Spencer Smith
Laguna Niguel,CA
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience at CASA, excelling in volunteer management and court advocacy. Proven ability in program development and report writing, fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Skilled in conflict resolution and training, ensuring youth in the dependency system receive essential support and guidance. Committed to driving positive outcomes for at-risk populations.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Advocate Supervisor
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)
10.2023 - Current
- Supervise and support over 40 trained volunteers in their role to help youth in the dependency system, by teaching them how to advocate, mentor, and collaborate with their assigned youth
- Advocate in court for youth in the foster care system to ensure their needs are being met by writing court reports, attending and participating in hearings, and working with associated parties and counsels
Academic Success Advisor
Western Colorado University
08.2021 - 07.2023
- Coordinated a variety of services that promote student academic success including study skills, time management, critical reading, goal setting, test taking strategies and self-advocacy
- Academic advisor for undeclared and sociology majors and facilitated the Turning Point program for students on academic probation
- Worked with faculty and staff advisors to ensure program completion and tracks program data, completing semester and annual assessment
Intern
Gunnison County Probation Department
05.2021 - 09.2021
- Shadowed probation officers' daily meetings and procedures and learned policy and strategies working with troubled individuals
- Created case files using affidavits and criminal history documents
Lodge Staff
Eleven Experience
05.2021 - 09.2021
- Worked as Lodge Staff on two of the properties, and was given a multitude of responsibilities of bartending, barista, serving meals, housekeeping, landscaping, and many other tasks
- Excelled in providing customer service in a fast-paced environment by Implementing daily logistics of the customizable guest itineraries, to provide the best service possible
Field Technician
Frontline STC
05.2018 - 08.2020
- Worked as a Field Technician in various banks and credit unions all throughout Southern California and Arizona
- Installed Security Systems, Safes, Vaults, Bullet Resistive Glass Enclosures, demolished and remodel job sites
Education
Master of Behavioral Science - Rural Community Health
Western Colorado University
Gunnison, CO05.2023
B.A. - Psychology and Sociology with an Emphasis in Criminal Justice and a Minor in Pre-Law
Western Colorado University
Gunnison, CO05.2021
Skills
- Volunteer/Case management
- Court advocacy
- Report writing
- Program development
- Conflict resolution
- Data analysis
- Collaboration techniques
- Training and mentorship
- Mental health services
Affiliations Professional Development Achievements
- SafeTALK Certified Trainer (4-Hour Training on Suicide Prevention)
- First Team NFF Academic All-Colorado Honors, 2019
- RMAC All Academic First Team, 2018/2019/2020
- Member WCU's 2020 Mock Trial Team
- Member Psi Chi
- QPR Suicide Prevention Certification
- NACADA (The Global Community of Academic Advising) member and Region 10 Conference attendee
- CDHE (Colorado Department of Higher Education) Advisors Lead Course and Certification
- Completed FERPA training
- CITI - IRB Trained
- Wrote and received Grant from Colorado School of Public Health and the University of Colorado School of Medicine's Injury and Violence Prevention Center
- Living Work's 'Asist' Trained
- CPR Trained
Community Service Experience
- Current volunteer and advocate at CASA
- Leader of "Rooted Group" at Mariners Church of Irvine
- Gunnison Valley Mentors intern and volunteer for community and after school enrichment programs for kids and teens.
- Weekly volunteer at Gunnison County Food Pantry.
- Athletes in Action Intern leading student groups in spiritual discovery.
- Mission trip to the Dominican Republic with the Manny Mota Foundation.
- Volunteer at the Union Rescue Mission on Skid Row, Los Angeles, CA.
Affiliations
- Received Grant from Colorado School of Public Health and the University of Colorado School of Medicine's Injury and Violence Prevention Center
- NACADA (The Global Community of Academic Advising) member
- CDHE (Colorado Department of Higher Education) Advisors Lead Course and Certification
- Completed FERPA training
- Member WCU’s 2020 Mock Trial Team
- Member of Psi Chi (College Student Honor Society in Psychology)
Accomplishments
- Winner of the "Impact Award" in Graduate Studies at Western Colorado University
- First Team NFF Academic All-Colorado Honors, 2019
- RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) All Academic First Team 2018 and 2021
Certification
- SafeTALK Trainer Certification
- QPR Suicide Prevention Certification
- Living Work’s “Asist” Certification
- CITI – IRB Certified
- First Aid and CPR Certification
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Advocate Supervisor
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)
10.2023 - Current
Academic Success Advisor
Western Colorado University
08.2021 - 07.2023
Intern
Gunnison County Probation Department
05.2021 - 09.2021
Lodge Staff
Eleven Experience
05.2021 - 09.2021
Field Technician
Frontline STC
05.2018 - 08.2020
- SafeTALK Trainer Certification
- QPR Suicide Prevention Certification
- Living Work’s “Asist” Certification
- CITI – IRB Certified
- First Aid and CPR Certification
Master of Behavioral Science - Rural Community Health
Western Colorado University
B.A. - Psychology and Sociology with an Emphasis in Criminal Justice and a Minor in Pre-Law
Western Colorado University
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