Jennifer Zinderman
CPS Senior Caseworker
Garnerville,NY
Summary
Respectful and compassionate professional offering a 29-year background serving the community. Adept at establishing strong rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds, dedicated to forming trusting relationships and advocating for best interests of clients. Able to identify unique needs and assist vulnerable populations by implementing appropriate interventions.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Senior Caseworker
Rockland County Department Of Social Services
Pomona, NY
09.2016 - Current
- All services provided in English and Spanish.
- Investigate claims of child abuse, neglect or safety concerns.
- Complete comprehensive safety assessments by: visiting homes, inspecting surroundings, interviewing family members, communicating with collaterals and reviewing prior case history.
- Maintain detailed case records and legal documentation.
- Participate in filing petitions, attending court proceedings, submitting documents, and offering testimony.
- Contribute to court proceedings by advocating for family's best interests and recommending solutions.
- Build solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet the children's need for safety.
- Facilitate family-led meetings to identify needs and resolve concerns in partnership with families.
- Assist families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Encourage communication and collaboration between family members.
Spanish-speaking Caseworker-Children & Family Srvs
Rockland County DSS
Pomona, NY
03.1999 - 09.2016
- Assessed needs of each client and recommended appropriate services and resources, as well as provided advocacy services for marginalized and undocumented populations.
- Conducted home visits to assess clients' home environment, monitor children's safety, and provide support.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate services for clients.
- Maintained high level of client confidentiality, following strict guidelines, and recommendations.
- Complied with local and state mandates surrounding service provision, creating service plans to meet each client's individualized needs.
- Participated in completion and filing of court petitions and court proceedings, as deemed necessary.
- Monitored families cooperation with court orders.
- Scheduled/accompanied/transported clients to appointments as necessary.
- Offered support and assistance to foster parents.
- Facilitated and monitored family visitation for children in foster care.
- Devised and executed bi-annual Independent Living Seminars for youth in care.
- Monitored case progress for timely completion and compliance with applicable regulations while working toward family reunification in placement cases.
- Assisted undocumented youth in obtaining legal residency status.
- Maintained detailed case records.
Case Manager
Child Assistance Program, RCDSS
Nyack, NY
01.1997 - 03.1999
- Completed home visits to assess immediate needs.
- Interviewed clients to identify their specific financial, employment, and childcare services needs.
- Assessed eligibility for cash, medical, and food stamp benefits.
- Authorized said benefits, monitoring ongoing eligibility via mandated recertification appointments.
- Assisted in goal setting, tracked clients' progress, and taught problem-solving skills.
- Provided referrals to housing, legal services and other agencies to gain access to valuable resources.
- Provided advocacy services while encouraging self-sufficiency for single parents via this government grant program.
- Documented service provision in case record.
Social Welfare Examiner
RCDSS
Pomona, NY
08.1994 - 01.1997
- Interviewed applicants seeking financial government benefits in both Spanish & English.
- Gathered necessary documentation to determine eligibility.
- Devised budgets in the Welfare Management System and authorized benefits to clients based on eligibility.
- Determined ongoing need for assistance via bi-annual recertification appointments.
- Provided referrals to other services as deemed necessary.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish And East Asian Studies
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN 08.1989 - 12.1993
No Degree - Spanish
Colegio Mayor Chaminade
Madrid, Spain 07.1988 - 08.1988
No Degree - Japanese
Sony Language Laboratory
Osaka, Japan 06.1987 - 08.1987
Skills
Bilingual
undefinedAccomplishments
- Recruited as temporary School Liaison for DSS S.T.E.P.S. unit due to the increased number of Educational Neglect cases reported to the State Central Register during the COVID-19 pandemic; my communication with the county's schools and development of a Diligent Efforts Checklist diverted many families from being investigated by CPS when needs could be assessed and met via Family Services referrals
- Collaborated with 7 fellow Senior Caseworkers in project development of On-Boarding program to assign mentors to new caseworkers in an effort to promote employee retention
- Received 2 DSS Spot Awards for going above and beyond my job duties
- Completed DSS Leadership Program
- Achieved Employee Recognition Award for outstanding effort to improve the workplace
- Certificate for presentation at agency-wide conference to promote Total Quality Management detailing experience as a member of pilot project to develop a "team approach"
- Translated and revised numerous forms implemented by Children & Family Services workers to improve provision of services and streamline work
- Participated in the development of the Youth Speak Out presentation for youth in foster care, securing vendors for the program and gifts for the children
- Recognized for 25 years of service with Rockland County
Timeline
Senior Caseworker
Rockland County Department Of Social Services
09.2016 - Current
Spanish-speaking Caseworker-Children & Family Srvs
Rockland County DSS
03.1999 - 09.2016
Case Manager
Child Assistance Program, RCDSS
01.1997 - 03.1999
Social Welfare Examiner
RCDSS
08.1994 - 01.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish And East Asian Studies
Indiana University Bloomington
08.1989 - 12.1993
No Degree - Spanish
Colegio Mayor Chaminade
07.1988 - 08.1988
No Degree - Japanese
Sony Language Laboratory
06.1987 - 08.1987
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