Tracy Mertz
Bismarck,ND
Summary
Compassionate Social Worker experienced in Child Welfare. Hardworking and dedicated to achieving desired case outcomes. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Willingness to learn and ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child Welfare Lead Case Manager
Three Rivers Human Service Zone
06.2022 - Current
- Back-up to the Child Welfare Supervisor, training and supporting staff in utilizing the Safety Framework Practice Model and Wraparound process to maintain family units and support the reunification process for those children placed outside of the parental home.
- Ensure compliance with relevant policies, regulations, and ethical standards, maintaining a strong reputation for the organization in the field.
- Provide mentorship to staff, fostering professional growth within the team.
- Establish and maintain relationships with community partners.
Social Worker III – In-Home and Foster Care Case Manager
Three Rivers Human Service Zone
09.2018 - Current
- Comprehensive assessment of Protective Capacities with parents to assist in developing Care Plans goals and tasks focusing on maintaining the family unit and supporting reunification efforts for those children placed outside of the home.
- De-escalate stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions, focusing on Safety Planning and maintaining the least intrusive level of involvement.
- Collaborate with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
- Document client progress and assess overall behavioral changes within the family to determine appropriate case closure timeframes.
Social Worker III - Child Protection Social Worker
Morton County Social Services
02.2016 - 09.2018
- Conducted assessments regarding Child Abuse and Neglect reports, identifying the strengths, and needs of children and families.
- Enhanced protective measures for children and families with thorough assessments and interventions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate findings and recommendations to ensure children's safety.
Social Worker III – In-Home and Foster Care Case Manager
Burleigh County Social Services
01.2002 - 01.2016
- Assessed safety, strengths, and risks for children and families to develop individualized care plans to maintain the family unit and foster reunification of those children placed outside of the home.
- Assisted clients in navigating the legal system, attending court hearings as needed and providing support throughout the process.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
- Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
Social Worker / Case Manager
Charles Hall Youth Services
06.2001 - Dec
- Supervised front-line staff and House Parents to ensure safety and well-being of children within the agency's care.
- Conducted thorough assessments of client strengths and needs in order to provide tailored recommendations for individualized treatment plans.
- Developed strong relationships with community organizations in order to better serve clients' needs and enhance family stability.
Self-Reliance Case Manager / Supervisor
Community Action Program
03.2000 - 06.2001
- Assisted clients in evaluating current life situations, developed case plans and made referrals to appropriate community services to promote strong self-reliance.
- Facilitated individual and group sessions to promote positive behavior change for clients.
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work -
Minnesota State University – Moorhead
Moorhead, MN05.1996
Skills
- Client Needs Assessments
- Safety Planning
- Case Plan Development and Review
- Crisis Intervention
- Client Advocacy
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Staff Training and Support
Certification
- Child Welfare Certification
- Wraparound Certification
- Safety Framework Training
- PRIDE Trainer for prospective and licensed foster parents
- Family Development Specialist Certification – University of Iowa
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Child Welfare Lead Case Manager
Three Rivers Human Service Zone
06.2022 - Current
Social Worker III – In-Home and Foster Care Case Manager
Three Rivers Human Service Zone
09.2018 - Current
Social Worker III - Child Protection Social Worker
Morton County Social Services
02.2016 - 09.2018
Social Worker III – In-Home and Foster Care Case Manager
Burleigh County Social Services
01.2002 - 01.2016
Social Worker / Case Manager
Charles Hall Youth Services
06.2001 - Dec
Self-Reliance Case Manager / Supervisor
Community Action Program
03.2000 - 06.2001
Bachelor of Social Work -
Minnesota State University – Moorhead
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