Kelly Turner
Squires,Missouri
Summary
Social Service Specialist with 5 years of experience assessing child safety concerns for abuse and/or neglect. Has the ability to maintain composure in high-conflict situations while coordinating client interviews in real time. Committed to encouraging families to connect with resources that encourage long-term behavioral changes and success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Services Specialist
Missouri Department of Social Services
Ava, Missouri
09.2021 - Current
- Evaluated child safety during calls addressing potential abuse or neglect issues.
- Assigned to sexual abuse investigation and juvenile assessment unit for focused inquiries.
- Facilitated permanency for children in foster care through case management initiatives.
- Created tailored court-ordered plans for parents and guardians to support children's safe return home.
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Set Free Ministries
Ava, Missouri
01.2020 - 09.2021
- Facilitated group discussions to promote recovery and personal growth.
- Assisted clients in developing coping strategies for daily living.
- Conducted outreach activities to connect with community resources.
- Maintained confidentiality while documenting client interactions and progress.
- Organized and facilitated weekly recovery groups for clients to share their experiences and build relationships with each other.
- Provided emotional support through listening actively and validating feelings expressed by clients during sessions.
- Developed individualized plans for clients based on their needs, interests, strengths, and preferences.
Chief Paralegal
Law Office of Donald R. Collins
Ava, Missouri
08.2013 - 08.2016
- Managed case files and organized legal documents for attorney review to enhance accessibility.
- Coordinated communication among clients, attorneys, and court personnel for efficient information flow.
- Drafted legal documents, including motions and pleadings, for attorney approval.
- Monitored deadlines for pending cases and tracked critical dates, such as statute of limitations.
- Provided administrative support by filing documents with court and managing client databases.
- Prepared clients for appointments, depositions, and testimonies to ensure readiness.
Paralegal
Law Offices of Christopher J. Swatosh
Ava, Missouri
05.2010 - 08.2013
- Prepared and filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy petitions efficiently.
- Drafted and filed motions for dissolution, paternity, modification, probate, criminal, and civil cases.
- Managed multi-line phone system and welcomed clients upon arrival.
- Utilized Microsoft Word daily for documentation needs.
- Handled client billing, processed payments, and issued receipts accurately.
- Organized and maintained case files for optimal information retrieval.
- Assisted attorneys in trial preparation by compiling necessary evidence and exhibits.
Legal Assistant
Ozark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Gainesville, MO
09.2008 - 04.2010
- Managed and maintained bad check collection program efficiently.
- Processed traffic tickets in accordance with legal standards.
- Prepared and filed misdemeanor and felony charges against defendants.
- Maintained accurate criminal case depositions for ongoing cases.
- Assisted prosecutor with trial and court preparations to ensure readiness.
- Greeted public and handled multiple telephone lines professionally.
- Utilized facsimile, email, Casenet, and Microsoft Word daily for documentation.
Office Coordinator
City Signs and Media Metals
Jackson, Tennessee
08.2006 - 08.2007
- Organized and maintained accounts receivable and payable efficiently.
- Assisted with payroll processing through daily utilization of Peachtree software.
- Managed service calls and orders to ensure timely responses.
- Greeted visitors and handled multiple telephone lines professionally.
- Maintained customer files for accurate record-keeping.
- Utilized Microsoft Office, fax, and email to communicate with marketers and colleagues.
Legal Assistant
Ozark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Gainesville, Missouri
07.2001 - 08.2006
- Managed and maintained bad check collection program to ensure compliance and efficiency.
- Processed traffic tickets, contributing to timely case resolutions.
- Prepared and filed misdemeanor and felony charges against defendants, maintaining accuracy in documentation.
- Assisted prosecutor with trial preparations, ensuring readiness for court proceedings.
- Maintained criminal case depositions, organizing information for easy access.
- Greeted public and answered multiple telephone lines, facilitating effective communication.
- Utilized facsimile, e-mail, Casenet, and Microsoft Word daily to streamline operations.
- Filed motions and pleadings with appropriate courts to adhere to strict deadlines.
Waitress
Spring Valley Trout Ranch
Thornfield, Missouri
05.2000 - 10.2003
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery.
- Took orders for food and drinks and delivered them to guests.
- Maintained accuracy while handling payments, giving change and printing receipts for customers.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice/Psychology/Sociology
Drury University
Springfield, Missouri 08-2007
High School Diploma -
Gainesville High School
Gainesville, Missouri 05-2003
Skills
- Years of frontline experience in assessing child safety
- Knowledge of child welfare laws, as well as court proceedings
- Ability to adapt, assess, and respond in high-conflict environments with clients
- Critical thinking skills
- Strong relationships with community partners
Timeline
Social Services Specialist
Missouri Department of Social Services
09.2021 - Current
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Set Free Ministries
01.2020 - 09.2021
Chief Paralegal
Law Office of Donald R. Collins
08.2013 - 08.2016
Paralegal
Law Offices of Christopher J. Swatosh
05.2010 - 08.2013
Legal Assistant
Ozark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
09.2008 - 04.2010
Office Coordinator
City Signs and Media Metals
08.2006 - 08.2007
Legal Assistant
Ozark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
07.2001 - 08.2006
Waitress
Spring Valley Trout Ranch
05.2000 - 10.2003
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice/Psychology/Sociology
Drury University
High School Diploma -
Gainesville High School