SANDRA N. GARCIA
HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County
San Jose
1
Certification
8
years of professional experience
Trauma-informed case management professional with 7+ years of experience supporting individuals and families affected by homelessness, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, mental health needs, and housing instability. Skilled in housing retention, crisis response, service coordination, documentation, cross-system collaboration, and culturally responsive client advocacy. Recognized for strong resource knowledge, sound judgment, and the ability to support team problem-solving in fast-paced social-service settings.
Work History
Case Manager, Housing Retention
4 Months- Managed housing-retention caseload, conducted participant assessments, developed service plans, and coordinated resources to enhance housing stability and promote long-term self-sufficiency.
- Partner with property managers, housing specialists, healthcare providers, public agencies, and community organizations to resolve barriers involving rent, safety, accessibility, benefits, and tenancy concerns.
- Delivered field-based outreach, crisis support, and transportation coordination, advocated for participants, and documented case notes in HMIS while upholding professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Domestic Violence Advocate / Family Advocate
2 Years 3 Months- Delivered crisis intervention, safety planning, trauma-informed advocacy, and tailored housing and service planning for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, ensuring immediate support and long-term recovery.
- Facilitated access for adults and children to emergency shelter, counseling, legal support, and financial assistance, while collaborating with multidisciplinary community partners to enhance resource availability and effectiveness.
- Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence.
- Coordinated intake assessments and developed safety plans tailored to individual client needs.
- Facilitated support groups, fostering a safe environment for participants to share experiences.
Domestic Violence Advocate
2 Years- Conducted intake, developed safety and service plans, facilitated client support and education, and coordinated with law enforcement, courts, shelters, and community providers to ensure comprehensive client care.
- Advocated for clients in domestic violence situations, providing emotional support and resources.
- Developed safety plans tailored to individual client needs, enhancing personal security strategies.
- Facilitated support groups, fostering community connections and shared experiences among participants.
Outreach Specialist, Homeless Services
3 Years- Conducted street and community outreach to link individuals and families to housing and supportive services, facilitating navigation of healthcare, benefits, and complex service systems.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Correctional Program Support Services
Skills
Housing Retention & Stabilization
Case Management
Crisis Intervention
Trauma-Informed Care
Safety Planning
Client Assessment
HMIS Documentation
Community Partnerships
Benefits & Resource Navigation
DV/SA/HT Advocacy
Staff Collaboration
Culturally Responsive Communication
Certification
- 75-Hour Domestic Violence / Human Trafficking / Sexual Assault Certificate
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Crisis Response & Safety Planning
Timeline
Case Manager, Housing Retention
HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County
04.2026 - CurrentRead More
Domestic Violence Advocate / Family Advocate
AACI
01.2024 - 04.2026Read More
Domestic Violence Advocate
YWCA
01.2022 - 01.2024Read More
Outreach Specialist, Homeless Services
Abode Services
01.2019 - 01.2022Read More
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science from Correctional Program Support Services
Read More