Kayla Tonihka
Durant,USA
Summary
Insightful professional in the field of workplace psychology, known for productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in conducting organizational assessments, implementing evidence-based interventions, and enhancing employee well-being and performance. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring successful application of psychological principles to improve organizational outcomes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child Welfare Specialist III – Family Meeting Continuum Facilitator
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
, Oklahoma
02.2023 - Current
- Facilitate federal child safety meetings to discuss safety concerns of children and make a safety decision regarding the children we encounter
- Facilitate family meetings to ensure safety, services, barriers, concerns, goals, and achievements are being discussed
- Assigning action steps to resource families and resource workers, parents, and permanency workers alike
- Holding families and child welfare specialists accountable
- Guiding discussion on the assessment of safety of children
- Provided guidance to families on how to access community resources.
- Advised families on available services and programs that may benefit them.
- Maintained confidentiality of all information discussed during sessions.
- Identified appropriate community resources and provided referrals for services.
- Participated in ongoing training to maintain license and enhance knowledge of relevant mental health topics.
- Ensured that family voices were heard while maintaining focus on the agenda items.
- Incorporated best practices into daily operations of program activities.
- Assisted in resolving conflicts among family members in a constructive manner.
- Established clear expectations for behavior at each meeting.
- Coordinated follow-up meetings to evaluate progress towards goals.
- Led team meetings to discuss family needs and goals.
- Investigated reports or indications of abuse, neglect or exploitation of at-risk adults, adolescents and children.
- Created a safe environment for open dialogue among participants.
- Developed an action plan with families based on their identified needs and strengths.
- Established behavioral modification goals and assessed progress toward goals.
- Facilitated discussion between families, social workers, and other stakeholders.
- Communicated with other agencies to ensure effective collaboration among teams.
- Maintained accurate records of meeting notes and outcomes.
Child Welfare Specialist III - Comprehensive
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Sulphur, Oklahoma
05.2020 - 02.2023
- Visit children in placement and conduct assessments of children and families
- Refer families and children to services in the community
- Services include; mental health evaluations, assessments, and counseling, substance abuse counseling, parenting, anger management, domestic violence courses, etc
- Participate in investigations of abuse and neglect of children and prepare case reports and other documentation
- Attends court hearings and provides testimony
- Identified potential barriers that may impede a family's ability to provide a safe environment for children living in their home.
- Performed routine follow-up visits with former clients after they have achieved permanency placement in order to monitor progress.
- Investigated reports or indications of abuse, neglect or exploitation of at-risk adults, adolescents and children.
- Interviewed clients individually and in groups to assess situations, capabilities and problems.
- Worked with care team to assess client needs and discuss collaborative treatment efforts.
- Participated in regular team meetings with colleagues to review cases and develop strategies for successful outcomes.
- Built trust and rapport with victims of violent crimes by remaining calm and compassionate in variety of situations.
- Collaborated with other agencies such as schools, hospitals, law enforcement, mental health providers. to ensure that a comprehensive approach is taken when addressing family needs.
- Facilitated family meetings to discuss safety plans, service plans, and permanency options.
- Interfaced with local court system, attending court proceedings and working directly with attorneys.
- Responded promptly and appropriately to emergency situations involving children at risk of harm due to abuse or neglect.
- Assisted foster parents in understanding their roles and responsibilities while caring for children placed into their care.
- Educated families about available resources that can assist them in meeting their goals while providing a safe environment for their children.
- Conducted home visits with families to assess the safety of children in their homes.
- Created detailed reports summarizing findings from investigations into allegations of abuse or neglect according to agency policies and procedures.
- Maintained confidentiality through stringent handling of charts and data.
- Monitored court hearings and provided testimony regarding the best interests of the child.
Office Manager
Dooling Machine Products
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Utilized a strong working knowledge of MS Office and photo and video editing software
- Maintained meticulous logs and records of activities
- Prepared payroll and direct deposit accounts
- Worked closely with project managers and engineers to ensure project needs were fulfilled and budgets were honored
- Designed and implemented helpful office processes and policies
- Answered phones, created meeting itineraries, scheduled appointments, and maintained office calendar and new customer log
- Managed front desk operations and customer interactions
- Initiated purchase order requests and led staff performance to meet the needs of clients
- Coordinated right-to-know programs regarding hazardous chemicals or other substances.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities to check compliance with fire, hazard and safety guidelines.
- Trained new and current employees on ways to reduce incidents and eliminate hazards.
- Conducted safety briefings to inform crews of safety hazards.
- Maintained records related to OSHA compliance such as accident reports, safety inspection logs.
- Created awareness campaigns promoting safe behavior among employees through posters, newsletters, emails.
Dental Assistant
Ada Smile Place
03.2018 - 08.2018
- Processed dental X-Rays and used other office equipment
- Followed directions given by the dentist and functioned as a strong support
- Greeted patients and provided them with information regarding exams and procedures
- Provided patient consultations and instructed patients on good oral hygiene
- Sterilized exam rooms, equipment, and tools before and after patient visits
- Helped to manage the busy office effectively
- Recorded patient questions, concerns, and symptoms
- Recorded patient dental histories and noted patient concerns
- Maintained clean, sterile, and welcoming environments
- Monitored supply inventory and ordered more tools when needed
Accounting Specialist
BGCO Conference Center - Falls Creek
Davis, Oklahoma
03.2016 - 03.2018
- Examined accounting records to ensure accuracy
- Processed payroll and distributed paychecks to employees
- Processed accounts payable and accounts receivable
- Assisted with recruitment, interviews, and hiring
- Generated financial statements, including cash flow charts and balance sheets
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and standards.
- Produced reliable reports by checking financial statements for accuracy.
- Assisted in the development and maintenance of financial databases and software systems.
- Handled daily cash transactions and maintained petty cash fund.
- Diminished financial discrepancies and accurately reconciled accounts using detailed data analysis results.
- Utilized software programs such as Quickbooks to enter data into the general ledger.
- Generated weekly and monthly expense reports for senior management review.
- Streamlined transactions using automation systems to process payments and invoices.
- Coded invoices to maintain organized and accurate records.
- Assisted with month-end and year-end close processes, preparing necessary journal entries.
- Performed monthly, quarterly and annual closing activities for assigned areas.
- Performed audits of operational and financial areas to check compliance.
- Participated in special projects or initiatives as needed in order to meet business objectives.
- Gathered banking transactions via statements, recorded activity in Excel format and reconciled balances.
- Assessed data and information to check entries, calculations and billing codes for accuracy.
- Communicated with customers to resolve outstanding payments and develop payment plans
- Worked with the Certified Accountant at the end of the year to provide information and ensure accuracy
- Minimized internal accounting department backlogs by updating accounts and generating reports.
Education
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Southern Nazarene Univerity
Bethany, OK05.2020
Diploma -
Washington Public School
Washington, OK05.2007
Master of Science - Master of Social Work
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OKSkills
- Knowledge of Office Technology
- Microsoft Office
- KIDS Information System
- Empath and Active Listening
- Problem Solving
- Deescalating emotional situation
- Volunteer Coordination
- Group Travel Facilitation & Planning
- Web Design
- Conflict Resolution
- Assessing Safety
- Impartial with client families
- Collaboration with agencies
- Progress monitoring
- Data confidentiality
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Action plan development
- Team building
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Attention to detail
Affiliations
- Family Time
- Pickleball
- Home Remodel/ DIY
- Photography
- Travel
Accomplishments
- Accepted into Oklahoma Human Services - Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program
Certification
- Science and Power of Hope - Hope Navigator
- 150+ hours of ongoing training and CEU's.
Timeline
Child Welfare Specialist III – Family Meeting Continuum Facilitator
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
02.2023 - Current
Child Welfare Specialist III - Comprehensive
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
05.2020 - 02.2023
Office Manager
Dooling Machine Products
08.2018 - 05.2020
Dental Assistant
Ada Smile Place
03.2018 - 08.2018
Accounting Specialist
BGCO Conference Center - Falls Creek
03.2016 - 03.2018
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Southern Nazarene Univerity
Diploma -
Washington Public School
Master of Science - Master of Social Work
University of Oklahoma
Similar Profiles
Brittany VincentBrittany Vincent
Social Services Specialist at Oklahoma Department of Human ServicesSocial Services Specialist at Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Leonardo YoungLeonardo Young
Child Welfare Specialist III at Oklahoma Department of Human ServicesChild Welfare Specialist III at Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Kelli DixonKelli Dixon
Adult Protective Services Supervisor at State Of Oklahoma Department Of Human ServicesAdult Protective Services Supervisor at State Of Oklahoma Department Of Human Services
SONYA CARTERSONYA CARTER
Home Health Care and Hospice Account Executive at Centric Health CareHome Health Care and Hospice Account Executive at Centric Health Care
Andrew WeaverAndrew Weaver
Delivery Driver/salesmen at Ed. F Davis IncDelivery Driver/salesmen at Ed. F Davis Inc