Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Professional Background and Experience Education and Specialization I hold a Bachelor of Science in Family Development Studies, with a specialization in Early Childhood and a minor in Psychology. This academic background has equipped me with valuable skills that have enabled me to work extensively with families and children for over 28 years. Experience in Family and Child Support Throughout my career, I have developed a strong foundation in supporting both parents and children from diverse social and economic backgrounds. My experience includes teaching Anger Management classes and Fatherhood courses, which has provided me with insight into the unique challenges families face. In addition, I have served as the Operational Director for Early Childhood facilities for many years, overseeing programs dedicated to nurturing young children and their families. Passion for Family Support I truly enjoy working with families at all levels and am passionate about helping both families and individuals achieve success. Supporting others in their growth and development has been a constant source of motivation and fulfillment in my professional journey. Leadership and Collaboration My experience includes organizing and facilitating family meetings, where I have demonstrated the ability to lead teams and work collaboratively with others. I am comfortable taking on leadership roles as well as contributing as a team member to ensure that goals are met and success is achieved. Community Involvement My family and I are active members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. I have contributed to the Outreach program, participated in the Grief Ministry and the Ministry of the Sick, and I currently serve as a Eucharistic minister. Additional Professional Experience in Early Childhood Alongside my work in Social Services, I have also gained significant experience in the Early Childhood field. My responsibilities have included conducting research on communities, school districts, and demographics to determine optimal locations for new schools. I have maintained positive relationships with parents and customers, managed daily school operations in compliance with state, city, and company regulations, and supervised and trained a staff of up to 20 employees. Additionally, I have worked on continuing parent and customer relationships to support retention, assisted in facility design to meet children’s needs, and established strong connections with town and community leaders at school locations.
Represent CASA to the court, to child welfare agencies including CPS, attorneys and service providers, and other community agencies who serve abused and neglected children and their families Assist with volunteer recruitment, retention and recognition activities. Supervise court advocate volunteers, providing guidance and direction . Supervise a team of CASA Supervisors. Take the lead in assisting new casework supervisors with their on-the-job training. Participate in case staffings - attend court hearings - assist in preparation of court reports - provide information regarding community resources - assist in making contacts and/or visits. Participate in training as a presenter and a facilitator.
• Provide targeted (intensive) case management services to family families working with CK Behavioral Health. • Supervise the overall care coordination with all child and family team members. Develop and maintain a crisis plan for the child and family. • Identify strengths and natural supports for the family and child through a family story, timelines and weekly family meetings. • Work with the family and the family’s support systems to reach an overall goal of stabilization, improved child wellbeing and permanency for the child. • Maintain case records on the family including notes, treatment plans, family timelines, family story and document Child Family Team Meetings.
• Determines the causes/factors of abuse/neglect to children to assess current or future risk to children by gathering information from parents, family members, and others; interviewing and examining children; assessing home environment; and gathering pertinent information from other sources. • Collaborate and work with the family to determine strengths, needs and action to be taken to remove or to reduce an immediate threat to the safety of a child to include referring family for crisis intervention therapy or other community resources, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, and placing children in substitute care. • Develops and maintains effective working relationships between families, Child Protective Services staff and law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources, to achieve a positive outcome.
•Responsible for identifying new clients in Tarrant County. •Initiate contact, recruit and maintain a large client base. •Resolve client issues in a timely manner. •Maintain collection procedures with existing clients. •Develop BMP maps for Storm Water Pollution Prevention for clients.
Secure and maintain a trusting and working relationship with Child Protective Services Tarrant Count Program Directors, supervisors and unit caseworkers. Work with the FACT program staff to remain current on all prgram services available to CPS fathers whose children are involved in the child welfare system. •Meet with CPS units and individual caseworkers •Presentations for unit meetings (usually consisting of 5 to 7 caseworkers) •Presentations for multi – unit meetings (usually consisting of 20+ caseworkers) •Presentations for CPS Parenting Classes (about 40 CPS parents) •Presentations to Community Organizations •Meet with CPS Caseworkers individually to discuss individual cases, fathers, status of cases and possible ways Project FACT and/or NewDay may provide support •Attend court hearings, Family Group Conferences, Family Team Meetings and Permanency Conferences to explain how Project Fact and/or NewDay may provide support •Introduce Project FACT and NewDay to caseworkers (INV, CVS and FBSS) •Follow up on previous referrals from Caseworkers (telephonically, email and in person) •Meet with fathers and Mentor/Navigators to discuss cases one on one and provide CPS System Navigation as well as limited Legal Navigation •Research cases for Mentor/Navigators to better understand the status of the case in order to better assist CPS, M/N and the fathers •Work with caseworkers, MN and fathers to enhance Service Plans and access to services •Act as a conduit to CPS for Mentor/navigators to maximize services for fathers •Assist CPS caseworkers with referral process •Ensure referral forms are completed and forwarded to Lead Mentor Navigator for assignment •Meet with CPS Legal Department to fully understand the current legal status of a CVS and relay to Mentor/Navigator and fathers. •Meet with INV to understand the status of case, offer assistance