Crisis Intervention Support Advocate

Amy J. Gaffin

218-***-**** **********@*******.*** linkedin.com/in/amyjgaffin

Summary

Compassionate and social-justice focused--seeking opportunities to work with a collaborative, people-focused team. Experienced in crisis intervention, assessment, advocacy, and active listening,

Professional Experience and Internships

Family and Legal Support Advocate January 2021-February 2023

Overnight Family Advocate 2017-Jaunuary 2021

Women’s Advocates—588 Grand Ave, St Paul MN 55102,

Assisted residents with court paperwork (OFPs, HROs, expungement, divorce paperwork, child custody); accompanied residents and program participants to court hearings as necessary for support.

Coordinated monthly Saturday legal clinic with Domestic Abuse Legal Advocacy Center (DALAC), residents and staff.

Provided residents and program participants with information regarding Safe at Home, the Address Confidentiality Program, and the Victim Information Notification Everyday (VINE) program. Is a Safe-at-Home enrollment assistant. Assessed level and history of violence experienced and aided in the development of a safety plan for victim/survivors and their children.

Attended program case consultations and coordinated services across teams.

Met regularly with residents on case load to review client-driven goals; provide individual advocacy with legal, medical, financial, housing, and education resources.

Maintained a working knowledge of court and community resources in order to assist residents and program participants with navigating systems. Collaborated with other advocacy groups in the community, made necessary referrals to outside agency and followed up as appropriate.

Served as part of the on-call staff rotation to take consultation calls from line staff with questions or concerns during weekends, holidays and overnight shifts.

Screened callers through the 24 hour crisis line and through online chat seeking shelter space, or other supportive services; offered options, alternatives and resources for legal, medical, economic and educational services.

Entered case notes, assessments, and other resident data into the Client Track system and updates the Day One Shelter System

Used trauma-informed practice and harm reduction understanding in all client interactions.

Provided Notary Services.

Social Work Student Intern, Senior Practicum 08/2019-12/2019

M Health Fairview/ Health East Clinic Care Coordination, Saint Paul MN

350 Hours

Provided a range of clinical social work interventions that include advocacy, casework, counseling, crisis intervention and referrals in assisting patients and families to reach their goals.

Planned and implemented interventions and goal planning based upon psychosocial needs and risk assessments that are integrated into the patient’s plan of care.

Arranged and coordinated a comprehensive range of community resources; maintained up-to-date knowledge regarding resources and current financial information.

Took a leadership role in facilitation of interdisciplinary communication, guiding interdisciplinary team member interactions with patient/families experiencing complex psychosocial issues.

Identified and initiated appropriate system changes to enhance patient and family satisfaction.

Focused on key performance indicators. Actively tracked outcomes and participated in quality planning.

Social Work Student Intern, Junior Practicum 08/2018-12/2018

Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St E, Saint Paul MN

350 Hours

Responded to telephone and walk-in requests for emergency-fund services

Mentored program participants in job searches, mock interviews and resume writing

Engaged translators to assist participants

Completed new participant intakes, made referrals, completed assessments, and entered all documentation in the appropriate data bases

Participated in organization fundraisers, outreach programs, produce distributions, food pantry, and family events

Conducted a retrospective analysis research project of data practices within the department as part of a seven-person team

Facilitated team trainings covering vicarious trauma and self-care

Single Adult Support Group Coordinator Intern 05/2017-9/2017

St Stephen’s Human Services -- 2309 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55404, 612-***-****

400 Hours

Co-facilitated and coordinated the Single Adult Education/Support Group Program; topics included tenant rights, budgeting, tenant responsibilities, chemical/mental health, and physical well-being.

Spearheaded community mural project in collaboration with local arts organizations.

Assisted with community garden plot and engage single adult group clients with gardening activities, and healthful eating.

Networked with other agencies and individuals to secure new guest presenters/educators for the group sessions.

Activity/Life Enrichment Coordinator and Supervisor- 2006-2012

Edgewood Vista Senior Living, Hermantown, MN 55811, 218-***-****

Supervised team of 10 individuals, created and implemented schedule of resident therapeutic and recreational activities. Lead inter-departmental groups, including Safety Committee (OSHA Compliance).

Familiar with medical terminology and data privacy requirements (HIPAA).

Collaborated to collect and analyze data to determine client satisfaction. Developed improvements based upon that data with an eye toward staff development, time-management and stewardship.

Managed walk-in, phone and on-line traffic including greeting visitors, answering questions and giving facility tours for 12 managers, 200+ clients and their families. Demonstrated ability to prioritize, delegate and maintain professional demeanor under stressful and fast-changing conditions.

Edited monthly newsletters, wrote bulletins, and gave presentations for training and informational purposes, to staff, residents and community stakeholders.

Maintained spend-down budget. Restructured inventory tracking within my department, saving 20% in the first two months. Recruited, scheduled and supervised volunteers both on-going and special events

Additional Credentials

MNCASA 40-hour Sexual Assault Advocacy Certificate 2022

MN Notary Public, Commission expiry 1-31-2026

MN Safe-At-Home Application Assistant 1-26-2022

Volunteerism

St. Stephens Human Services 2017-2018

Evening Shelter Volunteer

League of Women Voters, 2016-Present

Voter Registration Committee

Education

Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, MN 55106

01/2017--12/2019

Social Work, BSW

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