Virginia Shepherd
Wilmington,DE
Summary
A highly skilled analytical professional with the exceptional ability to utilize research, communication, and problem-solving to monitor trends and identify issues and solutions within the criminal justice system. All while fostering teamwork and an intense passion for promoting equity and social justice by helping to improve communities and the lives of the children, youth, and families within it.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Court Liaison
State of Delaware
2023.08 - Current
- Served as a liaison between the Delaware Family Court and the Delaware Children's Department
- Provided comprehensive reports on case statuses, enabling informed decision-making by court officials.
- Collaborated with legal professionals to ensure accurate information exchange and timely resolution of cases.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices, ultimately enhancing the quality of service provided as a Court Liaison.
- Enhanced communication between the court and law enforcement agencies by implementing efficient case-tracking systems.
- Provided bail recommendation during juvenile bail proceedings
Case Manager
Children and Families First FAIR Program
2021.12 - 2023.08
- Conduct thorough investigations of child abuse, neglect, and dependency while assessing for risk and safety of youth ages 0-17
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Interview to obtain facts and information
- Collaborate with outside agencies to obtain facts and information and made recommendations and referrals to agencies on behalf of youth and their families
- Case load management, implementing and monitoring safety, treatment, and family plans.
Reentry Coach
Centurion LLC
2020.10 - 2021.11
- Conducted comprehensive needs assessments with 75+ offenders at Baylor Woman's Correctional Institution, ensuring a thorough understanding of their needs and barriers to reentering the community
- Communicated with families on behalf of clients regarding discharge planning
- Completed Reentry Needs Assessments and Discharge Plans with offenders
- Coordinated transportation, specialized housing, and continued mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services in the community
- Interviewed to obtain facts and information
- Collaborated with outside agencies such as DOC, Probation and Parole, Courts, Attorneys, etc
- Coordinate clients' treatment and service plans and make referrals for clients.
Juvenile Pretrial Case Manager
VISION QUEST
2019.03 - 2021.11
- Responsible for close enforcement of the conditions of youth bail dispositions by making weekly face-to-face contact with over 40 juveniles
- Monitored school attendance and makes weekly contact with parents and family members for updates regarding youths' behavior and compliance
- Provided in-home crisis intervention
- Play a key role in court proceedings by making influential recommendations regarding youth
- Supported parents by understanding the day-to-day challenges of parenting a child with emotional and behavioral needs and involvement with the court, and helping translate for parents unfamiliar or uncomfortable with system/court jargon.
Master Family Specialist
Department Of Social Services (DSS) Housing Stabilization Unit
2019.06 - 2020.02
- Responsible for providing services to advocate for the health, safety and welfare or rights of clients and their families and assists them in obtaining needed services
- Determined eligibility for various social service programs offered by the agency or available in the community by assessing for barriers and creating solutions for barriers in order to assists families in obtaining and maintaining stable permanent housing
- Prepared social histories, client progress reports, evaluation and discharge summaries, court reports or petitions; prepared and maintained a variety of records and files pertaining to clients assigned to caseload
- Monitored and assisted (10) case managers in daily tasks regarding case load and client relations.
- Provided crisis intervention support during emergency situations, helping families regain stability following critical incidents.
Family Crisis Therapist
Division of Family Services
2015.11 - 2019.04
- Conducted thorough investigations of child abuse, neglect, and dependency while assessing for risk and safety of youth ages 0-17
- Interviewed to obtain facts and information
- Collaborated with outside agencies to obtain facts and information and made recommendations and referrals to agencies on behalf of youth and their families
- Provided written and verbal testimony to Family Court via in person testimony, teleconference, and/or court reports
- Case load management, implementing and monitoring safety, treatment, and family plans
- Lead worker in a unit of four.
Education
Master of Science - Administration of Justice
Wilmington University
New Castle05.2025
Bachelor's - Criminal Justice and Sociology
Delaware State University
Dover, DE05.2015
Skills
- Assessment
- Collaboration
- Crisis Intervention
- Risk Assessment
- Risk Management
- Interviewing
- Advocacy
- Courtroom Etiquette
Personal Information
Willing To Relocate: Anywhere
Timeline
Family Court Liaison
State of Delaware
2023.08 - Current
Case Manager
Children and Families First FAIR Program
2021.12 - 2023.08
Reentry Coach
Centurion LLC
2020.10 - 2021.11
Master Family Specialist
Department Of Social Services (DSS) Housing Stabilization Unit
2019.06 - 2020.02
Juvenile Pretrial Case Manager
VISION QUEST
2019.03 - 2021.11
Family Crisis Therapist
Division of Family Services
2015.11 - 2019.04
Master of Science - Administration of Justice
Wilmington University
Bachelor's - Criminal Justice and Sociology
Delaware State University
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