Rachel Forte
Family Resource Specialist
Silver Spring,MD
Summary
Dedicated social work professional with experience in managing federal and state benefits. Proven ability to lead teams, ensure service eligibility, and oversee housing support services. Skilled in Medicaid, Medicare, and SSI procedures. Experienced in translating for student IEPs, supporting individuals with mental health, developmental, and behavioral challenges. Adept at implementing effective programs, maintaining regulatory compliance, and providing culturally competent, trauma-informed support. Seeking to contribute to Community Support Services as the Assistant Director of Disability Benefits.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Family Resource Specialist
Latin American Youth Center: Foster Care Program
02.2023 - Current
- Created and led pre-service training for resource parents based on ORR cooperative agreement stipulations.
- Adapted PRIDE Model curriculum for transitional foster care program (TFC) and refugee children.
- Facilitated over 45 hours of pre-service training for prospective resource parents.
- Trained and mentored new staff in licensing, parent training, and outreach.
- Oversaw a team of five employees for resource parent recruitment and coordinated outreach efforts.
- Conducted comprehensive home study evaluations and ensured compliance with agency, state, and federal regulations.
- Developed and implemented training manuals and ongoing training sessions for resource families.
- Stayed current on changes in child welfare laws, licensing regulations, and agency policies.
Housing Case Manager
Latin American Youth Center: Extended Housing
07.2021 - 05.2023
- Counseled unhoused youth aged 18-24 to achieve independent living, family reunification, or permanent supportive housing.
- Provided therapeutic case management, including creating and monitoring safety plans, and offering crisis intervention.
- Assisted in accepting and screening referrals to the housing program.
- Coached clients in life skills such as job readiness, budgeting, and college preparation.
- Maintained all relevant files and documentation, ensuring client privacy and confidentiality.
Contractor: Medical & Community Interpreter
Various Agencies
10.2017 - 07.2021
- Provided interpreting services for limited English proficient patients and healthcare professionals.
- Assisted patients in signing up for retirement benefits like Medicare.
- Offered trauma-informed interpretation for refugee families and facilitated communication in medical and educational settings.
- Acted as a cultural broker between patients and healthcare providers.
Owner
Sazón Forte LLC
04.2013 - 07.2021
- Ran day-to-day operations, maintained inventory, and ensured legal compliance with food safety regulations.
- Developed and maintained a successful e-commerce store.
- Created marketing and branding strategies to increase sales and customer engagement.
Education
Master of Social Work -
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA07.2026
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA07.2017
Non-degree Seeking - Latin American Studies
Universidad De Belgrano
Buenos Aires, Argentina07.2011
Skills
Regulatory Compliance
Multicultural Competence
Relationship Building
Trauma Informed Care Framework
Community Referrals
Microsoft Office
Certification
Structured Analysis Family Evaluation Home Study Practitioner
Timeline
PRIDE Model of Practice (Facilitator)
10-2023
Structured Analysis Family Evaluation Home Study Practitioner
04-2023
Family Resource Specialist
Latin American Youth Center: Foster Care Program
02.2023 - Current
Housing Case Manager
Latin American Youth Center: Extended Housing
07.2021 - 05.2023
Contractor: Medical & Community Interpreter
Various Agencies
10.2017 - 07.2021
Owner
Sazón Forte LLC
04.2013 - 07.2021
Master of Social Work -
George Mason University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Non-degree Seeking - Latin American Studies
Universidad De Belgrano
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