Vanessa Ortiz
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Results-driven human services professional with over 8 years of experience supporting at-risk youth, homeless individuals, and vulnerable families in residential and transitional housing settings. Demonstrated ability to effectively manage high caseloads, coordinate interdisciplinary care, de-escalate crises, and maintain detailed case documentation utilizing HMIS and other systems. Skilled in trauma-informed care, harm reduction strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and collaborative case planning approaches.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Clerk / Cashier
Pyramid Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
08.2023 - Current
- Managed incoming calls professionally, directing callers to appropriate personnel or taking detailed messages when necessary
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy
Participant Coordinator
LA Family Housing
Northridge, CA
11.2019 - 02.2023
- Provide daily support to 40+ participants, coordinating closely with Housing Navigators and Case Managers to implement individualized housing plans
- Conduct intakes, complete GIRP notes, and maintain comprehensive documentation in HMIS and program logs
- De-escalate crises and facilitate conflict resolution, applying trauma-informed and restorative justice approaches
- Collaborate with on-site mental health professionals and co-located service providers for holistic participant care
- Submit occupancy and incident reports, manage supply requests, and support site safety through hourly patrols
- Coordinate participant schedules, facilitate volunteer events, and respond to daily calls, emails, and inquiries
Residential Treatment Counselor (STRTP)
Youth Emerging Stronger
Los Angeles, CA
05.2019 - 10.2019
- Supervised 8 –10 youth (ages 12–17) in a therapeutic residential setting, assisting with daily routines, behavior support, and life skills
- Maintained accurate daily documentation including progress notes, incident reports, and medication records
- Led group sessions focused on topics such as anger management, substance abuse recovery, and interpersonal skills enhancement.
- Responded to crises and unauthorized absences, filed Missing Persons Reports when needed, and coordinated with probation officer and social workers
Youth Counselor (STRTP)
Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services
Highland Park, CA
10.2017 - 04.2019
- Facilitated group sessions and case management for 10–15 at-risk youth, promoting positive behavior and emotional regulation
- Conducted one-on-one check-ins, developed case plans, and documented monthly progress
- Documented all Incident reports with accuracy & detail, submitting them in a timely manner
- Liaised with social workers, therapists, and probation officers, ensuring communication and coordinated care
Refugee Child Care Worker
Ettie Lee Youth Homes & Family Services
Azusa, CA
10.2015 - 10.2017
- Provided personalized assistance to residents with daily tasks such as grooming, dressing, and meal preparation
- Managed medication administration for multiple residents, ensuring timely distribution according to prescribed dosages while maintaining accurate records of usage and refills needed
- Transported clients to appointments, shopping venues and entertainment events according to determined schedule
Education
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Citrus College
Glendora, CA01.2013
Skills
- Case management
- Case documentation
- Conflict resolution
- Client advocacy
- Crisis intervention
- MS office
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Clerk / Cashier
Pyramid Inc.
08.2023 - Current
Participant Coordinator
LA Family Housing
11.2019 - 02.2023
Residential Treatment Counselor (STRTP)
Youth Emerging Stronger
05.2019 - 10.2019
Youth Counselor (STRTP)
Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services
10.2017 - 04.2019
Refugee Child Care Worker
Ettie Lee Youth Homes & Family Services
10.2015 - 10.2017
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Citrus College