Ilene Canizales
Glendora
Summary
Dynamic case management expert with a solid track record in overseeing diverse caseloads while maintaining superior care quality. Specialized in client assessment, resource coordination, and comprehensive case documentation, leading to significant improvements in client outcomes. Acknowledged for strong communication and analytical skills, driving effective strategies in evolving situations. Committed to providing empathetic support aligned with specific client needs.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Case Manager Specialist
Volunteers of America Los Angeles
09.2025 - Current
- Coordinated care plans for clients, ensuring tailored support and comprehensive service delivery.
- Conducted assessments to identify client needs, facilitating appropriate resource allocation and intervention strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance client outcomes through integrated service approaches.
- Mentored junior staff on case management best practices, improving team efficiency and knowledge sharing.
- Advocated for clients' rights and access to services, fostering relationships with community resources and stakeholders.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through ongoing monitoring and analysis of key performance indicators, driving continuous improvement efforts within the organization.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners, leading to increased availability of resources for clients in need.
- Coordinated appropriate referrals to external agencies based on thorough assessment of client needs and goals.
- Conducted regular follow-up meetings with clients to monitor progress towards goals outlined in case plans while making adjustments as necessary.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to build rapport with clients and foster a supportive, non-judgmental environment for open communication.
Lead Case Manager
Volunteers of America Los Angeles
09.2024 - 09.2025
- Conducted initial client intakes to assess specific needs accurately.
- Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely documentation and reporting.
- Reviewed client files regularly for accuracy and completeness.
- Organized weekly team meetings to strategize solutions for challenging cases.
- Developed strong partnerships with community organizations to ensure continuity of care.
- Assisted clients in accessing essential community resources like housing and employment.
- Evaluated program effectiveness, providing recommendations based on client outcomes.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, including crisis intervention and advocacy.
- Led case management team in developing individualized service plans for clients.
- Coordinated resources and services to facilitate client access and support needs.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven analysis techniques, resulting in continuous improvement efforts.
Case Manager Generalist
Volunteers of America Los Angeles
02.2023 - 09.2024
- Collaborate with other agencies to ensure continuity of care for clients and create referrals to other providers.
- Maintain accurate case records, secure clients information, and documentation according to agency guidelines.
- Case manage clients’ needs, service and housing plans, and monitor progress towards goals.
- Provide case management services for clients on available resources within the community that can support their overall goals.
- Help clients locate and secure rental housing, information on government housing programs, and subsidies.
- Conduct home visits to assess the safety of living environments for clients.
- Audit case files on a regular basis for completeness and accuracy to assure all program assets are maintained.
- Provide case management practices, including client engagement, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction.
- Participate in regular team meetings, and training sessions to enhance case management effectiveness.
- Advocate households on resources, housing stability plans, and scheduling appointments to ensure clients needs are being addressed.
- Review cases with Program Coordinator and Case Management team to discuss clients housing and services plan and program updates.
- Discuss assessments with clients to collect financial, employment, housing, educational, and health information to develop a case plan.
- Provide a support system to meet client needs, organize move-in assistance, and rental sharing.
- Organize reports on cases and submitted them to supervisors as required.
Lead Cashier
Ross Dress for Less
01.2016 - 03.2023
- Addressed customer complaints promptly while remaining professional, listened to the customer, understand the problem, and offer solutions in challenging situations.
- Provided support to more than several departments when needed such as stocking shelves or running register.
- Balanced the daily tills at end of shift and prepared bank deposits for pick up.
- Monitored team performance on an ongoing basis to ensure adherence to standards.
- Assisted leadership with training new cashiers in departmental operations and procedures.
- Assisted management with developing and managing employee improvement strategies to encourage exceptional performance from staff.
- Processed returns and exchanges efficiently while adhering to company policies.
- Trained new team members in cash register operation, stock procedures, and customer services.
- Trained and mentored new cashiers to maximize performance with skilled, efficient and knowledgeable team members.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology Opt in Social Work
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA2022
Associate of Arts - Sociology
Citrus College
Glendora, CA05.2020
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Citrus College
Glendora, CA05.2020
Associate of Science - Child Development
Citrus College
Glendora, CA05.2020
Associate of Science - Social And Behavioral Sciences
Citrus College
Glendora, CA05.2020
Skills
- Case management and documentation
- Client advocacy and support
- Resource management and identification
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Microsoft Office applications
- Problem-solving techniques
- Reporting and documentation skills
- Social work principles
- Community resource navigation
- Email and telephone etiquette
- Case tracking and organization
- Relationship building skills
- Home visits and inspections
- Crisis intervention strategies
- Audit reporting
- Compliance standards
Certification
- LAHSA Document Acquisitions Training
- Housing Retention - Life Skills & Property Management presented by Homeless Health Care Los Angeles (2024)
- U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control
- LAHSA Problem-Solving: Progressive Engagement
- LAHSA Problem-Solving Assistance Funds (PSAF) 101
- LAHSA Problem-Solving with Imminently At-Risk Households
- LAHSA Universal Housing Application
- HMIS Basic Navigation Certified
Accomplishments
- Citrus Community College, Dean’s List Award (2017-2018)
- California State Polytechnic University, Dean’s List Award (2022)
Internship
- House of Ruth, Online Domestic Violence Training
- Knowledge on providing community resources, opportunities, and programs to individuals.
- Discussed strategies and techniques on crisis intervention to provide immediate support and assistance to individuals experiencing a crisis situation.
- Knowledge on how to help survivors of domestic violence by using critical skills, such as listening actively, working with multicultural families, and understanding what issues directly affect them.
Timeline
Case Manager Specialist
Volunteers of America Los Angeles
09.2025 - Current
Lead Case Manager
Volunteers of America Los Angeles
09.2024 - 09.2025
Case Manager Generalist
Volunteers of America Los Angeles
02.2023 - 09.2024
Lead Cashier
Ross Dress for Less
01.2016 - 03.2023
Associate of Arts - Sociology
Citrus College
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Citrus College
Associate of Science - Child Development
Citrus College
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology Opt in Social Work
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Associate of Science - Social And Behavioral Sciences
Citrus College