Elena Rodriguez
DCFS - Department of Children and Family Services
Galesburg
1
Language
1
Certification
22
years of professional experience
Compassionate and results-driven child welfare professional with expertise in collaborative problem-solving and family engagement. Known for successfully implementing quality assurance measures and fostering positive relationships between families and caregivers to ensure children's voices are heard.
Work History
Permanency Specialist Caseworker
3 Years 8 Months- Conducted comprehensive assessments of children and families to identify strengths and challenges.
- Developed individualized service plans to address clients' unique circumstances and goals.
- Facilitated family reunification efforts by assessing case needs and coordinating services.
- Monitored compliance with court orders to ensure timely case progression and resolution.
- Led multi-disciplinary team meetings to strategize on case management and resource allocation.
- Implemented quality assurance measures to enhance service delivery and improve outcomes for families.
- Strengthened relationships between birth families and caregivers through regular communication and support, promoting positive engagement in the permanency process.
- Advocated for children''s best interests during court proceedings, ensuring their voices were heard in determining their futures.
- Facilitated successful transitions for youth aging out of foster care through connecting them with vital resources such as housing assistance, educational opportunities, and employment supports.
- Promoted a positive work environment within the agency by actively participating in team building activities, sharing best practices, and offering support to colleagues when needed.
Preschool Teacher/Childcare Center Director
2 Years 9 Months- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Implemented and assessed age-appropriate educational activities to enhance children's learning experiences.
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles and developmental stages.
- Collaborated with parents and caregivers to support children's growth and address individual needs.
- Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for all students, adhering to health and safety guidelines in the classroom.
Preschool Teacher - Center Director
4 Years 11 Months- Implemented individualized learning strategies to address diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance preschoolers' cognitive and social skills.
- Facilitated a safe, nurturing environment that promoted positive behavior and emotional development.
- Collaborated with parents to support children's growth through regular communication and resource sharing.
- Led assessments of student progress, adjusting instructional methods to ensure optimal learning outcomes.
- Organized educational activities that fostered creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork among preschoolers.
- Developed strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing regular updates on their child's progress and addressing any concerns proactively.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Designed creative lesson plans that incorporated hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences to foster curiosity and engagement in young learners.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Childhood Development
- Relevant Coursework:
- This is the beginning of my goal so that I can become a certified Early Childhood Development Teacher.
Master of Science - Mental Health And Wellness
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Development
Skills
Child welfare
Family reunification
Behavior assessment
Family collaboration
Legal documentation
Progress tracking
Collaborative Problem-solving
Behavior assessment
Court advocacy
Legal reporting
Ethical practice
Professional boundaries
Social perceptiveness
Accomplishments
- Documented and resolved referrals which led to parents meeting their goals for reunification.
Certification
As a permanency Specialists I was required to get certified through the state. My certificates were
CWELL - Child Welfare Employee License
CANS - Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths
CERAP - Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Permanency Specialist Caseworker
DCFS - Department of Children and Family Services
10.2022 - 06.2026Read More
Preschool Teacher/Childcare Center Director
Galesburg High School
08.2009 - 05.2012Read More
Preschool Teacher - Center Director
Head Start Program
06.2004 - 05.2009Read More
Grand Canyon University
Master of Science from Mental Health And Wellness
Read More
Carl Sandburg College
Associate of Applied Science from Childhood Development
Read More
Purdue University Global
Bachelor of Science from Early Childhood Development
Read More