Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance. Excellent eye for detail for maintaining case notes and records of work efforts and interactions.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Home Studies
NorthCare
01.2016 - 10.2018
Met with prospective foster and adoptive parents to gather life history information to assess for safety and appropriateness as alternate caregivers for the State of Oklahoma.
Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
Delivered services to consumers within a month long timeframe so prospective caregivers could receive reimbursement from the State.
Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems so foster and adoptive parents could provide care for the children in their homes.
Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
Maintained current CPR certification per company guidelines.
Child Welfare Specialist IV
Oklahoma Department Of Human Services
10.2013 - 09.2015
Developed new policy and procedures for the Triage Response Unit, a unique unit to Oklahoma County to relieve the burden of On Call from the day shift Child Welfare Specialists. Acted as Primary Supervisor of this unit from its inception in 2014 until I left OKDHS 9/15/15.
Mentored new Child Welfare Specialists through sharing knowledge and experience gained from years of practice, fostering a supportive team environment.
Intervened in crisis situations and counseled those experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.
Built solid and trusting rapport with children, families, law enforcement, and community partners to foster trust and communication to meet case needs.
Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
Developed and implemented programs to support both consumer and worker mental health and well-being.
Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
Managed complex caseloads effectively while adhering to strict timelines as mandated by federal regulations and state policies.
Maintained accurate records of client interactions, service referrals, case plan progressions in adherence to agency standards for quality assurance purposes.
Child Welfare Specialist I-III
Oklahoma Department Of Human Services
06.2008 - 10.2013
Improved child welfare outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing tailored case plans.
Implemented research-based interventions and strategies to support positive behavior and social-emotional development.
Mentored new Child Welfare Specialists through sharing knowledge and experience gained from years of practice, fostering a supportive team environment.
Continuously updated professional knowledge and skills by attending trainings, conferences, and workshops related to child welfare best practices.
Ensured child safety through regular home visits, careful documentation, and ongoing communication with involved parties.
Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
Arranged medical and psychiatric tests to identify difficulties and indicate potential remedial approaches.
Enhanced public awareness of child welfare issues through community presentations and participation in local events promoting child safety and wellbeing.
Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict State and Federal standards.
Managed complex caseloads effectively while adhering to strict timelines as mandated by Federal regulations and State policies.
Worked with educational teams to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
Maintained accurate records of client interactions, service referrals, case plan progressions in adherence to agency standards for quality assurance purposes.
Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.
Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and rapport to better support their needs throughout the case process.
Assisted in the placement of children into safe, nurturing foster homes by collaborating with Foster Care and Adoption workers who would identify these homes for Permanency Planning
Contributed to improved inter-agency collaboration by participating in joint meetings, trainings, and initiatives focused on enhancing child welfare practice.
Strengthened client engagement by utilizing trauma-informed practices when engaging with children and families experiencing adversity.
Facilitated successful adoption placements by reviewing detailed assessments and matching children with appropriate adoptive families.
Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
Reduced risk factors for child abuse and neglect by providing timely interventions and supportive services to at-risk families.
Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
Coordinated closely with schools, medical providers, therapists, and other relevant professionals to ensure comprehensive support for children in care.
Enhanced family reunification rates through diligent monitoring and support of parent-child visitations.
Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
Provided crisis intervention services as needed for clients experiencing urgent challenges related to child protection concerns or family dynamics issues.
Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
Promoted positive youth development by implementing evidence-based programs targeting behavioral issues, mental health concerns, or educational needs.
Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
Increased access to resources for struggling families by connecting them with relevant community organizations and programs.
Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes.
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.