Shantika Shaffer
Delhi,LA
Summary
Committed Child Welfare Specialist with comprehensive background in child protection and family services. Strengths include strong knowledge of child development, crisis intervention techniques, and case management skills. Notable contributions to improving children's welfare through proactive planning and effective advocacy for child rights. Demonstrated success in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve best outcomes for children and families. I am a dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude that has the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Welfare Specialist III
Department of Children and Family Services
Winnsboro, USA
06.2016 - Current
- Investigate allegations of abuse and/or neglect of children in accordance with agency policy and state law.
- Provides services required for the child's immediate safety.
- Serve on 24-hour on-call duty once monthly or as needed to respond to child abuse and/or neglect reports.
- Assessed family situations to determine child welfare needs.
- Developed case plans for families in crisis.
- Coordinated services with community organizations and stakeholders.
- Conducted home visits to monitor child safety and well-being.
- Documented case progress in compliance with agency policies.
- Advocated for children's rights in legal proceedings and meetings.
- Provided training and support to new staff members on procedures.
- Collaborated with law enforcement on sensitive child welfare cases.
- Provided crisis intervention services to families in need of immediate help.
- Conducted home visits with families to assess the safety of children in their homes.
- Monitored court hearings and provided testimony regarding the best interests of the child.
- Identified potential barriers that may impede a family's ability to provide a safe environment for children living in their home.
- Maintained up-to-date records of client progress and outcomes in accordance with agency guidelines.
- Responded promptly and appropriately to emergency situations involving children at risk of harm due to abuse or neglect.
- Facilitated family meetings to discuss safety plans, service plans, and permanency options.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for clients who needed assistance getting to appointments or activities outside the home.
- Collaborated with other agencies such as schools, hospitals, law enforcement, mental health providers. to ensure that a comprehensive approach is taken when addressing family needs.
- Participated in regular team meetings with colleagues to review cases and develop strategies for successful outcomes.
- Created detailed reports summarizing findings from investigations into allegations of abuse or neglect according to agency policies and procedures.
- Educated families about available resources that can assist them in meeting their goals while providing a safe environment for their children.
Support Coordinator/Case Manager
Shoulders Of Strength, Inc.
Monroe, USA
01.2011 - 06.2016
- Developed Comprehensive Plan of Cares for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (ages 3 to 21 but not limited to) in order to improve their social skills and self-esteem, so that life opportunities can be expanded.
- Manage a caseload of 45 participants and established outstanding support coordination (caseload of up to 45) and commitment to consumers, as supported by recurrent advancements throughout occupancy.
- Facilitated helpful services/counseling for consumers and their families to address distinctive apprehensions and ease the change when relocating to a new area or transitioning to new program.
- Build a rapport with community associates aiding staff, consumers and their families.
- Monitored the services to assure that they are being delivered as planned and that the outcomes that were identified are being achieved.
- Monitored to assure the person is safe and in the best possible health.
- Travel as required to consumer homes quarterly or PRN.
- Self-evaluation, transition/closure collection of data in a database provided by DHH, grievance process.
- Maintain adequate documentation to work towards the participants' personal goals.
- Assure his or her wishes are met.
- Develop relationship with participant, arrange any necessary professional/clinical evaluations needed.
- Help consumers utilize community resources.
Direct Care Worker
Delta American Health Care
Delhi, USA
08.2008 - 12.2010
- Assisted/monitored/taught individuals with intellectual/development disabilities with preparation of daytime activities; encouraged and assisted with good hygiene, and behavior management in their homes.
- Assisted Direct Care Supervisor in assessments of individual(s) abilities, interests and need areas toward independent living.
- Assisted in teaching consumers in self-medication skills.
- Taught consumers problem solving skills/resolving conflict.
- Taught consumers emergency skills, such as first aid, and fire safety.
- Conducted monthly fire drills.
- Reported any consumer abuse.
- Assisted/monitored/taught consumers in engaging daily chores.
- Grocery shopping, Menu planning according to diet regulations.
- Transported consumers to medical appointments as needed.
- Completed daily logs of performance.
- Exchanged information to next shift.
- Administered medications according to prescribed schedules and guidelines.
- Documented client progress and changes in health status accurately.
- Trained new staff on caregiving protocols and safety practices effectively.
- Ensured a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for all clients.
- Made beds, swept floors, and sanitized surfaces to support activities of daily living.
Education
Master's - Criminal Justice With Emphasis in Law Enforcement
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 04.2012 - 04/2014
Bachelor's - Criminal Justice
Grambling State University
Grambling, LAHigh school or equivalent - General
Rayville High School
Rayville, LASkills
- Case Management
- Customer Service Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Outlook
- Child Protective Services
- Developmental Disabilities Experience
- Crisis Intervention
- Family engagement
- Documentation compliance
- Community collaboration
- Report writing
- Conflict resolution
- Effective communication
- Written communication
- Home visits
- Active listening
Personal Information
Willing To Relocate: Anywhere
Timeline
Child Welfare Specialist III
Department of Children and Family Services
06.2016 - Current
Master's - Criminal Justice With Emphasis in Law Enforcement
Grand Canyon University
04.2012 - 04/2014
Support Coordinator/Case Manager
Shoulders Of Strength, Inc.
01.2011 - 06.2016
Direct Care Worker
Delta American Health Care
08.2008 - 12.2010
Bachelor's - Criminal Justice
Grambling State University
High school or equivalent - General
Rayville High School