Kim Hernandez
Buffalo,NY
Summary
Compassionate Social Services Professional experienced in supporting vulnerable individuals and families within community settings. Achieved significant improvements in client well-being through strong interpersonal relationships and effective program customization. Focused on fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing access to resources for at-risk populations.
Overview
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of post-secondary education
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Support & Outreach Specialist
Parent Network of WNY
03.2014 - Current
- Supported and coached families in self-advocacy and skill building, fostering a strength-based and person-centered approach to empower individuals
- Collaborated with service providers, educational agencies, and families to enhance service delivery and provided tailored resources to caregivers and families
- Assisted families in developing effective communication strategies and fostering positive interactions with service providers and educational agencies
- Outreach and support of military families with special needs children; participating in support groups through The Exceptional Child Program
- Liaise with local community organizations and the school district to support families in the PROMISE Program to improve future employment opportunities for low-income families
- Organize and run inclusive, accessible events for promoting family connections and community engagement; represent agency at community outreach events
Member
District Parent Coordinating Council (DPCC)
01.2013 - Current
- Guided district personnel in creating, reviewing, revising, and enforcing policies affecting students and families
- Identified and addressed policy concerns of families and community members for Buffalo Public School District
- Led council meetings to discuss parent concerns and gather feedback. and address parent concerns
Parent Engagement Liaison
Buffalo Public Schools
01.2012 - Current
- Cultivated positive, welcoming relationships with schools and community to foster collaboration
- Coordinated day-to-day operations of programs and activities at Parent Centers to ensure smooth functioning
- Monitored progress of programs and services., update, maintain and assist in the monitoring of Parent Center programs, direct services, and activities
- Perform administrative tasks for the day-to-day coordination of programs and activities at Parent Centers
Member
Special Education Parents' Advisory Committee (SEPAC)
01.2006 - Current
- Met monthly with BPS Parent Congress to strengthen family engagement and collaboration across all levels of district involvement, fostering a united community.
- Promoted open forum for family engagement, facilitating discussions on concerns important to families within Buffalo Public School District, enhancing community involvement.
- Supported families in Buffalo Public Schools by assisting with education and advocacy for students with disabilities, improving access to resources and support.
Sheet Metal (Tinsmith) Journeyman
General Motors Power Train
01.1994 - 01.2006
- Measured, cut, formed, and installed metal components for precise fit and functionality
- Welded and fabricated metal components according to specifications for project integrity
- Interpreted technical blueprints to guide construction projects
Import Specialist/Supervisor
Livingston International
01.1986 - 01.2001
- Provided telephonic and email customer support to address inquiries and resolve issues
- Supported COO with daily operations, streamlining processes and enhancing workflow
- Entered and organized account data into systems with accuracy and quality assurance
- Assisted business groups with documentation organization and dissemination during acquisitions
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Operational Management
Houghton College
Houghton, NY 01.2020 - 01.2022
Associate of Arts and Science - Nursing
Erie Community College
Buffalo, NY 01.1993 - 05.1995
Skills
- Family advocacy
- Case management
- Resource coordination
- Resource Development
- Community outreach
- Community engagement
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Leadership
- Relationship Building
- Critical Thinking
- Advocacy services
- Family engagement
Certification
- PEERS for Adolescents Social Skills Trainer Certification (2024)
- Licensed Notary Public (2022)
- Certified Notary Public (8/2021-8/2025)
- Family Peer Advocate Credential (2016)
- Parent Member Certification (2005)
MILITARY SERVICE
- United States Army Reserves 1984 2006
- Operating Room Specialist/Anesthesia Technician
- Retired 2006 with Honorable Discharge
Timeline
Bachelor of Arts - Operational Management
Houghton College
01.2020 - 01.2022
Family Support & Outreach Specialist
Parent Network of WNY
03.2014 - Current
Member
District Parent Coordinating Council (DPCC)
01.2013 - Current
Parent Engagement Liaison
Buffalo Public Schools
01.2012 - Current
Member
Special Education Parents' Advisory Committee (SEPAC)
01.2006 - Current
Sheet Metal (Tinsmith) Journeyman
General Motors Power Train
01.1994 - 01.2006
Associate of Arts and Science - Nursing
Erie Community College
01.1993 - 05.1995
Import Specialist/Supervisor
Livingston International
01.1986 - 01.2001