Maribel Bernal Alston
Troutman ,NC
Summary
Motivated human services case manager with comprehensive knowledge of social justice issues and systems affecting marginalized communities. Passionate about developing and facilitating programs to support communities in need. Collaborative and analytical advocate builds strategic partnerships, advocate for clients and advance change for communities in need.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Home Study and PRS Caseworker (Level 2)
Church World Services
Charlotte, NC
04.2022 - Current
- Conduct in-person home visits with children released from federal care to their sponsor to promote safety and stabilization and assess risk and protective factors
- Conduct in-person home visits to interview, assess, recognize priorities and trends to inform psychoeducational sessions with Sponsors.
- Complete home study recommendation within 10 days of referral.
- Assess the need for different level of care .
- Develop individualized strength-based goal-oriented service plans.
- Coordinate referrals and address barriers in relevant service need areas such as legal, education, medical, mental health; Support unaccompanied children and sponsor with enrollment and access to services in community.
- Coordinate access to youth programming, services/activities that promote a connection to their culture and traditions.
- Provide psychoeducation to children and sponsor on relevant topics.
- Support children and sponsor to cope with family reunification stressors.
- Monitor progress of goal completion.
- Monitor the safety and well-being of children including but not limited to indications of trafficking, abuse, and neglect. Create and revise safety plans as needed.
- Serve as a mandated reporter and work with state child welfare as needed.
- Network and develop partnerships within to educate providers on children’s needs and to reinforce/increase partnerships in relevant areas.
- Write case notes; enter data; complete reports in a time sensitive manner.
- Participate in Supervision, Team meetings and trainings as assigned.
Bilingual Reunification Case Manager
Endeavors
05.2021 - 03.2022
- Work with unaccompanied immigrant children in federal care to identify potential sponsors in United States.
- Provide remote case management and supportive services
- Collaborate with program staff and supervisors to cultivate client-centered and trauma-informed approach to service provisions.
- Conduct assessments via phone to speak with sponsors and relatives in country of origin.
- Track case load using required case management systems.
Victim Court Advocate
Safe Alliance
01.2020 - 07.2020
- Accompanied clients to court to clarify processes and procedures
- Liaised with members of justice system on behalf of client
- Collected statistical data and updated documentation to maintain client
- Constructed referral list of agencies and community resources for victims' to provide aftercare services.
- Established treatment plans with short- and long-term goals.
- Developed safety plans to meet victims' assessment of need.
- Interviewed individuals and families to assess needs and provide informational resources.
- Collaborated with community program leaders and advocates to make resources accessible to those in need.
- Provide comprehensive assessments as well as periodic assessments in addition to assess needs and strengths of the client as well as determining the capacity, willingness, and availability of resources for achieving safety, permanence and well-being of client.
Shelter Advocate
Friend To Friend
09.2018 - 03.2019
- Identified service gaps and located needed resources for individuals, including housing, work placement and other support.
- Educated potential participants on available services and processes to engage in program.
- Worked with clients to improve life choices and maximize benefits of programs.
- Conversed with individuals in crisis which called hotline for assistance.
- Used skills such as active listening and collaborative problem-solving daily to connect with clients and address their concerns during crisis or in dealing with mental health challenges.
- Provide assessment and intervention in response to client crisis, including necessary follow up and using appropriate consultation.
Activity Therapist
AK Child And Family
09.2013 - 05.2014
- Scheduled and led specialized programs allowing participants to engage in exercise and recreation, supporting social and physical wellbeing
- Created individualized treatment programs in collaboration with physicians and recommended specialist referrals
- Conducted patient evaluations to identify mental, emotional, social and physical aptitudes, assess abilities and identify conditions suitable for recreational interventions to address troubled youth with mental health challenges.
- Provide crisis intervention skills such as active listening and positive reinforcement for youth during crisis.
Child Protective Specialist
Office Of Childrens Services
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs
- Completed home welfare checks to align with state and program guidelines
- Interviewed individuals and families to assess needs and provide informational resources
- Investigated home conditions to protect children from harmful environmental areas
- Wrote descriptive and accurate impending and present danger assessments and family functioning assessments
Education
Master of Science - Human Services
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN06.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK06.2015
Skills
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Client needs assessment
- Case Management
- Networking
- Crisis Intervention
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Timeline
Home Study and PRS Caseworker (Level 2)
Church World Services
04.2022 - Current
Bilingual Reunification Case Manager
Endeavors
05.2021 - 03.2022
Victim Court Advocate
Safe Alliance
01.2020 - 07.2020
Shelter Advocate
Friend To Friend
09.2018 - 03.2019
Activity Therapist
AK Child And Family
09.2013 - 05.2014
Child Protective Specialist
Office Of Childrens Services
01.2012 - 12.2012
Master of Science - Human Services
Capella University
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
University of Alaska Anchorage