Mattie McDowell
Des Moines
Summary
Experience with team leadership and operational management. Utilizes strong interpersonal and organizational skills to improve team efficiency, strengthen community partnerships, and provide client-centered services.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RRTS Supervisor
Four Oaks
Ankeny, IA
01.2023 - Current
- Train and supervise a team of licensing and support caseworkers for foster, adoptive and kinship families
- Monitored staff performance and developed training opportunities, fostering a supportive work culture for staff and clients
- Reviewed documentation submitted to Department of Human Services for accuracy and compliance.
Statewide Director of Matching
Four Oaks
Ankeny, IA
09.2023 - 09.2025
- Collaborate with the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a new model for locating foster homes that include new protocols, a redesign of staff structure, and youth-centered practices
- Led a team of 16 full-time matching staff, monitoring daily performance to ensure delivery of high-quality services
- Partnered with statewide leaders at Department of Health and Human Services, providing data and feedback to align with contract expectations
RRTS Caseworker
Four Oaks
Ankeny, IA
03.2019 - 12.2022
- Assessed prospective foster and adoptive families by completing comprehensive home studies and submitting recommendations to Department of Health and Human Services
- Provided ongoing support to licensed foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements and maintaining safe home environments
In-home Family Counselor
Children and Families of Iowa
Des Moines, IA
08.2016 - 03.2019
- Connected children and families to community resources and taught evidence-based curriculum to enhance family support
- Supervised family interactions to maintain child safety and promote healthy family dynamics
- Assessed protective capacity of caregivers and child vulnerability in monthly case reports to inform intervention strategies
Youth Development Associate
Four Oaks
Cedar Rapids, IA
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Led programs for at-risk youth, enhancing educational outcomes and life skills development
- Developed curriculum to support students in achieving academic and social objectives
- Managed severe behavioral and mental health crises, ensuring student safety and well-being
Respite Service Assistant
ChildServe
Ames, IA
11.2014 - 07.2015
- Partnered with families and children with special health care needs to offer respite for parents and caregivers
- Encouraged children to reach progress goals and enhance independent living skills
- Facilitated children's participation in community activities to promote social integration
Education
Bachelor of Science - Child Adult and Family Services
Iowa State University
Ames, IA06-2015
Skills
- Operations management
- Decision-making
- Documentation and reporting
- Performance evaluation
- Staff management
- Crisis management
- Training and mentoring
Certification
- Safecare Certification
- NTDC Trainer
- Core Teen Curriculum Trainer
Timeline
Statewide Director of Matching
Four Oaks
09.2023 - 09.2025
RRTS Supervisor
Four Oaks
01.2023 - Current
RRTS Caseworker
Four Oaks
03.2019 - 12.2022
In-home Family Counselor
Children and Families of Iowa
08.2016 - 03.2019
Youth Development Associate
Four Oaks
08.2015 - 08.2016
Respite Service Assistant
ChildServe
11.2014 - 07.2015
Bachelor of Science - Child Adult and Family Services
Iowa State University