Marcia Benjamin
Liverpool,NY
Summary
Compassionate Senior Caseworker adept at managing heavy caseloads with precision and efficiency. Strong skills include crisis management, case assessment, case management via Connections database, and crisis intervention, ensuring swift resolution of challenges faced by clients. Excel in communication, empathy, and problem-solving, using these soft skills to navigate complex situations and foster positive outcomes for those served.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Caseworker
Onondaga County DCFS
Syracuse, NY
01.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with other agencies to coordinate services for clients.
- Participated in staff meetings regarding new developments or changes in policy and procedure related to caseworker roles.
- Developed strategies for working with difficult cases or challenging situations involving multiple stakeholders.
- Supervised junior caseworkers by providing guidance and mentorship.
- Coordinated case management functions through placement monitoring, crisis intervention and discharge planning.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of services provided and made adjustments as needed.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay informed of best practices in casework.
- Managed caseload in the Adoption Unit ensuring permanency resources were located for freed youth without a current preadoptive family. Complied with Adoption mandates to ensure timely permanency achieved via adoption.
- Managed Juvenile Justice caseloads, conducting Placement Planning, and attending multidisciplinary team meetings with local law enforcement and other agencies monitoring high risk youth.
Caseworker
Onondaga County DCFS
Syracuse, NY
09.2008 - 01.2022
- Conducted home visits to assess client needs, evaluate progress toward goals, and document service delivery.
- Assisted clients with job searches, budgeting, parenting skills, housing resources and other social services as needed.
- Maintained accurate records of client information in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Coordinated referrals for mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and other community resources.
- Attended court hearings when appropriate to provide testimony regarding client status or progress towards goals.
- Actively participated in interagency meetings designed to coordinate care among multiple providers.
- Advocated on behalf of clients to secure necessary services and support.
- Managed caseload efficiently, prioritizing tasks to meet client needs and deadlines. Prioritizing tasks to ensure timely permanency outcome for youth placed out of the home, either via reunification with a parent, KinGap Guardianship, or custody.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY05-1999
Skills
- Records Management
- Highly effective communication
- Motivational Interviewing
- Client Engagement
- Client Advocacy
- Issue identification and resolution
- Legal Compliance
- Proficient in permanency options: Kingap, Adoption, and custody
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Caseworker
Onondaga County DCFS
01.2022 - Current
Caseworker
Onondaga County DCFS
09.2008 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Syracuse University
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