Michelle Ben
Navajo Nation Division for Children and Family Services
Shiprock
9
years of professional experience
Experienced case management and victim advocacy professional with 9+ years supporting clients through court processes, case planning, and crisis situations. Skilled in judicial system navigation, resource coordination, and ethical practice.
Work History
Case Management Specialist
4 Years- coordinated child welfare case plans with family service providers and interagency partners.
- Documented case notes, assessments, and follow-up actions in client records.
- Monitored compliance with court orders, safety plans, and placement requirements.
- Interviewed clients to gather family histories, needs, and protective factors.
- Referred families to housing, counseling, medical, and community support resources.
- Prepared reports for supervisors, hearings, and multidisciplinary case reviews.
- Collaborated with tribal, state, and community agencies to support timely case resolution.
- Maintained confidential records while tracking progress and ensuring accurate case updates.
Victim/Witness Advocate
5 Years 3 Months- Coordinated victim and witness support services throughout criminal justice proceedings, ensuring consistent communication and preparation.
- Explained court processes, hearing expectations, and case updates to victims and witnesses using clear, culturally responsive guidance.
- Maintained confidential case documentation, contact logs, and service records in compliance with program and legal requirements.
- Liaised with prosecutors, law enforcement, and court personnel to relay information and resolve service barriers.
- Accompanied victims and witnesses to court appearances, providing emotional support and procedural advocacy.
- Assessed immediate safety concerns and connected clients with crisis intervention, shelter, counseling, and community resources.
- Prepared advocacy materials and referrals supporting protective orders, restitution requests, and victim rights notifications.
- Collaborated with law enforcement for timely updates on case statuses, improving communication and efficiency within the advocacy program.
- Provided court accompaniment services that ensured victims felt supported during difficult hearings.
- Maintained confidentiality protocols while handling sensitive information, upholding ethical standards within the profession at all times.
Education
No Degree - Social Work
- Relevant Coursework: Social Policy and Services I, Law and Ethics, Essentials Skills for Social Work, Human Behavior and the Social Environment I, and Generalist Social Work Practice I.
- Professional Development: National Association of Social Work Ethics and Standards.
No Degree - Criminal Justice
- Relevant Coursework: Minor in Sociology
- Relevant Coursework: Criminal Justice
- Native Americans United Member/President
Associate of Science - Associate of General Studies Degree
- Navajo Nation Scholarship Recipient
- Relevant Coursework: Juvenile Justice & Criminal Justice
No Degree - General Studies
- Professional Development: Duel-Credit Classes, Window Rock High School, Ft. Defiance, AZ.
Skills
Judicial system navigation
Resource coordination
Ethical practice
Case plan development
Client communication
Written and verbal communication
Interviewing skills
Crisis intervention techniques
Timeline
Case Management Specialist
Navajo Nation Division for Children and Family Services
11.2022 - CurrentRead More
Victim/Witness Advocate
Navajo Nation Division for Children and Family Services
08.2017 - 11.2022Read More
New Mexico Highlands University
No Degree from Social Work
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Northern Arizona University
No Degree from Criminal Justice
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Maricopa Community Colleges, Phoenix College
Associate of Science from Associate of General Studies Degree
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Dine College
No Degree from General Studies
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