Vanessa Abrams
Garrison,IA
Summary
Dynamic Child Case Manager with a proven track record at the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Skilled in effective communication together important information regarding safety and welfare of children and dependent adults. The ability to multi-task and work under pressure with efficiency. Ensuring information is obtained and documented with accuracy.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Family and Child Case Manager
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
12.2000 - Current
- Conducted regular follow-ups to monitor progress and adjust services as needed.
- Communication skills
- Adapt to change
- Monitored case progress, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and best practices.
- Provided crisis intervention support, resolving immediate concerns for children's safety.
- Maintained detailed documentation of all case activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with agency policies and procedures.
- Prioritize task
- Provided crisis intervention services to protect children from harm or abuse in emergency situations.
- Evaluated family needs and coordinated appropriate services to promote stability and wellbeing.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support for children and families in need.
- Advocated for the best interests of children in court proceedings, presenting well-researched recommendations for custody or placement decisions.
- Conducted ongoing evaluations.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Documented data and completed accurate records.
- Utilized strong interviewing skills to gather critical information from children, parents, educators, medical professionals, and law enforcement personnel.
Child Case Manager
Abbe Center for Community Mental Health
1994 - 12.2000
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery.
- Conducted assessments to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify specific needs and appropriate services for each child.
- Developed strong relationships with community resources to facilitate access to essential services for families in need.
- Worked closely with schools to address educational concerns, promoting academic success for each child under care.
- Maintained timely documentation of case activities, enabling accurate tracking of progress and outcomes.
- Referred families to appropriate mental health services when needed, providing vital support during challenging times.
Child Advocate for Homeless Children
YWCA Madge Phillips Center
1991 - 1994
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support services for children.
- Established trust with children by maintaining confidentiality and providing a safe space for them to express their thoughts and feelings openly.
- Facilitated workshops to educate parents and guardians on child development and resources available.
- Established strong relationships with community organizations to enhance support networks for families.
- Coordinated with social workers, therapists, and medical professionals to address any mental health or physical health concerns affecting a child''s wellbeing.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
Grandview College
Des Moines, Iowa05-1992
Associate of Arts - Human Services
Waldorf
Forest City, Iowa05-1989
Skills
- Documentation
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Collaborative teamwork
- Time management
- Multitasking Ability
- Reliability
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Active listening
- Relationship building
Timeline
Family and Child Case Manager
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
12.2000 - Current
Child Case Manager
Abbe Center for Community Mental Health
1994 - 12.2000
Child Advocate for Homeless Children
YWCA Madge Phillips Center
1991 - 1994
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
Grandview College
Associate of Arts - Human Services
Waldorf