Karina Abarca
Lancaster,CA
Summary
Passionate and dedicated professional with a strong background in interim housing operations, community outreach, volunteer initiatives, and detention services. Skilled in mentoring both adults and youth, fostering meaningful relationships, de-escalating crises, and promoting community engagement. Eager to contribute my experience and commitment to a role focused on improving lives, and creating sustainable change within the community.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager
The People Concern
Los Angeles, CA
01.2025 - Current
- Oversee daily operations of a trauma-informed, harm-reduction interim housing program serving individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring consistent, high-quality care aligned with Housing First principles.
- Supervise and support a multidisciplinary team of support specialists, providing ongoing coaching, evaluations, and crisis intervention training.
- Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive, integrated care to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction.
- Provide oversight of the daily operations of the shelter, including the scheduling of staff, and making sure that all shifts are appropriately covered.
- Assist with preparing data for reports to funders, and track other data as directed.
- Responsible for overseeing internal site auditing of clients' charts.
- Provide individual and team supervision, support, and performance evaluations for all direct reports.
- Develop effective relationships with clients using a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care principles.
- Responsible for preparing and submitting daily and monthly DMH reports, including, but not limited to, client signatures, service agreements, and monthly invoicing.
Senior Officer Specialist
Federal Bureau Of Prisons
San Pedro, CA
12.2024 - 01.2025
- Consistently apply trauma-informed practices in all interactions with incarcerated individuals to minimize re-traumatization, foster psychological safety, and build rapport that supports rehabilitation and behavioral stability.
- Supervise incarcerated individuals in housing units, recreation areas, dining halls, and during facility movements, while actively utilizing verbal de-escalation techniques in moments of crisis.
Detention Services Officer
LA County Probation Department
Downey, CA
09.2023 - 12.2024
- Provided case management services, including assessments, referrals, and follow-up.
- Assisted clients in obtaining needed medical, mental health, substance abuse, and other social services as needed.
Community Outreach Manager
Cricket Wireless
Los Angeles, CA
02.2018 - 09.2023
- Provided direct outreach and support to individuals experiencing homelessness in Skid Row, offering crisis intervention, resource navigation, and basic needs assistance.
- Cultivated strong relationships with local service providers, including mental health clinics, substance use treatment centers, shelters, and housing agencies.
911 Operator/Dispatcher
California Highway Patrol
Ventura, CA
07.2022 - 02.2023
- Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls in a high-pressure environment, remaining calm and focused to assess situations, gather critical information, and dispatch appropriate emergency services with urgency and precision. Apply trauma-informed communication to support callers in crisis, and ensure they feel heard, safe, and understood.
- Maintain a client-centered approach while managing multiple high-stress incidents simultaneously, using active listening, and empathetic communication to de-escalate distressed callers. Prioritize emotional safety, cultural sensitivity, and clear direction to effectively guide individuals through emergencies.
Education
Associate of Arts - Sociology
Antelope Valley College
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts and Sciences
Antelope Valley College
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
California State University of Bakersfield
Skills
Victim support services
Training and mentoring
Resource coordination
Environmental awareness
Bilingual in Spanish
Multicultural sensitivity
Mental health training
Trauma care informed
Harm reduction training
Youth and adult counseling
Patience and empathy
Substance Abuse
Timeline
Program Manager
The People Concern
01.2025 - Current
Senior Officer Specialist
Federal Bureau Of Prisons
12.2024 - 01.2025
Detention Services Officer
LA County Probation Department
09.2023 - 12.2024
911 Operator/Dispatcher
California Highway Patrol
07.2022 - 02.2023
Community Outreach Manager
Cricket Wireless
02.2018 - 09.2023
Associate of Arts - Sociology
Antelope Valley College
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts and Sciences
Antelope Valley College
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
California State University of Bakersfield
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