Wendy Kahland
Waverly,NE
Summary
30 plus years experience in Child Welfare with a focus on ongoing case management and permanency through adoption and legal guardianship. Experience providing foster care as a foster parent, being a Child and Family Services Specialist, training new Child and Family Services Specialists, and being an adoptive parent. Exceptional teamwork and collaboration skills with a keen attention to detail.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
TRAINING SPECIALIST
Center on Children, Families, and the Law University of Nebraska-Lincoln
10.2006 - Current
- Design and develop training curriculum (both trainer and trainee materials, including handouts, job aids, visuals, audiovisuals, examples, scenarios, activities, role-plays, simulations, and trainer guides)
- Revise curriculum in response to changes in law or policy, Department directive, or evaluation results
- Deliver pre-service and in-service training, utilizing various classroom, synchronous, and asynchronous delivery methods and technology
- Help to develop assessments of trainee knowledge, skill, and ability
- Provide written and oral feedback to trainees and supervisors regarding trainee behavior, knowledge, skill, and performance in training
- Coordinate with field training staff and other training staff to address training issues and optimize trainees’ job preparation and professional development
CARE COORDINATOR
Integrated Care Coordination Unit, Region V Systems
09.2003 - 10.2006
- Utilized family centered practice to perform case management duties
- Conducted family assessments
- Established safety plans
- Authorized and coordinated family services
- Testified in court
- Performed crisis intervention
- Prepared documentation and court reports
- Worked with schools, law enforcement, attorneys, foster parents, and mental health providers
PROTECTION AND SAFETY WORKER (equivalent to CFSS)
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
01.2000 - 07.2003
- Investigated child abuse and neglect
- Visited family homes
- Conducted family assessments
- Established safety plans
- Developed and implemented treatment plans
- Authorized and coordinated family services
- Testified in court
- Performed crisis interventions
- Prepared documentation and court reports
- Worked with schools, law enforcement, attorneys, foster parents, and mental health providers
COMMUNITY TREATMENT AIDE
Maplewood Behavioral Health
04.1998 - 01.2000
- Worked with clients, families, and therapists to assist in the completion of the counseling plan
- Supervised visitations between children and parents
- Ensured safety of children
- Documented all interactions, transportation of children, social skills training, survival skills training, and parenting training
YOUTH WORKER/PRIMARY CASE MANAGER
Youth Services System
06.1994 - 04.1998
- Worked with youth in the Girls Group Home, Boys Group Home, and the Freeway Station
- Ensured safety of youth
- Documented all interactions, transported youth, and trained social skills and independent living skills
- Coordinated meetings and services with DHHS case managers
FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER
Visinet, Inc.
03.1994 - 06.1994
- Supervised parenting time between children and caregivers
- Ensured safety of children
- Documented all interactions, transportation of youth, and parenting training
Education
B.S. - HUMAN RELATIONS
Doane College
Lincoln, NE01.1999
A.A.S. - HUMAN SERVICES
Southeast Community College
Lincoln, NE01.1993
Skills
- Family Engagement
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Organized and Efficient
- Attention to Detail
Certification
Mental Health First Aid USA, National Council for Behavioral Health, 2017
Professionalawards
Quality Training Program Award, National Staff Development and Training Association, 2021
Timeline
TRAINING SPECIALIST
Center on Children, Families, and the Law University of Nebraska-Lincoln
10.2006 - Current
CARE COORDINATOR
Integrated Care Coordination Unit, Region V Systems
09.2003 - 10.2006
PROTECTION AND SAFETY WORKER (equivalent to CFSS)
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
01.2000 - 07.2003
COMMUNITY TREATMENT AIDE
Maplewood Behavioral Health
04.1998 - 01.2000
YOUTH WORKER/PRIMARY CASE MANAGER
Youth Services System
06.1994 - 04.1998
FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER
Visinet, Inc.
03.1994 - 06.1994
B.S. - HUMAN RELATIONS
Doane College
A.A.S. - HUMAN SERVICES
Southeast Community College
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