Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Yaquantis Adams

Kankakee,IL

Summary

Skilled Casework Manager with background in managing and leading diverse teams in social work settings. Proven abilities in conducting assessments, creating case plans, and coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure client needs are met. Strong communication skills coupled with a commitment to improving community welfare. Notable contributions include influencing policy changes and implementing programs that enhance service delivery efficiency.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Human Service Casework Manager

Illinois Department of Human Services
Kankakee , IL
10.2019 - Current
  • Ensured compliance with relevant regulations, policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
  • Served as a liaison between the agency and outside organizations regarding referrals or other issues related to case management services.
  • Provided education about community resources available for clients' benefit.
  • Identified potential barriers that may prevent successful outcomes for clients; developed action plans accordingly.
  • Attended court hearings as needed to represent the best interests of assigned clients.
  • Participated in regular supervision meetings with clinical staff to discuss cases and receive feedback on performance.
  • Actively participated in weekly team meetings to review cases and strategize ways to improve service delivery.
  • Established relationships with local schools, organizations, agencies, providers for referral purposes.
  • Assisted clients in developing life skills such as job readiness training or financial literacy classes.
  • Met with clients to conduct needs assessments, recommending appropriate support and service offerings.
  • Followed strict policies and procedures to maintain client confidentiality and keep data private.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of services provided and made adjustments as needed.
  • Managed caseload efficiently, prioritizing tasks to meet client needs and deadlines.
  • Prepared reports and case notes detailing client interactions and progress.
  • Delivered educational workshops and support groups for clients.
  • Evaluated work of staff and volunteers to maintain quality and effectiveness of resources.
  • Spoke to community groups to explain and interpret purposes, programs, and policies.
  • Implemented and evaluated staff, volunteer or training programs.
  • Assessed and identified service delivery challenges and opportunities within local area.
  • Analyzed proposed legislation, regulations or rule changes to determine impact of services.

Human Service Caseworker

Illinois Department of Human Services
Kankakee, IL
08.2010 - 09.2019
  • Provided case management services to clients, including assessing client needs and developing individualized service plans.
  • Assisted with the development of resources for clients in order to help them achieve their goals.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients, families, and community partners.
  • Maintained accurate records of all client interactions and progress towards goals.
  • Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergency situations.
  • Advised clients on how to access community resources such as employment opportunities, housing assistance, legal aid.
  • Counseled individuals on a variety of topics such as stress management, parenting techniques, communication skills.
  • Advocated on behalf of vulnerable populations in order to promote their rights and interests.
  • Attended trainings related to human services best practices in order to stay up-to-date on relevant information.
  • Served as a liaison between clients and external organizations when necessary.
  • Maintained confidentiality standards according to agency policies and procedures.
  • Responded promptly and appropriately to inquiries from internal, external stakeholders regarding caseworker duties, responsibilities.
  • Conducted assessments of family strengths, needs and barriers.
  • Obtained income, asset and financial information to determine program eligibility.
  • Attended meetings and participated in staff development training activities.
  • Prepared documents necessary to initiate, continue and modify public assistance.
  • Interviewed applicants to verify information eligibility for public assistance.
  • Completed accurate legible documentation for client profile as outlined by policy, reports and observations.
  • Discussed rights and responsibilities associated with public assistance with applicants.
  • Contacted applicants to discuss discrepancies and referred questionable cases to department for follow-up.
  • Processed benefit computations and under or overpayment adjustments.
  • Evaluated and addressed individual client needs and concerns.
  • Used active listening skills and supportive diction to cultivate client rapport and open communication.
  • Acted as role model for clients by exhibiting positive behaviors.
  • Maintained and developed community relationships to support various client referrals.
  • Composed or prepared correspondence, case notes and narratives with computer-based applications.
  • Assisted and advocated for clients obtaining financial resources and government entitlements.
  • Collaborated with state agencies and benefits coordinators to develop individualized plans for each case.

Correctional Officer

Illinois Department Of Corrections
Dwight, IL
11.1998 - 07.2010
  • 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.
  • Performed security checks on visitors entering the facility as well as on packages being delivered to inmates.
  • Interacted with inmates in an effort to reduce tension between them and maintain a peaceful atmosphere within the facility.
  • Investigated incidents involving prisoners or staff to determine who was responsible for any violations of policies or procedures.
  • Responded to emergency situations such as riots or disturbances with appropriate force measures.
  • Assisted in training new Correctional Officers in proper safety protocols and techniques for dealing with difficult situations.
  • Participated in meetings with parole boards regarding potential release of prisoners based on good behavior.
  • Prepared detailed reports documenting all relevant information related to daily operations at the correctional facility.
  • Transported prisoners between facilities or court hearings using secure vehicles equipped with restraints.
  • Conducted regular cell inspections looking for evidence of drug use or other prohibited items that could pose a threat to security.
  • Administered first aid when required due to injury or illness sustained by an inmate while under supervision.
  • Served as liaison between families of inmates ensuring they were kept informed about their loved ones' progress in custody.
  • Inspected cells and conducted random searches of common areas.
  • Employed de-escalation techniques, verbal commands and physical and mechanical restraints to address unruly inmates.
  • Monitored daily activities to identify and manage suspicious behavior, improper conduct and signs of conflict.
  • Maintained clear and open communications with facility areas to support safe operations.
  • Maintained inmate logs and entered information into electronic offender record systems for regulatory monitoring.
  • Transported inmates to and from medical and dental appointments, funerals, work details and court hearings.
  • Informed inmates and visitors of rules, safety and security procedures and responsibilities.
  • Enforced resident behavior management protocols and drafted incident reports for infractions.
  • Received property from incoming inmates, provided receipts and inspected items for contraband.
  • Supervised offender work assignments and evaluated performance for compliance with standard regulations.
  • Oversaw public areas and grounds to verify cleanliness and inmate safety.
  • Directed visitor sign-in, documenting processes and completing appropriate visitation logs.
  • Enforced institutional policies and procedures to maintain order and security within the correctional facility.
  • Operated security control systems to monitor entrances, exits, and movement within the facility.
  • Assisted in the processing of new inmates, including taking photographs, collecting personal information, and explaining facility rules.
  • Maintained detailed logs of inmate behavior, incidents, and daily activities.
  • Served as a role model for inmates by demonstrating positive behavior and promoting educational and vocational training programs.
  • Escorted inmates within the facility, including to and from cells, medical appointments, and recreational activities.
  • Supervised inmate activities, including meals, recreation times, and work assignments.
  • Participated in training sessions to stay current on best practices in corrections and emergency response.
  • Participated in the development and implementation of escape prevention plans and emergency evacuation procedures.
  • Provided supervisors oral and written reports of work performed by inmates, inmate disturbances and rule violations.
  • Conducted fire, safety and sanitation inspections.
  • Issued clothing, tools and other authorized items to inmates.
  • Transported inmates to court, doctor appointments and work sites.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Governors State University
Park Forest, IL

Skills

  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Regulatory Compliance Oversight
  • Cross-Functional Teamwork/Collaboration
  • Staff Performance Evaluation
  • Employee Development
  • Advanced Excel Skills
  • Client Relations Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Highly effective communication
  • Records Management
  • Critical Analysis
  • Organizational Skills
  • Task Prioritization
  • Community Outreach

Affiliations

  • Board member for the City of Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency. Developing community trusts, discussing financial grants and funding allocated to improve quality of life in the community.
  • Truancy Review Board member. Attending monthly meetings in judicial system, advising and advocating for families that are/may be in crisis and are failing to meet the Illinois State Board of Education attendance requirements.
  • Workforce Initiative and Opportunity Liaison. Referring TANF customers with work/training opportunities in the community. Developed written policy to ensure that funding is being administered correctly.
  • TANF work and training coordinator, assess and evaluate non-for profit volunteer sites, coordinate activities to become self sufficient, maintain policy/regulations.
  • Aunt Martha's Home Visit Coordinator, collaborating with agencies such as child support, DCFS and birth to 3yrs old advocating for families in need of additional support and resources.

Accomplishments

  • 25 years of continuous service with the state of Illinois
  • Successfully completed conflict resolution, leadership trainings, and advance communication certifications.

Timeline

Human Service Casework Manager

Illinois Department of Human Services
10.2019 - Current

Human Service Caseworker

Illinois Department of Human Services
08.2010 - 09.2019

Correctional Officer

Illinois Department Of Corrections
11.1998 - 07.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Governors State University

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Yaquantis Adams