LaToya Lewis

Carson, CA *****

310-***-**** - ad2t0i@r.postjobfree.com

Professional Summary

QUALIFICATION SUMMARY Over 9 years of experience working with foster youth and families in the area of education. Strong connection with social services-based community partners for children and families from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Passionate about seeing students excel and purse educational goals. Proven ability to take initiative in completing projects with exceptional quality and detail. Very energetic, extremely positive individual with excellent relations and decision-making skills. Effective and experienced in working with families of children with disabilities to provide educational and other resources. Strong knowledge of educational related student support programs for first generation students, returning students.

Skills

Planning and scheduling

Leadership and supervision

Interpersonal Communication

Student Performance Evaluation

Student Records Maintenance

Administration Collaboration

Work History

01/2019 to Current

Facility Manager

Dangerfield Institute of Urban Problems – Los Angeles, CA

Manages day to day operations of the short-term residential therapeutic program (STRTP) for youth and non-minor dependents

Collaborates with a professional team, including but not limited to, the Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Social Workers, Parents, Caregivers, Nurses, Therapists, Administrators, Colleges, and LA County Probation to ensure case plans are met or modified, as needed

Manages confidential medical, mental health, and other needs and services support documents.

01/2015 to 01/2019

Facility Manager/Direct Care Staff

The Dream Catcher Foundation Group Homes – Los Angeles, CA

Responsible for filing confidential forms and effective case management

Submitted well-written support documentation for court appearances

Ensured daily logs were completed in a timely fashion

Mastered understanding program rules, compliance guidelines, discipline practices and milieu management best practices

Welcomed incoming visitors and answered incoming calls

Implemented a patience attitude while providing guidance, redirection and/or interventions during times of conflict

Participated in ongoing online continuing education courses relating to the target population and professional development courses to encourage cultural competency in the workplace.

01/2007 to 01/2014

Education Liaison/Advocate

The Dream Catcher Foundation Group Homes – Los Angeles, CA

Tracked and monitored the academic progress for clients (foster youth) in three level 12 group home facilities for foster youth female ages 12-18 years old that are supervised by The Department of Children & Family Services or/and by Los Angeles County Department of Probation

Conducted focus groups

Advocated and reinforced educational laws for foster youth across district lines and local school campuses

Advocated alongside parents, LA County Social Workers, Court Appointed Special Advocates, attorneys, therapists, school personnel, Hospitals, LA County of Education's Foster Youth Services Unit, and other foster youth advocacy entities to evaluate and amend the overall health and safety needs of all clients

Responsible for school enrollment

Trained school personnel, biological parents, relative/school non-relative caregivers, social workers, and organizations about legislation as it relates to current and forthcoming education laws relating to foster youth

Compiled Needs and Service Plans and submitted pertinent information for court reports

Responsible for enrolling students into the appropriate school setting based on the health & safety needs of the child

Participated in Student Success Team meetings and Individualized Education Plans (IEP) meetings along with parents and other support staff

Compiled information for Need and Services Reports to be submitted to social workers and court

Responsible for providing mental health referrals resources

Collaborated with school based psychiatric social workers and psychologists at Community based clinics

Participated in transition conferences to promote successful independent living

Coordinated the agency's Mentoring Program

Responsible for ensuring proper immunizations to enroll in school

Assisted with college applications, financial aid forms (FASFA), work study, grants (CHAFEE, California College Promise Grant), and assisted with editing scholarship essays

Acted as a liaison with programs like EOP&S, TRIO, and Pathways to College

Collaborated with Student support programs at Universities and Community Colleges, (Guardian Scholars, Foster & Kinship Programs, and all student support service programs)

Also assisted with applying to other programs related to career/vocational program

Maintained positive relationships with various school districts and community partners to stay aware of new resources.

01/2006 to 01/2007

Receptionist/ Program Specialist

Center for Community & Family Services – Carson, CA

Directed low-income families to resources relating to affordable subsidized Child Care Programs throughout Los Angeles County

Reinforced LA County Program childcare state regulations to prospective applicants and Child Care professionals

Liaison for LA County programs such as G.A.I.N., CalWorks, and Job Club

Provided referrals for parenting classes and child care education

Performed database tracking for case managers

01/2005 to 01/2005

Human Resource Assistant

Carson City Hall – Carson, CA

Assisted with recruitment and interviews

Scheduled meetings and interview as requested per Human Resources Manager

Assisted with preparations for performance reviews

Collaborated with the Human Resource Director to perform research on special projects

Answered phones and directed calls

Filed confidential paperwork into employee's files.

Education

12/2017

Master's of Arts: Christian Education, Adult & Family

Biola University - La Mirada, CA

05/2004

Master's of Arts: Sociology focus, Minority & Ethnic Relations

California State University - Dominguez Hills - Carson, CA

05/2001

Bachelor of Arts: Sociology, Psychology

California State University - Dominguez Hills - Carson, CA

Affiliations

Former member of the Foster Youth Services Steering Committee- LACOE (2007-2012) Former member of Los Angeles Unified School District Parent Advisory Council- (View Park Continuation) and LAUSD Parent Community Student Services Branch (2014) Former employee of CSUDH Outreach and Information Services 2000-2004 (Outreach and Information Services Representative, EOP Program Counselor Intern (recruitment), and Telecounselor)

Certifications

Strength-Based Perspective for Children's Services Staff (2021)

Team Building (2021)

Trauma Informed Care/Trauma Sensitive Communication

*RELIAS LLC

1010 Sync Street

NC, 27560

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