Samantha Smith
Pomona
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience at the Department of Children and Family Services, excelling in child advocacy and crisis intervention. Proven ability to build trust with families while implementing effective treatment plans. Skilled in community outreach and problem-solving, ensuring child safety and promoting family support through collaborative efforts.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Children's Advocacy Center Partner
Children's Advocacy
03.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with colleagues and support staff at the CAC, law enforcement agencies and victims advocates to develop child safety and support after trauma exposure.
- Networked with other professionals and organizations to expand contacts and opportunities.
- Prepared and presented reports on status of DCFS referrals and case related information.
- Participated in monthly team meetings to discuss case specific issues and discuss lessons learned.
Children's Social Worker
Department of Children and Family Services
01.2016 - Current
- Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Developed and implemented strategies to reduce and prevent family conflict.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
- Assured the safety of children on a daily basis by maintaining communication with family, children and supports.
- Developed and created court reports regarding the family's case progress and made recommendations regarding child safety, reunification and permanency.
Education
Master of Science - Marriage And Family Therapy
University of Phoenix
Los Angeles, CA05-2016
Master of Arts - Human Services
University of Phoenix
Los Angeles, CA05-2012
Skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Child advocacy
- Active listening
- Organizational skills
- Time management abilities
- Family support
- Crisis intervention
- Excellent communication
- Multitasking Abilities
- Community outreach
- Team collaboration
- Multicultural awareness
Accomplishments
- Completed training for Forensic Interviewer I through the children's advocacy center
- Certified Child and Family Team Facilitator since 2017
- "Be A Hero For Children" Superhero Award Recipient 2023
- DCFS Mentor since 2018
Timeline
Children's Advocacy Center Partner
Children's Advocacy
03.2022 - Current
Children's Social Worker
Department of Children and Family Services
01.2016 - Current
Master of Science - Marriage And Family Therapy
University of Phoenix
Master of Arts - Human Services
University of Phoenix