Megan Serrano
Easton,PA
Summary
Highly qualified social worker with outstanding knowledge of human services cases. Over 6 years providing compassionate and localized services for long-term case success. Committed to maintaining confidentiality and detailed records. Skilled at managing multiple cases with great attention to detail and knowledge of local resources. Known for providing caring and comprehensive support to families and children. Empathetic and caring with excellent relationship-building skills. Hardworking leader with expertise in problem solving.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
CPS/GPS Ongoing Supervisor
Northampton County Children, Youth, And Families
08.2021 - Current
- Motivated and trained employees to maximize team productivity.
- Evaluated team member performance and productivity, provided feedback, and implemented corrective actions.
- Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to program director.
- Enforced regulatory and Agency policy compliance to improve workplace.
- Managed, developed, and trained staff, established and monitored goals, and conducted performance reviews.
- Coordinated individual duties after careful evaluation of each employee's skill level and knowledge.
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Assisted clients with navigating and accessing social services such as housing and medical care.
- De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
- Conducted home visits to assess living environment and facilitate access to necessary resources.
- Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
Foster Care Caseworker
Northampton County Children, Youth, And Families
08.2017 - 08.2021
- Conducted kinship home studies.
- Maintained documentation needed for licensing kinship foster homes.
- Established family reunification between parents and children in foster care placement.
- Documented and submitted updates to case records.
- Provided court testimony detailing client behaviors, treatment plans and progress according to objectives.
- Interviewed client, parents, foster parents, school officials and other related parties to fully understand child's individual needs.
- Conducted assessments of foster homes and children under care.
- Coordinated between various entities to manage cases.
- Entered client data in centralized database and maintained up-to-date case records for all clients.
- Assisted victims with filling out and submitting protective orders.
- Conferred with clients to discuss options and goals for various services.
- Worked with community resources to engage youth in pro-social activities and help families access services.
- Referred family members to outside support options to assist with coping during times of increased stress.
- Met with clients to determine necessary services and make treatment recommendations.
- Identified appropriate community resources and provided referrals for services.
- Attended hearings with victims to provide emotional support.
- Explained available housing, domestic violence, employment, education and substance abuse treatment resources.
- Coordinated all activities involving birth parents in conjunction with in-home support counselors.
- Interviewed family members to assess situations, capabilities and problems.
Caseworker Intern
Northampton County Mental Health
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Provided direct care to consumers in community and home settings.
- Evaluated clients and formulated individualized service plans outlining short-term and long-term goals.
- Followed strict policies and procedures to maintain client confidentiality and keep data private.
- Recorded comprehensive case notes and follow up documentation for admitted and transferred clients.
- Conducted intake interviews, including bio-psycho-social assessments, to determine clients' eligibility and suitability for program.
- Met with clients to conduct needs assessments, recommending appropriate support and service offerings.
- Worked with court system and mental health agencies to coordinate support services.
STAR Mentor
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
08.2015 - 05.2017
- Assisted first year students ages 16-24 through their freshmen year of college.
- Collaborated with University Studies professors to co-teach in the classroom.
- Educated mentees on the important resources and services available on campus.
- Facilitated group communication sessions concerning different topics related to the first year college experience.
- CRLA Peer Mentor Certified.
- Organized and planned social and education programs/events for first year students.
- Developed activities to assist with social networking for commuter students.
- Created monthly newsletter for department and updated/created social media pages for the department.
- Applied exceptional skills in communication and conflict-resolution to improve decision-making process.
- Talked with individuals, sharing positive life experiences to encourage improved self-esteem and boost socialization.
- Recommended coping mechanisms and offered guidance to individuals dealing with intense problems.
- Employed skills in crisis intervention to help resolve difficult situations.
- Encouraged students to carefully consider career options and related academic decisions based on personal strengths and goals.
Intern
Northampton County Correctional Facility
05.2015 - 07.2015
- Conducted job placement interviews with field officers.
- Contacted inmate’s employers to ensure job placement accuracy and attendance.
- Interviewed inmates to determine work release eligibility.
- Surveyed correctional facility conditions and functionality.
- Assisted with clerical needs including answering telephone calls, performing database management and drafting correspondence.
- Demonstrated enthusiasm and strong communication skill, remaining open to learning new things every day.
- Provided assistance to others to complete tasks on time.
Education
Master of Science - Human Services
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN09.2020
Bachelor of Sciences - Criminal Justice
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA05.2017
Skills
- Networking
- Client advocacy
- Dedicated support
- Home visits
- Evaluation and assessment
- Conducting interviews
- Case history compilation
- Culturally-sensitive
- Community referrals
- Recordkeeping
- People skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Training & Development
- Collaboration
- Motivational Leadership
- Task Delegation
- Employee Development
Timeline
CPS/GPS Ongoing Supervisor
Northampton County Children, Youth, And Families
08.2021 - Current
Foster Care Caseworker
Northampton County Children, Youth, And Families
08.2017 - 08.2021
Caseworker Intern
Northampton County Mental Health
01.2017 - 05.2017
STAR Mentor
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
08.2015 - 05.2017
Intern
Northampton County Correctional Facility
05.2015 - 07.2015
Master of Science - Human Services
Capella University
Bachelor of Sciences - Criminal Justice
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania
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