Hi, I’m
Karen Thomas
Morristown,TN
Summary
Skilled Facilitator offering 11 years' of experience Facilitating Child and family team meetings and a total of 19 years with the department of Children services. Experienced in coordinating individuals in and out of the Child and Family team meeting process. Proficient in documentation and compliance with DCS policy and procedures. Proactive and resourceful. Effective communicator with passion for helping others.
Professional reviewer with high standard for quality and results. Reviewed diverse content, providing precise and valuable feedback to enhance overall quality. Known for strong team collaboration and adaptability to changing needs. Proficient in critical analysis and clear communication.
Overview
16
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Department of Children's Services
Program Specialist - Facilitator
10.2014 - Current
Job overview
- Upon receiving request for meeting, facilitator will notify worker if available or if back-up facilitator is needed in regions where this is applicable
- In regions where meetings are assigned by facilitator supervisor due to organization of region, facilitator will confirm their availability for meeting upon receiving assignment
- Facilitator will facilitate meeting according to timeframes outlined in CFTM protocol
- Facilitators will participate in non-required CFTMS at request of assigned worker or team leader
- Facilitators will enter documentation of CFTM into TFACTS within 15 days of CFTM date
- Conducts quality CFTMs that ensure families and their support systems are engaged in planning and decision-making processes throughout their relationship with Department
- This effort shows in CFTM Summary
- Participated in roll out training of Single Team/Single Plan for Jefferson and Cocke County
- Organizes Child abuse awareness event for Hamblen and Jefferson County since 2012
- Worked with community agencies to get them involved with this event to provide families information about what is offered community and how to report child abuse
- There is usually 10-11 different agencies involved with event
- Built strong relationships with external partners to secure resources and support necessary for program success.
- Facilitated communication between clients and other service providers.
- Determined needed and relevant interventions based on each client's cognitive abilities and current needs during the child and family team meeting process.
Department of Children Services
Child and Family Services Reviewer (CFSR)
02.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Maintained strong attention to detail while reviewing numerous documents daily, ensuring consistent quality and accuracy.
- Maintained strict confidentiality with sensitive client information, adhering to industry standards and company policies.
- Reduced turnaround time for reviews by effectively prioritizing tasks and managing deadlines.
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives by actively participating in team meetings, trainings, and workshops focused on enhancing reviewer skills and processes.
Department of Children's Services
Keep Lead & Coach
06.2015 - 01.2020
Job overview
- Conducted quality KEEP group sessions to support foster parents in enhancing their ability to care for children placed with them, meeting fidelity requirements
- Conducted KEEP trainings for region
- Maintains reports for all KEEP related documentation
- Acknowledgments have been made related to Lead KEEP work
- High acknowledgement on Great work that is accomplished as KEEP Coach
- Conduct quality KEEP group sessions to support foster parents in enhancing their ability to care for children placed with them, meeting fidelity requirements 80% of time
- Conduct at least 1 KEEP group or KEEP booster
- For all groups conducted during session, complete at least 80% of PDRs
- Attend coaching calls required based on certification status
- Attends Quarterly FAR reliability calls to maintain Coaching skills and Coaching status/ Certification
- Prepared detailed reports on updates to project specifications, progress, identified conflicts and team activities
Department of Children's Services
Case Manager 3
04.2012 - 10.2014
Job overview
- CM3 will ensure that search for known and unknown parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, and any other adult relatives who may provide support to both child and family within specified time frames
- CM3 will ensure child wellbeing will be attained at minimum compliance rate identified for primary wellbeing requirements as outlined below
- CM3 confirm that custodial children/youth exit to permanency within two (2) years of entrance into custody at compliance rate of no less than 85%
- CM3 will participate in performance briefings with supervisor/employee each month
- CM3 will attend mandatory team meetings, office meetings, and other meetings as required
- CM3 will ensure that Team Leader is notified within 7 days of any and all meetings where his/her attendance is required
Department of Children's Services
Case Manager 3 Community Advisory Board
10.2008 - 03.2011
Job overview
- Created agenda, materials, and communications for Community advisory Boards
- Consistently provided exceptional service and attention to customers and stakeholders
- Worked closely with Community Partners to Identify and help families with needed services
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers in face-to-face encounters and through phone conversations
- Conducted outreach to local community leaders
Education
Lincoln Memorial UniversityHarrogate, TN
Bachelor of Science from Social Work
Skills
- Engagement skills
- Observation skills
- Community relations development
- Coaching skills
- Recordkeeping abilities
- Leadership ability
Certification
- Certified, KEEP Coach
- Certified KEEP Lead
- Certified CFSR Reviewer
Affiliations
- Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY) - Member
Timeline
Child and Family Services Reviewer (CFSR)
Department of Children Services
02.2021 - Current
Keep Lead & Coach
Department of Children's Services
06.2015 - 01.2020
Program Specialist - Facilitator
Department of Children's Services
10.2014 - Current
Case Manager 3
Department of Children's Services
04.2012 - 10.2014
Case Manager 3 Community Advisory Board
Department of Children's Services
10.2008 - 03.2011
Lincoln Memorial University
Bachelor of Science from Social Work
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