Kike M. Polk
Child Protection
Lisle,IL
Summary
A compassionate and results-oriented Investigator/ Child Protection Specialist with years of experience managing medium- and large-sized caseloads, projects and deadlines. Ability to develop and maintain a welcoming, friendly, engaging, and nurturing environment where all clients and stakeholders feel comfortable to effectively complete case by case investigations. I seek to leverage effective management and planning skills and an empathetic attitude to become a productive addition to your organization.
Child welfare professional with track record of safeguarding vulnerable children through comprehensive risk assessments and intervention strategies. Known for effective teamwork and flexibility in dynamic environments. Expertise in crisis management and maintaining confidentiality. Experienced with assessing risk factors and implementing intervention plans to safeguard children. Utilizes effective communication to collaborate with social workers, law enforcement, and other agencies. Knowledge of crisis management to ensure children's safety and well-being.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Protection Specialist/ Investigator
DCFS- Aurora IL
08.2024 - Current
- Independent Work – Kent WA and surrounding Areas
- Independent Contractor
- Providing delivery and pick-up services for customers
- Communicating with customers as needed via phone, text, and chat
- Liaising between customers and service providers to determine the best possible outcomes to fulfill customer orders and successful delivery/service completion
- Traveling locally various distances to fulfill order pickups and deliveries to customers as soon as possible
- Providing in-person customer service for every order while adhering to customer preferences as much as possible.
Lead Teacher
Bezos Academy- Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, WA
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Provided Montessori-inspired instruction of various appropriate studies/subject areas and prepared curriculum-approved program materials to implement planned activities with 14+ learners to promote a positive, nurturing learning environment.
- Collaborated with different departments in planning and attending special programs and activities related to the academy and interacting with community members and organizations to promote academy growth and information.
- Attended and engaged in continuous professional development to improve professional and personal skills.
- Kept and applied current credentials and certifications per all regulatory and accrediting bodies.
PLA (Prior Learning Assessor)
Perdoceo Education Corporation – Schaumburg, IL
Schaumburg, IL
10.2019 - 05.2021
- Evaluated all potentially credit-worthy documents and professional certifications to determine advanced standing toward further education or training serving 200+ prospective students and learners every month.
- Utilized internal systems to ensure degree plans were accurate and accessible on the Virtual Campus detailing courses to be taken while supporting the students in developing practical objectives and plans for achievement of all the requirements virtually and via phone calls and emails daily.
- Continuously modified degree plans, including but not limited to requested program changes, pace changes, and application of additional credit, and promptly communicated them to the key stakeholders resulting in more than 75% of clients' satisfaction.
- Provided outstanding internal and external customer service by responding to all inquiries promptly and maintaining availability for student questions.
- Maintained and encouraged compliance with external standards, internal policies, and accuracy benchmarks.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education- Elementary Education
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IllinoisMaster of Science - Education
Western Illinois University
Macomb, ILSkills
- Microsoft Office (all programs)
- Teaching strategies GOLD application
- IPAD
- Organizational systems and Software use an application
- Proficient in technological Instructions
- Audio-visual applications Implementation
- Experiential Learning
- Social and interpersonal skills
- Client relationship development
- Client Assessment Applications
- Customer care skills
- Business Development and Market Research
- Process & Standards Improvements
- Team Leadership & Training
Timeline
Child Protection Specialist/ Investigator
DCFS- Aurora IL
08.2024 - Current
Lead Teacher
Bezos Academy- Tacoma, WA
08.2021 - 12.2021
PLA (Prior Learning Assessor)
Perdoceo Education Corporation – Schaumburg, IL
10.2019 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Education- Elementary Education
Western Illinois University
Master of Science - Education
Western Illinois University
AFFILIATIONS AND HONORS
Future Teachers Club (HWC chapter) 2004 to Present, Honors, TANF Scholarship