Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Ruth Contreras

New York,NY

Summary

Driven by a commitment to enhance family and child well-being, my tenure at Healthy Families America showcased my ability to reduce child maltreatment through evidence-based practices and parent education. Leveraging skills in mental health awareness and multicultural competence, I fostered significant improvements in community resource accessibility and family emotional health.

Work History

Family Specialist

Healthy Families America
The Bronx, NY
  • Maintained accurate case records, ensuring efficient documentation for ongoing monitoring and progress evaluation.
  • Promoted child well-being by connecting families to essential community resources and support services.
  • Built and maintained strong partnerships with community organizations to support the diverse needs of families served, increasing access to vital resources.
  • Empowered parents to develop strong parenting skills through coaching, skill-building sessions, and resource referrals.
  • Encouraged family members to express their emotions and concerns openly during therapy sessions, promoting improved emotional awareness.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for families in crisis situations.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices within casework management, ensuring adherence to best-practice guidelines for family services provision.
  • Reduced instances of child maltreatment with targeted prevention programs and parent education workshops.
  • Facilitated the development of healthy coping mechanisms among family members experiencing mental health challenges or substance use disorders.
  • Developed trusting relationships with families by building rapport, demonstrating empathy, and maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Conducted home visits regularly to assess living conditions, safety concerns, and overall familial well-being within their environment.

Head Start Teacher

Head Start Program
Weatherly, PA
  • Participated in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date on best practices in early childhood education.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Improved classroom management through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and clear expectations.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom.
  • Enhanced parent-teacher communication by maintaining open lines of communication via newsletters, conferences, and progress reports.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
  • Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
  • Promoted social-emotional development in students by incorporating character education lessons into daily curriculum.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Human Services

Boricua College
The Bronx, NY
06.2023

Skills

  • Mental health awareness
  • Professional boundaries
  • Multicultural Competence
  • Self-care strategies

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Family Specialist

Healthy Families America

Head Start Teacher

Head Start Program

Bachelor of Science - Human Services

Boricua College
Ruth Contreras