Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Rachael Williams

Montgomery,IL

Summary

Dynamic Child Welfare Specialist with a proven track record at DCFS, excelling in client advocacy and trauma-informed care. Enhanced family reunification rates through effective monitoring and support, while managing complex caseloads. Skilled in collaboration, fostering strong relationships with multidisciplinary teams to improve child welfare outcomes and ensure comprehensive support for at-risk families.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Child Welfare Specialist

DCFS
09.2000 - Current
  • Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and rapport to better support their needs throughout the case process.
  • Enhanced family reunification rates through diligent monitoring and support of parent-child visitations.
  • Reduced risk factors for child abuse and neglect by providing timely interventions and supportive services to at-risk families.
  • Managed complex caseloads effectively while adhering to strict timelines as mandated by federal regulations and state policies.
  • Ensured child safety through regular home visits, careful documentation, and ongoing communication with involved parties.
  • Improved child welfare outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing tailored case plans.
  • Strengthened client engagement by utilizing trauma-informed practices when engaging with children and families experiencing adversity.
  • Coordinated closely with schools, medical providers, therapists, and other relevant professionals to ensure comprehensive support for children in care.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.

Outreach Specialist

Lutherbrook
02.1998 - 09.2000
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure all of the youths needs were met.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to individuals facing medical, emotional and mental health challenges in the residential treatment setting.
  • Coordinated youth discharge planning and after care.
  • Completed individualized client service plans and participated in Administrative Case Reviews.
  • Participated in IEP staffings to ensure educational needs were met.
  • Monitored progress towards service plan goals.
  • Completed court reports and participated in Juvenile Court hearings.

Residential Child Care Worker

Lutherbrook (RTC)
11.1996 - 02.1998
  • Assisted youth in learning essential life skills such as budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and laundry management for increased independence upon transitioning out of residential care.
  • Implemented structured daily routines and activities for children.
  • Organized recreational outings that fostered teamwork, cooperation, and personal growth among residents.
  • Collaborated with therapists, social workers, and other professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans for each resident's emotional development.
  • Reduced behavioral issues through the implementation of positive reinforcement strategies tailored to individual needs.

Associate Director

Neopolitan Lighthouse
09.1995 - 10.1996
  • Supervised day to day shelter operations.
  • Provided advocacy for women and children who had experienced domestic violence.
  • Reviewed client services plan.
  • Maintained cooperative relationships with Community Service Providers.
  • Led a team of 12, supervising daily performance as well as training and improvement plans.

Children's Program Coordinator

Neopolitan Lighthouse
06.1995 - 09.1995
  • Established a positive rapport with children and their families, fostering an environment of trust and support within the program.
  • Provided support to families navigating difficult situations by connecting them with appropriate resources within the organization or community.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

Skills

  • Trauma-informed care
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Client advocacy

Timeline

Child Welfare Specialist

DCFS
09.2000 - Current

Outreach Specialist

Lutherbrook
02.1998 - 09.2000

Residential Child Care Worker

Lutherbrook (RTC)
11.1996 - 02.1998

Associate Director

Neopolitan Lighthouse
09.1995 - 10.1996

Children's Program Coordinator

Neopolitan Lighthouse
06.1995 - 09.1995

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

University of Illinois At Chicago

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Rachael Williams