Kimberly Jenkins
Social Services Specialist II
Tacoma,WA
Summary
Motivated Social Services Case Manager displaying high level of flexibility, adaptability and organizational skills. Superior leadership skills and demonstrated track record of success working with diverse client populations in one-on-one and group settings. Excellent verbal and written communicator with strong background cultivating positive relationships and exceeding goals to a diverse audience of various educational levels backgrounds. Great at troubleshooting problems and building successful solutions in high stress situations. The level of proficiency that I will bring to your organization will contribute to a positive work environment that supports collaboration, transparency, trust and accountability
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Services Specialist II
Department of Social and Health Services
Olympia , WA
07.2022 - Current
- Acted as an intermediary for current supervisor, to onboard and assist inexperienced staff members with essentials of the unit as well as conduct training, job planning, job coaching and mentoring for new and seasoned staff.
- Acted as liaison between staff, supervisor, and management team by communicating recommendations of staff progress, any additional staff training, or concerns and act as needed.
- Ability to assist others in interpretation and analysis of data, make independent decisions, Maintain, and review procedures for efficient workflow and assist in the supervision and training of inexperienced staff
- Ability to communicate effectively in person and in writing while supporting a culture of respect with management, peers, direct staff, clients, and the public.
- Ability to defuse a hostile situation with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.
- Conduct, create, implement, monitor, complete program assessments and eligibility determination, and modify case plans for participants in the Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD), Housing & Essential Needs (HEN) and Temporary to assistance Needs (TANF) Programs.
- Identify, analyze, and discuss client's circumstances and possible barriers such as domestic violence, substance abuse, special assistance, and family planning and refer to community resources and Workfirst contractors to assist in removing barriers to employability and achieve self-sufficiency
- Coordinate services with other agencies such as mental health, Employment Security, substance abuse programs, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities.
- Stay up to date on community resources and referral sources for medical, mental, and chemical dependency treatment.
- Utilize Barcode, Aces and EJAS databases to maintain daily reports and document case activities
- Apply medical diagnostic terminology and categories to assess and determine client employability or incapacity and develop, revise, monitor, and update client Individual Responsibility Plans (IRP) to provide specific action steps.
- Conduct assessments to determine a person's level of functioning including evaluating education, social history, living situation, and employment history as well as physical and behavioral health status
- Review and examine cases on a periodic basis to assess client progress and determine continuing compliance of social services programs.
- Ability to actively listen to clients and their needs while working collaboratively to develop their activities for expected participation requirements
Public Benefits Specialist
Department of Social and Health Services
Olympia , WA
10.2019 - 07.2022
- Promote a positive work environment, maximize staff and client interactions, and help achieve our triple bottom-line of employing an actively engaged workforce, who provide accurate, timely and effective service delivery to satisfied clients/customers.
- Extensive knowledge and subject matter expert in determining eligibility for state programs.
- Agile in stressful situations to pivot and adapt to changing fast paced environments while maintaining professional conduct and courtesy.
- Manage a financial workload of intake, initial and on-going eligibility determinations, and maintenance for Financial, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid Assistance programs by collecting in-depth information from division information systems.
- Explain program requirements, application procedures, services available and, verification needs, as well as answer all questions regarding benefits or available services to clients.
- Ability to practice tact, courtesy, and discretion, convey interest and concern to clients requesting information or assistance with problems related to the various programs.
- Compute and initiate overpayment accounts and client notifications when necessary.
- Possess strong and effective verbal and written communication skills that allow me to empathize with and assist a diverse group of clients and coworkers.
- Self-driven and motivated, very detail oriented, highly organized and competent, proficient with time management, respectful to clients and coworkers, and consider myself to be a fabulous team player.
- Assist co-workers with eligibility or resource questions.
REDI DJA Facilitator
Department of Social and Health Services
Olympia , WA
05.2021 - 05.2022
- Assist Collaborate with team members to create and develop training materials, including presentations, handouts, and activities. and present REDI PowerPoint presentations via ZOOM.
- Managed conflicts and disagreements among participants in professional manner.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through feedback surveys and follow-up meetings with REDI Program manager and cohort members.
- Welcome and orient new committee members while fostering an office culture of belonging where each person feels included, valued and heard.
- Demonstrate. Support action, activities, and development of REDI while working towards the mission, vision, and values of REDI charter in the local office and within teams.
- Attend committee meetings, participate in committee activities, including REDI learning and development.
- Provide continuity for future committee members by ensuring that records are kept of committee activities such as meeting notes, archives, and SharePoint.
- Ensure representation of local committee within the Regional REDI committee.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Indiana University Northwest
Gary , IN
01.2014 - 05.2014
- Prepared written technical documentation to detail research findings and interpretations.
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols while working in laboratory.
- Researched, compiled, and analyzed new interventions, data, and techniques.
- Conducted research, documented, initiated and facilitated programs and projects in accordance to established policies and procedures.
- Facilitate, advise, prepare briefing materials, and present to project manager on recommended projects
- Wrote, edited literature reviews for lab-related articles on social support, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicide, domestic violence and abuse, bullying, and response to interventions.
- Explained lab session procedures to participants and administered surveys.
- Liaised weekly with research team to discuss findings and protocol change.
Youth Mentor/ Counselor
Metropolitan Oasis Community Center
Gary , IN
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Supervised more than 20 grade school adolescents at local community center.
- Instructed students on how to use computer programs, such as Microsoft Office.
- Mediated student conflicts and taught listening and conflict resolution skills.
- Supervise visitation and monitored exchange to assure child safe contact with absent parent.
- Assists the family through advocating, teaching, demonstrating, monitoring, and/or role modeling new, appropriate skills.
- Coordinate weekly activities
- Supported physical, emotional and spiritual needs of at-risk adolescent youth.
- Role modeled positive behaviors for at-risk youth and helped each form life-long, positive daily habits.
- Created opportunities for mentees to build social connections with their peers, increasing their sense of belonging and support within the community.
- Provide support and tutoring assistance in math, reading and science homework assignments.
Block Party Coordinator
Urban Development and Planning
Gary, IN
01.2013 - 06.2013
- Assisted with developing, planning and implementing strategies to promote large- and small-scale events.
- Coordinated event logistics, including venue selection, catering, and audio-visual equipment setup.
- Acted as project coordinator for components of departmental projects.
- Develop project plans and associated communications documents.
- Design, coordinate, and supervise 29 staff members
- Coordinate with local police and fire departments to ensure safety procedures were met.
- Liaised weekly with staff to discuss planning, financing, and note progress.
- Executed events with consistently high standards of organization, service quality and enthusiasm for client objectives.
Supervisor in Training
United States Navy, Boatswain's Mate
San Diego, CA
06.1988 - 08.1991
- Monitored numerous employee activities and assigned tasks to cover demand.
- Assigned tasks and oversee for completion and quality of projects
- Tracked employee performance to determine areas of strength and improvement.
- Led teams through onboarding process for swift integration into daily operations.
- Manage hours and schedule daily tasks for military personnel
- Liaise with commanding officer to discuss daily activities and progress of military personnel.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Indian University
Gary, IN05-2015
Timeline
Social Services Specialist II
Department of Social and Health Services
07.2022 - Current
REDI DJA Facilitator
Department of Social and Health Services
05.2021 - 05.2022
Public Benefits Specialist
Department of Social and Health Services
10.2019 - 07.2022
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Indiana University Northwest
01.2014 - 05.2014
Youth Mentor/ Counselor
Metropolitan Oasis Community Center
01.2013 - 12.2013
Block Party Coordinator
Urban Development and Planning
01.2013 - 06.2013
Supervisor in Training
United States Navy, Boatswain's Mate
06.1988 - 08.1991
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Indian University
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