Harriet L. Kersh
Champaign,USA
Summary
Dedicated child welfare professional with extensive experience advocating for and supporting children in foster care. Proficient in assessing individual needs, developing tailored care plans, and coordinating essential resources to promote well-being. Recognized for strong teamwork and adaptability, fostering effective collaboration that leads to positive outcomes. Expertise in crisis intervention, case management, and ensuring compliance with legal standards, complemented by active service on the statewide Foster Parent Advisory Board, advocating for the rights and needs of foster parents.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensing Coordinator
The Center For Youth And Family Solutions
Champaign, IL
07.2012 - Current
- Coordinated licensing documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Streamlined licensing processes by managing effective communication channels between departments.
- Assisted in training staff on licensing requirements and procedures.
- Evaluated and verified licensing applications for accuracy and completeness.
- Oversaw licensing supervisor operations to ensure compliance and efficiency.
- Implemented training sessions for staff on licensing procedures and best practices, boosting team efficiency and knowledge levels.
Foster Care case manager
Catholic Charities
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Completed regular visitations to check on children, families and home environments.
- Advocated for foster children by facilitating access to community resources and services to maximize safety and well-being of child.
- Attended proceedings and testified for reunification and permanent placement cases.
- Established parental eligibility through frequent meetings and reviewing information.
- Provided in-home training and support to foster parents during weekly meetings to help mitigate problems arising from child behavior.
- Created and updated systems of organization for case service plans and court reports.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, maintaining regular communication and offering guidance throughout their time in the foster care system.
“At-Risk” Developmental Therapist
Developmental Services Center
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Developed individualized treatment plans to enhance client skills and promote independence.
- Utilized evidence-based therapeutic techniques to facilitate developmental growth in children with disabilities.
- Conducted regular evaluations to adapt interventions, ensuring alignment with client goals and needs.
- Led workshops for families, equipping them with tools to support their children's development at home.
Classroom Supervisor
Early Child Development Lab
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Developed and implemented educational programs tailored to diverse learning needs.
- Observed and assessed student progress, providing constructive feedback to enhance individual learning outcomes.
- Led initiatives to improve curriculum effectiveness based on ongoing evaluation and feedback processes.
Community Involvement Specialist
Prairie Elementary School
01.1998 - 01.2002
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance instructional strategies and improve student outcomes.
- Collaborated with parents to address and resolve children's issues.
- Supported communication efforts with parents to enhance student engagement and participation. Facilitated workshops and meetings to address parental concerns and provide resources. Assisted in developing outreach materials to inform parents about school programs and events.
Early Childhood Teacher/Acting Director
Happi House Learning Center
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Collaborated with parents to support children's educational progress and address concerns.
- Evaluated student progress through assessments to tailor instructional methods effectively.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Over see the daycare when the owner was out
Teen Ministry Leader
Champaign Church of Christ
01.1996 - 01.1997
Education
Master of Science - Family And Community Services
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL01-2010
Bachelorette in Arts - Board of Trustees
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL01-2004
Associate in Arts - Elementary Education
Parkland College
Champaign, IL01-2001
Associate in Applied Science - Child Development
Parkland College
Champaign, IL01-1993
Skills
- Responsible, insightful, strong leadership ability, self-disciplined, problem-solver, and exceptional coordination skills
- Committed to quality and strives to maintain a high degree of accuracy
- Demonstrated effectiveness in working with a diverse population
- Strong critical thinking skills
- Cooperative & supportive colleague [believes in the concept of “team player”]
- People oriented [superior ability of establishing positive client rapport]
- Resourceful professional [able to accurately identify client needs and assist in successfully obtaining necessary resources]
Timeline
Licensing Coordinator
The Center For Youth And Family Solutions
07.2012 - Current
Foster Care case manager
Catholic Charities
01.2009 - 01.2012
“At-Risk” Developmental Therapist
Developmental Services Center
01.2005 - 01.2009
Classroom Supervisor
Early Child Development Lab
01.2002 - 01.2005
Community Involvement Specialist
Prairie Elementary School
01.1998 - 01.2002
Early Childhood Teacher/Acting Director
Happi House Learning Center
01.1997 - 01.1998
Teen Ministry Leader
Champaign Church of Christ
01.1996 - 01.1997
Master of Science - Family And Community Services
Eastern Illinois University
Bachelorette in Arts - Board of Trustees
Eastern Illinois University
Associate in Arts - Elementary Education
Parkland College
Associate in Applied Science - Child Development
Parkland College
Program Development
- Developed and maintained local mentoring program
- Recruited members and paired mentors with students
- Served as C-U One to One Liaison for the Urbana School District
- Organized volunteers for fund raising and other school-related events
- Coordinated programs and activities for approximately 100 teens
- Organized parent volunteers for teen group events
Teaching & Education
- Supervised classrooms of preschool children
- Conducted conferences with parents to discuss observations
- Developed age-appropriate curriculum and managed classrooms at various age levels
- Taught teens utilizing classroom instructions & various activities/group functions
Program Development
- Developed and maintained local mentoring program
- Recruited members and paired mentors with students
- Served as C-U One to One Liaison for the Urbana School District
- Organized volunteers for fund raising and other school-related events
- Coordinated programs and activities for approximately 100 teens
- Organized parent volunteers for teen group events