An experienced social worker and leader with expertise in the areas of child welfare with almost 18 years of experience and seven years in supervision. A trauma informed individual that has achievement in leadership, staff and program development, data and record management, assessments, evidenced-based practices, and auditing. A skilled leader who utilizes and trains staff on safety intervention and engagement and possesses skill in providing crisis intervention while quickly responding to emergency situations.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child Welfare Supervisor
SaintA
Milwaukee, WI
10.2013 - Current
Provide individualized weekly consultation sessions for direct employees in order to assist with their career development.
Mediate grievances and complaints between clients and staff.
Conduct Family Assessments to assist staff developing case plans.
Attend various trainings and workgroups on how to engage youth through UW-Milwaukee.
Facilitator and member of Teen Taskforce, an internal work group created to enhance youth engagement and improve permanency options
Participate in Milwaukee Succeeds Opportunity Youth Network community work group to engage in collaborative inquiry, professional discussions and problem solving in order to develop next steps to address barriers to youth meeting educational and employment goals.
Earned Leading the Way Award in 2018 nominated and voted by leadership
Former Member of Leadership Council
Performance and Quality Improvement committee member that develops program manuals, grievance procedure and ensure program and agency meets accreditation for COA and Presidium requirements.
Family Services Supervisor
St. Aemilian-Lakeside/SaintA
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
10.2011 - 11.2013
Train staff on child welfare practice, engagement and visit coaching to have a better understanding of working with families in child welfare system.
Process with staff to assess families' needs and strengths to identify and enhance diminished protective capacities.
Conduct fidelity assessments of staff on their engagement and visit coaching skills when working with families.
Collaborate with Case Management services to case plan on how to meet families' needs.
Supervise Masters of Social Work intern to assist in enhancing social work skills in addition to meeting regularly to discuss career goals.
Participate in workgroups including Continuum of Care:Foster Youth Discharge and Service Learning.
Complete training in Nuerosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT).
Ongoing Case Manager
LaCausa/Integrated Family Services/SaintA
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
03.2001 - 10.2011
Mentor May 2005-January 2008.
Lead from July 2010 to October 2011.
Participate on panels for training academy and offer feedback on trainees presentation and progress.
Train, model and utilize skills in safety, CAP and PCFA.
Engage and monitor families that are involved in child welfare; develop case plans to assist families in reunification; ensure permanency for children when reunification is not appropriate including guardianship, adoption or transition to adulthood; participate in legal proceedings including testimony in jurisdiction, termination of parental rights and guardianship.
A member of the Employee Recognition Committee and member of the Systems PQI team.
Completed specialized training including Tribal Child Welfare and Training the Trainer.
Mentor new and seasoned staff through training and modeling best practice while maintaining a case load. Train and model safety intervention standards along with other policies and procedures
Part-time for nine months while obtaining MSW through IV-E programming to complete internship at Walker's Point Runaway/Crisis Shelter.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Skills
Assist direct employees with career development.
Train staff on conducting home visits, assessing for safety and conflict resolution through preparation, processing, modeling and providing feedback.
Train staff and community members on correct use of child passenger seats.
Engage at risk populations with diverse communities including youth ages 14-21.
Network with community agencies and partners.
Crisis Management
Track changes and developments with cases through proprietary computer software systems including eWisacwis and Care Manager and created own tracking systems using Microsoft programs including Word, Excel and Outlook.
Community Engagement - organize annual independent living resource fair for at risk youth ages 14-21.
Demonstrate leadership through role modeling, direct instruction, communication and coordination with staff and colleagues.
Demonstrate skills in social work practice through engagement and interaction with families and staff.
Demonstrate knowledge and experience in laws and regulations that pertain to social services, children, youth, and families as well as community resources.
Certification
Leadership Certificate 2018
Crucial Conversations 2017
Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker 2011-present
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician since 2006-present
Child Passenger Safety for Medical/Special Needs Children 2006