SEKENNIA WELCH
Gainesville,FL
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive hands-on experience in family and community engagement services, skilled in navigating complex challenges. Strong problem-solver employing a proactive approach to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Recognized for adaptability, creativity, and a results-oriented mindset that drives success. Committed to delivering meaningful contributions that align with and advance organizational goals while fostering positive relationships and impactful outcomes.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Family & Community Services Manager
ECS4KIDS: Episcopal Children's Services
10.2020 - Current
- Implement policies and procedures that enhance effectiveness and efficiency of Family and Community Partnerships, Home-Based and ERSEA.
- Provide direct oversight and leadership to Family Advocates and Home Visitors.
- Work with Director of Family & Community Services to maintain relationships with DCF Agencies and Homeless Coalitions to maintain and increase enrollment for children in foster care, children and families on public assistance, and homeless families.
- Provide onboarding, ongoing training, training needs assessments, and leadership and support to Head Start Family Advocates and Home Visitors.
- Assist in agency efforts to increase parent engagement in Head Start Programs.
- Provide staff development training to Family Advocates and Home Visitors using PFCE Framework, Family Development Credential training materials, (PHB) Partners for a Healthy Baby curriculum, and (HOVRS) Home Visit Rating Scale.
- Review files for appropriate paperwork which at minimum includes documentation for: enrollment, family partnerships, referrals, follow up, and record keeping.
- Develop and revise parent handbooks, resource directories, and other pertinent information for distribution.
- Monitor implementation of parent meetings, workshops, and other parent involvement activities, including male involvement activities and home based socializations.
- Communicate regularly with other managers and support staff in order to better children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information.
PROGRAM SERVICES COORDINATOR
Head Start-Alachua County School Board
06.2017 - 07.2020
- Responsible for oversight and monitoring of all Family/Parent and Community Engagement services, including parent involvement activities and assurance that parent site activities occurred throughout the agency.
- Maintained record keeping and reporting systems, including service area plan, schedules, timelines, policies and procedures.
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
- Responsible for staffing, supervision, performance evaluation, scheduling, job descriptions, staff development, ongoing training and conducting staff meetings.
FAMILY LIAISON SPECIALIST
Head Start-Alachua County Public Schools
06.2016 - 05.2017
- Recruited, selected and enrolled children and families and maintained enrollment levels as prescribed by Head Start Policies and Performance Standards.
- Maintained adequate social services referral system for coordinating resolution of family needs and goals and to promote family strengthening.
- Maintained accurate records of family interactions, ensuring timely follow-up on outstanding issues or concerns.
- Organized volunteer opportunities for parents at school events, fostering strong sense of community involvement.
- Strengthened parent-school connections through organizing regular meetings, workshops, and events.
- Visited homes of families and maintained appropriate contact as directed by agency procedures.
YOUTH SERVICES COUNSELOR
Broward County Sheriff's Office
01.2012 - 11.2014
- Coordinated processes and documentation of pre and post-referral diversion interventions through Restorative Justice model
- Communicated with victims to assess needs and harm.
- Assisted in development of community involvement to address juvenile crime by working directly with youth to develop pro-social contacts and protective activities, and arranging accountability interventions.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER
Department of Juvenile Justice
10.2003 - 01.2012
- Managed caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks, utilizing time management skills, and maintaining organized case files.
- Enhanced community safety by closely monitoring and supervising juveniles on probation, ensuring compliance with court-ordered conditions.
- Established positive rapport with juveniles under supervision, fostering trust and open communication while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Collaborated with police detectives, child welfare organizations and district attorneys to resolve cases and protect juvenile individuals.
- Testified in court proceedings as needed, providing clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations and knowledge of best practices in juvenile justice.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive approach in addressing needs of youth under supervision.
- Conducted thorough assessments of juvenile offenders to determine risk levels, needs, and appropriate supervision strategies.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work-MSW
Florida State University (PENDING ACCEPTANCE)
Tallahassee, FL04.2028
FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CREDENTIAL -
University of Connecticut - Center For The Study of Culture, Health & Human Development
Ocala05.2019
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Bethune-Cookman College
Daytona Beach, FL04.2002
Skills
- Professionalism
- Time Management
- Multicultural Sensitivity
- Leadership
- Presentation Skills
- Reliability
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Excellent Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Training & Technical Assistance
- Organizational Skills
- Partnership Building
Timeline
Family & Community Services Manager
ECS4KIDS: Episcopal Children's Services
10.2020 - Current
PROGRAM SERVICES COORDINATOR
Head Start-Alachua County School Board
06.2017 - 07.2020
FAMILY LIAISON SPECIALIST
Head Start-Alachua County Public Schools
06.2016 - 05.2017
YOUTH SERVICES COUNSELOR
Broward County Sheriff's Office
01.2012 - 11.2014
JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER
Department of Juvenile Justice
10.2003 - 01.2012
Master of Science - Social Work-MSW
Florida State University (PENDING ACCEPTANCE)
FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CREDENTIAL -
University of Connecticut - Center For The Study of Culture, Health & Human Development
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Bethune-Cookman College
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