Laura Mendoza
La Mesa
Summary
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Behavioral Health Program Manager with extensive experience in behavioral health, child welfare, and multidisciplinary systems coordination within the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. Experienced in program management, clinical supervision, quality improvement, policy implementation, crisis intervention, and regulatory compliance in high-volume public sector environments. Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams, improve service delivery systems, coordinate across court and community agencies, and implement trauma-informed, evidence-based practices.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Family Engagement Specialist
YMCA – Permanent Connections
Child Visitation Monitor
New Alternatives, Inc.
Program Development Consultant
CAAJS Foster Family Group Home
Behavioral Health Program Manager
County of San Diego – Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA)
11.2023 - Current
- Provide clinical and operational oversight for county behavioral health programs
- Supervise multidisciplinary staff, interns, and support personnel including coaching and performance management
- Lead program implementation, policy compliance, quality assurance, and service delivery improvement efforts
- Analyze program data, caseload trends, and operational metrics to support administrative decision-making
- Coordinate with community providers, county programs, and external stakeholders to ensure continuity of care
- Facilitate multidisciplinary case conferences and high-risk case consultations
- Prepare executive reports, planning documents, and program forecasts
- Support budget monitoring, resource allocation, and workforce development initiatives
Licensed Mental Health Clinician
01.2023 - 11.2023
- Conducted psychosocial assessments, clinical evaluations, and treatment planning
- Provided crisis intervention, therapy, case management, and behavioral health support services
- Collaborated with psychiatrists, psychologists, hospitals, and community providers
- Ensured compliance with Medi-Cal documentation and clinical standards
Senior Protective Services Worker – Adoptions Program
07.2022 - 01.2023
- Managed complex adoption and guardianship cases involving high-risk child welfare concerns
- Led Child and Family Team meetings and multidisciplinary case coordination
- Conducted permanency planning, psychosocial assessments, and safety evaluations
- Prepared court reports and provided testimony in dependency proceedings
- Provided advanced consultation and supervision to staff
Protective Services Worker – Guardianship & Adoptions
03.2020 - 07.2022
- Managed child welfare caseloads involving guardianship, foster care, and permanency planning
- Conducted investigations, home visits, and court-ordered assessments
- Conducted court-ordered investigations for San Diego Superior Probate Court and prepared written reports under Probate Code 1513 and for Stepparent/Independent Adoptions
- Maintained compliance with SDM, SOP, and county documentation standards
Protective Services Worker – Adoptions Program
01.2017 - 03.2020
- Managed adoption and permanency planning cases for children and families
- Conducted assessments, home visits, and family engagement activities
- Prepared court documentation and provided testimony in juvenile dependency proceedings
Education
Master of Social Work - Community Organization, Planning & Administration and Military Social Work
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
University of Phoenix
Skills
- Behavioral Health Program Management
- Clinical Supervision & Staff Development
- Program Planning & Operations
- Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement (QA/QI)
- Court Proceedings
- Crisis Intervention & Risk Assessment
- Child Welfare, Adoption & Guardianship
- Interagency & Multidisciplinary Coordination
- Policy Development & Regulatory Compliance
- Program Evaluation & Data Analysis
- Trauma-Informed & Strength-Based Practices
- Medi-Cal Documentation Compliance
- SDM / Safety Organized Practice (SOP)
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Certified Domestic Violence Counselor
- CANS Certified
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Problem Solving Therapy
- Adoption Clinical Practice Training
Timeline
Behavioral Health Program Manager
County of San Diego – Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA)
11.2023 - Current
Licensed Mental Health Clinician
01.2023 - 11.2023
Senior Protective Services Worker – Adoptions Program
07.2022 - 01.2023
Protective Services Worker – Guardianship & Adoptions
03.2020 - 07.2022
Protective Services Worker – Adoptions Program
01.2017 - 03.2020
Child Visitation Monitor
New Alternatives, Inc.
Program Development Consultant
CAAJS Foster Family Group Home
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
University of Phoenix
Family Engagement Specialist
YMCA – Permanent Connections
Master of Social Work - Community Organization, Planning & Administration and Military Social Work
University of Southern California
MILITARY EXPERIENCE
- United States Navy — Hospital Corpsman, Second Class Petty Officer | Mar 2005 – Jan 2011
- Honorable Discharge