Qwanquena "Qwannie" Spears
St. Louis,MO
Summary
UMSL BSW Graduate with 4 years of Sales, 6 years of Bartending Experience, 2 years of residential care experience, and almost 8 years of Case Management/Foster Care Experience.
Foster care professional equipped with background in developing and overseeing comprehensive care plans for children and families. Known for fostering strong team collaboration and achieving positive outcomes. Recognized for adaptability and reliable support in dynamic environments, with key skills in case management and crisis resolution.
Experienced with assessing and addressing needs of foster children. Utilizes comprehensive care planning and coordination to support positive outcomes. Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements ensures compliance and effective case management.
Experienced child welfare professional equipped to support and advocate for children in foster care. Strong ability in assessing needs, developing care plans, and coordinating resources. Known for teamwork and adaptability, ensuring effective collaboration and positive outcomes. Skilled in crisis intervention, case management, and maintaining compliance with legal standards.
Seasoned foster care team member with expertise in case management, reporting and court proceedings. Detail-oriented and hardworking with an organized nature and excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Foster Care Case Manager
Youth in Need/ Children’s Permanency Partnership
St. Louis City, MO, USA
07.2018 - Current
- Currently the Lead Mentor for the Youth in Need & Epworth Foster Care Teams. I have mentored 17 foster care case managers in the past 4 years.
Residential Technician
Marygrove
Florissant, MO, USA
12.2017 - 12.2018
- Implements policies, procedures and services of program.
- Supervises and monitors each resident including incident reports and logs and ensures residents complete morning routine.
- Assists residents with implementing goals and completing program requirements.
Sales Manager
Acceptance Now
Ferguson, MO, USA
10.2016 - 12.2017
Bartender
Brunswick Zone Chesterfield
Chesterfield, MO, USA
08.2015 - 10.2016
Sales Associate
Sears Outlet Hazelwood
Hazelwood, MO, USA
02.2015 - 10.2016
Lane Server/Font Desk Attendant/Bartender
AMF Dick Weber Lanes
Florissant, MO, USA
01.2009 - 12.2014
Intern/Practicum
Hazelwood West High School
09.2014 - 11.2014
- I have completed my second semester BSW practicum at this school.
- I participated in constructive counseling with high school students.
- I encouraged students to do better with their attendance.
- I worked with the school's social worker on a daily basis.
- I practiced immediate problem solving.
- I provided resources for those students that were in need of assistance outside of school.
Intern/Practicum
Bringing Families Together
06.2014 - 08.2014
- I have completed my BSW practicum at this agency.
- I attend Home Visits with Intensive In-Home Specialists.
- I was taught how to properly file a case.
- I attended court hearings with several case workers and their clients.
- I have experience in helping the clients who are at high risk of their children being removed from the home.
- I attended meetings in order to exchange resources with my fellow coworkers.
Education
Bachelor’s - Social Work
University of Missouri-St Louis
St. Louis, MO12-2014
High School Diploma - undefined
Hazelwood West High School
05-2008
Skills
- Trauma experience
- Individualized service planning
- Professional boundaries
- Collaborative Problem-solving
- De-escalation
- Case planning
- Visitation experience
- Report writing
- Court proceedings
- Case service plans
- Family reunification
- Foster parent support
- Court testimony
- Child advocacy
- Reunification procedures
- Case assessment
- Foster care processes
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Written and verbal communication
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Team building
- Client needs assessments
- Conflict resolution
- Goal setting
- Crisis intervention
- Adaptability
- Written communication
- Case management
- Event planning
Accomplishments
- Two-time Employee of the Year Nominee with Youth in Need
- Two-time Employee of the Year Nominee with CPP
- 2023 Stepping Up for Kids Award through the St. Louis Child Abuse and Neglect Network
- 2021 CPP Inspirational Teammate of the Year
- 2024 CCP Guiding Principles: Community Award
- 2025 Rise of the Champions Foster Care Award Gala: Hall of Champions Nominee Award
Certification
- T.I.P.S Training Certificate
- Medication Administration
- CPR/First Aid
Timeline
Foster Care Case Manager
Youth in Need/ Children’s Permanency Partnership
07.2018 - Current
Residential Technician
Marygrove
12.2017 - 12.2018
Sales Manager
Acceptance Now
10.2016 - 12.2017
Bartender
Brunswick Zone Chesterfield
08.2015 - 10.2016
Sales Associate
Sears Outlet Hazelwood
02.2015 - 10.2016
Intern/Practicum
Hazelwood West High School
09.2014 - 11.2014
Intern/Practicum
Bringing Families Together
06.2014 - 08.2014
Lane Server/Font Desk Attendant/Bartender
AMF Dick Weber Lanes
01.2009 - 12.2014
High School Diploma - undefined
Hazelwood West High School
Bachelor’s - Social Work
University of Missouri-St Louis