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.
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
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
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
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
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
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