RAUL I. GONZALEZ, MPA

Oakland Park, FL, US ad0rmn@r.postjobfree.com 201-***-**** www.linkedin.com/in/raul-gonzalez SUMMARY

With more than 25 years of experience, I excel in community engagement, public affairs, and collaborative initiatives. I blend strategic management, team leadership, system optimization, conflict resolution, and relationship management to drive value-driven outcomes, leveraging technical proficiency in software, programming, and business tools to align with organizational goals.

EXPERIENCE

Practice Manager

FoundCare, Inc. July 2023 - October 2023, FL, Boynton Beach & Belle Glade

• Participated with various teams to increase the number of patients from marginalized communities to access an array of health initiatives in a FQHC and oversee the growth of two clinics; particularly Primary care, Infectious Disease and Behavioral Health. Practice Manager

Banyan Health Systems October 2021 - March 2023, FL, Miami & Pompano Beach

• Directed a Residential Level II Rehabilitation Center for Individuals with a Dual Diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder and Psychiatric Disorder. Highlights were creating linkages to community resources to gain more self sufficiency. Tenant Services Coordinator

Weehawken Housing Authority January 2019 - Present, NJ, Weehawken

• Enhanced the quality of social services delivered to 192 units by successfully overseeing the daily operations of 7 buildings, which included asset management, liability oversight, and the secure management of funded service contracts.

• Spearheaded efficient information flow among a team of 16 members, ensuring that all managed projects received comprehensive updates, enhancing collaboration and productivity.

• Maintained consistent communication with vendors to keep them informed about ongoing contracts while also handling additional responsibilities related to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher), and compliance with HUD guidelines.

• Streamlined the rental application process by facilitating tenant applications, collecting essential information for credit and background checks, conducting preliminary rental verifications, and executing contracts with tenants, contributing to the efficient onboarding of residents.

• Continuously monitored and updated policies and procedures to align with the latest industry standards and best practices, ensuring that the organization remained at the forefront of social service delivery and property management. Social Rehabilitation Therapist

Hudson County Corrections and Rehabilitation Department July 2018 - February 2020, NJ, Kearny

• Partnered with the Jail Director to significantly improve operational oversight within the institution. These efforts led to the introduction of new services tailored to ICE detainees from New York, enhancing their overall well-being and support, resulting in a 20% drop in disciplinary incidents.

• Conducted regular weekly visits to six tiers, providing critical services to a diverse population of over 300 clients. These services included individual and group counseling, group work sessions, assistance with accessing community resources, homelessness prevention, and substance abuse counseling.

• Forged strategic partnerships with a range of organizations and universities, orchestrating impactful initiatives aimed at enhancing detainee well-being. These collaborative efforts resulted in a positive impact on the lives of detainees and improved access to resources and support.

• Actively participated in the development and implementation of programs designed to improve detainee mental health and well-being, resulting in measurable improvements in detainees' quality of life and access to essential services. Public Affairs Manager

Township of Weehawken November 1997 - June 2018, NJ, Weehawken

• Implemented strategies to optimize the efficiency of community resources, acting as a liaison between local government departments and community organizations in a wide range of quality-of-life initiatives, including civilian juvenile aid, youth development, case conferences, and emergency services.

• Cultivated and maintained transparent lines of communication with various local initiatives, both internal and external.

• Supervised data collection and analysis as needed and spearheaded various public relations activities on behalf of the Town Council.

• Established and nurtured strategic partnerships with essential officials and government bodies, serving as the central point of contact for all inter-governmental correspondence.

• Spearheaded community outreach events, including speaking engagements and educational programs, to increase community involvement and ensure the attainment of specific objectives. Social Worker, Engagement Manager

North Hudson Community Action Corp October 2006 - February 2016, NJ, West New York

• Excelled as a Certified Social Worker (Clinician) in the Mental Health/Addiction Services Department for 9 years, delivering case management, crisis intervention, and supportive counseling to children, adolescents, and young adults in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of child psychiatrists and clinicians.

• Orchestrated various community expos and innovative community health activities to align with our mission statement.

•Spearheaded collaborative initiatives and forged sustainable partnerships for low-income families, empowering them to progress towards self-sufficiency.

• Conducted comprehensive training for six parent committees and board development for 24 volunteers, covering a range of topics, including evacuations, fire safety, and active shooter drills, in coordination with the local police department.

• Devised and executed strategic plans to enhance community engagement, implement a fatherhood initiative, and meticulously tracked outcomes.

• Managed and conducted weekly individual and group skills classes and interventions to address issues like anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional regulation.

Case Manager for People Living with HIV/AIDS

Visiting Homemaker Service of Hudson and Bergen County May 2000 - May 2006, NJ, Jersey City

• Collaborated cross-functionally with stakeholders to facilitate effective workflow and achieve prompt case resolution.

• Orchestrated workflow to deliver case management for clients, overseeing diagnosis, treatments, and work conditioning to ensure timely case resolution.

• Exhibited excellent communication management skills, fostering collaboration with adjusters, physicians, clients, employers, and attorneys, consistently keeping all parties informed about client status and progress. EDUCATION

Master of Public Administration, Pi Alpha Alpha Honors Society Rutgers University • 2015

Bachelor of Social Work

Kean University • 2000

CERTIFICATIONS

Public Housing Manager Certification

Nan McKay • 2020

INVOLVEMENT

National Latino Elected Officials Organization

January 2018 - December 2022

SKILLS

Strategic Communication, Government Relations, Stakeholder Engagement, Crisis Management, Public Affairs Campaign, Team Leadership, Data Analysis, Issue Advocacy, Public Policy Analysis, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Software, Database Management