Leslie Gandara
El Paso,Texas
Summary
Dynamic outreach advocate with extensive experience at the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence, excelling in community engagement and resource allocation. Proven ability to manage events and provide legal referrals, enhancing access to vital services. Skilled in data tracking and client assessments, driving impactful outcomes for vulnerable populations. Compassionate social worker with experience in supporting children, families, and schools through challenging circumstances. Skilled in developing and implementing effective intervention strategies to address emotional, behavioral, and educational needs. Strong ability to collaborate with educators, healthcare professionals, and community agencies to coordinate support services. Demonstrated impact in improving family dynamics and student outcomes through tailored case management and advocacy efforts.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Outreach Advocate
Center Against Sexual and Family Violence
El Paso, Texas
12.2024 - Current
- Conducted community outreach and engagement activities to obtain additional program resources.
- Tracked data using spreadsheets.
- Organized informational sessions and workshops to educate community members about available resources and how to access them.
- Managed logistics for events such as health fairs or resource fairs.
- Provided referrals to appropriate legal services agencies when needed.
- Presented clients with information, referrals and assistance accessing resources such as food, housing and transportation.
- Participated in ongoing training to enhance knowledge of relevant mental health topics.
- Managed support groups addressing topics such as domestic violence.
- Conduct intake and assessments.
- Travel to a rural area like Van Horn, Sierra Blanca and Ft Hancock to reach victims of SA and DV
Accredited Representative
Diocesan of Migrant and Refugee Services
El Paso, TX
02.2022 - 06.2024
- Delivered Know Your Rights presentations to newly arrived detainees in El Paso, TX, and Otero, NM.
- Conducted individual orientations to identify eligibility for immigration relief.
- Referred cases to national organizations for pro bono representation.
- Entered data into the database accurately and promptly.
- Updated logs to maintain comprehensive records.
- Answered incoming calls to address inquiries and provide assistance.
- Assisted with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) initiatives.
- Facilitated LOP Self-Help Workshops for detainees seeking guidance.
Temporary Supervisor in Legal Orientation Program
Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services
El Paso, Texas
02.2022 - 01.2023
- Supervised LOP Unit to ensure operational efficiency.
- Coordinated weekly schedules for optimal resource allocation.
- Facilitated management meetings to drive strategic initiatives.
- Conducted management calls with Grant Funders, including Acacia, to secure funding support.
- Led management training sessions to enhance team capabilities.
- Developed and maintained a comprehensive data repository for informed decision-making.
Case Worker Unaccompanied Minors Program
Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services
El Paso, Texas
02.2018 - 02.2020
- Delivered Know Your Rights presentations to newly arrived children across five shelters in El Paso, TX.
- Conducted individual orientations to screen for immigration legal relief opportunities.
- Referred cases to national organizations for additional support and resources.
- Managed staffing logistics and coordinated schedules for shelter activities.
- Updated spreadsheets to track case progress and relevant information.
- Communicated with shelters via email to ensure effective collaboration.
- Assisted with court dockets to facilitate legal proceedings.
- Answered incoming calls and provided timely assistance to inquiries.
Caseworker III Legal Orientation Program
Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services
El Paso, Texas
04.2008 - 04.2018
- Delivered Know Your Rights presentations to newly arrived detainees in El Paso, TX, and Otero, NM.
- Conducted individual orientations to assess eligibility for immigration legal relief.
- Referred cases to national organizations for pro-bono representation.
- Entered case information into database for accurate record-keeping.
- Updated logs to reflect current status of cases.
- Handled incoming calls, providing necessary information and support.
- Assisted with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) sessions to enhance knowledge base.
- Facilitated LOP Self-Help Workshops to empower detainees with legal resources.
Trial Legal Assistance
Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services
El Paso, Texas
04.2007 - 04.2008
- Managed opening and closing of immigration cases efficiently.
- Provided accurate translations for legal documents.
- Answered client calls to address inquiries promptly.
- Prepared waiver applications according to guidelines.
- Compiled form packets for court submissions accurately.
- Scheduled court dates to ensure timely hearings.
- Updated spreadsheets to maintain precise case tracking.
- Set appointments to coordinate client consultations.
Education
High School Diploma -
Burges High School
El Paso, TX06-2001
Certification - Office Administration Legal Assistant
International Business College
El Paso, TX07-2004
Certification - Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law
Department of Justice
El Paso, TX03-2020
Skills
- Community engagement
- Data tracking
- Resource allocation
- Event coordination
- Legal referrals
- Client assessments
- Information presentation
- Case management
- Record keeping
- Community education
- Database management
- Teamwork and collaboration
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Outreach Advocate
Center Against Sexual and Family Violence
12.2024 - Current
Accredited Representative
Diocesan of Migrant and Refugee Services
02.2022 - 06.2024
Temporary Supervisor in Legal Orientation Program
Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services
02.2022 - 01.2023
Case Worker Unaccompanied Minors Program
Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services
02.2018 - 02.2020
Caseworker III Legal Orientation Program
Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services
04.2008 - 04.2018
Trial Legal Assistance
Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services
04.2007 - 04.2008
High School Diploma -
Burges High School
Certification - Office Administration Legal Assistant
International Business College
Certification - Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law
Department of Justice
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