GINA BRANCO
Parma Heights,OH
Summary
Goal-oriented professional motivated to achieve demanding targets under tight deadlines. Compassionate and qualified child services professional well-versed in child abuse, neglect, and safety concerns. Good recordkeeper and planner with in-depth understanding of court proceedings. Excellent communication skills with an organized and systematic approach.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Services Case Worker
Lorain County Children Services
Elyria, OH
03.2024 - Current
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
- Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
- Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
- Developed and implemented strategies to reduce and prevent family conflict.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
Adoption Recruiter
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
04.2021 - 03.2024
- Recruit families to adopt children with special needs to meet established grant goals
- Provides information and referral, and conduct informational meetings
- Establishes outreach sites at community neighborhoods representative of the population served
- Establishes network of adoptive families interested in assisting with recruitment activities
- Represents children in a professional manner at functions and special events
- Inputs initial family information in database and prepare family records
- Develops a child-centered, individualized recruitment plan for each child/sibling group
- Maintains pictures, gather information, and develop profile books on all children on the caseload
- Develops public service announcements for radio, television, and newspapers for children on the caseload
- Creates media/community relationships and opportunities for enhancing awareness of children on the caseload
- Maintains public display materials, such as brochures and display boards
- Participates in community collaborations, initiatives, SFC Next Steps, and PRIDE classes
- Maintains a caseload of 17-25 children as determined by grant guidelines
- Establishes and maintain a relationship with applicable foster parents, CASA, GAL’s, and CPS caseworkers
- Assists CPS caseworker in determining if relatives or other significant people may be a permanent option for the child(ren)
- Conducts monthly visits with children on active caseload, maintaining all required documentation
- Conducts at least quarterly meetings with other local agencies for potential family match.
Clinical Mental Health Therapist
OhioGuidestone
02.2020 - 12.2022
- Develops a therapeutic relationship with each client
- Provides individual, group or family therapy as needed
- Available for clinical consultation
- Maintains ongoing frequent contact with other assigned OhioGuidestone professionals, parents or outside agency professionals assigned to case
- Provide CPST and minor case management functions if needed
- Assumes a strong advocacy role for clients and makes recommendations for clinical and support services needed upon discharge
- Actively participates in all treatment conferences and meetings for the clients
- Completes all paperwork required by the agency within designated time frames
- Assumes a leadership role in the interpretation and support of agency policies
- Participates in agency and community meetings as needed
- Attends conferences and workshops to maintain professional competence
- Provides in-service training as requested.
- Maintained and updated patient records, changes in service plans and treatment reports.
Child Protection Specialist
Division Of Children and Family Services
06.2017 - 04.2021
- Assesses/investigates referrals involving child abuse and neglect, dependency, or other families in need of services
- Conducts in-depth, culturally sensitive interviews with clients, caregivers, children and collateral contacts through face-to-face home visits, office visits, phone calls and written communication
- Works with schools, medical professionals, law enforcement, and other community-based providers to gather information and to provide ongoing support and services to children and their families
- Coordinates and/or attends a variety of meetings including family team meetings and team decision making meetings
- If court intervention is necessary, works with the agency's legal team to prepare documents and testimony
- Conducts work in accordance with federal and state guidelines and follows agency policies, procedures and best practice standards
- Completes paperwork and case documentation in a timely and thorough manner.
Juvenile Justice Community Therapist
OhioGuidestone
09.2016 - 06.2017
- In collaboration with the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court, Juvenile Justice Services aims to divert children in legal trouble from official court proceedings by empowering parents and assisting youth with developing improved social skills, such as anger management, problem solving and communication.
Director Of Operations
Knowledge Universe
10.2012 - 05.2016
- Understand and implement Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Child Care Licensing Rules, Step Up to Quality Guidelines, NAEYC Regulations, and Medina County Board of Health Regulations; marketing in community; oversee all staff relations for staff (scheduling, payroll, safety, company and ODJFS regulation); education and curriculum training and implementation; obtaining national and state accreditation.
Director Of Operations
Creative Playrooms Montessori Schools
09.2002 - 10.2012
- Understand and implement Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Child Care Licensing Rules and Cuyahoga County Board of Health Regulations; market facility in community; oversee all staff relations for 57 staff (scheduling, payroll, safety, company and ODJFS regulation); develops strategies and programs as lead corporate trainer for over 500 employees since 2003; conduct parent meetings and development classes for continuing education; meet with staff, corporate members, peers, parents to develop superior corrective actions; liaison between employees and senior corporate management as well as parents and employees
- Expanded facility from one to two buildings; tripled enrollment from 110 to 359 children; turned program into largest Montessori School/Child Care Center in Northeast Ohio after 2 years of employment; recognized in community for superior care and quality; maintained a 2% overall staff turn-over rate; developed management strategies to make positive changes throughout the entire facility
- Presented with several bonuses, and honors, for superior leadership over other facilities from Corporate Office.
Education
Master of Science - Marriage and Family Therapy
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN01.2022
Bachelor of Science - English
Kent State University
Kent, OH01.2001
Skills
- Group therapy facilitation
- Communications theory
- Progress assessments
- One-on-one sessions
- Intervention planning
- Documentation requirements
- Expertise in crisis intervention techniques
- Knowledge of juvenile justice system
- Learning disability awareness
- Curriculum development
- Skilled in intake interviewing
- Trained in indicators of child abuse
- Case management proficiency
Timeline
Direct Services Case Worker
Lorain County Children Services
03.2024 - Current
Adoption Recruiter
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
04.2021 - 03.2024
Clinical Mental Health Therapist
OhioGuidestone
02.2020 - 12.2022
Child Protection Specialist
Division Of Children and Family Services
06.2017 - 04.2021
Juvenile Justice Community Therapist
OhioGuidestone
09.2016 - 06.2017
Director Of Operations
Knowledge Universe
10.2012 - 05.2016
Director Of Operations
Creative Playrooms Montessori Schools
09.2002 - 10.2012
Bachelor of Science - English
Kent State University
Master of Science - Marriage and Family Therapy
Capella University