SYLVIA HICKS
Killeen,TX
Summary
Compassionate social services professional with extensive experience supporting diverse populations in child welfare and case management. Proven expertise in crisis intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration, ensuring positive outcomes for children and families through effective assessment, service coordination, and advocacy.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
CPS Adoption Preparation Worker IV
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Austin, TX
10.2022 - Current
- Recruited, identified, and matched children with prospective adoptive families, providing tailored ongoing services to support children transitions into adoptive placements.
- Assessed circumstances and needs of children and families to identify safety concerns, addressing potential child abuse or neglect effectively.
- Coordinated services and communicated with children, families, and professionals, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the adoption process.
- Support children and families throughout the permanency process while maintaining professional boundaries and accurate records.
- Maintain complete and accurate case documentation, including forms, narratives, and reports, in the IMPACT system.
CPS Conservatorship Worker |
Texas Department Of Family And Protective Services
Austin, TX
11.2020 - 10.2022
- Managed child welfare cases involving children removed from homes and placed in CPS conservatorship and out-of-home care.
- Assessed children's individual needs and coordinated referrals for testing, evaluations, and additional assessments to enhance service delivery.
- Worked with children, parents, families, and community partners to develop and support permanency plans.
- Met with parents to review safety risks, identify necessary behavior changes for child safety, and connect families with appropriate services.
- Monitored parent progress in addressing risk-related behaviors and facilitated discussions to promote child safety.
- Prepared court reports and case documentation and participated in court hearings related to children's needs, family progress, and permanency efforts.
- Testified in court regarding case progress, children’s needs, and services provided by department.
- Developed individualized service plans to support client goals and well-being.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to improve service delivery and support.
- Monitored compliance with state regulations and agency policies for client care.
- Facilitated family meetings to support communication and decision-making.
- Conducted home visits with clients to assess living conditions and review compliance with court orders.
- Facilitated communication between family members of conservatorship clients so interests were represented in court proceedings.
CPS Conservatorship Worker
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Austin, TX
11.2020 - 10.2022
- Managed cases for children removed from homes and placed in CPS conservatorship and out-of-home care.
- Assessed children's individual needs and coordinated referrals for testing and evaluations to ensure comprehensive support.
- Worked with children, parents, families, and community partners to support permanency plans.
- Met with parents to review safety and risk concerns, identify behavior changes needed for child safety, and connect families with services.
- Monitored and discussed parents' progress in addressing risk-related behaviors, facilitating improvements in child safety.
- Prepared detailed court reports and case documentation, attending hearings to advocate for children's needs and track family progress.
- Testified in court regarding case progress, children's needs, and services provided by the department.
- Maintained accurate case records, narratives, forms, and reports in IMPACT system.
Case Management Specialist
The Salvation Army Shelter
Austin, TX
11.2017 - 11.2020
- Assessed client personality, decision-making, mental capabilities, addiction history, and family involvement to build individualized program goals and support plans.
- Conducted regular client meetings to assess progress, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth.
- Provided direct support with securing and keeping stable income, benefits, and affordable housing.
- Facilitated connections between clients and community resources to address specific needs.
- Participated in community meetings with agency representatives to share program updates, coordinate referrals, and monitor client progress.
- Interviewed applicants and checked eligibility for program enrollment based on established guidelines and requirements.
- Prepared and maintained accurate case records and client logs.
- Entered and updated client information in Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Lead Mental Health Associate
San Marcos Treatment Center
San Marcos, TX
05.2015 - 11.2020
- Provided direct supervision and support to assigned patient groups while maintaining a safe therapeutic setting.
- Implemented treatment-plan strategies through effective application of a behavior enhancement program to support patient progress.
- Handled aggressive and self-harming behavior safely using established procedures.
- Coordinated daily program schedules and facilitated therapeutic recreation activities to promote patient well-being.
- Designed and organized daily center activities to boost participant engagement and foster a positive therapeutic environment.
- Communicated patient care, treatment, and safety concerns with coworkers, supervisors, and other staff.
- Documented clinical and administrative information accurately in alignment with established requirements.
- Assisted staff during emergency situations, including locating runaway students.
Intern – Truancy Intervention
Greater San Marcos Youth Council
San Marcos, TX
08.2014 - 05.2015
- Analyzed individual student situations to pinpoint barriers impacting school attendance.
- Provided weekly counseling and support services to students.
- Monitored student progress and compiled assessment and progress notes to inform intervention strategies.
- Supported communication and interaction during scheduled group meetings.
- Completed required reports and documentation accurately and on time.
- Discussed student concerns with management to facilitate support. and problem situations with management.
- Coordinated planning for community events and fundraisers, including Youth Fest and Night of Hope, to foster student engagement.
Teacher Assistant
Child Development Center
San Marcos, TX
10.2013 - 08.2014
- Assisted teachers in developing daily lesson plans and preparing instructional materials to enhance classroom engagement.
- Tutored students individually and in small groups to reinforce understanding and improve academic performance.
- Provided safe, supportive, and nurturing environment that encouraged student social and academic growth.
- Supervised students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, playgrounds, gymnasiums, and during field trips.
- Observed student performance and kept records to track progress.
- Maintained attendance records and participated in teacher-parent conferences to address student progress and concerns.
- Implemented therapeutic regimens, including behavior modification and personal development programs.
- Assisted students with computer hardware and software and maintained classroom technology.
- Ensured compliance with school policies and procedures to foster a positive educational atmosphere.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work -
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX05-2015
Skills
- Case management
- Client assessment
- Permanency planning
- Professional boundary setting
- Critical thinking
- Child welfare and family services
- Mental health support
- Safety and risk assessment
- Client documentation
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Active listening and communication
- Impact case management system
- Software proficiency
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
San Marcos Housing Authority, Mentor, San Marcos, TX, 2011-08, 2011-12, Served as a positive role model and mentor for students., Provided encouragement, guidance, and access to appropriate resources., Participated in outings, programs, and activities designed to encourage positive development., Supervised and organized after-school activities for children from low-income families., Provided after-school tutoring and academic support.
Timeline
CPS Adoption Preparation Worker IV
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
10.2022 - Current
CPS Conservatorship Worker |
Texas Department Of Family And Protective Services
11.2020 - 10.2022
CPS Conservatorship Worker
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
11.2020 - 10.2022
Case Management Specialist
The Salvation Army Shelter
11.2017 - 11.2020
Lead Mental Health Associate
San Marcos Treatment Center
05.2015 - 11.2020
Intern – Truancy Intervention
Greater San Marcos Youth Council
08.2014 - 05.2015
Teacher Assistant
Child Development Center
10.2013 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Social Work -
Texas State University