Jessica Gomez
Laredo,Texas
Summary
Dynamic advocate with extensive experience at BCFS Health and Human Services, specializing in case management and conflict resolution for survivors of sex trafficking. Proven ability to empower clients through critical thinking and advocacy, ensuring access to essential resources and support. Committed to fostering safety and well-being in vulnerable populations.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Advocate
BCFS Health And Human Services
Laredo, TX
01.2025 - Current
- Advocated for survivors of sex trafficking and at-risk youth through mentoring and case management.
Family Based Safety Services (FBSS) Specialist III
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Laredo, TX
08.2019 - 12.2024
- Provide time limited in-home services to meet the specific needs of families by identifying insufficient protective capacities, developing treatment plans, and using appropriate and necessary resources to minimize risk and provide for safety of the child; and maintaining contact with parents and children to achieve treatment goals
- Assess child safety and take the necessary actions to protect the child as appropriate
- Determine services family needs and provide community resources
- Discuss issues with families related, but not limited to income, money management, and personal relationships that they will probably consider personal and private
- Help identify resources and community support available to the family
- Assist parents in recognizing behaviors that lead to child abuse and/or neglect and empower parents to identify ways to make the necessary behavioral changes
- Determine action to be taken to remove or to reduce an immediate threat to the safety of a child including working with families to identify family members who can assist with keeping the child safe, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, placing children in substitute care, referring family for immediate crisis intervention therapy or other community resources
- Document all relevant and appropriate information gathered during the investigation and complete all required forms accurately and in a timely manner
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources
- Attend trainings, meetings, and staffings in regards to caseload
- Interview caregivers to identify individuals who may be supportive of the caregiver and/or child
- Consider ways to ensure personal safety in addition to the safety of children and families during interviews and other meetings
- Administer and/or make referrals for drug testing as appropriate
- Make referrals to community and contracted services available to treat substance abuse
- Record observations accurately as part of case documentation, using specific quotes and precise behavioral descriptions of the danger and its impact on the child
- Prepare clear, accurate, and appropriate written communications or documents
- Prepare court documents such as petitions, affidavits and court reports
- Assist in child watch for children without placement on a rotational basis
- Salary: $58,417.80 USD Per Year
- Hours per week: 50
- Supervisor: Laura Valenciano ((956) 489-7259)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Transition Coordinator
Texas Department of Health and Human Services : Corpus Christi State Living Center
Corpus Christi, TX
11.2018 - 08.2019
- Assist clients ready to leave the facility to find service providers in the area they want to relocate to
- Coordinate meetings between clients and service providers so they can have a smooth transition
- Assist with receptionist duties such as answering phone calls, mailing documents, and greeting guests
- Salary: $3,690.00 USD Per Month
- Hours per week: 40
Service Coordinator
Border Region Behavioral Health Center
Laredo, TX
08.2014 - 10.2018
- Work directly with people with disabilities and perform service coordination to assist assigned individuals in gaining access to medical, social, educational and other needed services.
- Coordinated and monitored programs to ensure that clients were receiving services
- Salary: $2,600.00 USD Per Month
- Hours per week: 40
Education
Bachelor's degree - Psychology, Criminal Justice
Texas A M International University
Laredo, TX, United States01-2013
Skills
- Case management
- Critical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Attention to detail
- Advocacy
- Interpersonal communication
Language Skills:
English, Spoken Advanced, Written Advanced, Read Advanced, Spanish, Spoken Advanced, Written Advanced, Read Advanced
Timeline
Advocate
BCFS Health And Human Services
01.2025 - Current
Family Based Safety Services (FBSS) Specialist III
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
08.2019 - 12.2024
Transition Coordinator
Texas Department of Health and Human Services : Corpus Christi State Living Center
11.2018 - 08.2019
Service Coordinator
Border Region Behavioral Health Center
08.2014 - 10.2018
Bachelor's degree - Psychology, Criminal Justice
Texas A M International University