Sara Menchini
Fort Myers,FL
Summary
Knowledgeable, experienced professional with a background in overseeing child welfare programs and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Successfully managed caseworkers to achieve positive outcomes for children and families while maintaining oversight and compliance with multiple certifications and programs. Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills, fostering a collaborative environment while adapting to changing needs. An individual who prides herself in the betterment of child welfare and family needs.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Case Manager and Ministry Director
St. Matthew's House Women and Children's Shelter
03.2023 - Current
- Led over 200 case management initiatives, enhancing service delivery for women and children in crisis.
- Implemented individualized care plans to address unique needs of clients, fostering holistic support.
- Mentored junior staff in best practices for client interactions and case documentation processes.
Adoption Specialist
Children's Network Of Southwest Florida
02.2022 - 02.2023
- Managed adoption cases from intake through finalization, providing guidance and emotional support to adoptive families while ensuring a compassionate, ethical process.
- Maintained accurate, compliant case documentation, including home studies, background check, and legal records, in accordance with state regulations and agency policies.
- Coordinated communication across multidisciplinary teams, working with attorneys, social workers, courts, and agencies to track progress, meet deadlines, and move cases forward efficiently.
Foster Care Licensing Counselor
Lutheran Services Florida
10.2021 - 02.2022
- Planned and participated in over 70 agency fostered, parent recruitment and retention activities.
- Trained prospective foster/adoptive parents in PRIDE techniques on adoptive weekly basis; maintained compliance deadlines.
- Facilitated workshops on coping strategies, life skills, and conflict resolution techniques.
Foster Care Licensing Specialist
Adoption and Foster Care Specialist, Inc.
09.2015 - 03.2017
- Conducted comprehensive assessments for potential foster care providers to ensure compliance with state regulations.
- Aided informative training sessions for new foster parents, enhancing understanding of care requirements and expectations.
- Collaborated with social workers to develop individualized licensing plans tailored to unique family needs and circumstances.
Adoption and Licensing Specialist
Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties
12.2013 - 03.2015
- Surveyed prospective compatibility with available children waiting for placement; connected families with appropriate resources fostering a supportive adoption community; maximized chances of successful matches.
- Evaluated training of new staff on licensing guidelines and procedures to ensure consistency.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ06-2012
Skills
- Community resources
- Client advocacy
- Care coordination
- Office 365
- WordPress
- Effective time management
- Individual development plans
- HIPPA
- Talent acquisition
- Budgeting and forecasting
Certification
- HIPPA Training - 2013 - Present
- Florida Child Welfare
- Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education (PRIDE) certified trainer
- Medication Administration
Timeline
Senior Case Manager and Ministry Director
St. Matthew's House Women and Children's Shelter
03.2023 - Current
Adoption Specialist
Children's Network Of Southwest Florida
02.2022 - 02.2023
Foster Care Licensing Counselor
Lutheran Services Florida
10.2021 - 02.2022
Foster Care Licensing Specialist
Adoption and Foster Care Specialist, Inc.
09.2015 - 03.2017
Adoption and Licensing Specialist
Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties
12.2013 - 03.2015
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix