LYNN FARRIS
Baker,LA
Summary
Experienced professional with a proven track record in social services executive management and training. Expertise in project management and client services. Strong ability to work with a diverse group of people who are experiencing crisis situations. Demonstrated skills in strategic planning, compiling budgets and leading various workgroups
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Worker
Office of the Public Defender, Baton Rouge, LA
07.2018 - 12.2025
Worked with inmates to locate substance abuse and mental health treatment, housing, attend court hearings, and compile social summaries and reports for the court; supervise Southern University Social Work students; worked with field instructor at Southern University; assisted attorney with mental health needs of clients.
Title IV-E Project Director/Field Instructor, Adjunct Faculty Member
Southern University and A & M College, Baton Rouge, LA
03.2017 - 05.2018
- I taught social work courses as assigned, prepared the course syllabus, provided counseling to students, and interviewed students for Title IV-E stipends.
Child Welfare Consultant – Field Operations Division
Department of Children and Family Services, Baton Rouge, LA (Retired)
01.2005 - 03.2017
- Collaborate with Tulane University in working with trauma, evidence-based training, and implementation; monitor and manage contracts; review proposals; participate on the Statewide CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) Team; prepare budgets and contracts for resource centers; coordinate and compile complaints and inquiry child welfare letters on behalf of the Office of the Governor; prepare memorandums and training for field staff regarding new initiatives; provide training and information sessions regarding new Coordinated Systems of Care for field staff; conduct case crisis/child fatality reviews; conduct internal staff disciplinary investigations; and consult with Human Resources regarding staff discipline issues.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Selected to serve as the lead consultant to supervise the unit when the supervisor is unavailable.
- Developed and maintained professional one-on-one relationships with external partners on new initiatives.
- Selected to represent the unit for the Department’s new behavioral health initiative.
Instructor/Facilitator
University of Phoenix, Baton Rouge, LA
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Taught and facilitated Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Diversity courses; graded course assignments; prepared course syllabus; and provided counseling to students.
Child Welfare Supervisor
Department of Children and Family Services, Baton Rouge, LA
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Supervised a staff of five investigators.
- Conducted high-risk staffings, and provided consultation on cases.
- Assisted staff with case management and investigations.
- I wrote extensive reports for the Juvenile Court.
Foster Care, Family Services and Adoption Case Worker
Department of Children and Family Services, Baton Rouge, LA
01.1996 - 01.2003
- Provided case management for children in foster care.
- Provided case management for pregnant teenagers
- Worked with parents and teens with STDs, HIV and AIDS
- Prepared paperwork for adoptions and adoption subsidies.
- I wrote extensive reports for the Juvenile Court.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Southern University at New Orleans
New Orleans, LABachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LASkills
- Counseling
- Coordination Planning
- Training
- Project Management
- Action oriented
- Treatment Plan Development
- Oral, Written Communications
- Detail oriented
- Public Speaking
- Programming
- Contract Management
- Organizational Skills
Timeline
Social Worker
Office of the Public Defender, Baton Rouge, LA
07.2018 - 12.2025
Title IV-E Project Director/Field Instructor, Adjunct Faculty Member
Southern University and A & M College, Baton Rouge, LA
03.2017 - 05.2018
Child Welfare Consultant – Field Operations Division
Department of Children and Family Services, Baton Rouge, LA (Retired)
01.2005 - 03.2017
Instructor/Facilitator
University of Phoenix, Baton Rouge, LA
01.2005 - 01.2010
Child Welfare Supervisor
Department of Children and Family Services, Baton Rouge, LA
01.2003 - 01.2005
Foster Care, Family Services and Adoption Case Worker
Department of Children and Family Services, Baton Rouge, LA
01.1996 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Master of Social Work -
Southern University at New Orleans