Social Assistance Management System
Samantha Serre
Smiths Falls
Summary
Compassionate Case Manager experienced in fast paced and crisis centered environments. Hardworking and devoted to achieving life stabilization. Offers excellent problem-solving, conflict resolution and system navigation abilities. Extensive experience advocating for social and economic well-being of individuals and families. Strong verbal, written, communication and case management skills. Committed to inspiring community service.
Dedicated to continue career within Social Services while maintaining integrity and the highest form of confidentiality.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Case Manager - Integrated Program Delivery
United Counties Of Leeds And Grenville
2022.08 - Current
- Ontario Works, LEAP, Under 18, Temp Care Case Management
- Determined initial and on-going eligibility suitability for programs including emergency and crisis by performing client intake interviews and social assessments.
- Used evidence-based practices such as motivational interviewing to create individualized service plans for clients.
- Conduct ongoing work with families/individuals and fellow staff in a respectful and empowering manner
- Tracked service activities and outcomes against outlined plans and goals.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Used SAMs to create and prepare reports, applications and documentation.
- Assisted clients in navigating employment, housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources.
- Maintain working knowledge of available resources to best serve and refer families/individuals.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
- Prepare and process ongoing changes, file updates, correspondence, reports, affidavits, and follow up for arrears/overpayments as requested and/or required.
- Coordinated individual referrals to obtain community services, advocate for client needs and resolve roadblocks.
- Provided crisis intervention, guidance and supportive counseling to clients.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Provided back-up support and coverage to other Case Managers as required
Family Housing Based Case Manager
Wabano Centre For Aboriginal Health
2019.03 - 2021.01
- Assisted Indigenous women and children fleeing abuse by navigating through the shelter system and connecting with a full circle of community support
- Provided strong advocacy for families involved with Family and Children's Services
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Conduct, prepare and facilitate workshops, tenant meetings and orientation sessions
- Oversaw housing plans for over 100 clients to promote timely transition to permanent housing and appropriate usage of housing subsidies.
- Sought out affordable housing options and residences for people in need.
- Met with housing residents and landlords to answer questions, address concerns and clarify policies and procedures.
- Assisted applicants in filling out housing applications and verifying assets.
- Negotiated with landlords and real estate agents to obtain vacant apartments for clients with histories of homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse,by providing direct, hands-on support services.
- Improved clients' coping with routine life activities such as food budgeting and rental payments.
- Facilitated communication between clients and other service providers.
Housing Case Manager
Wabano Centre For Aboriginal Health
2018.10 - 2019.03
- Managed caseload to satisfy multiple Indigenous clients with diverse needs.
- Assessed risk factors of clients and made referrals for further services.
- Assisted clients in accessing housing, financial assistance and other community resources.
- Supported clients through development of new life skills, obtaining resources and transitioning back to society.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals facing emotional and mental health challenges in office and outreach settings
- Used skills such as active listening and collaborative problem-solving daily to connect with clients and address concerns.
- Maintained database of housing resources, landlords and management companies.
- Determined needed and relevant interventions based on each client's cognitive abilities and current needs.
- Assisted in completion of Housing Subsidy applications
- Provided strong advocacy for Indigenous clients at the LTB Tribunal for conflict resolution
- Maintained detailed records of client progress, documentation of services and case notes.
Education
Diploma - Community Services Worker
Herzing College
Ottawa, ON2018-11
High School Diploma -
St John Catholic High School
Perth, ON2005-06
Skills
- Interpret legislation, policy and procedures
- Ability to interview, assess clients’ needs, and effectively provide support
- Ability to work independently and within team-delivered organizational model
- Take initiative, solve problems and resolve conflict
- Make independent informed decisions
- Work with computerized support system - SAMs
- Demonstrate sound judgment
- Establish effective working relationships with people of diverse social, economic and ethnic backgrounds
- Provide intervention methods to allow program goals to be met
- Perform crisis intervention
- Resourceful and innovative
- Effective interpersonal skills
- Effective organizational skills
- Flexible and adaptable
- Demonstrate tact, empathy, sensitivity and discretion
Certification
- Knowledge of community agencies/organizations
- CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute)
- Motivational Interviewing Level 1&2
- First Aid CPR/AED Level HCP
- Understanding grief as a Frontline Worker
- Balance Boundaries and Burnout
- ASIST
- Mental Health First Aid
- An overview of the Residential Tenancies Act
- Collaborative Problem Solving - CHEO
- Compassion Fatigue training
- Health and Safety committee member
Software
Microsoft Office Suite
Languages
English
Timeline
Case Manager - Integrated Program Delivery
United Counties Of Leeds And Grenville
2022.08 - Current
Family Housing Based Case Manager
Wabano Centre For Aboriginal Health
2019.03 - 2021.01
Housing Case Manager
Wabano Centre For Aboriginal Health
2018.10 - 2019.03
Diploma - Community Services Worker
Herzing College
High School Diploma -
St John Catholic High School
- Knowledge of community agencies/organizations
- CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute)
- Motivational Interviewing Level 1&2
- First Aid CPR/AED Level HCP
- Understanding grief as a Frontline Worker
- Balance Boundaries and Burnout
- ASIST
- Mental Health First Aid
- An overview of the Residential Tenancies Act
- Collaborative Problem Solving - CHEO
- Compassion Fatigue training
- Health and Safety committee member
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