SUZANNE DUNN
Keizer,OR
Summary
Compassionate, equity- and trauma-informed child welfare professional with 5+ years supporting children and families within ODHS Child Welfare. Experienced in family engagement, safety and risk screening, case documentation, visitation coordination, and court/legal preparation. Committed to safety, permanency, and well-being while collaborating with families, Tribes, courts, and community partners using culturally responsive, plain-language communication.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Service Assistant – Family Time Coordinator
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES – CHILD WELFARE
02.2025 - Current
- Support permanency planning and case progress through engagement, observation, and timely documentation.
- Implement and monitor visitation agreements in collaboration with caseworkers, caregivers, and families.
- Plan visit schedules, supervision levels, and safety measures using case history and assessments.
- Conduct safety and basic-needs observations; document concerns and elevate appropriately.
- Use trauma-informed, anti-racist, and culturally responsive approaches to build trust and support engagement.
- Ensure child safety during visits and transportation; complete clear, court-ready narratives.
- Prepare visit summaries and feedback; participate in team meetings and permanency planning.
- Testify in court when requested and provide objective, case-relevant observations.
- Apply knowledge of trauma, crisis intervention, child development, and behavior management.
- Supervise youth in temporary lodging while prioritizing safety, stability, and engagement.
- Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in sensitive situations.
- Participate in ongoing training related to equity, trauma, and child welfare best practices.
- Mentor families and interns to support learning and engagement.
Office Specialist 2
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES – CHILD WELFARE
11.2019 - 02.2025
- Served as first point of contact for families, resource parents, Tribes, and partners using trauma-informed, culturally responsive communication.
- Conducted basic needs screenings and linked families to culturally responsive services and supports.
- Maintained and researched confidential case records to support safety plans, assessments, and court proceedings.
- Entered placements, legal status, contacts, and narratives in OR-Kids with accuracy and timeliness.
- Prepared, redacted, and distributed court reports, discovery, and CRB materials consistent with policy and statute.
- Completed timely, court-ready documentation capturing observations, safety concerns, and next steps.
- Coordinated with case workers, supervisors, legal counsel, and courts to support permanency planning decisions.
- Supervised youth in temporary lodging while prioritizing safety, engagement, and stability.
- Maintained professional boundaries and confidentiality in high-stress situations.
- Participated in equity-informed and trauma-informed training and applied learning in daily practice.
Social Service Assistant — Case Aide (Work-Out-of-Class)
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES – CHILD WELFARE
05.2023 - 10.2023
- Provided case management support in family engagement, coordinated services, and documentation.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings with families, attorneys, providers, Tribes, and community partners.
- Gathered medical, school, and placement records to support case planning and court preparation.
- Documented observations and contributed to court-ready narratives in OR-Kids.
- Used trauma-informed, plain-language communication to promote understanding and participation.
- Transported children and completed field tasks while maintaining safety protocols and timely documentation.
Sales Associate
THE HOME DEPOT
04.2008 - 11.2019
- Interviewed customers to identify needs, barriers, and next steps.
- Delivered presentations and explained complex processes clearly.
- Reviewed documents and quotes for accuracy and expectations.
- De-escalated concerns using respectful, trauma-aware communication.
- Maintained accurate records and transactions while supporting team coordination.
Office Specialist 1 — Intern
OREGON STATE POLICE — OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
06.2012 - 08.2012
- Reviewed Hazardous Substance Surveys and verified information for accuracy and compliance.
- Entered and updated business records to support statewide safety reporting.
- Organized documentation and maintained consistent data tracking.
Education
M.S. - Mental Health & Wellness — Family Dynamics
Grand Canyon University
01.2024
Certificate - Office Fundamentals
Chemeketa Community College
01.2012
B.A. - Theatre
Seattle Pacific University
01.1997
Skills
- Trauma-informed, family- and equity-informed practice
- Case documentation & OR-Kids/SACWIS data entry
- Safety, risk, and basic needs screening
- Culturally responsive and anti-racist engagement
- Court-ready reports, narratives, and testimony
- Crisis intervention & de-escalation
- Collaboration with families, caregivers, Tribes, and providers
- Confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethics
- Plain-language communication
- Scheduling, coordination, and logistics in fast-moving environments
Certification
- Mental Health First Aid (2023)
- Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Caregiver Training (2024)
- NCI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (2025)
- NAMI Family-to-Family (2021)
- Focus: crisis management, trauma, communication, family systems, resource navigation.
Timeline
Social Service Assistant – Family Time Coordinator
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES – CHILD WELFARE
02.2025 - Current
Social Service Assistant — Case Aide (Work-Out-of-Class)
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES – CHILD WELFARE
05.2023 - 10.2023
Office Specialist 2
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES – CHILD WELFARE
11.2019 - 02.2025
Office Specialist 1 — Intern
OREGON STATE POLICE — OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
06.2012 - 08.2012
Sales Associate
THE HOME DEPOT
04.2008 - 11.2019
Certificate - Office Fundamentals
Chemeketa Community College
B.A. - Theatre
Seattle Pacific University
M.S. - Mental Health & Wellness — Family Dynamics
Grand Canyon University
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- (1992–2008) — Sales
- Office Support
- Theatre
- Catering & Facilities
- Built strong skills in customer service, organization, documentation, teamwork, confidentiality, and problem-solving across diverse settings.