Licensed Social Work professional with extensive experience in student and family advocacy and educational and mental health support. Proven record of fostering safe and inclusive environment, addressing diverse student needs through discussion, support, and intervention. Known for collaborative teamwork and adaptability in dynamic educational settings, ensuring behavioral support and student and staff engagement.
Hi, I’m
Tamara Powers
Licensed Social Worker
Picayune,MS
Summary
Overview
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Pearl River Central Middle School
Social Worker
08.2022 - 02.2025
Job overview
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop intervention strategies for students in need of additional support.
- Created a safe space for students experiencing crises by providing immediate support and appropriate referrals.
- Provided crisis intervention services and collaborated with school staff to create safety plans for students at risk of self-harm or violence.
- Developed and implemented professional development workshops for school staff on topics related to social-emotional learning and mental health awareness.
- Implemented peer mediation programs to promote conflict resolution skills among students, reducing instances of bullying and aggression.
- Managed a caseload of special education students, ensuring timely completion of required documentation and IEP meetings.
Northlake Homeless Coalition
Outreach Navigator
02.2021 - 07.2022
Job overview
- Met with homeless individuals at outreach locations to complete HUD forms to place them on the housing lists.
- Coordinated with agencies to provide resources for meals, showers, job applications, and other needs.
- Connected clients with appropriate community resources and social services to support their long-term success.
- Assisted clients in securing stable housing through effective coordination with landlords and property managers.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven methods helping improve overall quality of services provided.
Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services
Foster Care Review
06.2019 - 02.2021
Job overview
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by performing regular case audits and staying up-to-date on Agency policies.
- Maintained confidentiality, handling sensitive information discreetly throughout all stages of the case review process.
- Performed observations and evaluated supporting documents to supplement case review findings.
- Mentored new staff members, fostering a supportive team environment that encouraged professional growth and development.
- Maintained thorough documentation of case progress, ensuring compliance with state regulations and facilitating a well-organized approach to service provision.
Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services
Special Investigation Unit
04.2017 - 06.2019
Job overview
- Communicated with county CPS staff, resource staff, and agency staff concerning case actions and safety concerns
- Enhanced child safety by conducting thorough investigations of abuse, neglect, and homicide allegations.
- Testified in court proceedings effectively, contributing to the successful prosecution of abusers.
- Prioritized high-risk cases for immediate intervention, protecting vulnerable children from further harm.
- Identified patterns of abuse through detailed analysis of physical, emotional, and behavioral evidence.
- Maintained strict confidentiality in handling sensitive information related to child abuse and fatality cases, preserving trust between families, law enforcement, Courts, and the Agency.
- Provided detailed reports to agency staff and courts concerning assessment and findings of allegations, attended hearings to address findings and recommendations.
Louisiana Coalition Against Human Trafficking
Assistant to Director/Community Educator
08.2014 - 04.2017
Job overview
- Created Policies and Procedures, Creating all forms needed for the program including various logs, waivers, consents, grievances, and over 50 other forms, and organizing all administrative files and binders for opening of a therapeutic group home
- Developed Behavior Modification and therapeutic programming for minors rescued from trafficking.
- Community Education-speaking at community groups, campus ministries, churches, and other events to educate on human trafficking nationally and in Louisiana
- Networking for fundraising
- Developed Human Resources files for all employees, coordinating trainings, health screenings, in-services, orientations, etc
- Prepared to open a therapeutic group home for rescued minors of domestic minor sex trafficking including setting up security plan, assisting in creating activity of daily living skills training plans, making a daily schedule and staff schedule, etc
Hancock County Youth Court
Guardian Ad Litem
06.2013 - 06.2014
Job overview
- Promoted child safety by identifying potential risks and recommending appropriate interventions or placements.
- Supported children during courtroom appearances by providing emotional reassurance and helping them understand the purpose of their testimony.
- Improved case outcomes by conducting thorough investigations and presenting comprehensive reports to the court.
- Contributed to a positive team environment by sharing knowledge, offering assistance, and collaborating on complex cases with partnering agencies.
- Ensured accurate representation of children''s needs and wishes through diligent observation and analysis of family dynamics.
- Reduced case overload by efficiently managing time and prioritizing tasks according to urgency and importance.
Mississippi Department of Human Services-Aging and Adult Services
Family Protection Specialist
07.2012 - 06.2013
Job overview
- Managed crisis situations effectively by coordinating with law enforcement agencies, medical providers, and other relevant parties as needed.
- Established trusted relationships with both local law enforcement agencies and private service providers enabling seamless collaboration during critical situations.
- Connected individuals to applicable community resources.
- Assisted with obtaining information about and making referrals to other healthcare and community services.
- Collaborated with other security professionals to create a network of resources for clients, offering comprehensive protection solutions.
- Attended and participated in court hearings.
Mississippi State Veterans Home-Oxford
Director of Social Services
08.2011 - 07.2012
Job overview
- Implemented innovative programs for resident engagement and enrichment through recreational activities, social events, and educational workshops.
- Enhanced resident satisfaction by assessing individual needs and implementing personalized care plans.
- Facilitated communication between residents, families, and staff for optimal care coordination and transitions between service providers.
- Improved patient care by conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Streamlined referral processes with hospice agencies by working closely with intake coordinators and establishing clear communication channels.
- Facilitated effective communication between patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure a seamless long term care facility experience.
Mississippi Department of Human Services
Family Protection Specialist
01.2011 - 08.2011
Job overview
- Case Management of Foster Care and Prevention Cases
- Investigated reports of child abuse or neglect
- Prepared court reports to be used as testimony in Youth Court cases
- Communicated with other health care providers to ensure clients received most appropriate services such as mental health counseling, drug testing, substance abuse counseling, assistance in obtaining employment, parenting classes, etc
- Displayed ability to develop an action plan to protect children in crisis situations
- Thoroughly documented all casework in MACWIS system
- Attended all meetings pertaining to children in custody including school meetings, mental health planning and updates, multi-disciplinary team meetings, family team meetings, permanency round table meetings, and more
- Transported children to assessments, appointments, visits, schools, foster homes, all in personal vehicle throughout the state of Mississippi
Education
Our Lady of The Lake UniversitySan Antonio, TX
Masters of Social Work
12-2025
University Overview
University of MississippiUniversity, MS
Bachelor's Degree from Social Work
05-2009
University Overview
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Case management
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Behavioral intervention plans (BIP) & Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
- IEP Progress Monitoring
- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
- Data Analysis, Collection, and Management
- Verbal and written communication
- Social, emotional, behavioral learning support
Timeline
Social Worker
Pearl River Central Middle School
08.2022 - 02.2025
Outreach Navigator
Northlake Homeless Coalition
02.2021 - 07.2022
Foster Care Review
Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services
06.2019 - 02.2021
Special Investigation Unit
Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services
04.2017 - 06.2019
Assistant to Director/Community Educator
Louisiana Coalition Against Human Trafficking
08.2014 - 04.2017
Guardian Ad Litem
Hancock County Youth Court
06.2013 - 06.2014
Family Protection Specialist
Mississippi Department of Human Services-Aging and Adult Services
07.2012 - 06.2013
Director of Social Services
Mississippi State Veterans Home-Oxford
08.2011 - 07.2012
Family Protection Specialist
Mississippi Department of Human Services
01.2011 - 08.2011
Our Lady of The Lake University
Masters of Social Work
University of Mississippi
Bachelor's Degree from Social Work
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