Quiana James
Newark,NJ
Summary
Offering comprehensive background in social services and child and families, as well as strong interpersonal, organizational and advocacy skills. Diligent social work professional with over 20 years of experience assisting clients with building coping mechanisms to address life challenges. Skilled in mediating family members to resolve conflict. Comfortable handling stress and performing under pressure.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Family Service Specialist 2
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
10.2012 - Current
- Intake Unit
- Permanency Unit
- Responsibilities are supported by utilizing Structured Decision-Making tools and Solution Based Casework to provide evidence based, family centered to help the families organize, arrange, and document the plan of action to aide safe, healthy, and connect families.
- Screening allegations of child abuse and/or neglect: Conduct thorough screenings of reports of child abuse and neglect, determining the level of risk and urgency of intervention required.
- Prioritize cases based on the severity of the allegations and ensure timely response to protect the safety and well-being of children involved.
- Initiate or conduct investigations: Conducting comprehensive investigations in high-risk family situations involving child welfare assessments or abuse and neglect referrals.
- Gathering information through interviews, home visits, and collaboration with relevant parties to assess the safety of the child and determine the need for intervention.
- Traveling out of state, when needed.
- Transporting children and families to essential mental health, educational, and medical appointments.
- Managing court-involved cases: Handling court-involved cases related to children and families, including preparing reports, attending court hearings, and providing testimony as needed.
- Ensuring compliance with court orders and collaborate with legal professionals to advocate for the best interests of the child. Perform court order and DODD removal of children from their natural home to Division approved placement/re-placement.
- Referring families for services: Identifying and referring families to appropriate services and resources to address their specific needs and support the well-being of children and families.
- Collaborating with community agencies, mental health providers, and other professionals to ensure families receive comprehensive support.
- Managing high profile and high-risk cases. Teaming with unit, office, and the community.
- Advocating for children and families
Safe Space Liaison
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
05.2016 - Current
- Serving as the primary contact providing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (one's sexual or gender identity), and intersex people involved with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency supports and resources. Assisting staff and families involved with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency with resources and education.
- Modeling appropriate behavior and language when discussing LGBTQI issues.
- Ensuring the physical environment of the office is LGBTQI welcoming/affirming (including visible displays of books, posters, and other media).
- Created a Safe Space Resource cubical with resources, books, and policies. Identifying and/or providing both formal in-service learning opportunities to educate staff and address LGBTQI issues.
- Managing the utilization/distribution of LGBTQI resources provided. Identifying local resources for LGBTQI individuals.
- Tracking activities related to Safe Space Liaison duties in order to assist with further development of the role, identifying common barriers, and understanding the workload requirements associated with such a role.
- Participating and attend Quarterly Safe Space In-Service Training. Adhering to DCF Policies related to Confidentiality, specifically; Standards of Professional Conduct for DCF Employees and POLICY 1200 Disclosure of Client Information.
Screener
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
06.2023 - 07.2024
- Screener-Backup to the primary screener.
- Monitored referrals of child abuse and/or neglect that are assigned to the local office.
- Researched the catchment areas to determine if the assignment is accurate.
- Assigned referrals to the appropriate local office, as needed.
- Assigned over 50 referrals to the Family Services Specialist intake and/or permanency units.
- Communicated with the screeners in Trenton and local offices screeners.
- Logging in the daily assignments.
Special Response Unit
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
03.2015 - Current
- Conducting after hour responses to reports of child abuse or neglect and child welfare assessments.
- Providing emergency responses on nights, weekends, holidays, and State closures.
- Conducting investigations and assessments. Documenting the information gathered to provide to the local office who will complete the investigation.
- Assessing safety and risk of children in their natural home and out of home. Duties include the placement of children in out of home setting such as relative care, resource home, shelter, and other.
- Collaborations and teaming with law enforcement and medical personnel as it pertains the wellbeing and children and families. Transporting children and families as needed.
- Stabilizing crisis situations.
- Conducting home assessment.
- Utilizing Structured Decision-Making tools and Solution Based Casework protocol to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and families.
Family Team Meeting Facilitator
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
08.2013 - Current
- Facilitating open communication by meeting with parents, caregivers, children, collaterals and interested parties together building trust-based relationships.
- As the team lead tasked with mediating the identification formal and informal supports to assist families and achieve safety, permanency, stability and well-being for children involved with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency.
- Documenting the outcomes and goals agreed to at the meeting.
- Built rapport with diverse groups of families by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural competence during facilitated sessions.
Coordinator
Delta Community Supports
08.2011 - 10.2012
- Supervised and managed the day to day operations of three adult group homes for the developmentally disabled.
- Directly supervised over 6 managers and over 15 support staff.
- Responsibilities included hiring, disciplining, terminating, and scheduling.
- Inspected all of the agencies State licensed group home for quality assurance to ensure satisfactory approval by the Office Of Licensing. The residents were under the case management of the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
- Lead monthly meetings with team members to discuss: Policy/procedure changes, scheduling changes/needs, supporting the individuals in the home, training needs, general home needs.
- Lead the interdisciplinary process in: Assessing the desires, strengths, and needs of the individuals receiving residential supports, developing outcomes, evaluating progress towards independence in outcomes.
- Escort the residents in the community for shopping and, medical and socialization.
- Monitored and maintain medical and financial benefits (Social Security Supplemental Security Income, Medical Assistance).
- Recorded the use of each individual's personal finances as outlined in Delta's policy.
- Monitored the homes on a regular basis to include adequate quantity and quality of food to provide nutritious meals, physical site is in compliance with health, safety and cleanliness standards, proper economical use of utilities (phone, gas, electric and cable).
- Monitored that fire safety standards are met (fire drills properly completed, smoke detectors are operational).
- Monitored and schedule a sufficient number of trained staff at the home in keeping with state and Delta standards.
- Ensured that the health care needs of individuals are met.
- Trained staff who provide direct service in the implementation of outcomes and the operations of Residential Supports.
- Monitored completion of all staff training within required periods.
- Monitored the administration of medications.
- Provided defensive training to Staff.
Family Services Specialist 1- Interim
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
05.2008 - 10.2012
- Permanency Unit
- Severed as a direct line to the supervisor and performed all of the same duties and functions as a Family Service Specialist 2.
- Successfully managed high risk, high profile, media, and difficult cases.
- Provided going casework typically in high-risk family situations involving child welfare assessments or abuse and neglect referrals. Engaging families, home visits, and collaboration with relevant parties to assess the safety of the child.
- Traveled out of state, when needed.
- Transported children and families to essential mental health, educational, and medical appointments.
- Handled court-involved cases related to children and families, including preparing reports, attending court hearings, and providing testimony as needed.
- Ensured compliance with court orders and collaborate with legal professionals to advocate for the best interests of the child.
- Conducted court ordered and DODD removal of children from their natural home to Division approved placement/re-placement. Identifying and referring families for services and resources to address their specific needs and support the well-being of children and families.
- Collaborated with community agencies, mental health providers, and other professionals to ensure families receive comprehensive support.
- Collecting, recording, and analyzing significant data: Documenting relevant information, observations, and assessments. Servicing as a support to children and families until the child has met the age of majority and/or the family has achieved their goal and/or case closure.
- Increased family stability by providing crisis intervention and connecting them to appropriate community supports.
Family Service Specialist 2
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
04.2006 - 05.2008
- Permanency Unit
- Utilized Structured Decision-Making tools to provide evidence based, family centered services to help families organize, arrange, and document the case plan and family agreement.
- Assessed allegations of child abuse and/or neglect determining the level of risk and urgency of intervention required. C
- Conferenced with supervisors and community collaterals such as law enforcement and medical.
- Advocated for the needs of children and their families.
- Conducted comprehensive investigations in high-risk family situations involving child welfare assessments and abuse and neglect referrals.
- Gathered information through interviews, home visits, and collaboration with relevant parties to assess the safety of the child and determine the need for intervention.
- Traveled out of state, when needed. Transported children and families to essential mental health, educational, and medical appointments.
- Managed court-involved cases: Handling various aspects of court-involved cases related to children and families, including preparing reports, attending court hearings, and providing testimony as needed.
- Ensured compliance with court orders and collaborate with legal professionals to advocate for the best interests of the child.
- Performed court order and DODD removal of children from their natural home to Division approved placement/re-placement. Referred families for services: Identifying and referring families to appropriate services and resources to address their specific needs and support the well-being of children and families.
- Collaborated with community agencies, mental health providers, and other professionals to ensure families receive comprehensive supports. Collected, recorded, and analyzed significant data.
- Attended 40 hours mandatory trainings annually.
- Participated in case reviews, collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, and stayed informed of changes in policies and procedures related to child welfare services.
Family Service Specialist Trainee
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
04.2005 - 04.2006
- Attended mandatory trainings for 6 months to prepare for the field work and permit title of Family Service Specialist 2.
- Shadowed workers in the adoption, intake, and permanency units on the day-to-day operations. As a trainee in the Adoption Resource Center.
- Conducted investigations of child abuse and/or neglect and child welfare assessment and finalized adoptions.
- Responsible for maintaining accurate and detailed case records, preparing court reports, testifying in court proceedings, participating in case reviews, and team meetings.
- Stayed current on relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in the field of child welfare.
- Exhibited a high level of empathy, professionalism, and dedication to the well-being of children and families.
Reentry Support Specialist
The Kintock Group
10.2003 - 05.2005
- Managed residents who were to be released from department of corrections to identified counties.
- Conducted needs assessments: Prior to release, conducted thorough assessment of their needs, including housing, employment, healthcare, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and other social services.
- Developed personalized care plans: Based on the assessment, developed personalized care plan for each client that outlines specific goals, objectives, and actions to address their needs.
- Provided information on social services and agency services: Educated clients on available social services and agency services that helped them address their needs.
- Made appropriate referrals on behalf of clients to ensure they have access to necessary resources.
- Utilized case management skills: Used case management skills, such as brokering, advocacy, monitoring, and discharge planning, to link clients and their families to resources and services.
- Scheduled and/or participate in case conferences with clients/caregivers to develop care plans and negotiate agreements.
- Provided discharge planning: Offered discharge planning to potentially released residents. To ensure their needs are met upon release.
- Coordinated with community resources and service providers to ensure a smooth transition.
- Documented all services: Ensure all services provided to clients were documented per state regulations. Kept thorough records of assessments, care plans, referrals, and progress towards goals.
- Attended mandatory training: Stay current with best practices and regulations by attending mandatory training classes in accordance with Kintock training policies.
- Continuously improve skills and knowledge of human services.
- Traveled flexibility: Traveled to meet with clients and attended community resource meetings.
- Exhibited flexibility.
Operations Manager
The Kintock Group
11.2003 - 01.2005
- Maintained safety, security, facility, and residents in compliance with policy and procedures.
- Processed arrival of residents.
- Conducted and reported accurate accounts of residents
- Monitored surveillance and reported movement.
- Dispensed medications, supervised visitations, transported residents for shopping, legal, and personal matters.
- Conducted searches and monitored telephone communications.
- Accurately documented day to day activities.
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Newark Public Schools
11.2002 - 06.2003
- Duties included temporarily replacing certified and regularly employed classroom teacher who was absent, or to person who temporarily fills vacancy.
- Proving instruction for grades K-12, mainstream and special education classes.
- Implementing teacher lesson plans, assigned students class work and homework, maintain classroom control and discipline.
- Completed daily report or evaluation.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing clear expectations and consistent consequences for all students.
Education
Master of Arts - Child Advocacy And Policy
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Bloomfield College
Bloomfield, NJ05.2003
Essex County College
Newark, NJ 09.2010 - 05.2011
Post-Graduate Certificate - Adolescent Advocacy
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ08.2017
Post-Graduate Certificate - Child Advocacy And Policy
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ08.2015
Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Collaborative relationships
- Advocate
- Issue Resolution
- Complex problems analysis
- Solutions Development
- Recordkeeping
- Community Outreach
- Multitasking Abilities
- Professionalism
- Policies and procedures implementation
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Timeline
Screener
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
06.2023 - 07.2024
Safe Space Liaison
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
05.2016 - Current
Special Response Unit
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
03.2015 - Current
Family Team Meeting Facilitator
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
08.2013 - Current
Family Service Specialist 2
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
10.2012 - Current
Coordinator
Delta Community Supports
08.2011 - 10.2012
Essex County College
09.2010 - 05.2011
Family Services Specialist 1- Interim
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
05.2008 - 10.2012
Family Service Specialist 2
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
04.2006 - 05.2008
Family Service Specialist Trainee
State Of New Jersey Division Of Child Protection
04.2005 - 04.2006
Operations Manager
The Kintock Group
11.2003 - 01.2005
Reentry Support Specialist
The Kintock Group
10.2003 - 05.2005
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Newark Public Schools
11.2002 - 06.2003
Master of Arts - Child Advocacy And Policy
Montclair State University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Bloomfield College
Post-Graduate Certificate - Adolescent Advocacy
Montclair State University
Post-Graduate Certificate - Child Advocacy And Policy
Montclair State University
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