Laura L. Strain
Owasso
Summary
Professional with robust experience in child welfare, adept at creating and implementing support programs for children and families. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving measurable results. Skilled in case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy, with flexible approach to meet changing needs. Reliable and effective in fostering positive outcomes in challenging environments.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Welfare Specialist IV
State of Oklahoma DHS
01.2018 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to determine child safety and welfare needs.
- Strengthened client engagement by utilizing trauma-informed practices when engaging with children and families experiencing adversity.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.
- Developed and implemented individualized service plans for at-risk children and families.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate resource access and support services.
- Monitored case progress, ensuring compliance with state regulations and policies.
- Provided training and mentorship to new staff on best practices in child welfare.
- Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions, service referrals, case plan progressions in adherence to agency standards for quality assurance purposes.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed for clients experiencing urgent challenges related to child protection concerns or family dynamics issues.
Child Welfare Specialist III
State of Oklahoma DHS
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Developed and implemented case plans tailored to individual family needs.
- Collaborated with community agencies to secure resources for families in crisis.
- Monitored compliance with state regulations and agency policies during case management.
- Conducted assessments to determine eligibility for child welfare services.
Child Welfare Specialist III
State of Oklahoma DHS
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Provided guidance and mentorship to junior staff on best practices in child welfare.
- Led training sessions on trauma-informed care techniques for team members.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge and skills by attending trainings, conferences, and workshops related to child welfare best practices.
- Coordinated closely with schools, medical providers, therapists, and other relevant professionals to ensure comprehensive support for children in care.
- Increased access to resources for struggling families by connecting them with relevant community organizations and programs.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively while adhering to strict timelines as mandated by federal regulations or state policies.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
Child Welfare specialist II
State of Oklahoma DHS
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of child welfare cases to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
- Developed and implemented individualized service plans tailored to the needs of children and families.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate resources and support for at-risk youth.
- Enhanced family reunification rates through diligent monitoring and support of parent-child visitations.
Telephone Crisis Counselor
ChildhelpUSA
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Provided crisis intervention support to children and families in distress, ensuring emotional safety and stabilization.
- Trained new counselors on crisis response protocols, enhancing team effectiveness in high-pressure situations.
- Provided timely assistance to individuals in crisis, utilizing active listening skills and empathy to establish rapport quickly.
- Maintained accurate documentation following each client interaction, ensuring continuity of care while upholding ethical standards set forth by regulatory bodies.
- Coordinated with local emergency responders during critical incidents, facilitating seamless collaboration between multiple parties involved in resolving crises efficiently.
Executive Board Member
Arizona Foster and Adoptive Parent Association
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Originated, planned, managed and trained all participants in a statewide parent to parent mentor program. Facilitated trainings to initiate mentor matches and train new mentors. Recruitment of foster parent for the mentor program. Recruitment of new foster parents through community activities and membership drives. Helped maintain all financial records of the association in regards to social services and training programs/events.
Human Service Specialist III
State of Arizona Adoption Subsidy Program
01.1993 - 01.2005
- Crisis intervention to families enrolled with the Adoption Subsidy Program. Service coordination between community resources, mental health organizations, treatment facilities and out of home placements. Training both internal and with contracting agencies on services available for children and proper documentation of obtaining Federal funds to obtain services. Translation for Spanish speaking families. Documentation of support for federally funded Title XX and Title IXX determinations.
Child Protective Service Specialist II
ADES Child Protective Services
01.1992 - 01.1993
- Provided direct and indirect services to children and their families. Applied knowledge of family dynamics and systems polices and procedures of the court system. Monitored placement of children in-home and out-of-home placements. Linkage with community resources. Worked closely with all departments of the juvenile court system such as probation, detention and outreach services
Education
MSW - Social Work
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK01.2021
BSW -
Northeastern State University
Broken Arrow, OK01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Sociology, Spanish
University Autonoma Del Estado De Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico01.1982
Skills
- Trauma-informed care
- Service planning
- Behavior modification
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Clinical documentation
- Client advocacy
- Conflict resolution
- Crisis intervention
Languages
Bilingual: Spanish/ English.
Timeline
Child Welfare Specialist IV
State of Oklahoma DHS
01.2018 - Current
Child Welfare Specialist III
State of Oklahoma DHS
01.2012 - 01.2018
Child Welfare Specialist III
State of Oklahoma DHS
01.2006 - 01.2012
Child Welfare specialist II
State of Oklahoma DHS
01.2005 - 01.2006
Telephone Crisis Counselor
ChildhelpUSA
01.2004 - 01.2005
Executive Board Member
Arizona Foster and Adoptive Parent Association
01.2003 - 01.2005
Human Service Specialist III
State of Arizona Adoption Subsidy Program
01.1993 - 01.2005
Child Protective Service Specialist II
ADES Child Protective Services
01.1992 - 01.1993
MSW - Social Work
Northeastern State University
BSW -
Northeastern State University
Bachelor of Science - Sociology, Spanish
University Autonoma Del Estado De Mexico