Kesha McFarlane
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Dynamic Program Director with extensive experience in social service, excelling in client advocacy, and team leadership. Proven track record in implementing Evidence-Based Practices and enhancing service delivery, resulting in improved client outcomes. Skilled in crisis intervention and documentation, fostering a collaborative environment that empowers staff and clients alike.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Director
Women In Need Win
The Bronx, NY
09.2023 - Current
- Supervise the program's multi-disciplinary team, which includes Social Services Supervisors, Housing Coordinators, Case Managers, and Administrative Assistants.
- Coordinate services provided by Employment Specialists, Child Care staff, and Recreation staff to ensure an integrated service plan to address the needs of each shelter resident, and the primary goals of the transitional housing program.
- Provide coaching, training, and staff development to all staff in accordance with WIN's policies and procedures.
- Ensure new staff orientation is provided so that they quickly become familiar with program procedures and goals.
- Ensure that WIN's People and Culture Department is consulted for all staff performance concerns.
- Champion and model the use of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
- Model the use of EBP for staff and peers.
- Monitor the Client Assistance and Rehousing Enterprise System (CARES) database, along with the Social Service Supervisor, for timely documentation.
- Train and support staff in their use of EBP with clients, and use EBP to meet and exceed program goals.
- Ensure that all staff receive timely and quality performance evaluations in accordance with WIN's personnel policies and procedures.
- Establish linkages with appropriate community agencies for services required by shelter residents, including medical, mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, and other stakeholders working with WIN clients.
- Analyze, develop, and implement procedures and policies to ensure quality service provision.
- Assure a safe and healthy environment by participating in the overall security and maintenance of the program, in accordance with regulatory guidelines and WIN policies.
- Co-authorize purchase orders, and ensure that all expenditures are being made in compliance with WIN's procurement policies and procedures.
- Manage the program's petty cash, and program metro cards to ensure compliance with WIN's policies.
- Participate in local community organizations, attend Community Board meetings in the shelter's district, and serve as a liaison with members of the community.
- Represent the agency at meetings, conferences, and public hearings to gain and share information relevant to the program's operation.
- Establish a Community Advisory Board comprised of staff, transitional housing residents, and community members, including NYPD and local representatives, to meet on a quarterly basis.
- Participate in the staff interviewing and hiring process.
- Perform other related duties as needed.
Social Services Supervisor
Women In Need Win
New York, NY
09.2022 - 09.2023
- Acting Program Director in the Program Director's absence.
- Supervised case managers and provided coaching, training, and staff development as needed.
- Provided comprehensive case management, including individual and group counseling services, and other appropriate support services to clients in the absence of the case managers.
- Managed the shelter's multidisciplinary team.
- Championed the use of Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) in all aspects of Win services.
- Used and promoted EBP, MI, MIC, and TIC to exceed program goals.
- Assumed responsibility for Program Services in the absence of the Program Director.
- Participated in the DHS daily housing metrics calls.
- Provided crisis intervention, oversaw day-to-day case management services, and ensured weekly case conferences.
- Ensured all Case Managers conducted an initial needs assessment with new families within 48 hours of arrival at the shelter, and began to develop an Individualized Living Plan (ILP).
- Participated in Child Safety Conferences and provided information as a mandated reporter to the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) as needed.
- Ensured Case Managers were provided with orientation and training related to their responsibilities in maintaining the Uniform Client Chart.
- Ensured that Case Managers maintained current, accurate, and confidential case records with all required documentation.
- Audited the Client Assistance and Rehousing Enterprise System (CARES) database, reviewed essential documentation, and monitored chart maintenance for OTDA, DHS, and Win audit readiness.
- Worked with community service providers to ensure clients received essential services, including mandated substance abuse treatment and mental health services.
- Attended regularly scheduled CARES training sessions to obtain DHS updates.
- Developed and conducted client activities and workshops.
- Scheduled and attended the client's monthly house meetings.
- Provided feedback to the Program Director to ensure resources were available, and the goals of the program were achieved.
- Prepared accurate and timely reports required by funders and Win.
- Performed other related duties as needed.
Case Manager
Women In Need (WIN)
Brooklyn, NY
05.2020 - 11.2021
- Managed Caseload of 24 families
- Handled case assignments, draft service plans, review case progress
- Met with families weekly/bi-weekly to provide care that is safe, effective, efficient, equitable and client centered
- Facilitated multiple care aspects
- Helped families make informed decisions about employment and housing etc.
- Developed effective working relations and cooperate with all outside programs and agencies throughout the entire case management process
- Recorded case information, complete accurately all necessary forms and produce statistical reports
- Promoted quality and cost-effective interventions and outcomes
- Assessed and addressed motivational and psycho-social issues
- Adhered to professional standards as outlined by protocol and rules and regulations of DHS
- Assisted with housing searches, housing tours/viewings
- Assisted with move outs
- Provided referrals to families
- Conducted unit inspections to ensure unit is clean and clutter free
- Addressed client involved incident reports within 24-28 hours as requested
- Conducted intake of new families
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Social Work
Utica University
Utica, NY05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Kaplan University
Davenport, IA01.2013
Certification - Medical Assistant
The New York School For Medical And Dental Assistants
Long Island City, NY05.2004
Skills
- Client advising
- Client assessment
- Emotional awareness
- Treatment plans knowledge
- Documentation expertise
- CARES Proficient
- Proficient in Wordperfect, Microsoft Office, Internet literate and various basic computer skills
- Time Management
- Exceptional organization
- Exceptional multi-tasking
- Exceptional communication
- Self-motivated
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Quick learner
- Strong team-worker
- Neglect and abuse checks
- Family improvement plans
- Safety evaluations
- Culturally-sensitive
- Client advocacy
- Conducting interviews
- Evaluation and assessment
- Community referrals
- Dedicated support
- Case history compilation
- Investigations coordination
- Report writing
- Recordkeeping requirements
- Conflict Resolution
- Problem Resolution
- Critical Thinking
- People Skills
- Active Listening
- Motivational Interviewing
- Team Building
- Supervision & Leadership
- Training & Development
- Evidence-based practice
- Policy implementation
Certification
- Mandated Reporter
Timeline
Program Director
Women In Need Win
09.2023 - Current
Social Services Supervisor
Women In Need Win
09.2022 - 09.2023
Case Manager
Women In Need (WIN)
05.2020 - 11.2021
Master of Science - Clinical Social Work
Utica University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Kaplan University
Certification - Medical Assistant
The New York School For Medical And Dental Assistants
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