LORENZO ELLIS, MSW
Bronx,NY
Summary
High capacity leader / advocate / trainer and Supervisor with a Master’s degree in Social Work and 14+ years’ experience in human/social services.
Dedicated to positively affecting the lives of children by partnering with families and community resources to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Background reflects expertise in staff supervision, caseload management, community resource management, field investigations, reporting, and program management for large and complex healthcare, education, nonprofit, and government service agencies. Earned a distinction as a galvanizing force with balanced judgment, stability, and a strong ability to lead projects.
Experience serving students and families within public human services, education, and private non-profit institutions in the areas of: social work, case work, emotional support, and child abuse investigations.
Titles & Duties Include:
Unit Supervisor Social Worker
Program Developer
Child Protective Services Specialist
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Producer
Self-employeed
Bronx, NY
02.2020 - Current
- Researched, developed, and produced entertainment contributing to laugh therapy.
- Identified target audience and created sales funnel.
- Devised and implemented strategies to create new revenue streams.
- Generated leads through cold calling, networking, and social media.
- Coordinated production schedules and activities for therapeutic shows performances.
Unit Supervisor
Abbott House
Bronx, United States
01.2018 - 02.2020
- Unit Supervisor Led a unit of 4 Case Planners providing comprehensive case management and support services. Guided and instructed the unit on ways to engage and build partnerships with each family. Ensured appropriate services were being rendered to 225 foster care placed children and their families in accordance with the Administration for Children (ACS) Services mandated regulations and Abbott House’s organizational policies.
- Provided regular, thorough case review, consultation, and coaching to Case Planners, including assistance/ support with home visits, documentation, referrals, family communications, and court appearances.
- Reviewed caseloads and worked closely with Case Planners to identify and resolve barriers related to service provision and implementation.
- Maintained ongoing communications with senior administrative, clinical, legal, and caregiving personnel to ensure that the child, parent, attorney, and caregiver concerns were addressed and resolved in expedient manner.
- HIGHLIGHTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
- Strengthened organizational effectiveness and case planning outcomes while elevating the level of regulatory compliance; encouraged sharing of best practices during Quality Assurance meetings.
- Managed reporting processes; maintained a time-oriented deadline and accuracy focused approach; reviewed all documentation related to Family Assessment Service Plans and Family Team Conferences.
- Facilitated Family Team Conferences and Crisis Meetings; reviewed levels of risk and progress towards goals regarding foster care placement and family reunification.
- Successfully transitioned 10+ youth out of the foster care system through family reunification and adoption.
- Helped to reduce recidivism through effective trauma-informed case management, engagement, follow-up and compliance.
- Traveled throughout all five boroughs, gave court testimony, and mentored staff on preparation for proceedings.
Social Worker
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Brooklyn, New York
12.2015 - 06.2017
- Served as a part of the continuum of care within the District 7 school community; built relationships with students, parents, and faculty; developed and implemented strategies to improve the student’s academic performance and achievement.
- Relied upon as a critical resource, provided targeted and individualized counseling to at-risk elementary and middle school students.
- Provided case management services and assisted students and their families in utilizing ACS intervention services, family wellness, conducted home visits, and provided referrals to community resources.
- Delivered mandated counseling to special needs students and professional development counseling to teachers.
- HIGHLIGHTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
- Leveraged expertise in crisis intervention and de-escalation, led large group meetings and provided restorative tools and practices to staff and students.
- Created and successfully implemented a school-based Anti-bullying Program and Student Citizenship Campaign to promote parental engagement and the utilization of community-based bullying resources.
- Partnered with school faculty, administration, and academic intervention personnel to identify and resolve barriers as related to the implementation of anti-bullying strategies.
- Empowered families, and students through effective communication tools; coached staff on classroom management techniques for engaging with at-risk students and discipline.
Child Protective Specialist, FSU Unit
ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN SERVICES
New York, New York
08.2006 - 11.2015
- Investigated allegations of abuse and neglect, performed risk and safety assessments, developed safety plans, provided information about and referrals to community resources for at risk families; made appropriate referrals to contracted family preservation and foster care providers.
- Led investigations, conducted field visits on allegations of child abuse or neglect
- . Interviewed family members and a broad range of contacts to assess child safety and identify interventions that can reduce risks for children.
- Coordinated with New York City Police Department and judicial and legal entities regarding vulnerable children with immediate safety and neglect concerns to secure an appropriate foster care placement.
- Leveraged solid communications, problem solving and direct client services skills to work with clients.
- • Coordinated with staff, family members and service providers to evaluate safety interventions to reduce risks for children.
- HIGHLIGHTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS Collaborated on projects and built strong relationships with foster care organizations and multiple City, State and Federal government agencies and departments, as well as local and national nonprofits, and private sector organizations; referred families to resources.
- Improved outreach to men, implemented and led the Men of Faith Group; created a bridge to fathers.
- Helped families to successfully leave the system and assisted with family reunification's.
- Helped families navigate government agencies and access entitlement benefits. Filed petitions and testified in family court and other legal proceedings. Documented case records; verified and completed forms, narratives and reports for client records.
- Participated in initial child safety conferences and family meetings.
Education
MSW -
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
Bronx, NY2009
Bachelor of Science -
JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
New York, NY2001
Associate of Arts -
QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Queens, NY1991
Skills
- High-capacity Supervisor and Trainer with a Master’s degree in Social Work and 14 years of experience in human/social services
- Background reflects expertise in staff supervision, caseload management, community resource management, field investigations, reporting, and program management for large and complex healthcare, education, nonprofit, and government service agencies
- Earned distinction as a galvanizing force with balanced judgment, stability, and a strong ability to lead projects
- Experienced training and supervising Human Services Specialists within culturally and socially diverse urban settings
- Strong and decisive leader with a proven ability to foster an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve vision and mission
- Well-versed in working within varied facets of Case Management and Counseling, able to formulate solutions and address issues affecting high-risk and hard to reach segments of the population
- Core Competencies Intake Assessments
- Psycho-social Assessments Social Services Protocols
- Systems/Process Evaluation Staff Leadership Group-Based Counseling Government Reporting Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting Client Evaluations /Screening Trauma-Informed Family Counseling Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Training Case Management Wellness Innovative Program Development
Volunteer Experience
Youth Sports Coach / Trainer / Educator / Mentor – (Ages 11-21)
Timeline
Producer
Self-employeed
02.2020 - Current
Unit Supervisor
Abbott House
01.2018 - 02.2020
Social Worker
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
12.2015 - 06.2017
Child Protective Specialist, FSU Unit
ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN SERVICES
08.2006 - 11.2015
MSW -
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science -
JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Associate of Arts -
QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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