Cristina Fernandez
Evansville
Summary
Professional Casework Supervisor prepared to drive results and elevate team performance. Proven track record of implementing successful case management strategies and improving client outcomes. Known for fostering collaborative environments and adapting to changing needs, with expertise in conflict resolution and resource allocation.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Services Casework Manager/Local Office Administrator
Illinois Department of Human Services
07.2018 - Current
- I currently provide supervision to 12 Caseworkers and 2 clerical staff.
- I provide training to the caseworkers and clerical staff to ensure accurate and efficient delivery of all public assistance programs which include TANF, SNAP, and variety of medical programs.
- I stay abreast of new and changing policy and programs and disseminate information to staff as needed during scheduled weekly staff meetings, in person, and daily emails.
- Implemented efficient case review processes to ensure timely completion of tasks and adherence to deadlines, resulting in improved service quality.
- Promoted diversity awareness among staff members through seminars on cultural competence for better understanding of clients'' unique needs.
- Provided ongoing training to caseworkers, enhancing their skills in assessment, intervention, and evaluation techniques.
- Collaborated with other departments on cross-functional projects to ensure seamless coordination of services across multiple domains.
- Streamlined caseload organization for better time-management and increased productivity.
- Ensured compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations through meticulous documentation and record-keeping practices.
- Enhanced team collaboration with regular staff meetings, open communication channels, and shared resources.
- Increased client satisfaction by actively listening to concerns and addressing them promptly and professionally.
- Reduced staff turnover rates by fostering a supportive work environment that valued professional development opportunities.
Human Services Caseworker
Illinois Department of Human Services
10.2014 - 06.2018
- As a Human Services Caseworker I perform professional casework activities in providing public assistance services available from DHS as well as auxiliary state, local and federal programs.
- I explain eligibility criteria and requirements for public assistance programs.
- I collect client data and determine eligibility.
- I discuss applicant goals and participation levels.
- I assess client skills and evaluate client ability to obtain and retain employment.
- I make appropriate referrals to ensure applicant receives available benefits.
Social Service Career Trainee
Illinois Department of Human Services
01.2014 - 10.2014
- As a social service career trainee I have developed the knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed to manage a public assistance caseload such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children including earned income cases, Medical Assistance No Grant (MANG) including spend down cases, Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD), Food Stamps and other cases.
- I explain work incentive programs and to encourage client participation.
- I have learned to assist clients in resolving problems that interfere with work or educational opportunities.
Treatment Foster Care Case Manager-Lead Worker
Christian Social Service (Caritas)
10.2009 - 01.2014
- As a treatment foster care case manager I provided services to foster children, biological parents, and foster parents.
- I managed a case load of 6-10 treatment children.
- I worked with biological parents to correct the behaviors that brought their children into the Department of Children and Family Services care.
- I developed service plans, integrated assessments, treatment plans, family meetings, and refer clients out to appropriate services.
- I attended court hearings and administrative case reviews.
- As the lead worker I provided guidance to coworkers, data entry, supervision to case assistants, and training for new employees.
Program Coordinator
Illinois Mentor
06.2008 - 10.2009
- As a Program Coordinator I provided casework services to children and families.
- I made assessments in the development of service plans and integrated assessments.
- I helped determine the needs and strengths of children and families.
- I coordinated placement of foster children in foster homes and made assessment of higher level of care when needed.
Treatment Foster Care Case Manager-Lead Worker
Christian Social Service (Caritas)
01.2003 - 06.2008
- As a treatment foster care case manager I provided services to foster children, biological parents, and foster parents.
- I managed a case load of 6-10 treatment children who were medically or behaviorally complex.
- I worked with biological parents to correct the behaviors that brought their children into the Department of Children and Family Services care.
- I developed service plans, integrated assessments, treatment plans, family meetings, and refer clients out to appropriate services.
- I attended court hearings and administrative case reviews.
- As the lead worker I provided guidance to coworkers, data entry, supervision to case assistants, and training for new employees.
Foster Care Case Manager
Christian Social Service (Caritas)
07.2001 - 01.2003
- As a foster care case manager I provided many services to foster children, biological parents, and foster parents.
- I managed a case load of up to 25 children.
- I worked with biological parents to correct the behavior that brought their children into DCFS’s care.
- I developed service plans, social histories, and referred them out her appropriate services.
- I attended court hearings and administrative case reviews on a regular basis.
- I conducted monthly home visits with foster parents, children, and biological parents.
Case Manager Internship
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
08.2000 - 01.2001
- As an intern for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services I transported clients to treatment and other various tasks.
- I arranged treatment and linkage to various resources.
- I developed social histories and service plans.
- I carried a small case load identifying client needs and strengths.
- I demonstrated understanding of policies and procedures governing the Department of Children and Family Services.
Education
Professional/School Counseling -
Lindenwood University
01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Southern Illinois University
05-2001
Associate of Arts -
Southwestern Illinois College
05-1999
Skills
- Ethics and integrity
- Compliance monitoring
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Diversity awareness
- Highly effective communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Goal setting
Timeline
Human Services Casework Manager/Local Office Administrator
Illinois Department of Human Services
07.2018 - Current
Human Services Caseworker
Illinois Department of Human Services
10.2014 - 06.2018
Social Service Career Trainee
Illinois Department of Human Services
01.2014 - 10.2014
Treatment Foster Care Case Manager-Lead Worker
Christian Social Service (Caritas)
10.2009 - 01.2014
Program Coordinator
Illinois Mentor
06.2008 - 10.2009
Treatment Foster Care Case Manager-Lead Worker
Christian Social Service (Caritas)
01.2003 - 06.2008
Foster Care Case Manager
Christian Social Service (Caritas)
07.2001 - 01.2003
Case Manager Internship
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
08.2000 - 01.2001
Professional/School Counseling -
Lindenwood University
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Southern Illinois University
Associate of Arts -
Southwestern Illinois College
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