"The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts."
Marcus Aurelius
Summary
Motivated Social Worker dedicated to forming trusting relationships and advocating for best interest of clients. Expertise in older youth and young adults.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Older Youth Services Case Manager (OYCM)
Indiana Department of Child Services
10.2019 - Current
Assisted older youth in transitioning out of the foster care system
Facilitated successful transitions into adulthood through intensive case management and goal-oriented planning.
Empowered families to navigate complex systems of care, providing information and guidance on available resources.
Ensured timely access to services by maintaining accurate records and efficient referral processes.
Streamlined service delivery through effective collaboration with multidisciplinary team members.
Demonstrated ongoing commitment to professional development by attending relevant trainings, workshops, conferences; shared knowledge/insights with colleagues/team members.
Completed regular visitations to check on children, families and home environments.
Advocated for foster children by facilitating access to community resources and services to maximize safety and well-being of child.
Participated in On-Call Shifts multiple times a year, assessing placement issues, safety concerns, and/or a youth who may wish to return to care
Maintained data to assist management in understanding the needs of older youth on a tread analysis basis.
Strengthened community partnerships by fostering relationships with local organizations and resources providers.
Advocated for clients'' rights, addressing barriers to success and promoting self-advocacy skills in youths served.
Outpatient Therapist Intern
Porter Starke Services
08.2023 - 05.2024
Documented client progress and maintained confidential records.
Developed treatment plans to address individual client needs.
Implemented a diverse range of therapeutic modalities to address clients'' varied needs and preferences, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy.
Performed client assessments and developed treatment plans.
Developed organizational skills through managing multiple tasks simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines.
Empowering Teens as Parents (ETAP) Case Manager
Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana
01.2023 - 05.2023
Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
Participated in regular professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of case management.
Increased client satisfaction through diligent follow-up and personalized support.
Permanency Family Case Manager
Indiana Department of Child Services
06.2016 - 10.2019
Assessed safety and level of risk of the child for additional injury or harm.
Testified in court concerning the needs of the assigned families and children and the families’ ability to remedy the abusive/neglectful situation or concerning alleged criminal activities of a parent or other perpetrator.
Prepared, submitted, and presented court documents.
Developed and revised case plans to fit the needs of the family.
Developed discharge/transition programming to assist families and children in attaining and maintaining longevity upon case closure.
Coordinated with other professionals, such as therapists, medical providers, and school personnel, to holistically address the unique needs of each family.
Promoted family stability by connecting clients with appropriate community resources and services.
Trained new Family Case Managers on agency protocols, best practices, and client engagement techniques to improve overall team performance.
Evaluate child welfare concerns by conducting thorough home visits.
Expedited permanency for children in foster care by diligently working towards reunification or adoption, as appropriate.
Admissions & Matriculation Coordinator
Ashford University
05.2015 - 06.2016
Reviewed and evaluated transfer credits to determine applicability for prospective students.
Validated, enrolled, scheduled, and provisionally admitted students into their respective degree programs.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by responding promptly to inquiries and addressing concerns professionally.
Intern
Hobart Police Department
Hobart, IN
06.2014 - 08.2014
Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Education
Master of Social Work - Mental Health & Addictions
Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN
05.2024
Master of Science - Management, Emergency Management
Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH
07.2020
GPA: 3.87/4.0
Bachelor of Arts - Social And Criminal Justice
Ashford University, Clinton, IA
05.2015
Honors: Magna Cum Laude
GPA: 3.85/4.0
Bachelor of Arts - Social Science, Political Science
Ashford University, Clinton, IA
05.2015
Honors: Magna Cum Laude
GPA: 3.85/4.0
Skills
Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, Publisher)
Canva
SuccessFactors
Problem-Solving
Teamwork and Collaboration
Customer Service
Dependable and Responsible
Flexible and Adaptable
Multitasking Abilities
Critical Thinking
Organizational Skills
Certification
Licensed Social Worker, 2024
CPR/AED Certified, 2024
Adult Mental Health First Aid, 2024
Stop the Bleed Certified, 2024
Layperson Naloxone Administration, 2024
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certified, 2023
Certified Facilitator of IPATH’s What Would I Do? Curriculum, 2022
Forensic Interviewing Certification, 2018
Committeesadditionalroles
Indiana’s Protection for Abused & Trafficked Humans Task Force (IPATH)
Human Trafficking Lead for Older Youth Services in Northern Indiana
The National Society of Leadership and Success
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Team Lead
Peer Mentor
Peer Coach
Practice Model Reviewer
I-Kids Implementation Committee
Kinship Team
Older Youth Practice Model Revitalization Team
Older Youth Team Meeting Work Group
Independent Living Binder Develop Committee
Summaryofstrengths
Cultural Competency
Self-motivated
Customer Service
Empathy
Organization
Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Detail Oriented
Strong Communication Skills
Team Player
Collaboration Skills
Active Listening
Preceptive
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Crisis Intervention Skills
Advocate
Observant
Maintaining Professional Relationships
Adaptability
Strong Work Ethic
Reflective Listening
Project Management
Resource Allocation
Creative
Outside the Box Thinker
Volunteer Experience
Foster, Hobart Humane Society, 07/2021
Team Rubicon, 07/2020
Red Cross Response Disaster Action Team (DAT), 07/2020-2021
Head Bowling Coach, Hobart High School, 2018-2020
Assistant Bowling Coach, Hobart High School, 2016-2018