Sara Smith (VanLeeuwen)
Erie
Summary
Dynamic Child Protective Specialist with the Kansas Department of Children and Family Services, skilled in family assessments and multidisciplinary collaboration. Proven ability to advocate for children's best interests while maintaining professional boundaries. Successfully developed treatment plans and fostered trust with families, enhancing overall wellbeing and promoting positive outcomes in crisis situations.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child Protective Specialist
Kansas Department of Children and Family Services
01.2025 - Current
- Attended court proceedings, submitted documents and offered testimony.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
- Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Demonstrated adaptability and efficiency by managing a high caseload while maintaining quality services for children and families.
- Assessed family needs and connected them with appropriate community services, enhancing overall wellbeing.
- Advocated for children''s best interests during team meetings, influencing key decisions about their future placements or services needed.
- Provided support and resources to families in crisis, promoting positive outcomes for children involved.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop effective intervention strategies for at-risk children.
- Developed plans to strengthen family units.
- Visited homes, inspected surroundings and interviewed family members.
Social Work Intern
Kansas Department of Children and Family Services
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Offered community resource guidance to clients to meet family needs for assistance.
- Consulted with other professionals to gain insight and advice and build strong network within organization.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of social work.
- Interviewed clients to assess needs and determine most suitable needs and services.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize client care and improve overall wellbeing.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and develop appropriate interventions.
- Maintained detailed case notes, documenting progress towards goals and critical incidents for accurate reporting.
- Developed strong rapport with clients by establishing trust and maintaining open lines of communication throughout the internship experience.
- Educated clients on their rights and responsibilities within various social service systems, empowering them to make informed decisions.
MHDDT
Parsons State Hospital and Training Center
03.2020 - 08.2024
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
Education
Social Work
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS12-2024
Skills
- Behavioral observation
- Professional boundaries
- Self-awareness
- Safety assessments
- Documentation skills
- Family assessment
- Ethical practice
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Abuse and neglect investigation
- Home visits
- Safety evaluations
- Interviewing techniques
- Safety planning
Certification
- Licensed Bachelor of Social Work
- First Aid/CPR Certified
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certified
- Naloxone Training
- HIPAA Training
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training
- Child Protection Specialist
Timeline
Child Protective Specialist
Kansas Department of Children and Family Services
01.2025 - Current
Social Work Intern
Kansas Department of Children and Family Services
08.2024 - 12.2024
MHDDT
Parsons State Hospital and Training Center
03.2020 - 08.2024
Social Work
Pittsburg State University
Similar Profiles
KRISTY ADRIANKRISTY ADRIAN
EES at Kansas Department of Children and Family ServicesEES at Kansas Department of Children and Family Services
Sherry WittSherry Witt
Foster Care Provider at Kansas Department Of Children And Family ServicesFoster Care Provider at Kansas Department Of Children And Family Services
William RoachWilliam Roach
Security Supervisor at Securitas Security Services USASecurity Supervisor at Securitas Security Services USA
Carrie NearhoofCarrie Nearhoof
Front Desk Associate at Best Western PlusFront Desk Associate at Best Western Plus
Joseph MaloneyJoseph Maloney
Certified-public-accountant at Maloney, Reed, Scarpitti & Company LLPCertified-public-accountant at Maloney, Reed, Scarpitti & Company LLP