Vanessa Russell
Bolingbrook,IL
Summary
Focused Social Services professional proudly offering over 13 years of experience in the social service sector. Flexible, professional and knowledgeable individual. Skilled and smart leader, remains calm in stressful environments. Highly-motivated individual with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Committed job seeker with a history of meeting company needs with consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Public Service Administrator, LOA
State Of Illinois-Department Of Human Services
12.2023 - Current
- Local Office Administrator, Acting
- Review staff productivity through targeted training initiatives and performance management tools.
- Strategically reorganize staffing to improve overall department efficiency in direct relation to statewide timeliness goal.
- Managed and oversaw outreach efforts of 25+ caseworkers and managers during emergency South of the Border Outreach efforts, ensuring timely assistance to affected persons while maintaining in office operational needs.
- Participated in monthly meetings with community stakeholders for successful implementation of social and community service initiatives.
- Conduct continuous training for new staff.
- Monitor program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
- Provide leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
- Promote a culture of innovation by encouraging employees to propose creative ideas for process improvements and service delivery enhancements.
- Manage and reorganize staff to meet day to day operational needs of local office.
- Prepare and sign staff performance evaluations.
- Effectively recommend and impose discipline, up to and including discharge.
- Conduct monthly management meetings with office managers.
- Perform other duties and assigned and requested which are within the scope and duties of appointment.
Public Service Administrator, ALOA
State of Illinois-Department of Human Services
10.2021 - 12.2023
- Assistant Local Office Administrator
- Assist Local Office Administrator by supervising and administering activities of professional and non-professional staff providing casework services to applicants seeking public assistance.
- Services Northside FCRC, Northside Satellite FCRC and Special Units FCRC.
- Organized meetings, conferences, and special events for public service departments.
- Assist in Developing procedures to streamline operational processes within the department.
- Ensured compliance with relevant laws and regulations related to public service operations.
- Supervised staff members engaged in providing services to both citizens and non citizens.
- Participated in training sessions regarding changes in policies or procedures.
- Conducted performance reviews for staff members associated with public service operations.
- Coordinated with senior management on issues related to improving public services operations with South of the Border Crisis.
- Handled administrative procedures to meet objectives set by director and senior management.
- Assisted with planning and supervising of outreach events and team.
- Assisted with planning and implementing special management assignments and projects.
- Oversee referrals for staff who may be in need of PSP/EAP services.
Correctional Treatment Officer
State of Illinois- Department of Correction
12.2018 - 10.2021
- Conducted searches of inmates, cells, and prison grounds to detect contraband or illegal activities.
- Maintained order in the prison by monitoring inmate behavior and intervening when necessary.
- Enforced prison rules and regulations while maintaining a safe environment for inmates and staff.
- Supervised prisoners during meals, recreation time, work assignments, medical visits, court appearances, and other activities.
- Responded to emergency situations such as riots or disturbances with appropriate force measures.
- Interacted with inmates in effort to reduce tension between them and maintain a peaceful atmosphere within the facility.
- Provided guidance and counseling services to help inmates adjust to their new environment and develop life skills needed upon release from prison.
- Assisted in training new Correctional Officers in proper safety protocols and techniques for dealing with difficult situations.
- Conducted regular cell inspections looking for evidence of drug use or other prohibited items that could pose threats to security.
- Transported prisoners between facilities or court hearings using secure vehicles equipped with restraints.
- Employed de-escalation techniques, verbal commands and physical and mechanical restraints to address unruly inmates.
- Observed inmate behavior to prevent crime, escape attempts and other dangerous activities.
- Enforced resident behavior management protocols and drafted incident reports for infractions.
- Directed visitor sign-in, documenting processes and completing appropriate visitation logs.
- Supervised inmates during day-to-day activities.
- Performed head counts, checking cells for missing inmates.
- Member of state wide Staff Wellness Response Team (SWRT).
Student Advocate
West 40 Intermediate Services
08.2017 - 12.2018
- Successfully changed program culture within the alternative placement
- Case management of 60 minimal at-risk students
- Delivered supportive and knowledgeable counseling to students with academic or personal concerns.
- Advised students on educational, career and social opportunities.
- Promoted positive school culture by addressing individual student needs and collaborating with faculty members.
- Worked effectively with fellow team members to coordinate effective solutions to any question or concern.
- Delivered friendly service and offered expert support in every interaction.
- Assisted individuals in navigating processes and procedures to resolve issues, understand rights and express views.
- Provide educational and counseling case management services for up to 60 students
- Collaborate with Teachers, Site Coordinator-Lead Teacher, and Program Administrators to address student and program needs
- Spearheaded intakes, staff meetings and professional development activities
- Plan and implement Social/Emotional Learning curriculum
- Sets goals with students
- Monitors attendance, behavior, and grades
- Responds and intervenes in student crisis.
Group Home Supervisor
ChildServ-Naperville Girls Group Home
02.2015 - 07.2017
- Customized new program initiatives leading to a change in culture, in turn decreasing elopement and negative interaction with local law enforcement
- Partnered with community facets to ensure employment for residents in the program
- Implemented new strategies, preparing residents for real world, independent living
- Successfully transitioned 6 residents to lesser restricted placements
- Implemented cost saving measures for out of the home activities, saving program and agency dollars
- Successfully strengthened relationship with community partners (NPD, neighbors and schools)
- Reduced staff turnover rate by improving staff morale through appreciation measures created and administered by me
- Developed and implement written Behavior Management and assisted Clinical Director with youth Independent Treatment Plans for each youth
- Monitor clients and provide counseling and mental health services on a daily basis, as it coincides with each resident's Individual Treatment Plan
- Proficient knowledge with Medicaid Rule 132
- Outperformed other supervisors in submission of funding documentation, thus allocating more funds for specific program
- Developed effective staff schedules, reducing down time and excessive OT, cutting agency costs significantly
- Ensure program compliance as it pertains to agency and DCFS standards, rules and operating procedures
- Experience in de-escalation of youth destructive/impulsive behavior and assisted youth in finding positive alternate outlets
- Provide supervision, support and training to team/staff to ensure expectations are met and maintained as it applies to the job description.
Youth Development Specialist
Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center
02.2014 - 02.2015
- Responsible for providing direct and continuous supervision of JTDC residents in accordance with policy and procedure that promote a safe, secure, and humane environment for residents and staff
- Participates in resident admission and orientation process which includes, but is not limited to, rules and regulations applicable to residents, room assignments, and completion of appropriate documentation.
- Administers behavior management programs such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Token Economy
- Intervenes when necessary in crisis situations in accordance with policy and procedure guidelines for physical and mechanical restraints, room confinements, or other appropriate action
- Organizes and directs participation in group recreational activities such as games, arts and crafts, gym events, outdoor activities and other activities as needed
- Ensures and maintains compliance with federal, state, local and JTDC policy and procedure and lawful court orders
- Perform other duties as needed or instructed.
Support Specialist
School of Expressive Arts & Learning, South Campus
11.2012 - 02.2014
- Provide classroom support to instructor during class hours
- Maintain a productive and supportive learning environment for high school students with behavioral, learning, and mental disorders
- Enhance learning through a variety of teaching techniques
- Develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with the high school students
- Perform behavior modification for students to enhance learning, social and coping skills while in a school setting
- Encourage active participation of all students while in the classroom setting
- Substitute for instructor when they are unavailable
- Perform CPI as and when needed.
Assistant Program Manager; Case Manager
Aunt Martha Youth Service Center
09.2011 - 11.2012
- Responsible for day-to-day operations and functioning of agency group home
- Provide optimal mental health services for adolescent boys with mental health and behavioral disorders
- Modified group home programming to allow for more familial feel, vs residential facility
- Created cost saving measures for ensuring effective and efficient budgeting of program funds
- Successfully placed residents in alternative homes during closing of program
- Provide support and training to group home staff and personnel
- Be available 24 hours a day through agency cell phone
- Proficient with Medicaid Rule 132 format, structure and billing
- Provide weekly updates to support services and Division Manager
- Provide case management services to clients as needed
- Enhanced relationships with neighborhood businesses, allowing for employment for youth
- Responsible for developing of monthly staff schedules
- Attend regularly scheduled management meetings with Division Manager
- Attend agency related trainings and/or seminars
- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, Aunt Martha's, and DCFS policies and procedures, including meeting required permanency, stability and education outcomes
- Provide case management services as needed.
End Stage Renal Disease Social Worker
Affiliated Dialysis Centers, LLC
09.2010 - 04.2011
- Conduct initial patient psychosocial assessment and prepare appropriate documentation for approximately 30 patients receiving dialysis treatment.
- Improved relationship with MD and SNF to ensure optimal results of renal patients in specific SNF
- Acquired successful insurance funding for patients in SNF
- Provide support, information and assistance in treatment planning
- Develop and continue monitoring treatment goals for care plans
- Counsel new patients and families on pre-dialysis education, including treatment options
- Act as advocate on behalf of patient and family
- Coordinate and participate in patient/family care conferences with multidisciplinary team
- Provide assistance to patients and families in adjusting to dialysis and altered life-style, and provide resource information
- Maintain patient confidentiality
- Responsible for providing case management services.
Education
Master of Social Work - Administration and Program Planning
Chicago State University
Chicago, IL05.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL05.2008
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
- Proficient in Data Entry
- Familiar with Microsoft Access and Excel
- Staff Oversight
- Effective Customer Communication
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Affiliations
- Graduate Student Association, Master of Social Work Program, President, August 200- May 2010
- Member, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Vice President 2007-2008
- Member, National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter, 2009-May 2010
- Member, National Association of Black Social Workers, 2009-May 2010
Certification
- CPR trained and Certified
- NCI/CPI Physical Restraint trained and certified
- 40 Hour Domestic Violence Trained and Certified, 2008
Timeline
Public Service Administrator, LOA
State Of Illinois-Department Of Human Services
12.2023 - Current
Public Service Administrator, ALOA
State of Illinois-Department of Human Services
10.2021 - 12.2023
Correctional Treatment Officer
State of Illinois- Department of Correction
12.2018 - 10.2021
Student Advocate
West 40 Intermediate Services
08.2017 - 12.2018
Group Home Supervisor
ChildServ-Naperville Girls Group Home
02.2015 - 07.2017
Youth Development Specialist
Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center
02.2014 - 02.2015
Support Specialist
School of Expressive Arts & Learning, South Campus
11.2012 - 02.2014
Assistant Program Manager; Case Manager
Aunt Martha Youth Service Center
09.2011 - 11.2012
End Stage Renal Disease Social Worker
Affiliated Dialysis Centers, LLC
09.2010 - 04.2011
Master of Social Work - Administration and Program Planning
Chicago State University
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
Lewis University
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