Kathy Short
Spencer,WV
Summary
Dynamic professional with a robust background in child protective services at WVDHHR, showcasing expertise in family assessment and motivational interviewing. Excelled in multidisciplinary collaboration and crisis intervention, significantly enhancing client well-being and safety. Proven ability to build trust and foster positive outcomes through exceptional communication and empathy.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
CPS
WVDHHR
- Testified in court proceedings as needed, providing accurate and detailed information on investigations conducted.
- Evaluated each situation objectively based on available evidence and used critical thinking skills to determine appropriate actions.
- Provided ongoing support to families post-investigation, monitoring progress towards established goals and adjusting case plans as needed.
- Developed strong rapport with clients through empathetic listening and clear communication, fostering trust during difficult situations.
- Participated actively in continuing education opportunities to stay current on best practices within child protective services field.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by offering support to colleagues during challenging cases or situations.
- Enhanced the quality of investigative documentation by maintaining thorough records and utilizing advanced database systems.
- Improved interagency communication by collaborating closely with law enforcement, school personnel, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
- Managed high caseloads effectively, prioritizing tasks to meet strict deadlines and maintain compliance with state regulations.
- Performed home visits regularly to monitor progress in the implementation of case plans and assess ongoing safety concerns.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive case plans for families in crisis.
- Exercised sound judgment when making critical decisions regarding child safety under high-pressure circumstances.
- Assisted families in understanding their rights during the investigation process while maintaining a respectful relationship.
- Conducted thorough assessments of child abuse and neglect allegations, ensuring child safety and wellbeing.
- Ensured timely completion of required paperwork for accurate reporting purposes and efficient case management processes.
- Adhered to all legal requirements throughout investigations while demonstrating knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
- Promoted family stability by connecting clients to appropriate community resources such as housing assistance, mental health services, or substance abuse treatment programs.
- Strengthened team cohesion through active participation in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
- Interviewed children, members of families, medical personnel and law enforcement to gain valuable information for each case.
- Documented all relevant information by filling out forms and completing case reports.
- Assessed each child's unique needs and coordinated delivery of appropriate services and resources.
- Devised and implemented safety plans for children suspected as victims of abuse or neglect.
- Remained objective in handling each case, especially when children and families were in high-stress situations.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
- Implemented research-based interventions and strategies to support positive behavior and social-emotional development.
- Developed and implemented strategies to reduce and prevent family conflict.
- Planned, promoted and managed parent workshops on assisting children in attaining academic success.
- Arranged medical and psychiatric tests to identify difficulties and indicate potential remedial approaches.
- Introduced students to concepts in algebra and reading to encourage recall of educational content.
Therapist
Aspire.
- Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
- Maintained detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring effective tracking of progress and continuity of care across providers.
- Established clear boundaries with clients, maintaining ethical practice standards while preserving the therapeutic relationship.
- Provided individual and group therapy sessions to patients suffering from mental health issues.
- Enhanced client well-being through personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs and goals.
- Assessed clients' mental health needs, developed treatment plans and monitored progress.
- Maintained and updated patient records, changes in service plans and treatment reports.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based therapeutic techniques and interventions.
- Documented patient information, treatment plans, and patient responses.
- Developed strategies to help patients cope with stress and anxiety and build resilience.
- Counseled individuals, groups, and families to bring awareness of problems, deal with crisis situations and develop action plans.
- Delivered brief interventions to help clients develop healthy coping skills.
- Developed and implemented intensive individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior and other psychosocial issues.
- Coached clients on effective coping strategies, empowering them to manage symptoms independently outside of therapy sessions.
- Implemented time management strategies to ensure full caseloads were effectively managed, maintaining high-quality care for all clients.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting a supportive environment for shared learning and growth.
- Provided crisis intervention services, stabilizing clients in distress and connecting them with necessary resources.
- Tracked progress according to goals for interventions.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge through ongoing research, training, and participation in industry conferences and workshops.
- Guided clients in development of skills and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
- Adapted interventions as needed based on ongoing assessment of client progress throughout the course of treatment.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and deliver treatment plans and patient care.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to help clients recognize personal barriers to change and identify actionable steps towards improvement.
- Conducted thorough assessments to accurately diagnose mental health conditions and develop appropriate treatment strategies.
- Worked closely with families to educate them on mental health issues, facilitate open dialogue, and foster a supportive home environment for client recovery.
- Developed creative therapeutic approaches to address unique client challenges and promote lasting change.
- Conducted psychoeducational presentations within the community, raising awareness about mental health topics while broadening outreach efforts.
- Developed and maintained relationships with referral sources to support continuity of care.
- Advocated for client needs within larger healthcare systems by participating in case conferences and collaborating with other mental health professionals.
- Developed strong therapeutic alliances, ensuring patient comfort and trust throughout treatment process.
- Enhanced patient resilience, equipping them with effective coping strategies for long-term mental health.
- Conducted group therapy sessions to foster community support among participants.
- Fostered supportive environment, leading to increased patient satisfaction and engagement.
- Led skill-building sessions to empower patients with tools for better mental health management.
- Conducted therapy sessions focused on trauma recovery, facilitating patient healing and empowerment.
- Provided crisis intervention services, offering immediate support during critical times.
- Improved client coping mechanisms with cognitive behavioral techniques.
- Enhanced patient well-being by developing and implementing tailored therapy plans.
- Utilized psychoanalytic methods to uncover underlying issues for deeper patient insight.
- Promoted mental health awareness through community workshops, contributing to decrease in stigma.
- Facilitated healing and progress, navigating patients through challenging emotional landscapes.
- Assisted clients with gaining insights, establishing clear goals and planning strategies to reach personal targets.
- Wrote reports on clients and maintained required paperwork.
- Evaluated patients' goals, as well as mental and practical conditions, to develop individualized courses of treatment.
- Identified indications of mental deficiency, abnormal behavior, or maladjustment through direct observation.
- Helped clients obtain outside specialist services by coordinating referrals and advising on options.
- Referred clients to other specialists, institutions or support services as necessary.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Roane County Board Of Education
03.2019 - Current
- Oversaw daily class activities with a focus on assignment coordination, learner support, and administrative upkeep.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning needs within the classroom effectively.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, promoting a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
- Organized lesson plans using teaching software for long-term interim assignments.
- Developed students'' critical thinking skills by incorporating problem-solving exercises into lessons.
- Promoted a growth mindset among students, encouraging perseverance in the face of challenging tasks or setbacks.
- Maintained open communication with parents and guardians, discussing students'' progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
- Adjusted instructional strategies based on ongoing assessments of student needs and abilities, ensuring optimal learning outcomes for all learners.
- Enhanced classroom management, implementing positive reinforcement techniques to foster a supportive learning environment.
- Increased class participation through interactive activities and group projects.
- Served as a positive role model for students by exhibiting strong work ethic, integrity, and professionalism at all times.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
- Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in classroom.
- Assisted students in mastering subject material and preparing for tests.
- Developed lesson plans to align with grade-level standards and objectives.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- Monitored student behavior and administered discipline as needed.
LPN
Roane General Hospital
02.2009 - 03.2012
- Oversaw daily class activities with a focus on assignment coordination, learner support, and administrative upkeep.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning needs within the classroom effectively.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, promoting a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
- Organized lesson plans using teaching software for long-term interim assignments.
- Developed students'' critical thinking skills by incorporating problem-solving exercises into lessons.
- Promoted a growth mindset among students, encouraging perseverance in the face of challenging tasks or setbacks.
- Maintained open communication with parents and guardians, discussing students'' progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
- Adjusted instructional strategies based on ongoing assessments of student needs and abilities, ensuring optimal learning outcomes for all learners.
- Enhanced classroom management, implementing positive reinforcement techniques to foster a supportive learning environment.
- Increased class participation through interactive activities and group projects.
- Served as a positive role model for students by exhibiting strong work ethic, integrity, and professionalism at all times.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
- Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in classroom.
- Assisted students in mastering subject material and preparing for tests.
- Developed lesson plans to align with grade-level standards and objectives.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- Monitored student behavior and administered discipline as needed.
Education
Baccalaureate - Psychology
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA08.2021
Masters - Human Services
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA03.2017
Substance Abuse Therapist -
Phoenix University
Phoenix, AZ08.2009
Skills
- Professional boundaries
- Family assessment
- Motivational interviewing
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Courtroom testimony
- Child development
- Community networking
- Interviewing techniques
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Neglect and abandonment reporting
- Writing and verbal communication
- Case documentation
- Mental health awareness
- Active learning
- Community resources
- Client engagement and assistance
- Information gathering
- Crisis situations
- Data collection
- De-escalation techniques
- Confidentiality practices
- Safety planning
- Behavioral analysis
- Conducting interviews
- Substance abuse
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Abuse and neglect investigation
- Court testimony
- Investigative techniques
- Danger and threat assessments
- Parenting education
- Effective customer communication
- Law enforcement interaction
- Trauma-informed care
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Active listening
- Relationship building
- Clinical documentation
- Client advocacy
- Mental health counseling
- Family support
- Self motivation
- Conflict resolution
- Family services
- Crisis intervention
- Client needs assessment
- File management
- Behavior modification
- Service planning
Timeline
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Roane County Board Of Education
03.2019 - Current
LPN
Roane General Hospital
02.2009 - 03.2012
CPS
WVDHHR
Therapist
Aspire.
Baccalaureate - Psychology
Liberty University
Masters - Human Services
Liberty University
Substance Abuse Therapist -
Phoenix University
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