Zaina Duwaji
Spring,TX
Summary
Compassionate Case Manager with 4+ years of experience supporting diverse populations, including elderly and homeless individuals. Expertise in mental health case management, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care, successfully diverting clients from homelessness through resource coordination. Proven ability to establish collaborative partnerships with community organizations and maintain meticulous documentation and progress tracking.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Case Manager
Avenue 360
Houston, TX
04.2023 - 09.2025
- Facilitated case management services for the adult homeless population in the Houston community.
- Collaborated with Coalition for the Homeless and New Hope Housing to implement effective strategies.
- Conducted assessments to identify client needs and develop tailored support plans.
- Provided crisis intervention and emotional support during challenging situations.
- Educated clients on mental health conditions and self-care techniques for improved well-being.
- Maintained comprehensive case notes and performed data entry for accurate records.
- Monitored client progress through regular follow-up contacts and coordinated housing solutions.
- Actively listened to clients, ensuring effective communication among all stakeholders.
- Provided referrals to appropriate medical, mental health, and social services.
- Maintained logs and electronic client records following department and agency policies for effective monitoring.
- Monitored client progress through regular follow-up contacts.
- Provided case management services including intake, assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy, referral and monitoring of families.
Case Manager
Baker Ripley
Houston, TX
09.2021 - 10.2022
- Implemented case management services for clients facing homelessness and domestic violence.
- Collaborated with Houston Coalition for the Homeless to address COVID-19 implications.
- Conducted client assessments and provided essential resources and referrals.
- Executed crisis intervention strategies to support at-risk individuals.
- Maintained accurate case notes and performed data entry for anon-profit organization.
- Delivered emotional support to clients during difficult transitions.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to empower clients toward sustainable outcomes.
- Engaged in cold calling to expand outreach efforts and mobilize advocacy.
- Provided case management services including intake, assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy, referral and monitoring of families.
- Developed individualized care plans with input from clients and their families.
- Linked clients with social services, health care providers and governmental agencies to help claim or reclaim individual autonomy.
- Maintained logs and electronic client records following department and agency policies for effective monitoring.
- Conducted initial assessments to determine client eligibility for programs and services.
- Utilized case management software and databases for efficient information tracking.
- Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely documentation and reporting.
Internship Student
Baker Ripley
Houston, TX
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Assisted Houston's homeless population through direct case management support.
- Assisted in community outreach initiatives for diverse populations.
- Conducted research to identify local service providers and support networks.
- Shadowed staff and learned advanced work.
- Conducted assessments using motivational interviewing and treatment interventions.
- Provided essential resources and referrals for individuals in need of services.
- Gathered insights on program funding and structure to address community issues.
- Supported clients during housing crises to prevent homelessness.
Case Manager
Houston Area Women's Center
Houston, TX
05.2020 - 09.2021
- Implemented case management for individuals recovering from domestic and sexual violence.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation according to agency guidelines.
- Assessed clients' needs, developed service plans and monitored progress towards goals.
- Facilitated communication between clients, families, caregivers, social services and other agencies to ensure client needs were met.
- Provided referrals to appropriate health care providers or other community resources.
- Linked clients with social services, health care providers and governmental agencies to help claim or reclaim individual autonomy.
- Assisted individuals with eligibility for available benefits.
- Coordinated transportation services for clients who lacked access to reliable transportation.
- Communicated with legal services providers, social services agencies, and local judicial systems regarding cases.
- Collaborated closely with Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council to enhance service delivery.
- Provided emotional support through crisis intervention and motivational interviewing techniques.
- Assessed clients to identify needs and develop personalized action plans.
- Facilitated access to housing resources in partnership with HUD.
- Maintained accurate records and case notes for effective data management.
- Delivered referrals and resources to support client independence and healing.
- Advocated for client needs within community services and resources.
Internship Student
UTA
Houston, TX
01.2021 - 08.2021
- Conducted virtual assessments of Houston community to identify chronic homelessness and addiction issues.
- Conducted research to identify local service providers and support networks.
- Communicated effectively with stakeholders to promote program awareness.
- Implemented strategies to take advantage of new opportunities.
- Evaluated individuals experiencing homelessness and addictive disorders for tailored support.
- Researched organizations serving homeless and addicted populations to determine available resources.
- Compiled resources offered by the community to support diverse needs.
- Analyzed community dynamics at micro and macro levels for comprehensive understanding.
Early Childhood Teacher
Houston Area Women's Center
Houston, TX
04.2019 - 05.2020
- The administrator of a classroom setting of ages two to five years. Skills include the management of students while working in a nonprofit shelter organization for domestic and sexual violence. I was guiding children through behavioral management in a classroom and performing instructional lesson plans.
- Ability to create and provide age level curriculum.
- Parent/ teacher communication.
- Student record management.
- Scheduling classroom instruction.
- Providing emotional support for children.
- CPR and first aid certified.
- Working with children that have dealt with adversity.
- Ability to take on new students each day.
- Starting in April 2019, I have been an early childhood teacher for children that have been in an adverse situation dealing with domestic violence. I have worked as a teacher at a safe shelter for ages range 18months to 5 years of age. I work closely with the toddlers and have provided a solid and educational lesson for each student transitioning into my classroom. Working in a nonprofit environment, I have dealt with difficult situations and build strength in each student.
Dedicated Assistance Teacher
HISD
Houston, TX
03.2017 - 04.2019
- Company Overview: Houston Independent School District
- Supervised classroom settings from k-12 grade. Skilled at classroom management identify and adapting to different student learning styles. Working through behavioral management in a classroom and instructional lesson plans.
- Ability to follow lesson plans.
- Student record management.
- Student engagement.
- Parent/ Teacher communication.
- Technology integrated into a classroom.
- Classroom Management & Discipline.
- During the period March through May 2017, I was a dedicated associate teacher for senior level classroom. At this time I was promoting classroom management and academic lessons that were provided by the school. Keeping students engaged and focus through communication and classroom materials. Adapting to different student learning styles and having interpersonal skills to benefit students in the class.
- Houston Independent School District
Education
Mastered Social Worker - Mental Health/ Substance Abuse Disorders
University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, TX08.2022
B.S. - Human Sciences in Primary Education/Human Family Studies/Addictive Disorders in Recovery Studies
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX05.2016
Skills
- Performance Tracking
- Records Management
- Needs Assessment
- Conflict Resolution
- Case Management Tracking
- Crisis Intervention
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Relationship Building
- Documentation and Reporting
- Case Planning
- Risk Assessment
- Referral coordination
- Behavioral Therapy
- Discharge Planning
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy
- Violence Prevention
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Treatment Planning
- Social Services
- Mood Disorders Knowledge
- Suicide Prevention Specialist
- Individual and Group Counseling
- Addictions Expert
- Housing Navigation
Organizations And Honors
Women's Service Organization, Fall 2012 - Spring 2015
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Case Manager
Avenue 360
04.2023 - 09.2025
Internship Student
Baker Ripley
01.2022 - 05.2022
Case Manager
Baker Ripley
09.2021 - 10.2022
Internship Student
UTA
01.2021 - 08.2021
Case Manager
Houston Area Women's Center
05.2020 - 09.2021
Early Childhood Teacher
Houston Area Women's Center
04.2019 - 05.2020
Dedicated Assistance Teacher
HISD
03.2017 - 04.2019
Mastered Social Worker - Mental Health/ Substance Abuse Disorders
University of Texas at Arlington
B.S. - Human Sciences in Primary Education/Human Family Studies/Addictive Disorders in Recovery Studies
Texas Tech University