Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Yolanda Castillo

Albuquerque,NM

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Legal Secretary

CYFD
07.2024 - Current
  • Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information to protect client privacy and uphold professional ethics.
  • Arranged for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
  • Organized files for court proceedings.
  • Calendared all proceedings for attorneys.
  • Filed all court documents with the courts.

SCI Intake Worker

CYFD
02.2024 - 07.2024
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by conducting thorough intake interviews and gathering accurate information.
  • Conducted effective follow-ups with clients after initial intake appointments, ensuring ongoing support and addressing any emerging needs or concerns.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds through cultural sensitivity and respect during the intake process.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions for clients entering various programs, addressing their concerns and answering questions.
  • Managed high-pressure situations effectively while working under tight deadlines during busy periods in the intake department, prioritizing tasks efficiently without compromising quality of service.
  • Coordinated outreach events to raise awareness about available services, increasing community engagement and program enrollment rates.
  • Documented patient medical information, case histories, and insurance details to facilitate smooth appointments and payment processing.

Clerical Staff

Income Support Divison
02.2024 - 04.2024
  • Completed clerical tasks such as filing, copying, and distributing mail.
  • Executed record filing system to improve document organization and management.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information, adhering to company policies regarding privacy protection.
  • Improved office efficiency by streamlining filing systems and organizing document storage.
  • Scanned, linked and indexed client's paperwork daily, ensuring the paperwork went to the correct electronic case file.
  • ran postage for mail and sorted incoming mail.
  • Assisted clients with filling out applications if needed.

Code and Compliance Administrative Support

City of Hallandale Beach
04.2023 - 07.2023
  • Assisted in policy development and implementation, ensuring organizational adherence to industry regulations and standards.
  • Scheduled conference rooms and assisted with setup.
  • Supported management''s strategic planning efforts by conducting thorough analyses of the organization''s compliance risks and vulnerabilities.
  • Streamlined internal audit processes for improved efficiency and reduced risk, implementing meticulous documentation practices.
  • Prepared documents for magistrate hearings.
  • Intake documents for citations and clients information.

Office Support Specialist

Broward County
02.2023 - 04.2023
  • Improved document accessibility by creating a centralized filing system that facilitated easy retrieval of important records.
  • Achieved increased accuracy in record-keeping through meticulous attention to detail when entering data into various databases.
  • Reduced errors in documentation by diligently proofreading and editing various reports, letters, and memos.
  • Process applications and documents for LIHEAP program.
  • Approve or deny applications for LIHEAP base on application information.
  • Data entry.
  • Provided backup coverage at reception when needed; greeting visitors professionally and directing them accordingly within the organization.

Behavioral Health Specialist

Broward County Nancy J Cotterman Center
09.2022 - 02.2023
  • Established trust-based relationships with clients through empathetic listening and non-judgmental communication, fostering stronger therapeutic alliances.
  • Implemented cognitive-behavioral techniques to address negative thought patterns and promote healthier thinking habits among clients.
  • Used software databeses to document patient information, progress notes, and treatment plans.
  • Worked closely with adults and children in community settings, at residential facilities and within homes.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions addressing topics such as coping skills, stress management, and relapse prevention, fostering a supportive environment for participants.
  • Assisted clients in developing healthy coping mechanisms that contributed to sustained behavioral changes and improved overall wellbeing.
  • Identified appropriate treatment resources and recommended patients for these services.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and treatment plans in compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements.
  • Advocated on behalf of clients with external stakeholders such as insurance companies and social service agencies, facilitating access to necessary treatments and resources.
  • Developed written behavioral plans in Spanish for bilingual patients.
  • Worked closely with families to provide education about mental health conditions and promote understanding of treatment strategies, strengthening family relationships and support systems.
  • Supported clients in navigating community resources when necessary, connecting them with appropriate services for further assistance.
  • Provided referrals to connect clients with other community resources to support mental health and well-being.
  • Encouraged patients to discuss experiences in group and individual settings.
  • Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.
  • Provided crisis intervention services during emergency situations, ensuring immediate support and safety for affected individuals.

Felony Paralegal

New Mexico Public Defenders Office
06.2006 - 08.2010
  • Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
  • Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
  • Enhanced case efficiency by organizing and maintaining legal documents, files, and correspondence.
  • Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
  • Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy.
  • Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
  • Communicated with clients, opposing counsel and court personnel to keep all parties informed on case updates.
  • Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
  • Ensured compliance with court rules and procedures by accurately preparing and submitting legal filings within established timeframes.
  • Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
  • Assisted in drafting legal documents, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines.
  • Improved client trust and satisfaction, providing comprehensive support and updates throughout case progression.
  • Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
  • Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
  • Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
  • Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
  • Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
  • Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
  • Interpreted for attorneys and clients as needed.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies

Metropolitan College
Albuquerque, NM
06.2006

GED -

Bowie High School
El Paso, TX
05.1995

Skills

  • Court Filing
  • Document Formatting
  • Efficient multi-tasker
  • Appointment Setting

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Legal Secretary

CYFD
07.2024 - Current

SCI Intake Worker

CYFD
02.2024 - 07.2024

Clerical Staff

Income Support Divison
02.2024 - 04.2024

Code and Compliance Administrative Support

City of Hallandale Beach
04.2023 - 07.2023

Office Support Specialist

Broward County
02.2023 - 04.2023

Behavioral Health Specialist

Broward County Nancy J Cotterman Center
09.2022 - 02.2023

Felony Paralegal

New Mexico Public Defenders Office
06.2006 - 08.2010

Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies

Metropolitan College

GED -

Bowie High School
Yolanda Castillo