Highly-motivated community service professional skilled at networking, media outreach and relationship development. Flexible and versatile team player who has worked in a variety of capacities within the public sector.
Skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Event planning and logistics
Culturally-sensitive
Self-starter
Skilled multi-tasker
Fast learner
Education and Training
Spring Arbor UniversityJackson , MIExpected in May of 2011 ā āMaster of Arts:Family Studies - GPA:
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant, MIExpected in December of 2000 ā ā:Family Studies/Family Science - GPA:
Lansing Community CollegeLansing, MIExpected in ā ā:University Preperation - GPA:
Experience
Ariens - Buyer Manitowoc, WI, 09/2016 - 09/2017
Responsible for the efficient and economical acquisition of the most complex and difficult equipment, goods and services used by the MDHHS to support the Department's activities and protect budgetary resources.
Assisted with training lower level buyers, and provided guidance for MDHHS purchasers statewide.
Wrote purchasing related procedures and training materials.
Addressed questions and concerns from the general public.
Coordinated the scheduling of trainings and site visits for assigned program area.Ā
Identified maintenance and safety issues at program facilities and coordinated repairs.
Boulder County, Co - Statewide Adoptive and Foster Parent Retention and Recruitment Coordinator Boulder, CO, 04/2014 - 09/2016
Recognized as a statewide resource with responsibility for the development and
monitoring of the MDHHS Adoption and Foster Care Home Recruitment and Retention
Programs, along with monitoring the Shelter Home Program contracts.
Served as the technical resource providing information to internal and external customers
regarding the implementation of programs, technical assistance, budget monitoring,
policy revisions, and developing initiatives.
Addressed questions and concerns from the general public.
Gathered and analyzed data on community needs and interests.
Solicited contributions and participation from local businesses to promote and improve community events and activities designed to improve recruitment and retention efforts of foster and adoptive parents statewide.
Reviewed field staff work and gave comprehensive and constructive feedback regarding individual county foster parent annual licensing goals.Ā Ā
Monitored statewide MDHHS Adoptive and Foster Parent Retention Ā and Recruitment county program annual budget spending plans to verify expenses were within budget parameters.
Reviewed study findings and recommended options for project restructuring, funding alternatives, and reducing costs.
Collected and entered statistical data into databases.
Attended and conducted meetings to answer questions, address complaints, and explain procedures to MDHHS staff and our Private Agency Partners.
Collaborated with community members to educate the public regarding the importance of recruiting and supporting adoptive, foster, and kinship Parents.
Served as a member of theĀ Governor's Task Force and the Statewide Adoption Oversight Committee. Ā Additionally, chaired the Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Council.
Planned, organized, implemented, and monitored Statewide foster, adoptive, and kinship parent conferences, trainings, and events in collaboration with the Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Parent Council, Central Office Staff, and Field Staff. Ā This included Local Office County Directors and Local Office County Frontline Staff, as well as staff from our Private Agency Partners. Ā Additionally, planned and organized yearly trainings and conferences for Frontline Staff, including Foster Care Licensing and Adoption Specialists. Ā Coordination of planning and organizing statewide conferences and trainings included; securing venues, arranging for speakers and trainers, creating all conference/training materials, and making arrangements for food/beverages needed for events.
The Center For Youth And Family Solutions - Community Resource Coordinator/Contract Administrator Lincoln, IL, 02/2011 - 04/2014
Collaborated with the community partners of Jackson County MDHHS in an effort to meet the needs of the population in which the agency serves.
Recruited, trained, and supervised volunteers of the volunteer services program at Jackson
County MDHHS. Ā Additionally, maintained up-to-date files and records for the volunteer staff at Jackson County MDHHS.
Monitored contracts held by Jackson County MDHHS, as well as initiated new contracts and contract amendments.
Solicited contributions and participation from local businesses to promote and improve community events and activities to support foster and underprivileged youth. Ā Events included; the annual Angel Tree Gift Giving program for foster and underprivileged youth throughout Jackson County, as well as an annual backpack and school supply drive. Ā The annual backpack and school supply drive was done in collaboration with WILX News Ten, the Jackson Intermediate School District, and Flagstar Bank.Ā
Referred clients to financial, medical, social and community assistance and services.
Wrote comprehensive reports that were presented to the Jackson County Human Services Board, as well as well as the Jackson County MDHHS Management Team each month.
Served as the Department of Technology and Budget liaison and identified maintenance and safety issues at the Jackson County MDHHS facility, as well coordinated repairs.
Presented program developments to the community, including the Jackson CountyĀ ContinuumĀ of Care, the Jackson Transportation Authority, the Jackson County Human Services Board, and the Jackson County Emergency Needs Coalition.
Attended community meetings each week to answer questions, address complaints, and explain procedures. Ā Meetings included the Jackson CountyĀ ContinuumĀ of Care, the Jackson Transportation Authority, the Jackson County Human Services Board, and the Jackson County Emergency Needs Coalition.
Boulder County, Co - Adoption Specialist Boulder, CO, 10/2009 - 02/2011Addressed questions and concerns from the general public.
Completed adoptive child and family assessments for the purpose of finalizing
adoptions for children who had become permanent wards.
Recruited adoptive families, making recommendations regarding competing party adoptions,
and working directly with the Court System, the Michigan Children's Institute, and the Adoption Subsidy Office.
Provided post adoption services to adoptive families and
children.
Conducted needsā assessments and referred clients to financial, medical, social and community assistance and services.
Organized the National Adoption Day event and activities annually, in collaboration with the with the Jackson County Family Court Division Adoption Coordinator.
Monitored our Private Agency Partners' adoption staff work and gave comprehensive and constructive feedback. Ā This included; review and approval of child and family assessments competed by private agency adoption staff, as well as review and approval of quarterly court reports submitted by private agency adoption staff. Ā
Department Of Health And Human Services (MDHHS) - Foster Care Licensing Worker City, STATE, 04/2009 - 10/2009
Provided orientation and training to prospective foster parents and/or relative homes.
Completed initial foster home/adoption evaluations to assure compliance with foster
home rules, as well as annual foster home evaluations to ensure continued compliance.
Worked collaboratively with Children's Protective Services in conducting special
investigations in regards to possible licensing rule violations of licensed foster homes.
Developed and monitored the local county adoptive and foster retention and recruitment budget to verify expenses were within budget parameters.
Collaborated with community organizations and our private agency partners to recruit and train foster and adoptive. Ā Additional collaboration with community organizations and our private agency partners included; organizing numerous foster and adoptive parent retention events and conferences.
Department Of Health And Human Services (MDHHS) - Adoption Specialist City, STATE, 01/2007 - 04/2009
Completed adoptive child and family assessments for the purpose of finalizing adoptions for children who had become permanent wards.
Recruited adoptive families, making recommendations regarding competing party adoptions, and working directly with the Court System, the Michigan Children's Institute, and the Adoption Subsidy Office.
Provided post adoption services to adoptive families and children.
Conducted needsā assessments and referred clients to financial, medical, social and community assistance and services.
Organized the National Adoption Day event and activities annually, in collaboration with the with the Jackson County Family Court Division Adoption Coordinator.
Department Of Health And Human Services (MDHHS) - Children's Protective Services Worker City, STATE, 09/2004 - 01/2007
Investigated allegations of child abuse and/or neglect.
Provided case management
services to at-risk families and children.
Accepted and documented complaints of
suspected child abuse and/or neglect, and made decisions regarding case assignment based on policy, supervisor advisement.
Addressed questions and concerns from the general public.
Conducted needsā assessments and referred clients to financial, medical, social and community assistance and services.
Maintained up-to-date and accurate program files and records in line with program policy, as well as court requirements.
Collaborated with community leaders, organizations and public agencies to promote the organizationās community service programs.
Collaborated with community members to educate the public on issues such as; child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, and substance abuse.
Burnham Brook Center - Social Worker Care Manager City, STATE, 2004 - 09/2004
Provided assessments and services to elderly and disabled adults.
Collaborated with nursing staff to create a care plan that met the individual, medical and social needs of clients served in an in-home setting.
Families First Of Michigan - In-Home Family Supervisor/Therapist City, STATE, 06/2001 - 2004
Provided intensive, home-based services to at-risk families.
Provided education to at-risk families that included; effective communication life skills, and parenting techniques.
Conducted needsā assessments and referred clients to financial, medical, social and community assistance and services.
Recruited, trained and supervisedĀ new staff members.Ā
Maintained up-to-date and accurate program files and records.
Reviewed staff work and gave comprehensive and constructive feedback.
Collaborated with organizations and public agencies, including MDHHS staff, to promote the organizationās community service programs, program objectives, and goals.
Foote Hospital Behavioral Health Access Center - Intake and Referral Technician City, STATE, 2001 - 05/2001
Provided crisis intervention and patient referral to behavioral health services within the hospital
and the community.
Addressed questions and concerns from the general public.
Ingham County Prosecutor Office - Domestic Violence Advocate (Internship) City, STATE, 07/2000 - 11/2017
Assisted victims of domestic violence throughout the criminal justice process
by providing the victim with criminal justice advocacy, emotional support, information,
referrals to community resources, and safety planning.
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Resume Overview
School Attended
Spring Arbor University
Central Michigan University
Lansing Community College
Job Titles Held:
Buyer
Statewide Adoptive and Foster Parent Retention and Recruitment Coordinator
Community Resource Coordinator/Contract Administrator