Shanda Scott
Bridgeport
Summary
Victim Assistance Coordinator with experience providing crisis intervention, advocacy, and resource coordination in fast-paced environments. Skilled in supporting victims and families through the criminal justice process while maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and attention to detail. Strong communicator committed to ethical service delivery and connecting individuals with critical support services.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
U Visa Coordinator
Bridgeport Police Department
Bridgeport, CT
06.2023 - Current
- Review and evaluate U visa certification requests submitted to the department, ensuring compliance with law enforcement eligibility requirements.
- Gather and verify information related to criminal incidents, arrests, and investigations associated with each application.
- Analyze case documentation to determine eligibility under law enforcement guidelines for qualifying criminal activity.
- Serve as a liaison between victims, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, and federal agencies, including USCIS.
- Manage a high-volume caseload, ensuring timely processing and follow-up on all requests.
- Prepare detailed case summaries and maintain accurate, confidential records in compliance with departmental and federal guidelines.
Victim Assistance Coordinator
Bridgeport Police Department
Bridgeport, CT
01.2022 - Current
- Serve as the initial point of contact for crime victims and their families, providing crisis support, information, and guidance.
- Review police reports to identify victims and initiate timely outreach and service coordination.
- Deliver direct support to victims through phone, email, and in-person communication, ensuring consistent, compassionate service.
- Assist victims in understanding case status and navigating the Connecticut Judicial system, including tracking court dates and proceedings.
- Complete and submit Office of Victim Services (OVS) compensation applications, including personal injury, emotional injury, and homicide survivor benefits.
- Connect victims and families with appropriate local and state resources, services, and advocacy programs.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with government agencies, community organizations, and service providers.
- Serve as a liaison between the Police Department, Mayor’s Office, Office of Victim Services, and other stakeholders to support coordinated victim assistance efforts.
- Ensure victims are informed of their rights and able to access available services throughout the criminal justice process.
Community Coordinator
NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS)
Bronx, NY
09.2019 - 02.2022
- Assessed court-involved youth to determine eligibility for the Juvenile Justice Initiative (JJI) program and related services.
- Conducted structured interviews with youth in detention facilities to evaluate program suitability.
- Prepared comprehensive written reports and recommendations for judges, attorneys, and social service providers regarding program placement.
- Provided sworn testimony in Family Court and submitted formal acceptance documentation to support program decisions.
- Served as a liaison among detention staff, Department of Probation, Family Court, Corporation Counsel, and defense attorneys to coordinate case communication.
- Facilitated multidisciplinary case conferences to support informed decision-making and promote positive outcomes for youth.
Child Protective Specialist
NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS)
Bronx, NY
08.2017 - 09.2019
- Facilitated multidisciplinary case conferences to support informed decision-making and promote positive outcomes for youth.
- Conducted investigations by interviewing family members and collateral contacts to assess child safety and well-being.
- Collaborated with families, service providers, and multidisciplinary teams to evaluate risk and develop safety plans and interventions.
- Maintained regular communication with collateral sources, including schools, medical providers, and social service agencies, to gather relevant case information.
- Documented all case activities in a timely and accurate manner within mandated systems.
- Initiated emergency removals and facilitated placement into protective custody or foster care when children were determined to be at imminent risk.
Case Planner
Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA)
Bronx, NY
03.2013 - 08.2017
- Participated in Family Team Conferences and Initial Treatment Conferences to support case planning and service coordination.
- Attended team briefings and documented case activity in CONNECTIONS (CONNX) in a timely and accurate manner.
- Identified cases requiring Planning & Service and Red Flag meetings and actively participated in those discussions.
- Facilitated and supervised family visitation, ensuring compliance with agency guidelines.
- Developed and implemented structured visitation plans to support family engagement and reunification goals.
- Conducted mandated monthly home and school visits to monitor child safety, progress, and well-being.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to develop individualized case management, treatment, and discharge plans.
- Provided referrals for families and children to appropriate treatment services and support programs.
- Coordinated, attended, and documented school meetings at least twice per academic year to support educational planning.
Education
Master of Public Administration -
Post University
Connecticut05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
John Jay College of Criminal Justice of The City University of New York
New York, NY05-2012
Skills
- Documentation and reporting
- Customer support
- Verbal and written communication
- Gathering information
- Inbound phone calls
- Referrals and Networking
- Multitasking and organization
- Decision-making
Timeline
U Visa Coordinator
Bridgeport Police Department
06.2023 - Current
Victim Assistance Coordinator
Bridgeport Police Department
01.2022 - Current
Community Coordinator
NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS)
09.2019 - 02.2022
Child Protective Specialist
NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS)
08.2017 - 09.2019
Case Planner
Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA)
03.2013 - 08.2017
Master of Public Administration -
Post University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
John Jay College of Criminal Justice of The City University of New York