Stacy Bucher
Quincy,IL
Summary
Compassionate and qualified child services professional with 4 years experience with preparing and counseling adoptive families regarding placement or conversion to adoption or subsidized guardianship, and completing adoption and guardianship subsidies.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Protection Specialist
Department Of Children And Family Services
03.2022 - Current
- Receive and investigate reports of alleged child abuse and neglect within mandated time limit
- Improve child safety by conducting thorough assessments and implementing effective intervention plans.
- Reduce risk of harm to children by identifying potential hazards and taking appropriate preventive measures.
- Complete investigation reports and entry of SACWIS documentation in a timely manner
- Visited homes, inspected surroundings and interviewed family members.
- Complete investigation reports and entry of SACWIS documentation in a timely manner
- Advocated for clients'' best interests during case conferences, court hearings, and other decision-making forums related to child welfare.
- Refer clients to community services
- Work with law enforcement
- Present case material for transfer to community services or permanency case worker
- Prepare court documents
- Complete 24 hour on-call on a rotating bases
Child Welfare Specialist
Department Of Children And Family Services
03.2021 - Current
- Improved child welfare outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing tailored case plans.
- Enhanced family reunification rates through diligent monitoring and support of parent-child visitations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.
- Reduced risk factors for child abuse and neglect by providing timely interventions and supportive services to at-risk families.
- Ensured child safety through regular home visits, careful documentation, and ongoing communication with involved parties.
- Increased access to resources for struggling families by connecting them with relevant community organizations and programs.
- Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and rapport to better support their needs throughout the case process.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions, service referrals, case plan progressions in adherence to agency standards for quality assurance purposes.
- Developed and evaluated services plans
- Coordinated closely with schools, medical providers, therapists, and other relevant professionals to ensure comprehensive support for children in care.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Complete documentation in SACWIS
Child Welfare Specialist-Adoption Subsidy Casework
Chaddock
01.2018 - 03.2021
- Prepared and counseled adoptive families regarding placement or conversion to adoption or subsidized guardianship
- Maintained case files to ensure the presence of requisite legal documents, including court orders, investigations and background checks, assessments, and diagnostic/medical reports
- Completed adoption and guardianship documentation
- Completed Home Study
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.
- Facilitated successful adoption placements by completing detailed assessments and matching children with appropriate adoptive families.
- Ensured child safety through regular home visits, careful documentation, and ongoing communication with involved parties.
- Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed for clients experiencing urgent challenges related to child protection concerns or family dynamics issues.
Child and Adolescent Case Manager
Transitions Of Western Illinois
08.2016 - 12.2018
- Enhanced adolescent well-being by providing comprehensive case management services and individualized support.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for the development of effective treatment plans addressing adolescents'' unique needs.
- Improved communication between families, schools, and community agencies by acting as a liaison to ensure cohesive care.
- Increased access to resources by identifying appropriate services for adolescents and their families, promoting self-sufficiency and autonomy.
- Conducted thorough assessments to evaluate adolescents'' strengths and challenges in order to create personalized intervention strategies.
- Monitored progress toward goals by regularly reviewing case plans and making necessary adjustments.
- Advocated for clients in various settings, ensuring their voices were heard and their rights protected.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed, de-escalating situations effectively and connecting adolescents with appropriate support systems.
- Maintained detailed documentation of client interactions, meetings, referrals, and case plan updates in accordance with legal requirements and professional standards.
- Developed rapport with clients through empathetic listening, fostering trust and openness during counseling sessions.
- Strengthened family relationships through facilitating mediation sessions aimed at improving communication among family members.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques during individual counseling sessions leading to increased goal attainment rates among clients.
- Maintained accurate, timely and complete case notes, and treatment plans.
Behavioral Health Counselor
North Central Behavioral Health Services
11.2015 - 08.2016
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based treatment plans and closely monitoring progress.
- Enhanced treatment efficacy by collaborating with multidisciplinary behavioral health teams to assess and address individual needs.
- Reduced relapse rates with consistent follow-up care, support, and encouragement for patients in recovery.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to accurately diagnose mental health conditions, informing appropriate treatment recommendations.
- Developed effective crisis intervention plans, quickly deescalating high-stress situations to ensure patient safety.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, facilitating seamless communication among healthcare providers involved in their care.
- Implemented preventative measures through early identification of potential risk factors or barriers to successful treatment outcomes.
- Maintained professional boundaries while fostering a therapeutic alliance, ensuring optimal conditions for individuals seeking behavioral health support.
- Utilized Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Evidenced-Based Practices
Child Welfare Specialist
Camelot Care Center
06.2015 - 10.2015
- Improved child welfare outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing tailored case plans.
- Enhanced family reunification rates through diligent monitoring and support of parent-child visitations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.
- Reduced risk factors for child abuse and neglect by providing timely interventions and supportive services to at-risk families.
- Ensured child safety through regular home visits, careful documentation, and ongoing communication with involved parties.
- Increased access to resources for struggling families by connecting them with relevant community organizations and programs.
- Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively while adhering to strict timelines as mandated by federal regulations or state policies.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed for clients experiencing urgent challenges related to child protection concerns or family dynamics issues.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions, service referrals, case plan progressions in adherence to agency standards for quality assurance purposes.
- Coordinated closely with schools, medical providers, therapists, and other relevant professionals to ensure comprehensive support for children in care.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
Child Welfare Specialist
Illinois Mentor
07.2014 - 06.2015
- Prepared and counseled adoptive families regarding placement or conversion to adoption or subsidized guardianship
- Maintained case files to ensure the presence of requisite legal documents, including court orders, investigations and background checks, assessments, and diagnostic/medical reports
- Completed adoption and guardianship documentation
- Completed Home Study
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.
- Facilitated successful adoption placements by completing detailed assessments and matching children with appropriate adoptive families.
- Ensured child safety through regular home visits, careful documentation, and ongoing communication with involved parties.
- Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed for clients experiencing urgent challenges related to child protection concerns or family dynamics issues.
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist
North Central Behavioral Health Services
09.2008 - 05.2014
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
Behavioral Health Counselor
Schuyler Counseling
04.2008 - 08.2008
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based treatment plans and closely monitoring progress.
- Reduced relapse rates with consistent follow-up care, support, and encouragement for patients in recovery.
- Assisted clients in developing coping strategies, promoting long-term mental health stability and resilience.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to accurately diagnose mental health conditions, informing appropriate treatment recommendations.
- Developed effective crisis intervention plans, quickly deescalating high-stress situations to ensure patient safety.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, facilitating seamless communication among healthcare providers involved in their care.
- Advocated for client access to necessary resources within the community or healthcare system as needed to promote overall wellbeing.
Speech Therapist Assistant and School Counselor
Schuyler Industry School District
08.2005 - 04.2008
- Collaborated with speech therapists to develop comprehensive treatment strategies for clients with various communication disorders.
- Supported patients'' development of expressive and receptive language skills through engaging activities and exercises.
- Contributed to a positive therapy environment by efficiently managing materials, equipment, and resources for sessions.
- Promoted parent involvement in therapeutic progress through regular updates, education, and home activity suggestions.
- Increased patient engagement during group sessions by facilitating interactive games and activities targeting speech goals.
- Maintained thorough documentation of patient progress, ensuring accurate records for future reference and treatment adjustments.
- Provided essential support to the speech therapist in conducting evaluations, leading to more efficient assessment processes.
- Provided continuous encouragement to patients throughout their therapy journey, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation for success.
- Kept up-to-date with industry best practices through ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Adapted therapy materials according to individual client needs for optimal learning experiences.
- Recorded patient progress and reported findings and results to supervising Speech-Language Pathologist.
- Performed support duties such as preparing materials, keeping records and scheduling activities.
- Documented clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
- Implemented treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
- Assisted speech-language pathologists to remediate or develop speech and language skills.
- School Counselor Duties Conducted individual and group counseling.
- Planned and conducted classroom prevention programs.
- Consulted with parents, teachers, and administration to provide appropriate support for students.
Assertive Community Treatment Case Manager
Mental Health Of Central Illinois
02.2001 - 07.2004
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Coordinated essential services for clients, resulting in improved overall well-being and selfsufficiency.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
- Strengthened relationships with community organizations to increase access to supportive resources for clients in need.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Participated in regular professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of case management.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
- Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources.
Education
Master of Science - General Studies in Human Behavior
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN06.2017
Master of Science - Communication Sciences And Disorders
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL12.2000
Skills
- Adoption Subsidy Knowledge
- Client Interviewing
- Client Documentation
- Case Management Proficiency
- Organizational and Time Management Skills
- Crisis Intervention Techniques
- Adoption Placement Planning
- Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Abilities
- Home Study Preparation
- Computer and Database Proficiency
- Court Proceedings Familiarity
- Child Welfare Knowledge
Timeline
Child Protection Specialist
Department Of Children And Family Services
03.2022 - Current
Child Welfare Specialist
Department Of Children And Family Services
03.2021 - Current
Child Welfare Specialist-Adoption Subsidy Casework
Chaddock
01.2018 - 03.2021
Child and Adolescent Case Manager
Transitions Of Western Illinois
08.2016 - 12.2018
Behavioral Health Counselor
North Central Behavioral Health Services
11.2015 - 08.2016
Child Welfare Specialist
Camelot Care Center
06.2015 - 10.2015
Child Welfare Specialist
Illinois Mentor
07.2014 - 06.2015
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist
North Central Behavioral Health Services
09.2008 - 05.2014
Behavioral Health Counselor
Schuyler Counseling
04.2008 - 08.2008
Speech Therapist Assistant and School Counselor
Schuyler Industry School District
08.2005 - 04.2008
Assertive Community Treatment Case Manager
Mental Health Of Central Illinois
02.2001 - 07.2004
Master of Science - General Studies in Human Behavior
Capella University
Master of Science - Communication Sciences And Disorders
Western Illinois University
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