Lina Cruz
LUTZ
Summary
Case Manager with three years of experience providing trauma-informed, client-centered services within community-based and housing programs. Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with experience leading grant-funded programs, including coordination of a UN-supported initiative serving migrant and refugee populations. Skilled in program implementation, funder compliance, reporting, community partnerships, and service coordination. Demonstrated leadership in supporting team collaboration, improving service delivery, and ensuring program goals are achieved. Recognized for strong organization, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a compassionate approach to empowering clients and strengthening community impact.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
2
2
Languages
Work History
Homeless Prevention Specialist
Dawning Family Services
Tampa, FL
06.2024 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive intakes, assessments, and eligibility determinations using trauma-informed practices to develop individualized housing stabilization plans.
- Manage a high-volume caseload while ensuring compliance with agency policies, HUD guidelines, and Children's Board of Hillsborough County grant requirements.
- Determine program eligibility, prepare complete application packets, and coordinate housing assistance services from intake through case closure.
- Coordinate with landlords, property managers, utility providers, and community partners to facilitate housing placements, resolve barriers, and support long-term housing stability.
- Conduct home visits to monitor client progress, evaluate housing stability, and ensure continued program compliance.
- Prepare and submit rental assistance requests and supporting documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely processing.
- Maintain accurate case records, monitor program data, and ensure data integrity in Clarity HMIS, ASO, and CATS throughout the client lifecycle.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community agencies to coordinate services, improve client outcomes, and support program goals.
Refugee Care Manager,
UNHCR
Colombia
02.2021 - 06.2022
- Supervised and supported case management staff delivering psychosocial and protection services through UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) grant-funded programs for migrant and refugee populations.
- Oversaw complex cases involving gender-based violence (GBV), HIV, STIs, high-risk pregnancies, child protection, and family services, ensuring trauma-informed, client-centered care.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary case conferences with UNHCR staff, healthcare providers, legal advocates, and community partners to develop service plans and coordinate client support.
- Ensured compliance with UNHCR grant requirements, organizational policies, documentation standards, and program performance indicators.
- Conducted psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, case consultations, and quality reviews while mentoring staff and promoting best practices in service delivery.
- Strengthened partnerships with healthcare providers, legal service organizations, and community agencies to improve access to healthcare, housing, and supportive services for vulnerable populations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Universidad Del Norte
Barranquilla,Colombia07.2020
Skills
- Case assessment
- Care coordination
- Crisis intervention
- Case management
- Detailed documentation
- Trauma-informed care
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Team coordination
- Motivational Interviewing
- Empathetic Client Engagement
Certification
Trauma-Informed Care | Metropolitan Ministries | 2025
Trauma-Informed Outreach & Engagement | Homeless and Housing Resource Center (HHRC) | 202
Languages
English
Spanish
Timeline
Homeless Prevention Specialist
Dawning Family Services
06.2024 - Current
Refugee Care Manager,
UNHCR
02.2021 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Universidad Del Norte