Hi, I’m
India Jones
Homewood,IL
Summary
Encouraging leader and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
12
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Unity Parenting & Counseling Center
Director of Foster Care
10.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Overseeing and managing day-to-day operations of 59 team members in placement, foster care, licensing and HAP. This includes ensuring program and service delivery to 232 families in foster care and substitute caregivers.
- Established departmental performance goals and provided feedback for underperforming areas.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Represents agency on DCFS and child welfare related committees
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Cultivated positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
One Hope United
Foster Care Supervisor
05.2022 - 10.2023
Job overview
- Primary responsibilities include program execution and supervision of relative and traditional foster care.
- Provided direct supervision and training to case managers and support staff.
- Worked effectively with other supervisors to assure orderly transfer of cases in home and relative/traditional foster care.
- Monitored quality and quantity of case work services provided by case work team.
- Conducted weekly team meetings with staff and provided supervision.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for effective coordination of child welfare services.
- Improved communication between agency staff, foster families, and biological families through regular meetings and updates.
DCFS-State Of Illinois
Child Welfare Specialist
08.2017 - 05.2022
Job overview
- Provided casework to approximately 20-25 families. Attended court on behalf of families serviced by DCFS and made appropriate recommendations.
- Conducted intake interviews to assess appropriateness for service and supervised visits. Developed and wrote service plans, progress notes and diagnostic summaries.
- Supported children abused/or and neglected in need of child welfare services. Resolved problems in calm professional manner.
- Coordinated placement of children in substitute care facilities; works with intact and children in substitute care.
- Prepared complex written and oral reports for court and clinical staffing.
- Attended court and performed monthly safety visitation of minors in care.
- Supervised child and family team meetings to measure permanency goals.
- Enhanced family reunification rates through diligent monitoring and support of parent-child visitations.
DCFS-State Of Illinois
Child Protection Specialist
06.2016 - 08.2017
Job overview
- Investigated reports of abuse or neglect as mandated by DCFS policy. Investigated reports of physical and sexual abuse and abuse.
- Assessed safety and risk factors of children involved in care and made recommendations according to policy.
- Provided protective custody to minors found at risk of harm.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and agency policies through meticulous record-keeping and adherence to established procedures.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while navigating complex legal proceedings involving child abuse or neglect allegations.
- Fostered trust with clients by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural competence during interactions with diverse populations.
- Advocated for clients'' best interests during case conferences, court hearings, and other decision-making forums related to child welfare.
- Interviewed family members to assess situations, capabilities, and problems.
- Collaborated with supervisors and community partners regarding minors safety, attorneys, judges, teachers, and doctors
Trinity Faith Based University
Child Family Therapist-Part Time
08.2012 - 04.2014
Job overview
- Improved family dynamics by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored treatment plans.
- Enhanced communication within families by facilitating effective conflict resolution strategies.
- Strengthened parent-child relationships through targeted interventions and consistent follow-up sessions.
- Increased client engagement in therapy by utilizing evidence-based practices and culturally sensitive approaches.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support to clients and their families.
Education
National Louis University, Chicago, IL
Graduate Certificate from Psychology/Human Development
03.2009
National Louis University, Chicago, IL
Graduate Certificate from Organizational Psychology
03.2009
National Louis University, Chicago, IL
Master of Arts from Psychology Human Development
06.2008
National Louis University, Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Arts from Applied Behavioral Sciences
12.2006
Skills
- Staff Management
- Motivational Interviewing
- Flexible & Adaptable
- Task Prioritization
- Self-motivated professional
- Multitasking abilities
- Interpersonal Communication
- Team Management
- Cultural Competency
- Report Writing
- Reunification procedures
Certification
- CWEL-Child Welfare Employee License-(CWEL)
- Child Endangerment Risk Assessment protocol (CERAP)
- CANS-Certified
- DCFS-Child Protection Specialty
- DCFS-Placement Sepciality
Timeline
Director of Foster Care
Unity Parenting & Counseling Center
10.2023 - Current
Foster Care Supervisor
One Hope United
05.2022 - 10.2023
Child Welfare Specialist
DCFS-State Of Illinois
08.2017 - 05.2022
Child Protection Specialist
DCFS-State Of Illinois
06.2016 - 08.2017
Child Family Therapist-Part Time
Trinity Faith Based University
08.2012 - 04.2014
National Louis University
Graduate Certificate from Psychology/Human Development
National Louis University
Graduate Certificate from Organizational Psychology
National Louis University
Master of Arts from Psychology Human Development
National Louis University
Bachelor of Arts from Applied Behavioral Sciences
- CWEL-Child Welfare Employee License-(CWEL)
- Child Endangerment Risk Assessment protocol (CERAP)
- CANS-Certified
- DCFS-Child Protection Specialty
- DCFS-Placement Sepciality
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