Raina Bjorgum

Conduct outreach to identify and enroll qualified community members with the application process for Step Up's housing stabilization program. Complete, update, and maintain the quality and accuracy of highly sensitive and confidential information in various databases. Communicate with and disburse payments to landlords and property management companies to ensure clients maintain their current housing situations. Develop and maintain rapport in order to work closely with a diverse and marginalized population. Develop and maintain complete and accurate current files with all required document and data in agency records and databases. Develop system to reach desired community members and prioritize those most in need. Connect clients with outside agencies and resources to further meet additional needs.

Contacted members of the public to index communicable disease cases, traced information retrieved through telephone contact, reviewed and verified information gathered and input into database. Maintained and regularly updated highly sensitive and confidential information and provided follow up instruction to community members, referencing daily evolving guidelines. Studied, understood, and explained policies and procedures, operational and technical, while training new hires.

Provided counseling and case management services on an ongoing basis to chronically unhoused clients. Monitored and documented treatment plans, provided linkage, and referred clients to other departmental and/or community services and resources. Assessed client histories and abilities and connected to private and public employers. Assisted in the placement and maintenance of permanent supportive housing and provided retention services post placement. Maintained personal and highly confidential client files, documenting client interactions, assessments and daily progress notes. Advocated for clients' needs, connecting them with supportive resources.

Investigated claims of child abuse and neglect by conducting interviews, inspections, and monitoring suspects. Documented all findings and generated case reports, prepared cases for court, collaborated with social workers, psychologists, attorneys, etc. Prepared court petitions, testified in court and presented evidence and investigation documents for dependency court. Maintained high level of client confidentiality, followed strict guidelines and offered recommendations.

Evaluated program effectiveness regularly using data-driven approaches identifying areas requiring adjustments or improvements. Developed strong relationships with youths, fostering trust and open communication. Actively participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, ensuring current knowledge of best practices within youth development fields remained up to date. Supported positive behavior changes in youths through consistent mentoring and guidance. Implemented treatment plans and deescalated youth with violence interrupting techniques as needed.