Dedicated and experienced Licensed Social Worker with over 25 years of comprehensive expertise in child welfare, family services, and case management. Proven leadership in implementing evidence-based practices, training staff, and fostering collaborative relationships to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families. Bilingual in English and Spanish, with a strong commitment to culturally responsive practice and continuous professional development.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bi-lingual Supervising Family Service Specialist II
Department of Children and Families – DCP&P
05.1997 - Current
Current Role: Solution-Based Casework Implementation Supervisor | March 2024 – Present
Lead model overview training and facilitate staff development to ensure effective implementation of solution-based casework strategies.
Support supervisors and staff in mastering behavioral skills that promote safety, well-being, and permanency outcomes.
Conduct case consultation meetings to reinforce model fidelity and ensure quality casework practices.
Mentor staff in interviewing techniques, case documentation, and performance standards to enhance service delivery and case management outcomes.
Oversee intake and investigation activities, monitor compliance with policies, and guide staff on high-risk cases.
Provide ongoing supervision, coaching, and professional development to foster a high-performing team.
Manage resource coordination, including the implementation of family-centered action plans and permanency planning.
Consistently met or exceeded performance metrics related to service quality, response time, and customer satisfaction scores.
Achieved high levels of productivity by optimizing workload management methods and prioritizing tasks according to urgency.
Cultivated strong relationships with clients through excellent communication skills and genuine concern for their needs, leading to increased client retention rates over time.
Conducted regular training sessions for staff, ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional services to customers.
Managed service specialist team, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging teamwork to achieve desired results.
Resource Family Supervisor-Camden Area Office
Division of Child Protection and Permanency
02.2024 - 03.2024
Supervised staff to ensure the safety and well-being of children through continuous assessment of risk, safety, and family strengths.
Guided staff in developing intervention plans that promote family stability, utilizing kinship care and other least restrictive options.
Ensured compliance with the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) timeframes and supported timely permanency planning.
Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
Resolved conflicts among team members promptly, maintaining a harmonious working environment conducive to productivity.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization''s core values, leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence.
Collaborated with other departments to achieve organizational goals, fostering teamwork across various functions.
Case Practice Specialist-Provisional
Division of Child Protection and Permanency
11.2021 - 02.2024
Monitored adherence to the Case Practice Model and oversaw the implementation of evidence-based practices.
Managed case audits, policy development, and reporting, including child fatalities and critical incidents.
Facilitated inter-office collaboration and case transfers to ensure seamless service delivery.
Adoption Supervisor Family Service Specialist II
Department of Children and Families – DCP&P
03.2010 - 11.2021
Supervised a team of five staff, ensuring timely permanency for legally free children in accordance with federal and state laws.
Led adoption process improvements, staff training, and technical assistance to promote family-centered practices.
Conducted assessments, participated in family engagement, and supported staff in court proceedings.
Maintained compliance with Title IV-E requirements and supported staff development through coaching and mentorship.
Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
Improved customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
Resolved conflicts among team members promptly, maintaining a harmonious working environment conducive to productivity.
Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
Demonstrated commitment to the organization''s core values, leading by example and fostering a culture of excellence.
Conducted performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas of improvement and guiding professional development plans.
Mentored junior staff members in their career development, sharing knowledge from years of experience in the field.
Developed staff skills through targeted training programs, resulting in improved performance and career growth opportunities.
Identified operational inefficiencies and implemented corrective measures to increase effectiveness.
Boosted team morale and performance, organizing regular training sessions and motivational meetings.
Family Service Specialist Roles
Division of Child Protection and Permanency
05.1997 - 03.2010
Developed individualized permanency and safety plans, conducted relative home assessments, and facilitated legal guardianship processes.
Conducted investigations into suspected child abuse and neglect, prepared case documentation, and supported placement planning.
Consistently met or exceeded performance metrics related to service quality, response time, and customer satisfaction scores.
Cultivated strong relationships with clients through excellent communication skills and genuine concern for their needs, leading to increased client retention rates over time.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work -
Stockton State College
Pomona, NJ
05.1995
Master of Social Work (MSW) - undefined
Kean University
Union, NJ
05.2020
Skills
Family-Centered Practice & Strength-Based Approaches
Operations Analyst at Department Children And Families: The Baker Center For Children And FamiliesOperations Analyst at Department Children And Families: The Baker Center For Children And Families