Kevin Avila-Reyes
Raritan
Summary
Quality Improvement Specialist and child services professional with experience supporting programs serving Unaccompanied Children (UC) within the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) network. Background includes case file reviews, compliance monitoring, youth residential supervision, and staff training to ensure children receive safe, appropriate, and trauma-informed care. Experienced in collaborating with case managers, residential staff, and program leadership to support child safety, service delivery, and family reunification processes. Bilingual in English and Spanish with strong knowledge of ORR policies, UC case management practices, and youth program operations. Prepared to support program leadership and staff supervision in an Assistant Director role focused on child welfare and service quality.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Quality Improvement Specialist/Trainer, and SME
Center for Family Services - Juntos
09.2023 - 01.2026
- Conduct quality improvement audits of active and post-release services cases for Unaccompanied Children (UC) to ensure compliance with ORR child welfare standards and case management requirements.
- Review case documentation, including assessments, safety plans, medical files, case files, and progress notes to ensure youth receive appropriate services and follow-up support.
- Identify service gaps affecting children and families and provide recommendations to improve service delivery and child safety outcomes.
- Collaborate with case managers, program staff, and leadership to strengthen case management practices supporting UC well-being and stability.
- Prepare monthly compliance reports outlining child services quality indicators, documentation standards, and program improvements.
- Train staff on ORR policies and procedures related to youth care, safety standards, documentation practices, and program compliance.
- Facilitate required trainings including Handle With Care (HWC), Interim Final Rule, Chile Level Event, Cultural Competency in dealing with youth, ensuring staff are prepared to respond appropriately to youth behavioral and safety needs.
Senior Residential Counselor
Center for Family Services
10.2022 - 09.2023
- Supervised residential care staff providing care for Unaccompanied Children in an ORR-funded youth shelter program.
- Ensured children received safe supervision, emotional support, and structured daily programming in a trauma-informed environment.
- Supported youth in developing life skills, coping skills, and adjustment to residential care.
- Assisted with behavioral support and crisis intervention using Handle With Care techniques.
- Coordinated recreational, educational, religious, field trips, and physical activities to promote healthy youth development and social engagement.
- Maintained detailed documentation of youth activities logs, behavioral logs, and safety incidents in accordance with program and ORR policies.
- Assisted with staff supervision, scheduling, and coaching to maintain quality youth care services.
- Collaborated with case managers and program staff to ensure youth needs were addressed and services were properly documented.
- Addressed youth's grievances and in real time and assisted in the resolution process within the timeframe indicated by ORR and program policies.
Owner
East Coast Pizza LLC
11.2018 - 11.2021
- Oversaw the daily operations of a high-volume restaurant, ensuring efficient service, quality control, and customer satisfaction.
- Supervised and managed a team of kitchen staff, servers, and support personnel, including scheduling, performance oversight, and conflict resolution.
- Recruited, trained, and onboarded new employees while establishing clear expectations for customer service, food safety, and operational standards.
- Managed inventory control, vendor relationships, and supply ordering to maintain consistent food quality and cost efficiency.
- Monitored financial operations, including budgeting, expense tracking, payroll coordination, and daily cash reconciliation.
- Implemented operational procedures to improve workflow efficiency, staff accountability, and service quality.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations, food safety standards, and workplace safety policies.
- Handled customer concerns and feedback professionally, maintaining a positive reputation and strong community relationships.
- Coordinated team responsibilities during high-demand service periods while maintaining organization, productivity, and staff morale.
- Assisted in strategic planning to support business growth, marketing efforts, and long-term operational stability.
Volunteer Youth Soccer Coach
Stronghold Soccer Club
Gladstone, NJ
03.2014 - 08.2016
- Volunteered as head coach for a U12 youth soccer team, providing leadership, mentorship, and structured athletic development for adolescent players.
- Designed and led training sessions focused on technical skills, teamwork, discipline, and physical conditioning while creating a positive and supportive environment for youth development.
- Built strong relationships with players by understanding individual strengths, personalities, and skill levels in order to assign positions.
- Promoted teamwork, communication, and accountability among players while reinforcing respect and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
- Coordinated with parents and club leadership to ensure players maintained commitment, attendance, and positive behavior during practices and games.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to youth athletes during key developmental years, helping them build confidence, leadership skills, and personal responsibility.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Kean University
Union, NJSkills
- ORR Compliance & Program Quality
- Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Policy Compliance
- Unaccompanied Children (UC) Program Standards
- Quality Assurance and Compliance Monitoring
- Incident Reporting and Documentation Procedures Leadership & Supervision
- Staff Supervision and Team Leadership
- Performance Management and Staff Coaching
- Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving Youth Development & Child Services
- Youth Supervision and Mentorship
- Trauma-Informed Youth Engagement
- Behavioral Support and Crisis Intervention
- Building Positive Relationships with Adolescents
Certification
Handle With Care Certified Trainer, Adult and Infant CPR Certified
Languages
English
Spanish
Timeline
Quality Improvement Specialist/Trainer, and SME
Center for Family Services - Juntos
09.2023 - 01.2026
Senior Residential Counselor
Center for Family Services
10.2022 - 09.2023
Owner
East Coast Pizza LLC
11.2018 - 11.2021
Volunteer Youth Soccer Coach
Stronghold Soccer Club
03.2014 - 08.2016
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Kean University