduct monthly supervisory meetings with our leadership team
- Provided supervisory coverage to case planners during a supervisor's absence.
- Work closely with the Deputy Director and assist with Children’s Aid contract budget development, modifications and oversight of spending for both – including performance-based funding
- Respond to contractual obligations, ACS and OCFS audits & mandates
- Third party approve all FASP submissions, review all supervisory documentation, case consultation
- Manage Internal departments, PROMIS monthly, CoQI, and other data as requested
- Submit statistical data and program progress reports to partners, stakeholders and evaluators as required
- Attend internal administrative meetings, ACS Director’s meetings, COFCCA meetings, other meetings as needed
- Increased community awareness of programs through outreach efforts
- Conducted hiring processes and provided training support for new staff.
- Represent the General Preventive Program by attending meetings and networking in the co ACS, Community, inter-agency collaboration
General Preventive Services Supervisor/FTC Coordinator
The Children’s Aid Society’s General Preventive Services
02.2013 - 08.2016
- Supervise from 2 to 5 Case Planners/supervise Administrative Assistant
- Provide weekly supervision to Case Planners.
- Facilitate Family Team Conferences at our 3 GP sites
- Work closely with program director to meet contractual standards
- Participate in divisional/agency-wide committees to align with agency goals.
- Assist with purchasing orders, program events, staff team building
Senior Administrative Supervisor
NEW YORK FOUNDLING’S FAMILY SERVICES FOR DEAF CHILDREN & ADULTS
10.2011 - 01.2013
- Supervised a senior Case Planner, two Case Planners and two Case Aides
- Provided weekly supervision to the Case Planners and monthly supervision to the Case Aides
- Reviewed and approved FASPs, progress notes, assessments, etc.
- Completed and reviewed evaluations of staff
- Facilitated Family Team Conferences
- Assigned intakes
- Planned events for clients and their families
- Submitted monthly PROMIS report
- Oversaw orders, contracts for interpretation, and office supplies in the program.
- Supervised MSW interns as a field instructor
Supervisor
New York Foundling’s Family Services for Deaf Children & Adults
10.2004 - 10.2011
- Supervised staff to ensure quality care for deaf children and adults.
- Led team of 5 case planners and 1 case aide, ensuring compliance with protocols and effective service delivery to clients.
- Developed training programs to enhance staff skills and knowledge.
- Coordinated communication services for clients with hearing impairments.
Case Planner /Therapist
New York Foundling’s Family Services for Deaf Children & Adults
11.1993 - 10.2004
- Managed caseload of 12 Deaf or Hard of Hearing clients city-wide, ensuring tailored support for their unique needs.
- Coordinated with ACS to support the safety and well-being of children.
- Provided preventive services to at-risk families, primarily home-based.
- Facilitated referrals for families to mental health, parenting skills, vocational, immigration, and legal services to enhance access to resources.
- Negotiated/advocated with government systems such as SSI, HRA, PA, FS, and Medicaid on behalf of client advocacy.
- Sought housing alternatives for families in shelters, promoting stable living conditions and improved family dynamics.
- Completed progress notes, FASPs, monthly PROMIS data, and casework documentation.
Education
Licensed Master’s Social Worker -
06-2010
Master’s in Social Work -
Columbia University
New York08-2004
BA - Psychology, Magna Cum Laude
Brown University
05-1993
Skills
- Solution-Based Casework Manager Certified
- Commitment to Meeting High Policy standards in Child Welfare
- Expertise in working with People with Disabilities
- SIFI-certified
- FTC certified
- Certificate in eCornell DEI course completion
- Senior Leadership/Managerial Experience
- Supervisory Experience
- Knowledge of CNNX, PROMIS systems
- Connections Security Officer
- Strong communication/interpersonal skills
Affiliations
- Board of Directors for Stuyvesant High School Alumni Association
- Children’s Aid Alumni Campaign
- Brown University Alumni Association Member
- NASW Member
- Latino Social Work Task Force (LSWTF)
Timeline
Senior Director of Family Support Programs
The Children’s Aid
07.2020 - Current
General Preventive Services Program Director
Children’s Aid
09.2016 - 06.2020
General Preventive Services Supervisor/FTC Coordinator
The Children’s Aid Society’s General Preventive Services
02.2013 - 08.2016
Senior Administrative Supervisor
NEW YORK FOUNDLING’S FAMILY SERVICES FOR DEAF CHILDREN & ADULTS
10.2011 - 01.2013
Supervisor
New York Foundling’s Family Services for Deaf Children & Adults
10.2004 - 10.2011
Case Planner /Therapist
New York Foundling’s Family Services for Deaf Children & Adults
11.1993 - 10.2004
Licensed Master’s Social Worker -
Master’s in Social Work -
Columbia University
BA - Psychology, Magna Cum Laude
Brown University