Jennifer Norris-Brannen
West Des Moines,IA
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Communicable Disease Specialist/Database Assistant
Department of Health and Human Services
Des Moines , IA
2020.11 - Current
- Maintained regular contact with healthcare providers, handling sensitive and confidential information effectively
- Maintained precise record-keeping on multiple systems
- Proficient in the utilization of a variety of software applications and systems
- Skillfully interact with a diverse range of individuals including patients, team members, supervisors, and healthcare professionals.
- Proficiently handled various projects with similar or diverse deadlines
- Exhibited responsibility in meeting deadlines for all required tasks and project-related items while working remotely
Foster and Adoptive Home Specialist
IA KidsNet
Des Moines , IA
2012.08 - 2017.08
- Supervised and documented licensing renewal process for 80+ foster/adoptive homes annually.
- Educated and guided foster/adoptive families, evaluating their strengths and identifying their needs.
- Evaluated foster parents' effectiveness in nurturing the unique requirements of children in their care, facilitating optimal placement decisions.
- Applied comprehensive behavior management techniques to enhance client well-being and provided in-depth knowledge of the child welfare system
- Maintained consistent communication with foster parents and served as a liaison between them and DHS.
- Established strong relationships with DHS workers and licensing staff, facilitating effective communication for the needs and concerns of foster and adoptive homes.
- Assisted families by staying up-to-date on child welfare changes and helping them access community resources to provide optimal care for the children under their supervision.
- Conducted home visits and documented findings in case notes.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations regarding the safety and well-being of children in care.
In-Home Therapist
New Beginnings Counseling Services
Urbandale , IA
2011.02 - 2012.08
- Offered therapy services to clients within the State of Iowa child welfare system encompassing foster care, behavioral health intervention services, and the community mental health waiver.
- Assisted individuals with substance abuse recovery by providing counseling and educational resources on parenting skills, child development, family dynamics as well as behavior management.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate services such as medical care, psychiatric care, and community resources.
- Conducted family sessions to help strengthen family relationships and improve communication skills.
- Created reports documenting client progress and interactions during sessions.
Real Estate Agent
Iowa Realty Co Inc
West Des Moines , IA
2008.01 - 2011.01
- Facilitated contract negotiations between clients and sellers.
- Advised clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, legal requirements and related matters.
- Assisted in the preparation of documents such as representation contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, deeds and leases.
- Maintained updated knowledge of local real estate markets.
- Provided guidance to clients throughout the entire buying or selling process.
- Prepared comparative market analysis to estimate properties' value.
- Analyzed potential investment opportunities based on financial reports.
- Researched current listings available in the area using multiple online resources.
- Verified accuracy of documentation and fund disbursements for sales.
- Maintained current and accurate CRM database of prospective customers.
Social Worker II
Iowa Department Of Human Services
Des Moines , IA
2002.03 - 2007.03
- Maintained a focus on child safety while managing Foster Care CINA cases
- Assessed and coordinated services to support families in overcoming challenges, preventing the need for removal.
- Maintained consistent contact with families, legal providers, and service providers
- Logged all correspondence related to the case and devised personalized case strategies for court proceedings and concerned parties
- Provided Court with necessary testimony for case related activities.
- Conducted assessments of client needs, strengths, and resources to develop treatment plans.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress and interactions according to agency standards.
- Maintained thorough case history records and wrote detailed reports.
- Maintained lists of resources helpful to clients.
Case Worker, Foster Care
Lutheran Services of Iowa, LSI
Des Moines , IA
2000.05 - 2002.03
- Provided crisis intervention to foster care clients.
- Assisted in placement of children into appropriate foster homes.
- Conducted home visits and documented findings in case notes.
- Developed treatment plans for each assigned client.
- Attended court hearings as necessary to provide testimony regarding cases.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss individual cases and develop strategies for best outcomes.
- Established behavioral modification goals and assessed progress toward goals.
- Maintained a high level of confidentiality by securely handling charts and data.
Youth Service Worker
Children and Families of Iowa
Des Moines , IA
1999.05 - 2000.05
- Direct supervision and counseling of drug addicted youth
- Participated in individual counseling sessions with clients.
- Engaged in and led individual, group, and family counseling
- Worked closely with family, Juvenile Court Officers, Department of Human Service Workers, and school systems.
- Conducted assessments to identify the needs of each child.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans for youth.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress and services provided.
- Created lesson plans designed to teach life skills such as communication, problem solving, and decision making.
Education
BS - Sociology
Iowa State University
Ames, IA08.1999
Skills
- Office and Organizational Skills
- Customer Relations
- Critical Thinking
- Records Management
- Process Improvement
- Team Building
- Multitasking
- Performance monitoring
- Patient Care Assessment
- Patient Relations
- Professionalism
- Interpersonal Communication
- Adaptability
- Interpersonal Skills
- Reliability
- Active Listening
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Data Analysis
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Task Prioritization
- Problem-solving aptitude
References
1) Chris Galeazzi
MPH Senior Epidemiologist
Iowa Health and Human Services
515-314-5895
chris.galeazzi@idph.iowa.gov
2) Kyli Beaulieu
Epidemiologist
Iowa Health and Human Services
515-380-0478
kyli.beaulieu@idph.iowa.gov
3) Rose Marie Scott
Manager of Community Services
Iowa Health and Human Services
515-371-9705
rose.marie.scott1@gmail.com
Timeline
Communicable Disease Specialist/Database Assistant
Department of Health and Human Services
2020.11 - Current
Foster and Adoptive Home Specialist
IA KidsNet
2012.08 - 2017.08
In-Home Therapist
New Beginnings Counseling Services
2011.02 - 2012.08
Real Estate Agent
Iowa Realty Co Inc
2008.01 - 2011.01
Social Worker II
Iowa Department Of Human Services
2002.03 - 2007.03
Case Worker, Foster Care
Lutheran Services of Iowa, LSI
2000.05 - 2002.03
Youth Service Worker
Children and Families of Iowa
1999.05 - 2000.05
BS - Sociology
Iowa State University
Similar Profiles
Shannon ProutShannon Prout
Eligibility Specialist at State of Michigan Department of Health and Human ServicesEligibility Specialist at State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Jasmine ThomasJasmine Thomas
Child Protective Investigator at Department of Health and Human ServicesChild Protective Investigator at Department of Health and Human Services
Montana KonenMontana Konen
Child and Family Services Specialist at The Department of Health and Human ServicesChild and Family Services Specialist at The Department of Health and Human Services