Stephanie Gillispie
Salem,AL
Summary
Compassionate Foster Care Supervisor with substantial background managing and supporting foster families. Strengths include solution-focused thinking, conflict resolution skills, and ability to motivate others. Previous roles have brought about significant improvements in home stability and children's well-being through implementation of strategic care programs.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Foster Care Supervisor
Georgia Department of Family and Children Services
Columbus, GA
03.2020 - Current
- Coordinated services among multiple agencies involved in providing support to families in need of foster care services.
- Established and maintained relationships to meet community needs and avoid service duplication.
- Supervised and monitored foster care staff to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and agency policies.
- Evaluated existing policies and procedures related to Foster Care placements ensuring adherence with state requirements.
- Created detailed reports summarizing activities related to assigned cases as well as overall performance metrics for the program.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary for individuals within the Foster Care system.
- Participated in court proceedings related to custody issues or termination of parental rights hearings.
- Actively sought out new opportunities for collaboration with outside agencies that could benefit children under supervision by the agency.
- Attended conferences and seminars aimed at increasing knowledge about best practices in the field of Foster Care.
- Conducted home visits to assess the safety, health, and wellbeing of children in the program.
- Organized regular meetings between social workers, attorneys, caseworkers, therapists, and other professionals associated with Foster Care cases.
- Maintained records related to all Foster Care placements including case notes, medical information, court documents.
- Provided guidance to foster care staff in the assessment of potential foster homes.
- Facilitated communication between Foster Care parents and guardians and relevant parties such as school personnel or healthcare providers.
- Interviewed client, parents, foster parents, school officials and other related parties to fully understand child's individual needs.
- Ensured that all documentation is properly completed for each case prior to submission for review.
- Assessed family dynamics and developed individualized plans to meet the needs of each child placed in a foster home.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Case Manger
Georgia Department of Family and Children Services
Columbus, GA
10.2019 - 03.2020
- Developed system of organization to keep detailed client and case contact and activity records.
- Encouraged positive communication between biological parents and foster parents in order to promote a healthy environment for children.
- Facilitated meetings between birth parents, foster parents, social workers, and other professionals involved in the case.
- Juggled many cases at one time with success rate.
- Provided referrals for counseling services when needed.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Foster Care Supervisor
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Phenix City, AL
07.2017 - 10.2019
- Coordinated services among multiple agencies involved in providing support to families in need of foster care services.
- Established and maintained relationships to meet community needs and avoid service duplication.
- Supervised and monitored foster care staff to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and agency policies.
- Participated in court proceedings related to custody issues or termination of parental rights hearings.
- Actively sought out new opportunities for collaboration with outside agencies that could benefit children under supervision by the agency.
- Attended conferences and seminars aimed at increasing knowledge about best practices in the field of Foster Care.
- Conducted home visits to assess the safety, health, and wellbeing of children in the program.
- Maintained records related to all Foster Care placements including case notes, medical information, court documents.
- Consulted with staff on resolution of complex service issues.
- Facilitated communication between Foster Care parents and guardians and relevant parties such as school personnel or healthcare providers.
- Evaluated work of staff and volunteers to maintain quality and effectiveness of resources.
- Ensured that all documentation is properly completed for each case prior to submission for review.
- Assessed family dynamics and developed individualized plans to meet the needs of each child placed in a foster home.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Foster Care Social Worker
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Phenix City, Alabama
06.2015 - 06.2017
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed by intervening in situations involving family conflict or potential danger to the child's safety.
- Attended court hearings as a representative of the agency when necessary.
- Interfaced with local court system, attending court proceedings and working directly with attorneys.
- Developed individualized service plans to meet the needs of each child in foster care.
- Established behavioral modification goals and assessed progress toward goals.
- Interviewed client, parents, foster parents, school officials and other related parties to fully understand child's individual needs.
- Created written reports summarizing case progress which were submitted for review by supervisors.
- Identified appropriate community resources and provided referrals for services.
- Counseled youth transitioning out of the foster care system into independent living programs or reunification with their families.
- Participated in ongoing training to maintain license and enhance knowledge of relevant mental health topics.
- Collaborated with community organizations to identify resources available to assist clients.
- Supported caregivers by providing respite opportunities as needed throughout the year.
- Maintained confidentiality through stringent handling of charts and data.
- Provided case management and support services to children and families in the foster care system.
- Attended staff meetings and trainings designed to improve knowledge base around best practices related to working with at risk youth.
- Advised guardians ad litem about current placements and progress towards permanency goals for children assigned under their jurisdiction.
- Maintained contact with all parties involved, including birth parents, foster parents, social workers, attorneys, and other relevant individuals.
Domestic Violence Specialist
Domestic Violence Intervention Program
Opelika, AL
04.2005 - 06.2005
- Composed or prepared correspondence, case notes and narratives with computer-based applications.
- Improved outcomes and successes by utilizing multidisciplinary risk identification and management in care planning.
- Assessed clients for neglect and abusive situations to compile documentation for court hearings and reports.
- Developed safety plans with clients to ensure their safety in the event of another violent incident.
- Attended regular supervision meetings with program directors to discuss caseloads and strategies for providing optimal service delivery.
- Utilized evidence-based therapeutic approaches when working with clients who have experienced trauma due to domestic violence.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex cases.
- Used active listening skills and supportive diction to cultivate client rapport and open communication.
- Organized and compiled socio-psychiatric case histories to facilitate accurate diagnoses.
- Performed psychosocial assessments and documented casework.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Social Worker
Mississippi Department of Human Services
Gulfport, MS
02.2001 - 02.2005
- Counseled parents on proper child-rearing choices.
- Interfaced with local court system, attending court proceedings and working directly with attorneys.
- Attended court hearings as a representative of the agency when necessary.
- Developed individualized service plans to meet the needs of each child in foster care.
- Established behavioral modification goals and assessed progress toward goals.
- Interviewed client, parents, foster parents, school officials and other related parties to fully understand child's individual needs.
- Created written reports summarizing case progress which were submitted for review by supervisors.
- Identified appropriate community resources and provided referrals for services.
- Counseled youth transitioning out of the foster care system into independent living programs or reunification with their families.
- Participated in ongoing training to maintain license and enhance knowledge of relevant mental health topics.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary teams focused on improving outcomes for youth served by the agency.
Hospice Social Worker
Wee Care Hospice
Moss Point, MS
09.1998 - 04.2001
- Coordinated activities between medical staff, families, volunteers and other professionals involved in a patient's care plan.
- Monitored patient progress over time through home visits or telephone calls.
- Organized support groups to help families understand and support client or patient.
- Assisted patients and their families in accessing community resources such as financial aid or bereavement services.
- Conducted assessments of patient needs, goals and preferences for end-of-life care.
- Developed individualized plans of care for patients in accordance with their wishes and the policies of the hospice organization.
- Counseled patients and families on issues related to death and dying, including spiritual matters or legal and financial concerns.
- Managed caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks based upon urgency level.
- Educated clients on options to assist in making informed decisions.
- Facilitated communication between healthcare providers, family members, patients, physicians and other healthcare personnel to ensure continuity of care.
- Provided emotional and practical support to individuals facing terminal illness.
Case Manager
Jackson County Civic Action Committee
Moss Point, MS
10.1998 - 02.2001
- Coordinated care with interdisciplinary teams and community contacts to promote continuity of care.
- Facilitated frequent family conferences to discuss case plans in detail and discuss goals.
- Referred patients to community resources for mental health treatment, child protective services and assistance for people with developmental disabilities.
- Assisted clients in accessing community resources such as housing, food pantries, and transportation options.
- Maintained lists of resources helpful to clients.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Social Worker
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee07-1998
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Case management
- Conflict resolution
- Child welfare expertise
- Court testimony
- Verbal communication
- Human resources
Affiliations
- I am currently President of the Lady Soladarity in my church
- I am Vice President of our local Tuskegee Alumni Club
- I own my own Baking Company
- I also sell Jewerly
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Foster Care Supervisor
Georgia Department of Family and Children Services
03.2020 - Current
Case Manger
Georgia Department of Family and Children Services
10.2019 - 03.2020
Foster Care Supervisor
Alabama Department of Human Resources
07.2017 - 10.2019
Foster Care Social Worker
Alabama Department of Human Resources
06.2015 - 06.2017
Domestic Violence Specialist
Domestic Violence Intervention Program
04.2005 - 06.2005
Social Worker
Mississippi Department of Human Services
02.2001 - 02.2005
Case Manager
Jackson County Civic Action Committee
10.1998 - 02.2001
Hospice Social Worker
Wee Care Hospice
09.1998 - 04.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Social Worker
Tuskegee University
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