Cherise Lightning
Sylvan Lake
Summary
Professional with expertise in child and youth social work, equipped to drive impactful change and support. Adept in crisis intervention, case management, and advocacy, ensuring safety and well-being of young individuals. Strong collaborator, adaptable to evolving situations, and steadfast in delivering positive outcomes. Reliable, empathetic, and skilled in fostering supportive environments.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
GENERALIST
SUNCHILD CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES
09.2024 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of child safety, identifying areas of concern and implementing appropriate interventions.
- Assisted adolescents transitioning out of foster care through life skills training programs focused on education, employment, housing stability goals.
- Ensured timely intervention in crisis situations, coordinating with emergency services and other professionals as needed.
- Reduced risk factors for child abuse and neglect by implementing evidence-based interventions and programs.
- Streamlined processes within multidisciplinary meetings, fostering a more collaborative environment to discuss case progress and improvements.
CHILD INTERVENTION PRACTIONER
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
11.2023 - Current
- Supported effective and efficient case management practice that produce the best outcome for children and families
- Assisted in safety planning with families and their supports to ensure the safety of children in their home and community
- Prepare legal documentation including PGO, TGO, supervision orders, secure treatment, and court reports
- Assess risk of children and their families – determining needs, safety of children, and identifying existing strengths, safety, and possible worries
- Demonstrated knowledge and application of CYFEA legislation, regulations, policies, and standards
AFTERCARE COORDINATOR
HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAM
02.2023 - 11.2023
- Maintain up-to-date client files that track and evaluate participation and progress in the program
- Manage employees, Ongoing program orientation, training, and development of frontline staff
- Provide one-on-one supports, including counselling, peer and/or group support
- Initiate and participate in case conferences as necessary to ensure client needs are met
- Provide referrals and advocacy services to individuals experiencing addiction-related issues such as relapse prevention, depression, anxiety, concurrent disorders, etc
- Advocate on behalf of clients and provide ongoing liaison services and follow-up to ensure individual needs are being met
- Participate in case audits, compliance audits, program evaluations and any other specially designed processes that may be undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the Treatment & Aftercare Program, as well as staff
- Ongoing maintenance of the property, ensuring the home is in livable conditions, following health and safety act
- Manage monthly household budget
CORRECTIONS OFFICER
CYOC Female Annex
06.2022 - 11.2023
- Ensured adequate protocols and safety procedures are followed through
- Monitored inmate behaviour, while ensuring the safety of my teammates and other inmates
- Conducted log notes- record of daily movements, intakes, routines, and behaviours
- Conducted hourly patrols, daily searches, and security inspections within the units and centre
- Created and maintain a rapport with employees and inmates on a professional level
HOUSING CASE MANAGER
Red Deer Native Friendship Society
02.2022 - 06.2022
- Determined eligibility and suitability for programs by performing client intake interviews and bio-psycho-social assessments
- Supervised overall client services and acted as liaison between clients, caregivers and service providers
- Coordinated discharge of clients with outside healthcare resources and formulated individualized service plans with both long-term and short-term goals
- Coordinated with courts and community agencies for supportive services
- Maintained high level of client confidentiality, following strict guidelines and recommendations
- Developed relationships with juveniles aged out of foster care system and assisted in finding permanent housing through Section 8 programs
- Performed discharge planning, placement monitoring and crisis intervention
INDIGENOUS RESOURCE WORKER
Heritage family services
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Teaching and implementing traditional teachings and knowledge through out everyday activities- creating meal plans, outings, day to day activities etc
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs
- Providing one to one support for at-risk youth
- Helped clients manage and reach individual goals, supporting independent progression and social skills
- Maintained record of daily individual activities, behaviors and pertinent incidents for patient analysis and assessment
- Transported clients to appointments, shopping venues and entertainment events according to determined schedule
CHILD INTERVENTION WORKER
Westward Goals Support Services
05.2018 - 10.2021
- Monitored visits between parents and apprehended youth
- Assessed and implemented healthy coping mechanisms, alongside parenting techniques between parents and youth
- Transported clients to and from visits
- Helped parents complete court ordered goals, while implementing healthy life choices for long term success after child intervention services
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties
- Evaluated risk to client or others by gathering information and conducting assessments
- Worked with family members to develop support networks and multifaceted coping techniques focused on client needs
SUPPORT WORKER
Central Alberta Residence Society
12.2019 - 06.2020
- Working in an independent living home with indigenous clients who have FASD
- Ensuring healthy lifestyle choices and decision-making skills
- Analyzed overall patient performance and recommended adjustments to care plan goals, supporting individual progression
- Kept clients engaged in social networks and communities for personal health and growth
- Visited home environments to help clients develop comprehensive life, technical and job skills
- Assisted with daily living activities, running errands and household chores
- Entrusted to handle confidential and sensitive situations in professional matter
SUPPORT WORKER
ACTION GROUP
05.2016 - 08.2018
- Followed strict behavior support plan for clients with complex needs
- Promoted community integration by providing extensive physical, emotional and social support
- Helped clients manage and reach individual goals, supporting independent progression and social skills
- Maintained record of daily individual activities, behaviors and pertinent incidents for patient analysis and assessment
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Calgary
Calgary, AB01.2021
Skills
- Community Resources
- Cultural Awareness
- Reflective listening
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Crisis handling
- Client advocacy
- Suicide prevention
- Team Collaboration
- Individual and group counseling
- First Aid Certification
Timeline
GENERALIST
SUNCHILD CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES
09.2024 - Current
CHILD INTERVENTION PRACTIONER
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
11.2023 - Current
AFTERCARE COORDINATOR
HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAM
02.2023 - 11.2023
CORRECTIONS OFFICER
CYOC Female Annex
06.2022 - 11.2023
HOUSING CASE MANAGER
Red Deer Native Friendship Society
02.2022 - 06.2022
INDIGENOUS RESOURCE WORKER
Heritage family services
02.2021 - 02.2022
SUPPORT WORKER
Central Alberta Residence Society
12.2019 - 06.2020
CHILD INTERVENTION WORKER
Westward Goals Support Services
05.2018 - 10.2021
SUPPORT WORKER
ACTION GROUP
05.2016 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Calgary
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