Compassionate Social Service Specialist with background in child welfare and family services. Demonstrated success in case management, crisis intervention, and strategic planning. Strong communication skills with ability to build rapport and trust among diverse client populations. Notable positive impact on community through advocacy, education, and support initiatives.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Service Specialist III.
Missouri Department of Social Services
Ironton, Missouri
02.2024 - Current
Assisted clients in accessing community resources such as housing, food pantries, and transportation options.
Attended team meetings and provided feedback on case updates and treatment recommendations.
Advised families regarding guardianship arrangements when appropriate.
Participated in court proceedings related to cases involving children or vulnerable adults.
Assessed safety risks for children living at home or in foster care settings.
Provided supportive counseling services for victims of abuse or neglect.
Coordinated referrals to outside agencies for additional services such as substance abuse programs or vocational training.
Engaged with schools and other educational institutions on behalf of students who are struggling academically or socially due to life circumstances.
Maintained thorough case history records and wrote detailed reports.
Directed protective placement, case management, parent education and family reunification activities.
Elementary School Teacher
Arcadia Valley RII. School District
Ironton, MO
08.1998 - 07.2023
Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
Coached, mentored and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
High School Dance Coach
Arcadia Valley RII. School District
Ironton, MO
10.2022 - 02.2023
Collaborated with other coaches to create and execute dance routines.
Utilized positive communication to encourage team and promote integrity and respect.
Motivated dancers to become stronger, more agile, and more effective through training habits and proper nutrition.
Monitored team practices to establish a high level of performance.
Encouraged team to cultivate strong work ethic by demonstrating diligence, patience, and respect for others.
High School Fall Festival Sponsor
Arcadia Valley RII. School District
Ironton, MO
08.2004 - 10.2016
Planned, developed, and executed class fundraising to purchase materials to build class float.
Purchased necessary materials using funds generated from money class earned. Designed and led construction of class float.
Managed student behavior during float building and assisted students with construction.
High School Cheerleading Coach
Arcadia Valley RII. School District
Ironton, MO
11.2005 - 03.2016
Taught cheerleaders safety and proper stunting and tumbling techniques through proper demonstrations.
Adjusted coaching techniques based on strengths and weaknesses of athletes.
Paid specific attention to each individual team member to deliver constructive criticism balanced with praise.
Observed cheerleaders during events and practices to determine needs for individual or team improvement.
Prepared cheerleaders for games and competitions with rigorous practice schedule.
Checked squad member uniform, attitude and form before all events.
Organized fundraising for cheer activities and apparel, raising money to purchase equipment.
Evaluated individual knowledge, skills, and strengths, and assigned team positions to maximize talent areas.
Education
Master of Arts - Literacy
Missouri Baptist University
St Louis, MO
05.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education - Child Psychology
Central Methodist University
Fayette, MO
05.1997
Skills
Test Preparation
Student Needs Assessments
Benchmark Setting
Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel
Teacher Training
Student Records Management
District Standards
Positive Interactions
Educational Enrichment
Manage Programs
Google Slides, Sheets, Docs
Team Leader
Professional telephone demeanor
Record preparation
Follow-up skills
Prioritization
High-energy attitude
Timeline
Social Service Specialist III.
Missouri Department of Social Services
02.2024 - Current
High School Dance Coach
Arcadia Valley RII. School District
10.2022 - 02.2023
High School Cheerleading Coach
Arcadia Valley RII. School District
11.2005 - 03.2016
High School Fall Festival Sponsor
Arcadia Valley RII. School District
08.2004 - 10.2016
Elementary School Teacher
Arcadia Valley RII. School District
08.1998 - 07.2023
Master of Arts - Literacy
Missouri Baptist University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education - Child Psychology
Central Methodist University
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