Cornelia Banks
San Jose,CA
Summary
Highly motivated, compassionate, dynamic professional with extensive experience in providing social service assistance to clients of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Conceptual thinker with the ability to define and implement overall vision and develop creative cost effective strategies and excels under
Community-focused professional well-versed in providing essential support and resources to diverse populations. Proven ability to develop and implement community programs that address specific needs, with keen focus on collaboration and achieving measurable results. Known for reliability and adaptability in dynamic environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Support Specialist
Community Solutions
San Jose, CA
03.2024 - Current
- Developed personalized support plans based on client assessments and feedback.
- Conducted assessments to determine clients' needs, strengths, and potential barriers to success.
- Coordinated workshops and training sessions to empower clients with essential life skills.
- Managed caseloads efficiently, ensuring timely follow-up and thorough documentation of all interactions.
- Assisted clients with obtaining housing, employment and support resources.
- Helped clients navigate social services system and access needed resources.
Residential Counselor
Bay Area Community Services
03.2018 - 03.2024
- Facilitates groups on Symptom management, mindfulness, meditation and life-skills
- Conducted comprehensive intake assessments to gather necessary client information.
- Resolved conflicts through timely crisis intervention and enforcement of discipline and behavior metrics, fostering a safer environment.
- Guided residents in coping with emotions and fears during one-on-one sessions, enhancing their emotional resilience.
- Addressed behavioral and emotional needs of residents through targeted activities and interventions, promoting socialization and improving interpersonal skills.
- Resolved conflicts by performing in-time crisis intervention
- Complete intake assessments
- Monitored and documented client progress toward meeting goals and objectives
Kinship Social Worker
Family Support Services Of The Bay Area
01.2015 - 09.2018
- Managed caseload of 20+ families, ensuring comprehensive case file documentation and follow-up
- Interviewed clients, families or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Led support groups with a co-facilitator to provide a safe space for participants.
- Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
- Assisted with obtaining legal guardianship of minors in their care.
- Interviewed clients and families to assess situations and implement tailored services addressing identified needs
- Researched community resources and updated resource binder
TAY Services Case Manager
First Place For Youth
09.2016 - 02.2018
- Managed caseload of clients, ensuring accurate maintenance of case files for effective tracking and support
- Provided intensive case management, developing and implementing targeted intervention strategies for youth facing mental health challenges
- Manage a caseload of clients and maintain case files
- Facilitated partnerships with external agencies to address educational and transitional needs.
Human Services Technician
City and County of San Francisco
12.2006 - 10.2014
- Assisted social workers and adult protective services workers in providing services to clients
- Accompanied and assisted protective services workers with field activities
- Consulted with staff daily to discuss case updates with professional staff regarding casework
- Maintained case records related to clients' information and financial assistance received
- Supported clients in completing medical and legal paperwork to ensure timely access to necessary services
- Maintained accurate case records to track client information and financial assistance, facilitating informed decision-making
- Executed duties and responsibilities in the adult protective services program
- Conducted routine home visits
- Observed and recorded interactions during parent/child visits for assessment parent/child interaction
- Conducted absent parent searches according to policy and procedures
- Assisted in the placement of children according the foster care guidelines
- Supervised routine parental visits with children in the foster care system
Overnight Counselor
Walden House
09.2006 - 12.2006
- Conducted hourly bed checks to ensure client safety and well-being
- Monitored clients for suicidal behavior in a secure setting when required
- Facilitated informal counseling sessions with clients
- Conducted hourly rounds consisting of bed checks
- Scheduled and facilitated house meetings for problem solving
- Conducted fire and emergency drills
Social Worker
Child Protective Center, CPC
12.2004 - 12.2006
- Coordinated wrap-around support services to address individual client needs
- Prepared correspondence, reports and narratives
- Maintained various case records and provided various services to clients
- Transported children and runaway teens from CPC to a group home and/or foster home
- Escorted children to hospital or trauma unit for medical evaluation after removal from caretaker, prioritizing their health and safety
- Monitored medication for children and teens being held at CPC
- Position required shift work covering an overnight 24-hour period, including weekend and holidays on-call basis
- Completed administrative tasks
Education
Bachelor's - Social Work
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA05-2004
AA - Liberal Studies
Chabot Community College
Hayward, CA08-2000
Skills
- Microsoft Office, Excel;
- Verbal communication
- De-escalation techniques
- Time management
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Crisis Intervention Strategies
- Client Support Services
- Crisis intervention
Timeline
Community Support Specialist
Community Solutions
03.2024 - Current
Residential Counselor
Bay Area Community Services
03.2018 - 03.2024
TAY Services Case Manager
First Place For Youth
09.2016 - 02.2018
Kinship Social Worker
Family Support Services Of The Bay Area
01.2015 - 09.2018
Human Services Technician
City and County of San Francisco
12.2006 - 10.2014
Overnight Counselor
Walden House
09.2006 - 12.2006
Social Worker
Child Protective Center, CPC
12.2004 - 12.2006
Bachelor's - Social Work
San Francisco State University
AA - Liberal Studies
Chabot Community College