Sarah Allen, MSW
Danvers
Summary
Seasoned social work professional with over 10 years of experience in child welfare and leadership roles. Proven expertise in policy formulation, program development, and management within social services. Adept at fostering professional growth, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards, and leading teams in dynamic, online, and hybrid environments.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Crisis Services
National Runaway Safeline
01.2025 - Current
- Lead 24/7/365 operations of a national crisis services center, ensuring trauma-informed care to youth and families.
- Supervise multidisciplinary teams to maintain compassionate and consistent service delivery.
- Develop KPIs, QA protocols, and data-driven strategies to improve outcomes.
- Serve as on-call crisis response supervisor providing real-time emergency decision-making.
- Maintain and optimize national referral databases to enhance access to holistic support.
- Represent NRS as a national expert at conferences and public forums.
Deputy Director of Intact Family Services
Department of Children and Family Services
04.2024 - 12.2024
- Led statewide initiatives and oversight for prevention programming ensuring compliance with accreditation standards.
- Mentored leadership teams and enhanced staff performance strategies.
- Managed partnerships with state agencies and stakeholders.
- Facilitated staff training for effective program and service implementation.
- Drafted policy guides and procedures ensuring operational effectiveness.
- Implemented program improvements and corrective actions outlined by the Office of Inspector General (OIG), strengthening compliance and statewide service consistency.
Associate Vice President of Statewide Intact Family Services
Brightpoint
10.2020 - 04.2024
- Managed statewide operations and supported training initiatives.
- Developed training programs aligned with accreditation standards.
- Fostered community partnerships for placements and supervision.
- Led grant applications and implementation of funded programs.
- Developed prevention-based programs contributing to policy formation.
Contracted Therapist
Our Children's Homestead
08.2021 - 09.2023
- Conducted assessments and provided therapy for minors in the foster care system.
- Maintained treatment records ensuring comprehensive client care.
- Supported crisis intervention initiatives using trauma-informed practices.
Director of Intact Family Services
Children's Home Association of Illinois
04.2019 - 10.2020
- Led program development and implemented effective service policies.
- Directed staff training focusing on professional development.
- Advocated for families and contributed to policy reform efforts.
- Guided program leaders in performance management, coaching, and workforce development to enhance staff effectiveness and service outcomes.
- Built and maintained strong partnerships with state agencies, service providers, and community stakeholders to advance departmental initiatives.
Intact Family Services Supervisor
Children's Home Association of Illinois
06.2016 - 09.2017
- Supervised a team of caseworkers responsible for safety planning, family engagement, and permanency-focused service delivery.
- Provided ongoing coaching, case consultation, and performance monitoring to ensure adherence to DCFS policy and best practices.
- Conducted regular case reviews and supervisory conferences to support clinical decision-making and strengthen caseworker competencies.
- Ensured staff maintained high-quality documentation, met required timelines, and responded effectively to crisis situations.
- Oversaw safety assessments, risk determinations, and service planning to ensure child safety and family stabilization.
- Guided caseworkers through complex cases involving mental health needs, substance misuse, domestic violence, and chronic neglect.
- Monitored progress toward permanency goals, ensuring timely interventions, coordinated services, and effective family engagement.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Illinois State University
05.2016
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Illinois State University
05.2012
Skills
- Social Work Theory, Practice, and Policy
- Expertise in Developing and Implementing Child Welfare Prevention-Based Programming
- Leadership, Coaching, and Staff Development
- Experienced in Title IV-E Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA)
- Program Development and Administration
- Partnership Building and Community Collaboration
- Crisis Intervention and Case Management
- Research and Data Analysis
- Executive-level strategic planning and decision-making
- Deep understanding of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA)
- Knowledge of Illinois child protection reporting guidelines and investigative protocols
- Ability to interpret statutes, policies, and state rules to both staff and the public
- Experience developing, implementing, and revising statewide policies and procedure
Timeline
Director of Crisis Services
National Runaway Safeline
01.2025 - Current
Deputy Director of Intact Family Services
Department of Children and Family Services
04.2024 - 12.2024
Contracted Therapist
Our Children's Homestead
08.2021 - 09.2023
Associate Vice President of Statewide Intact Family Services
Brightpoint
10.2020 - 04.2024
Director of Intact Family Services
Children's Home Association of Illinois
04.2019 - 10.2020
Intact Family Services Supervisor
Children's Home Association of Illinois
06.2016 - 09.2017
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Illinois State University
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Illinois State University