Jillian L. Highsmith
Social Worker
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Hard working, energetic employee valued for strong work ethic, leadership skills, and adaptability in search of a position in the field of Social Services that will allow me to utilize my skills while providing substantial benefits for my employer. I am proficient in case management, strategic planning and execution, and crisis management.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Worker IAT (Second Shift)
Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services
01.2025 - Current
- Assesses reports of abuse, neglect, or dependency of children using either a forensic investigative assessment approach or a family assessment approach, depending on the severity of the maltreatment reported, and in accordance with state law and divisional policy governing such.
- Engages the family in planning for safety and well-being, encouraging immediate action and front-loading services.
- Invokes court action when children cannot be safe in their homes, seeking direction through legal consultation, and completion/filing of all necessary court paperwork.
- Participates in forensic joint interviews at the local Child Advocacy Center on appropriate cases (with law enforcement and any other appropriate professionals).
Client Care Specialist (Part-Time)
Safe Alliance
05.2024 - Current
- Answer agency phone calls, screen and direct callers as appropriate, provide accurate description of services, and refer to external services as necessary.
- Provide crisis intervention services by telephone as necessary including responding to hotline calls.
- Liaised between internal departments to facilitate prompt resolution of complex cases, resulting in satisfied clients who appreciated the extra effort put forth on their behalf.
- Provided comprehensive training to new team members, ensuring they were equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the role.
Child Welfare Specialist II
Mecklenburg County
11.2023 - 01.2025
- Advocate for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
- Strengthen client engagement by utilizing trauma-informed practices when engaging with children and families experiencing adversity.
- Improve child welfare outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing tailored case plans.
- Develop and review client service plans and perform follow ups assessing the quality, quantity, and effectiveness of services provided.
CASE MANAGER (Youth Recovery Court)
Mecklenburg County
04.2023 - 11.2023
- Coordinate individual referrals to obtain community services, advocate for client needs and resolve roadblocks.
- Provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions and crisis management to clients to lessen negative on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and substance abuse.
- Partner with clinicians, social workers, activity therapists, judges, attorneys and law enforcement to develop and implement individualized case plans and document clients interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST II (After Hours Unit)
Mecklenburg County
01.2022 - 04.2023
- Develop and review client service plans and perform follow ups assessing the quality, quantity, and effectiveness of services provided.
- Complete and process intake reports regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, or dependency.
- Complete court reports / petitions and testify in juvenile and adult court hearings.
ADULT PROBATION PAROLE OFFICER II
North Carolina Department of Public Safety
11.2019 - 04.2021
- Develop and implement individualized case management plans and rehabilitation strategies for convicts.
- Perform case management of for high risk level 1 and level 2 probation and parole offenders.
- Supervise offenders and conduct surveillance and monitoring procedures including the performance of alcohol and drug testing.
- Provide support to the specialized units focusing on mental health and domestic violence regarding probation and parole cases.
Education
B.S - Arts and Letters in Criminology
Johnson C. Smith University
Master of Science - Social Work
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC 05.2001 -
Skills
- Court Procedures
- Crisis Management
- Emergency Placement
- Intake Assessment
- Policy and Procedure Compliance
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Team Management
Accomplishments
- Child Welfare in NC: Pre-Service
- Responding to Child Sexual Abuse
- Substance Use: How to Work with Families Affected by Drugs and Alcohol
- Domestic Violence Policy and Best Practices in Child Welfare
- Human Trafficking – How to identify and serve victims
- The Continuous Quality Improvement 2023 MVP Award Recipient
- Legal Aspects of Child Welfare in North Carolina
- Medical Aspects of Child Abuse and Neglect for non-medical professionals
- MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Training) Collaboration in Child Abuse Investigations Training
- Founder of The WNP Community and Education Development Foundation
Timeline
Social Worker IAT (Second Shift)
Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services
01.2025 - Current
Client Care Specialist (Part-Time)
Safe Alliance
05.2024 - Current
Child Welfare Specialist II
Mecklenburg County
11.2023 - 01.2025
CASE MANAGER (Youth Recovery Court)
Mecklenburg County
04.2023 - 11.2023
CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST II (After Hours Unit)
Mecklenburg County
01.2022 - 04.2023
ADULT PROBATION PAROLE OFFICER II
North Carolina Department of Public Safety
11.2019 - 04.2021
Master of Science - Social Work
Winthrop University
05.2001 -
B.S - Arts and Letters in Criminology
Johnson C. Smith University
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