Martha Cano

I was teaching 24 children in 1st grade. I was in charge of preparing lesson plans, working in a team to ensure children were learning to read, write and have the mathematic foundations. Since I prove my ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situation, I was assigned to be advisor to the new teachers as well.

• Testified in court hearings as an expert witness, providing essential information for legal decision-making processes.
• Interviewed children, members of families, medical personnel and law enforcement to gain valuable information for each case.
• Contributed to the overall success of the agency''s mission to protect vulnerable children by consistently achieving performance metrics and maintaining high caseload management standards.
• Enhanced family functioning by providing education on positive parenting strategies, child development, and available community resources.
• Maintained open lines of communication with law enforcement agencies to share pertinent information related to ongoing investigations or emergent safety concerns.
• I was on the assigning rotation for child death cases with the Special Investigators.
• I was also mentor top my peers.

• Ensured that investigators were interviewing children, members of families, medical personnel and law enforcement to gain valuable information for each case.
• Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
• Conducted in-depth assessments to determine if children were safe from harm and abuse at home.
• Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
• Staffed cases, provided dispositions and acted in timely matter to ensure families had closure .
• Devised and implemented safety plans for children suspected as victims of abuse or neglect.
• I was a trainer when the safety assessment and risk assessment tool rolled out . I trained investigators, family based caseworkers as well as conservatorship caseworkers..
• Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
• Supported investigators in developing comprehensive safety plans for at-risk children, reducing the likelihood of further harm.
• Ensured timely completion of investigations, meeting state-mandated deadlines consistently.
• Participated in ongoing professional development, staying current on best practices in child protection investigation techniques.

• Provided ongoing direction and leadership for the Family Based Safety Supervisors.
• I was part of the FBSS workgroup which worked on changing policy focusing on improving safety on children in our open cases and finding creative ways to work with families. I have seen so many positive changes in the way we work now versus previous years.
• I committed myself to ensure child safety by assuring if there were any issues in a case, these issues were addressed immediately by contacting the Supervisor and caseworker.
• I instilled urgency in everything I do and expect the same urgency in the people that I lead.
• I developed systems in that program area that help to ensure that supervisors and the caseworkers have the same understanding in policy and my same vision.
• I held staff accountable and I am very transparent. I created a culture of accountability in Cameron/Hidalgo/Starr County and all my staff know what it is expected of them.
• I reviewed cases and met with workers as well as supervisors to discuss the areas they can improve on and celebrate the great work they do.
• Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and had program meetings to ensure my message was being heard for all the staff I supervised.
• Utilized data-driven decision-making techniques to ensure alignment with organizational goal.
• Mentored peers as well.

• Oversaw staff schedules and assignments to handle programming demands.
• Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program policy and procedures.
• Implemented best practices in project management to optimize workflow efficiencies across the program since I was the program director for the rural area.
• Duties include but were not limited to teach policy, ensure policy was followed, retain staff, support supervisor growth and ensure caseworkers are competent to do their job.
• Reviewed and approved child placement, caseworker decisions when requested by clients or management to ensure decisions are appropriate and consistent with policies and procedures.
• Selected, managed and developed staff through performance data, conferences, training and performance appraisals.
• Work effectively with staff, community groups, other agencies and local government officials.
• Addressed client’s concerns, reviewed and provided consultation on complex, sensitive high-profile cases and staff issues.
• Worked in all areas of the Region 11 as well as worked with all attorneys.

• Ensure that all personnel and managers within their program area are informed about relevant policies and best practices, remain updated, and apply these guidelines appropriately in all casework.
• Responsible for Region 11 FBSS program to ensure critical tasks are completed timely, adherence to agency policies and procedures, and ensuring that both internal and external customers are treated with dignity and respect.
• Promote regional values such as trust, honesty, respect, commitment, integrity, equity, urgency, safety, and a focus on children and families.
• Ensuring all FBSS program area and utilize various tools, including data warehouse reports and other agency resources, to monitor and uphold these standards, thereby ensuring positive client outcomes.
• Focus on developing the staff I supervise and encourage continuous learning among them.
• Work on establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with other departments and agencies within DFPS, the HHS system, stakeholders, and external organizations that collaborate with the agency to support the CPS mission
• Streamline program processes by implementing efficient administrative procedures, resulting in improved workflow and resource allocation.
• Schedule and supervise staff meetings with supervisors, program directors to discuss new ideas and update participants on policy changes and procedures.
• Established program policies and procedures to comply with regulatory requirements.
• Monitor program performance to identify areas for improvement.
• Constantly work on maintaining highly-efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
• Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Work effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Skill at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Work flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.