Kerry Ingalls
Vacaville,USA
Summary
Adoption Social Worker dedicated to open adoption and supporting adoptive parents through all stages of the adoption process. Extensive experience working within adoption and writing clear and concise home study and post placement reports for both international and domestic adoption.
Professional social worker well-prepared for new challenges in adoption sector. Skilled in navigating intricacies of adoption cases, ensuring positive outcomes for children and families. Reliable team collaborator with results-driven approach, adaptable to shifting priorities and needs.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Adoption Social Worker
Family Network Adoption Center
Fair Oaks, CA
01.2017 - Current
- Utilize clinical assessment tools and effective interviewing techniques to collect essential data for comprehensive family evaluations, with a diverse caseload of 15-20 families.
- Assure a child’s physical and emotional well-being after placement by conducting post-placement reports, assessing the child's health and development, providing counseling, and assisting with easing the family and child’s adjustment.
- Assist diverse clients with cultural sensitivity while addressing their unique needs throughout the adoption journey.
- Facilitate a supportive work culture by actively collaborating with team members and adapting to evolving task demands.
- Engage with adoption specialists to gather clinical knowledge and embrace recommendations for continuous professional development.
- Guide adoptive parents through the entire adoption process, including conducting a psycho-social assessment of family members, writing a report that complies with the provided guidelines, and completing it in a timely manner.
- Work remotely full-time while maintaining high levels of motivation and focus.
Adoption Social Worker
Nightlight Christian Adoptions
California
06.2024 - Current
- Apply exceptional writing and editing expertise to ensure the production of engaging and accurate home study and post-adoption reports for both domestic and international audiences.
- Optimize case management processes by integrating best practices, resulting in improved service delivery and enhanced client experiences.
- Provide ongoing support to the families, including post-adoption support regarding topics such as developmental delays, health issues, and overall wellness.
- Counsel clients and families through challenging times, ensuring emotional support and understanding.
- Develop and maintain trusting connections with children of all ages and families, ensuring effective communication to meet individual case needs.
- Analyze family environments and dynamics through comprehensive domestic and international home studies to determine adoption readiness.
- Engage in collaborative discussions and training programs to enhance adoption services and support team goals.
Home Study Writer-Contractor
Independent Adoption Center
Pleasant Hill, CA
02.2006 - 01.2017
- Executed tasks independently, demonstrating strong self-management skills.
- Utilized clinical assessment tools, skills, and interviewing strategies to gather essential information needed for family evaluations.
- Employed exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free domestic and international home study reports.
- Educated clients on the process, navigating birth parent relationships, and positive ways to manage the wait for a match.
Adoption Coordinator and Open Adoption Counselor
Independent Adoption Center
Pleasant Hill, CA
02.2006 - 01.2007
- Worked closely with birth parents to provide support, guidance, and ongoing counseling before, during, and after the birth of the child.
- Participated in all staff meetings, training opportunities, and was a team player.
- Managed responsibilities independently, ensuring consistent productivity and task completion.
- Facilitated monthly support and educational groups, topics included child development and local resources, for newly approved adoptive parents and post-adoption families.
Clinical Social Worker
Aldea Children And Family Services
Vallejo, CA
03.2004 - 02.2006
- Developed and implemented outreach strategies to identify and educate potential resource parents, fostering stronger community connections.
- Implemented crisis intervention techniques and coaching to empower resource parents in challenging situations.
- Promoted the safety and well-being of foster children through effective facilitation of community resource access and service connections.
- Enhanced placement stability through diligent monitoring of foster home environments and prompt resolution of concerns.
- Maintain confidentiality of information regarding children and families (in accordance with HIPAA and/or State/Federal regulations).
Education
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
San Jose State University
San Jose, CAMasters of Social Work - Social Work
San Jose State University
San Jose, CASkills
- Expertise in documentation practices
- Assessment Skills
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Cultural awareness
- Behavioral observation
- Case management expertise
- Motivational interviewing
- Ethical practice
- Child welfare
- Documentation proficiency
- Family dynamics assessment
- Attention to detail
Timeline
Adoption Social Worker
Nightlight Christian Adoptions
06.2024 - Current
Adoption Social Worker
Family Network Adoption Center
01.2017 - Current
Home Study Writer-Contractor
Independent Adoption Center
02.2006 - 01.2017
Adoption Coordinator and Open Adoption Counselor
Independent Adoption Center
02.2006 - 01.2007
Clinical Social Worker
Aldea Children And Family Services
03.2004 - 02.2006
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
San Jose State University
Masters of Social Work - Social Work
San Jose State University