Gloria Mendoza
Social Worker
San Diego,CA
Summary
Masters level social worker with over 28 years of experience in the fields of social work and mental health. Exceptional experience providing high quality care and support to individuals involved with child welfare, probation and special education. Excellent record working successfully with individuals, families and groups in a variety of settings. Possess an in-depth understanding of relevant federal, state and local legislation, procedures and techniques. Extensive knowledge of social work principles, techniques, practices, and their application to complex cases, vulnerable and high-risk populations including clients with substance use disorders, issues with interpersonal violence, pregnant teens and other highly vulnerable populations. Recognized for implementing culturally responsive practices and piloting projects that result in practice and policy changes. Excellent communication skills in both English and Spanish. Recognized for great court report writing and for having good judgment and serving clients with integrity, dignity and respect.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Protective Services Worker
County of San Diego, Child and Family Well-Being Department
05.2002 - Current
- Assigned the most high risk and complex bilingual (English/Spanish) investigations and cases
- Excellent experience in investigations, case management, case management, Continuing Services currently at the Child Abuse Hotline.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Primary duties support the practice framework, Safety Enhanced Together (SET) and the county’s vision that every child is to be safe, nurtured and thriving and adheres to CFWB’s mission to strengthen families in partnership with community-based organizations to enhance the safety, permanency and well-being of children
- My daily duties continue to include risk and safety assessments of children, stabilize and preserve families, and when that is not possible, ensure children’s safety in out of home care while keeping their connections with their family, their community of origin and familiar environments.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
Case Manager
Mental Health Systems, Inc.
03.2001 - 05.2002
- Successfully managed a caseload of 20-22 adults with chronic mental illness and comorbid conditions including substance use disorders
- Served as payee and worked alongside the county conservator’s office
- Provided front line services to help manage and maintain clients in the community, ensuring their participation in mental health treatment to the end of successfully reducing re-entry into psychiatric hospitals.
- Developed and implemented safety plans for clients at risk of harm to provide protection.
- Monitored clients' progress and tracked client services to provide crisis interventions.
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
- Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
- Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
Therapeutic Behavior Coach
New Alternatives, Inc.
05.2000 - 03.2001
- Provided excellent therapeutic techniques and coaching to children and youth needing extra intensive support to increase their use of positive coping skills and improve their daily living and functioning both in their home environments and in out of home care; including licensed group homes and emergency shelters.
- Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
- Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
- Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
- Supervised meetings with family members to help create support system for clients.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
Mental Health Case Manager
Vista Hill Foundation
05.1999 - 05.2000
- Provided case management services and mental health support to youth identified by probation to be eligible for juvenile delinquency diversion services
- Successfully implemented case management and wraparound principles to help extricate children from the probation department
- Exceptional experience collaborating with probation, mental health providers and school districts (via Individualized Educational Plans IEP) to engage youth and families in services so the youth can remain at home on probation rather than being detained.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Performed mental health evaluations when warranted and recommended patients to therapists.
- Provided support and guidance to students experiencing academic and personal troubles.
- Utilized trauma-informed approach to promote healing and empowerment for clients.
- Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to determine timely delivery of services.
- Analyzed trends and data to inform decision-making and program development.
Mental Health Worker
Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC)
09.1998 - 05.1999
- Provided exceptional school-based mental health support to children and their families
- Provided excellent mental health counseling to children identified as being in a crisis and provided short term counseling under the supervision of a licensed clinician.
- Delivered individualized counseling services to clients working through issues such as mental illness and substance abuse.
- Evaluated patients based on mental and physical parameters discovered through interviews and standardized assessments.
- Documented client progress in confidential files.
- Educated clients and families about mental health issues, treatments and resources.
- Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
- Provided referrals to connect clients with other community resources to support mental health and well-being.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
Residential Care Worker
Families First, Inc.
05.1995 - 07.1998
- Provided vital care and supervision to males, ages 6-18 with sexual trauma histories while placed in a level 14 psychiatric residential care facility
- Provided excellent care and supervision while maintaining the children safe
- Determined specific needs and provided most appropriate level of services for patient well-being.
- Remained alert to problems or health issues of clients and competently responded.
- Provided a nurturing and caring environment for the children to thrive
- Administered medications with care and diligence for excellent record keeping
- Ensured the individual needs of the children were met
- Communicated well with supervisors and the children’s social workers regarding the children’s progress with daily living objectives and both short and long treatment goals.
Education
Master of Social Work, Title IV-E Children, Youth and Family emphasis -
San Diego State University
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Sociology: Social Services - undefined
University of California, Davis
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Studio Art - undefined
University of California, Davis
Skills
Psychosocial Assessment
Timeline
Protective Services Worker
County of San Diego, Child and Family Well-Being Department
05.2002 - Current
Case Manager
Mental Health Systems, Inc.
03.2001 - 05.2002
Therapeutic Behavior Coach
New Alternatives, Inc.
05.2000 - 03.2001
Mental Health Case Manager
Vista Hill Foundation
05.1999 - 05.2000
Mental Health Worker
Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC)
09.1998 - 05.1999
Residential Care Worker
Families First, Inc.
05.1995 - 07.1998
Master of Social Work, Title IV-E Children, Youth and Family emphasis -
San Diego State University
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Sociology: Social Services - undefined
University of California, Davis
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Studio Art - undefined
University of California, Davis
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