Charlene McFarlane
Brampton,ON
Summary
Conscientious professional with extensive experience advocating for social and economic well-being of individuals and families. Skilled at providing guidance, support and assistance. Strong communication and management skills. Skilled in running social services initiatives and developing policies and procedures. Collaborative and committed to addressing social issues to improve quality of life in marginalized communities.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Manager
Imani's Place
01.2019 - Current
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Managed multiple calls daily pertaining to Program Operations and referrals.
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
- Coached team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.
- Developed and maintained logistics workflows, procedures, and reports.
- Met with project stakeholders on regular basis to assess progress and make adjustments.
- Responded to injuries, accidents, and allegations of abuse and misconduct by following company policies and when appropriate, law enforcement.
- Communicated regularly with guardians of residents, answering questions and addressing concerns.
- Participated in community events and met with local leaders to develop recreational activities for residents.
- Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
- Provided leadership, guidance, and support to staff members.
- Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies, and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Utilized grant writing skills to secure additional program funding.
- Implemented strategies to increase public awareness of social and community service programs.
- Conducted community workshops to promote different programs and educate public on available services.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
- Administered assessments to identify clients' needs and establish treatment plans.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
Crisis Intake Worker and Youth Counsellor
Supportive Housing In The Province
01.2010 - Current
- Responsible for providing professional care and support through direct consultation, counseling, referrals, and case management.
- Responsible for fostering therapeutic relationships with clients.
- Effectively respond to issues that arise, to problem solve and quickly de-escalate potential crises.
- Complete all administrative paperwork as required.
- Research and maintain awareness and knowledge of community resources and external agencies relevant to client needs.
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
- Engage and support clients' development of life skills.
- Conduct client-centered psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery for Mental Health and Addiction clients.
- Provide Crisis Intervention, Risk Assessment, and Supportive Counseling.
- Develop Individualized Service Plans to ensure client success.
- Provide Case Management and Discharge planning to maintain continuity of care.
- Assist with identifying, developing, and utilizing coping strategies necessary for mental health recovery.
- Document all client activity in CRMS and report Incidents as required.
- Liaise with community mental health agencies and criminal justice service providers to identify gaps in service, ensuring appropriate referral of clients.
- Communicated with referral sources, physicians, and associated staff to check documentation for proper signatures.
- Organized paperwork such as charts and reports for office and patient needs.
- Provide and assist clients with required paperwork to initiate service.
- Enter referrals into Operating System.
- Support office staff with operational requirements with administrative tasks.
- Complete/Document Intake Assessments.
- Provide support by navigating available community resources.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environments.
- Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Use critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
- Administered assessments to identify clients' needs and establish treatment plans.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
Support Worker
Christian Horizons
01.2008 - 01.2017
- Assist in implementation of self-directed behavior modification systems
- Assist in development of solution-focused program geared towards societal re-integration and self-empowerment
- Work with multi-disciplinary team in development of successful medication reduction plan for clients engaged in programming
- Provide effective service to clients with disabilities and administer medication
- Document daily activities, develop treatment plans, and record changes in behaviour
- Utilize various crisis intervention techniques
- Provide psychological and emotional support.
Frontline Worker
Youth without Shelter
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Supervise and monitor clients, provide supportive counseling and crisis de-escalation
- Conduct daily intakes, discharge planning and group facilitation
- Assist clients with employment and housing options
- Ensure daily, weekly and monthly documentation is complete and record statistics for management.
- Respond to over 50 crisis calls daily
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records
- Advocated for clients to ensure respected rights and wishes
- Administered assessments to identify clients' needs and establish treatment plans
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills
Support Worker
Community Living
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Assist in implementation of self-directed behavior modification systems
- Assist in development of solution-focused programming, geared towards societal re-integration and self-empowerment
- Work with multi-disciplinary team in development of successful medication reduction plan for clients engaged in programming
- Administer medication to clients
- Complete daily written reports and behavioral assessments
- When necessary, use various crisis intervention techniques
- Provide psychological and emotional support.
Social Service Worker
Spectrum Foster Care
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Intensive work with Young Offenders, difficult to manage adolescents and/or clients with emerging mental health issues
- Supervise and monitor day to day activities and house operations
- Employment and Education counseling.
- Evaluated clients' social, emotional and psychological needs to create treatment plans
Education
Bachelor in Social Work & Indigenous Studies - Social Services (First Nations Option)
Laurentian University
Peterborough, ON04.2023
Graduate Certificate - Addictions And Mental Health
St. Lawrence College
Brockville, ON04.2024
Associate of Applied Science - Social Services Worker
Sir Sanford Fleming College
Peterborough, ONSkills
- Regulations and Compliance
- Client Advocacy
- Facility Management
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Grant Writing
- Interviewing Skills
- Staff Oversight
- Service Planning
- Client Needs Assessments
- Partnership Development
- Team leadership and direction
- Documentation proficiency
- Performance monitoring
- Policy and procedure improvements
- Program leadership
- Strategic planning
Cover Letter
Dear Peel Region,I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Caseworker, Income & Social Supports position at the Region of Peel, as advertised. With nearly two decades of experience in social work, including as a Program Manager, Case Manager and Crisis Worker, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.My capacity as a Program Manager, has equipped me with skills necessary for this position particularly in Crisis Intervention, referral coordination, and client-centered service delivery. I have also honed a distinct skill set that extends beyond traditional social work responsibilities. My in depth knowledge of Ontario Regulations within the human services field, has been pivotal in shaping effective policies and procedures within the organization. I actively leveraged this expertise to create streamlined processes that not only ensured compliance but also prioritized the well-being of the individuals we serve. This experience significantly enhanced my ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. I am confident that my skills in interpreting and implementing regulations, coupled with a proven track record of policy development, will be invaluable in the Caseworker role within the Region of Peel.Your job posting emphasizes the importance of a client-centered perspective, and my extensive background aligns seamlessly with your requirements. As a seasoned social worker, I have conducted comprehensive assessments, facilitated crisis interventions, and collaborated with community resources to ensure long-term client support. My commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident through my continuous development and proactive management of bias.I hold a Bachelors In Social work and majored in Indigenous Studies, and also completing a Mental Health and Addictions program, fulfilling the educational requirements outlined in the job posting. My experience as a Caseworker, combined with a solid understanding of applicable policies and legislation, positions me well to meet the demands of the role. Moreover, my proficiency in various computer programs, including CRMS, HIFIS, SMS and Microsoft Office to name a few, enhances my ability to navigate and contribute effectively to your systems.Having worked in a multi-disciplinary team and chaired meetings, I am accustomed to collaborating with diverse stakeholders and contributing to the improvement of operational procedures if required. My excellent time management, organizational skills, and adaptability to technology changes align with the dynamic nature of the Caseworker position.I am particularly drawn to the inclusive and supportive culture at the Region of Peel, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the community's well-being through the Income and Social Supports department. The prospect of being part of a team that prioritizes respect and inclusion resonates with my values.Enclosed with this letter is my resume, providing additional details about my qualifications. I would be honored to further discuss how my skills and experiences make me an ideal candidate for this position. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the continued success of the Region of Peel.Sincerely,Charlene McFarlane
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- Trauma Counseling (Front Line Worker), The Hinks Dellcrest Centre - 2014
- ASSIST Training, Living Works Centre - 2017
- First Aid and CPR Level C - Canadian Red Cross, Toronto
Timeline
Program Manager
Imani's Place
01.2019 - Current
Crisis Intake Worker and Youth Counsellor
Supportive Housing In The Province
01.2010 - Current
Frontline Worker
Youth without Shelter
01.2009 - 01.2014
Support Worker
Christian Horizons
01.2008 - 01.2017
Support Worker
Community Living
01.2008 - 01.2009
Social Service Worker
Spectrum Foster Care
01.2007 - 01.2008
Bachelor in Social Work & Indigenous Studies - Social Services (First Nations Option)
Laurentian University
Graduate Certificate - Addictions And Mental Health
St. Lawrence College
Associate of Applied Science - Social Services Worker
Sir Sanford Fleming College
- Trauma Counseling (Front Line Worker), The Hinks Dellcrest Centre - 2014
- ASSIST Training, Living Works Centre - 2017
- First Aid and CPR Level C - Canadian Red Cross, Toronto
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