JAKIRA JONES-FORD
Puyallup,WA
Summary
Dedicated Social Services professional with experience supporting at-risk youth and families across school districts, county government, and state child welfare systems. Skilled in youth reengagement, truancy intervention, crisis response, residential supervision, court involvement, and cross-system collaboration. CPR/First Aid certified with academic training in Human Services and Behavioral Health. Committed to trauma-informed, culturally responsive practice.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Family Liaison
Kent School District
Kent, WA
08.2025 - Current
- Serve as liaison between families, students, and school staff to address barriers to attendance and academic success.
- Connect families with community-based resources including behavioral health and stabilization services.
- Support crisis response efforts and multidisciplinary coordination.
- Facilitate culturally responsive communication across diverse populations.
Direct Care
YMCA Of Greater Seattle
Auburn, WA
06.2025 - Current
- Facilitated family-centered sessions and supported youth skill development.
- Assisted clients in building coping strategies and improving peer relationships.
- Maintained compliant and accurate case documentation.
- Established trusting relationships with young people through empathetic listening and genuine interest in their lives outside of program hours.
- Promoted a safe, inclusive environment by establishing clear expectations and reinforcing positive behaviors among participants.
- Completed necessary reports and documentation to maintain thorough, accurate case records.
- Provided individualized support for at-risk youth, resulting in increased self-esteem and positive behavior changes.
- Provided guidance and advice to youth, supporting navigation of diverse personal and social issues.
- Promoted positive peer interactions by facilitating group activities and modeling respectful communication techniques.
Social Service Support Specialist
Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
Burien, WA
08.2024 - 12.2025
- Supervised youth in residential placement settings to ensure safety and behavioral stabilization.
- Conducted headcounts, room searches, key control, and security checks in compliance with agency policy.
- Maintained case documentation in FamLink and shift communication logs.
- Transported youth to school, court, and community appointments.
- Supported case planning activities with assigned Social Service Specialists.
Reengagement Specialist
Kent School District
Kent, WA
11.2023 - 08.2025
- Led intervention efforts for chronically absent and disengaged students.
- Conducted assessments to identify academic, behavioral, and environmental barriers.
- Developed individualized reengagement plans to improve attendance outcomes.
- Maintained detailed student documentation and collaborated with school and community partners.
Social Service Specialist
King County
Tukwila, WA
11.2023 - 08.2025
- Provided truancy intervention services for youth ages 14–24.
- Attended court hearings and provided testimony as required.
- Developed individualized attendance plans and coordinated services with schools and legal entities.
- Connected families to community resources to promote stabilization and improved attendance.
Pharmacy Assistant Warehouse Lead
Providence Health & Services
Tukwila, WA
03.2016 - 11.2021
- Verified medication orders and maintained regulatory compliance.
- Managed pharmaceutical inventory and documentation.
- Responded to provider inquiries in high-volume healthcare settings.
Lead Environmental Services Housekeeper
Providence Health & Services
Seattle, WA
03.2011 - 03.2016
- Ensured hospital sanitation and safety compliance.
- Trained staff on infection control procedures and workflow efficiency.
Education
High School Diploma - Introduction to Human Services, Behavioral Health & Wellness, Cultural Competency in Human Services, Interpersonal Communication
Tacoma Community College
Tacoma, WASkills
- Youth Reengagement
- Family Advocacy
- Crisis Intervention
- Court Testimony
- Case Documentation (FamLink & School Systems)
- Safety & Security Compliance
- Educational Advocacy
- Community Resource Coordination
- Multicultural Competence
- Conflict Resolution
- Data Entry & Recordkeeping
Certification
CPR / First Aid Certified
Timeline
Family Liaison
Kent School District
08.2025 - Current
Direct Care
YMCA Of Greater Seattle
06.2025 - Current
Social Service Support Specialist
Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
08.2024 - 12.2025
Reengagement Specialist
Kent School District
11.2023 - 08.2025
Social Service Specialist
King County
11.2023 - 08.2025
Pharmacy Assistant Warehouse Lead
Providence Health & Services
03.2016 - 11.2021
Lead Environmental Services Housekeeper
Providence Health & Services
03.2011 - 03.2016
High School Diploma - Introduction to Human Services, Behavioral Health & Wellness, Cultural Competency in Human Services, Interpersonal Communication
Tacoma Community College