Joel Smith
PICAYUNE,MS
Summary
Experienced Adoption Social Service Specialist specializing in case management and conflict resolution. Conducts safety assessments and develops safety plans to ensure the wellbeing of children in foster care. Manages documentation effectively and employs verbal de-escalation techniques. Recognized as 2025 Social Worker of the Year.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Adoption Social Services Specialist
Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services
08.2023 - Current
- Organized and maintained documentation critical for processing child and family records.
- Conducted bi-monthly visits to assess and enhance safety measures and employee wellbeing.
- Facilitated monthly meetings to strengthen relationships with foster parents.
- Facilitated discussions during foster care review meetings to enhance program effectiveness.
- Facilitated transportation of children to diverse healthcare appointments, including medical, dental, vision, and psychological services.
- Attended court hearings and meticulously documented findings.
- Executed comprehensive safety assessments in prospective foster homes to ensure child welfare within assigned caseload.
- Oversaw development of comprehensive safety plans to enhance workplace security.
- Facilitated Family Team Meetings to enhance collaboration and communication.
- Executed comprehensive family assessments to evaluate and address client needs.
- Developed comprehensive family safety plans to enhance community preparedness.
- Participated in monthly Adoption Status Meetings to evaluate adoption metrics and strategize improvements.
- Facilitated application process for Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) to ensure compliance with child placement regulations.
- Conducted comprehensive research on potential placements both in-state and out-of-state.
- Drafted comprehensive court reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
- Facilitated participation in county conference meetings to enhance community engagement.
- Compiled and organized documentation for submission of child and family files to state adoption authorities.
- Executed best interest determination (BID) forms for children transitioning between schools.
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program Supervisor
Life Help Mental Health Center
06.2020 - 08.2023
- Oversaw management of client reports to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Managed financial expenditures. Coordinated training initiatives for staff development. Organized and updated key documentation.
- Facilitated team meetings to communicate updates, gather feedback, and align on strategic goals.
Mental Health Specialist
Community Networks
03.2016 - 11.2020
- Partnered with nursing staff to maintain patient acuity standards in a 10-bed private intensive care psychiatric unit.
- Facilitated patient understanding of unit regulations, meal schedules, medication routines, and doctor appointments.
- Facilitated timely patient escorts to court appointments, ensuring adherence to schedules.
- Delivered case management services to facilitate seamless continuity of care across diverse settings.
- Managed preparation and maintenance of essential treatment records and reports.
Program Director
Heartland Residential Services
05.2010 - 10.2015
- Directed operational oversight for five residential homes, ensuring adherence to company regulations and client specifications.
- Coordinated and scheduled outings, medical visits, and legal appointments to ensure timely access to essential services.
- Formulated strategic program direction by leveraging evaluation outcomes and research insights.
- Cultivated and mentored staff members to drive collaborative achievement of program objectives.
Unit Coordinator
Indiana Developmental Training Center
02.2000 - 05.2010
- Oversaw operations for a unit of 20 boys, addressing diverse behavioral and emotional challenges.
- Oversaw event planning initiatives to enhance collaboration among patient care groups.
- Orchestrated communication channels among healthcare providers across the organization.
- Participated in quality assurance initiatives to enhance patient care and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education
Rust College
Holly Springs, MSSkills
- Case management
- Tracking and Managing incident reports
- Documentation Management
- Proficient in handling PHI
- Experienced in Microsoft Office Suite
- Child welfare assessments
- CPR Certified
- CPI(crisis prevention intervention) Certified
- Verbal de-escalation techniques
- Conflict resolution
Timeline
Adoption Social Services Specialist
Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services
08.2023 - Current
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program Supervisor
Life Help Mental Health Center
06.2020 - 08.2023
Mental Health Specialist
Community Networks
03.2016 - 11.2020
Program Director
Heartland Residential Services
05.2010 - 10.2015
Unit Coordinator
Indiana Developmental Training Center
02.2000 - 05.2010
Bachelor of Science - Education
Rust College