Portia Bryant
Atwater,CA
Summary
Dynamic and passionate Supervising Social Worker II at Merced County Human Services Agency, excelling in communication, empathy and leadership. Adept in policy development, assessing the needs of underserved individuals, community resource procurement and crisis intervention. Proven track record in client advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration, successfully reducing institutional care risks for high-risk clients. Skilled in regulatory compliance and conflict resolution, fostering community relationships to enhance service delivery and support client needs.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervising Social Worker II
Merced County Human Services Agency
Merced, CA
07.2022 - Current
- Assisted in the development of policies and procedures related to program operations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams comprised of mental health professionals, law enforcement, educational providers and other local professionals
- Researched and analyzed community needs to determine program directions and goals.
- Established and maintained relationships to meet community needs and avoid service duplication.
- Mentored junior colleagues on proper ethical conduct according to professional standards set forth by the National Association of Social Workers.
- Referred patients to community resources for mental health treatment, child protective services and assistance for people with developmental disabilities.
- Provided hands-on and proactive leadership to community services staff.
- Collaborated with other agencies to coordinate services for clients in crisis situations.
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired interns and staff.
- Implemented and evaluated staff and intern training programs.
- Analyzed proposed legislation, regulations or rule changes to determine impact of services.
- Participated in regular supervision meetings with senior staff members to discuss casework strategies.
- Maintained lists of resources helpful to clients.
- Reduced unnecessary risk of institutional care by assessing the needs of and referring services for high-risk clients living in communities.
- Spoke to community groups to explain and interpret purposes, programs, and policies.
- Handled administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
- Educated clients about available resources that could help them achieve safety and self-sufficiency.
- Trained staff members on department policies and procedures related to social work practice.
- Prepared and maintained budgets, personnel records or training manuals.
- Investigated reports of neglect or abuse against children or vulnerable adults, as required by state law.
- Served as a liaison between multiple departments within the organization, facilitating communication between teams.
- Provided crisis intervention services to clients experiencing acute mental health issues.
- Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics and safety issues in the home environment.
- Implemented quality assurance measures to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our mandates and services.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
Social Worker II-IVB
Merced County Human Services Agency
Merced, CA
01.2016 - 06.2022
- Used active listening skills and supportive diction to cultivate client rapport and open communication.
- Coordinated care with interdisciplinary teams and community contacts to promote continuity of care.
- Coordinated referrals to outside agencies for additional services such as parenting classes, substance abuse programs or vocational training.
- Counseled and prepared transitional age youth for transition to independent living.
- Worked collaboratively with other professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, teachers and nurses to coordinate care for clients.
- Administered conflict resolution strategies to help families resolve disputes.
- Engaged with schools and other educational institutions on behalf of students who are struggling academically or socially due to life circumstances.
- Assessed clients for progress in relation to neglect and abusive situations to compile documentation for court hearings and reports.
- Performed psychosocial assessments and documented casework.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals in need.
- Participated in professional development activities such as seminars, workshops, trainings.
- Composed and prepared correspondence, case notes and narratives with computer-based applications.
- Participated in court proceedings related to cases involving children within the juvenile dependency system.
- Advised families regarding paternity, custody, juvenile dependency and guardianship options when appropriate.
- Attended team meetings and provided feedback on case updates and treatment recommendations.
- Visited clients at residences and conducted home study assessments per jurisdictional mandates and prepared reports to assist courts with dependency decisions.
- Facilitated frequent family conferences to discuss case plans in detail and discuss goals.
- Assisted clients in accessing community resources such as housing, food pantries, and transportation options.
- Maintained lists of resources helpful to clients.
- Assisted and advocated for clients obtaining financial resources and government entitlements.
- Assessed client needs and developed treatment plans accordingly.
- Evaluated and addressed individual client needs and concerns.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress and interactions according to agency standards.
- Directed protective placement, case management, parent education and family reunification activities.
- Assessed safety risks for children living at home or in foster care settings.
- Collaborated with family members to provide comprehensive support services to clients.
- Implemented social service interventions to achieve treatment goals and address client needs.
- Educated clients about the impact of trauma on mental health and well-being.
- Used knowledge of successful crisis intervention techniques and supportive problem-solving to achieve treatment goals.
- Maintained and developed community relationships to support various client referrals.
- Collaborated with state agencies and benefits coordinators to develop individualized plans for each case.
- Maintained thorough case history records and wrote detailed reports.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex cases.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
- Approached families and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
Employment and Training Worker
Merced County Human Services Agency
Merced, CA
06.2010 - 01.2015
- Developed positive customer relationships through friendly greeting and excellent service.
- Addressed customer needs, responding to specific requests.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve project milestones within set deadlines.
- Provided customer service by responding to inquiries, resolving complaints, and addressing issues in a timely manner.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Built and maintained working relationships with peers and upper management.
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Group Home Supervisor
Rainbow Valley Foster Family Agency
Merced, CA
08.2003 - 05.2010
- Scheduled residents' appointment and provided transportation to physician and therapy visits.
- Conversed with residents to promote social interaction and reinforce positive behaviors.
- Directed activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers.
- Initiated positive relationships with residents, staff and other individuals by being respectful, actively listening, and asking appropriate questions.
- Organized proper transportation for clients to and from appointments, educational and extracurricular activities.
- Supervised daily activities of residents to ensure safety and well-being.
- Organized recreational activities for residents according to their individual needs and interests.
- Approved activities complied with facility's policies, adhered to budget and offered educational value.
- Ensured that all required documents are completed accurately including intake forms, consent forms, assessments.
- Provided hands-on and proactive leadership to community services staff.
- Conducted training sessions for new employees on group home policies, protocols, and procedures.
- Maintained accurate records of resident progress reports, incident reports, medication administration logs.
- Inspected living areas regularly for cleanliness and maintenance issues.
- Monitored and provided residents with assistance for bathing, dressing and other basic hygiene needs.
- Created work schedule in advance, promoting adequate coverage for shifts.
- Encouraged residents to independently interact with others, make decisions and participate in community activities.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations using appropriate problem solving techniques.
- Provided guidance and support to staff in handling challenging situations with residents.
- Initiated resident transfers to other programs to better meet needs.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary by following established protocol.
- Coordinated with other departments such as social services, medical teams, and community organizations to provide optimal care for residents.
- Held regular meetings with staff members to review policies and procedures and discuss challenges or successes.
- Resolved concerns regarding staff, residents, and care to maintain standards throughout group home.
- Developed and implemented policies, procedures and objectives for group home.
- Instituted systems to oversee proper storage and disposal of medications and residents' nutritional needs and special diets.
- Evaluated job performance of direct care workers providing feedback on strengths and weaknesses when necessary.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
Education
Master of Social Work
California State University Stanislaus
Turlock Ca05-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Social Science
Chapman University
Salida, CA08-2007
Associate of Arts - General Education Speech Communication
Modesto Junior College
Modesto, Ca05-1999
Some College (No Degree) - Human Services
Merced College
Merced, CASkills
- Policy development
- Crisis intervention
- Case management
- Client advocacy
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Regulatory compliance
- Conflict Resolution
- Interpersonal Communication
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Supervising Social Worker II
Merced County Human Services Agency
07.2022 - Current
Social Worker II-IVB
Merced County Human Services Agency
01.2016 - 06.2022
Employment and Training Worker
Merced County Human Services Agency
06.2010 - 01.2015
Group Home Supervisor
Rainbow Valley Foster Family Agency
08.2003 - 05.2010
Master of Social Work
California State University Stanislaus
Bachelor of Arts - Social Science
Chapman University
Associate of Arts - General Education Speech Communication
Modesto Junior College
Some College (No Degree) - Human Services
Merced College
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