JESSICA FERGUSON
Rome,GA
Summary
Adept and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced setting. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact agency success. Empowers and mentors employees to independently handle daily functions and meet customer needs, while assuring compliance with state, local and federal regulations. Collaborates with team members to promote an engaged and inclusive work culture.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Advocate Supervisor
Georgia Department Of Human Services
06.2022 - Current
- Supervises a team of eight program coordinators.
- Works closely with the Performance Management Section to ensure that the Parental Accountability Court Program’s core work and activities follow standard operating procedures
- Assures agency compliance with policies, appropriate documentation, and reporting requirements.
- Ensures that the coordinators’ individual and team goals are met and exceeded in support of department and agency goals and objectives.
- Interviews, hires, directs, trains, evaluates the performance of, and when necessary, disciplines and discharges employees.
- Interacts with other agencies, the judiciary, local government, and the local media to promote the Parental Accountability Court Program.
- Reviews program to determine efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with state, local and federal regulations.
- Facilitated ongoing education opportunities for advocates to stay informed about industry trends, legislation updates, and best practices.
- Assisted in budget planning and resource allocation for the department, ensuring optimal utilization of funds.
- Planned and implemented process improvements and reporting systems to streamline operations.
- Champions diversity and inclusion efforts within the workplace, resulting in an inclusive environment that fosters creativity and innovation among employees from various backgrounds.
- Served as interim coordinator for the Cobb and Appalachian Judicial Circuits simultaneously, in addition to Advocate Supervisor duties.
Advocate Supervisor - Interim
Georgia Division Of Child Support Services
04.2021 - 07.2021
- Acted as Interim Supervisor for the Parental Accountability Court North Team while continuing to fulfill my duties and responsibilities as the Program Advocate for the Rome Judicial Circuit, as well as covering as interim Program Advocate for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit.
- Supervised a team of 10 advocates.
- Worked effectively with fellow team members to coordinate effective solutions to any question or concern.
- Kept team compliant with protocols and program standards.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Collaborated across departments on priorities, functions and common goals.
- Reviewed performance data to monitor and measure productivity, goal progress and activity levels.
Parental Accountability Court Coordinator
Georgia Division Of Child Support Services
04.2019 - 06.2022
- Served as interim coordinator for the Cherokee, Lookout Mountain and Appalachian Judicial Circuits
- Manages a caseload to ensure that child support obligations are met.
- Acts as a liaison between participants, Superior Court Judges, treatment providers, and employers.
- Attends and participates in monthly meetings and court hearings.
- Provides an interdisciplinary, coordinated, and systemic approach to address the needs of program participants.
- Collaborates with public agencies and communities-based organizations to facilitate the delivery of services
- Engages in outreach efforts to recruit community partnerships to supplement existing services.
- Documents data and completes accurate updates to case records.
Night/Weekend Advocate
Hospitality House For Women
01.2018 - Current
- Responsible for shelter operations and guest support during nights and weekends.
- Responds to crisis calls and conducts intake assessments for new guest.
- Ensures needs of guest are met during evening hours.
- Ensures guest have completed chores and the facility is clean and orderly.
- Conducts security checks which includes setting alarms and monitoring security cameras.
Intake Specialist/Remote Office Manager
Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Worked as a team with attorneys, administrative assistants and fellow legal assistants.
- Managed accounts and records of clients with the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion.
- Conducted client interviews and all client intake services.
- Pre-screened potential cases.
- Directed and coordinated law office activity, including referral cases.
- Assisted attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical and other records.
- Acted as liaison between clients, vendors and attorneys.
Education
Bachelor of Science - PSYCHOLOGY
Armstrong State University
Savannah, GA12.2014
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Support Tracking and Reporting System ($TARS) proficiency
- Power BI Data Warehouse proficiency
- Familiarity with Needles operating system
- Experience using ADP
- HIPAA compliance
- Collaborative team member
- Ability to generate, build and maintain professional and client relationships
- Able to prioritize and efficiently manage multiple assignments
- Policy Implementation
- Strategic Planning
- Coaching and Mentoring
Timeline
Advocate Supervisor
Georgia Department Of Human Services
06.2022 - Current
Advocate Supervisor - Interim
Georgia Division Of Child Support Services
04.2021 - 07.2021
Parental Accountability Court Coordinator
Georgia Division Of Child Support Services
04.2019 - 06.2022
Night/Weekend Advocate
Hospitality House For Women
01.2018 - Current
Intake Specialist/Remote Office Manager
Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C
01.2014 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Science - PSYCHOLOGY
Armstrong State University
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