GINA TORRES
Austin,TX
Summary
Accomplished Program Director at Texas Department of Family & Protective Services, adept in program leadership and child welfare. Spearheaded initiatives reducing caseload backlog by optimizing processes, enhancing service delivery through community outreach, and implementing evidence-based practices. Skilled in data analysis and problem-solving, significantly improved child safety outcomes.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Director
Texas Department Of Family & Protective Services
07.2021 - Current
- Developed and implemented program goals and objectives, establishing specific and measurable outcomes aligned with organization's overall mission of child safety.
- Reduced caseload backlog by optimizing workflow processes and prioritizing high-need cases.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to offer additional resources and services to clients, expanding the scope of support provided.
- Guided team in referring families to community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
Child Protective Investigations Supervisor
Texas Department Of Family Protective Services
08.2017 - 07.2021
- Advocated for needed resources within the organization and community at large to enhance service delivery options for children and families experiencing complex challenges.
- Managed complex cases requiring intensive intervention strategies while maintaining a focus on safety and permanency planning for children involved.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary teams comprising social workers, therapists, educators, medical professionals, legal counsel, and other stakeholders to develop individualized service plans addressing each child''s unique needs.
- Improved child welfare outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices and providing ongoing staff training.
Child Protective Investigator IV
Texas Department Of Family Protective Services
10.2015 - 08.2017
- Assessed each child's unique needs and coordinated delivery of appropriate services and resources.
- Identified patterns of abuse/neglect during investigations by reviewing case histories and drawing connections between past incidents and current concerns.
- Utilized strong interviewing skills to gather critical information from children, parents, educators, medical professionals, and law enforcement personnel.
- Documented cases meticulously, maintaining accurate records for court proceedings and agency use.
- Developed culturally sensitive approaches when working with diverse populations in order to better understand family dynamics and values.
Adoption Specialist IV
Texas Department Of Family Protective Services
05.2012 - 10.2015
- Provided pre-and post-adoption counseling for adoptive families to promote smooth transitions and healthy family dynamics.
- Maintained detailed case files to track progress, communicate updates with key stakeholders, and ensure timely completion of all steps in the adoption process.
- Evaluated prospective adoptive parent profiles for compatibility with available children waiting for placement, maximizing chances of successful matches.
- Collaborated closely with foster care agencies to facilitate seamless transitions for children moving from foster care to adoptive homes.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
Education
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Texas A&M International University
Laredo, TX05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Texas A&M International University
Laredo, TX05.2012
Skills
- Effective leader
- Program Leadership
- Staff Development
- Service planning
- Data Analysis
- Community Outreach
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Program Director
Texas Department Of Family & Protective Services
07.2021 - Current
Child Protective Investigations Supervisor
Texas Department Of Family Protective Services
08.2017 - 07.2021
Child Protective Investigator IV
Texas Department Of Family Protective Services
10.2015 - 08.2017
Adoption Specialist IV
Texas Department Of Family Protective Services
05.2012 - 10.2015
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Texas A&M International University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Texas A&M International University
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