Case Worker
Resume:
Josué Flores
**** **** **. ***********, ***** *8520 Cellular: 956-***-**** Email: ******-*****@*********.***
OBJECTIVE: Looking forward to fit your position and become a great asset to your company
EDUCATION: South TX Vo-Tech, Computer Accounting Specialist
University of Texas at Brownsville – Graduated May 2014 Studied Health and Human Performance
EXPERIENCE:
Aug. 2020-Present Texas Department of Family and Protective Services-CPS Conservatorship Worker II
Receives cases from investigators after children are removed from their homes, placed in CPS conservatorship, and placed in care outside their homes.
Determines each child’s needs and ensuring that appropriate referrals for testing, evaluations, records, or further assessments are made. Ensures all services are focused on achieving positive permanency.
Working with children, families, and communities to plan for a child's permanency.
Identifying potential permanency resources for the child through ongoing contact with parents, family members, and other individuals the child and family identify as important to them.
Searching for potential kinship providers throughout the case. Completing home studies of a child's family members or family friends (kinship providers) who might care for the child.
Meets with the parents to assess risk and safety issues, identify behavior changes necessary to achieve child safety, referring parents to appropriate services to address the identified needs to move towards positive permanency. Discusses with parents their progress towards making changes to behaviors that pose dangers to their child(ren).
Meets with children, parents, family friends, or foster homes in public as well as in their own homes.
Collaborates with a Placement Team, including Kinship staff, for placements, as needed.
Participates in meetings and conferences at times and places convenient for the family members as well as everyone involved in the case.
Visits children monthly to assess the child’s feeling of safety in their current home, to plan for permanency, and to discuss their needs, wishes, and progress while in care
Attends and participates in court hearings about the child and family. This includes contacting the parties in the case before hearings, preparing court reports, and testifying in court on the child’s needs, the family’s progress, and the department’s efforts to achieve permanency for the child.
Keeps the child’s, parents, caregivers, court-appointed attorney and guardian ad litem(s) informed about the child’s circumstances and significant events.
Works with the department's attorney to prepare for contested-court hearings and trials.
Works with kinship caregivers and foster parents to ensure that they have what they need to care for the child or youth placed with them i.e., keeping them informed about developments in the case, returning phone calls, and in some areas of the state being available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week at certain times.
Transitions children home during reunification services and provides support to the family until the legal case is closed.
Supervises adoptive placements until the adoption is final or until the case is transferred to an adoption caseworker.
Using effective time-management skills to make sure all key tasks are done.
Documents case records by completing forms, narratives, and reports to form a written record for each client.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships between Child Protective Services staff and law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources.
Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers, clients, and all work-related contacts.
Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of child development
Knowledge of family dynamics
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in problem solving techniques
Ability to operate a personal computer.
Ability to travel and attend child and family visits as well as other work related appointments and meetings after 5pm.
Ability to be on call on a rotating basis and work irregular hours.
Ability to work in an emotion-filled environment and which may require conducting home visits in isolated or high crime areas and may involve exposure to substandard and unsanitary living conditions
PROCESS COMPETENCIES
A process competency refers to a general approach to practice that can be observed in a newly hired CPS Specialists' interactions with children, families, and safety networks.
Engaging
Understands and is able to articulate how family engagement is critical to achieving safety, permanency, and well-being.
Can identify basic strategies for engaging children and families.
Understands and appreciates the different views, expertise and experience of others; takes into account the perspectives of other individuals
Teaming
Understands the need to expand the child's safety network beyond caregivers and to other adults who care about the child and can participate in day to day safety of the child.
Interviews caregivers to identify individuals who may be supportive of the caregiver and/or child.
Interviews children to identify individuals who may be supportive of the child and/or caregiver.
Assessing
Understands and is able to articulate the concept of child safety.
Is able to identify one's own biases and is willing to challenge one's own thinking.
Regularly seeks information from a variety of sources to make and revise assessments.
Understands the importance of and is able to make judgments based on factual information vs. assumptions.
Planning
Considers ways to ensure personal safety in addition to safety of children and families during interviews and other meetings
Intervening
Understands and is able to articulate what an intervention is and the variety of interventions CPS might use under which circumstances.
Evaluating
Understands and is able to articulate personal responsibility for outcomes in a case.
CONTENT COMPETENCY
A content competency refers to a specialized domain of knowledge that should be integrated into process competencies.
Domestic Violence
Understands and is able to identify power and control.
Distinguishes domestic violence from other types of violence
Is able to identify and refer both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence to appropriate services.
Mental Health
Can articulate symptoms of broad mental health diagnostic categories.
Is able to make appropriate referrals for crisis intervention, psychological and psychiatric evaluations.
Can articulate mental health resilience factors and recovery process.
Substance Abuse
Distinguishes between substance use, abuse, and chemical dependency.
Can articulate physical and behavioral warning signs of substance use and abuse.
Administers and/or makes referrals for drug testing as appropriate.
Makes referrals to community and contracted services available to treat substance abuse.
Can articulate substance abuse resiliency factors and recovery process.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
Demonstrates a basic understanding of the following
Federal and state law, regulations and rules for the operation of child protection programs.
The statutory responsibility for reporting suspected abuse and neglect
Roles and responsibilities of participants in the global child welfare system, including children, families, child protection, various courts, and other child/family serving agencies.
Legal definitions and concepts, including ethics, and is able to apply them within the law to casework and judicial process
Establishes Effective Relationships with Colleagues
Is willing to accept and provide support and assistance from/to co-workers, supervisors and other child protective services employees
Is able to build and maintain effective working relationships with external stakeholders
Follows policy and procedures
Is able to learn and understand the specific policies and procedures for child protective services
Understands the policy requirements of ethical practice and the ramifications to staff and clients when this does not occur.
Demonstrates adherence to policy and best practice
Documenting
Records observations accurately as part of case documentation, using specific quotes and precise behavioral descriptions of the danger and its impact on the child
Prepares clear, accurate, and appropriate written communications or documents
Prepares court documents such as petitions, affidavits and court reports
Managing Time
Acts quickly to solve problems and to get things done
Uses technology, "to-do" lists or other tools to manage time, keep track of what needs to be done, and manage multiple, pressing job demands
Regularly re-assesses and re-prioritizes in order to focus attention on the most important tasks
July 2019-Aug. 2020 Texas Department of Family and Protective Services-CPS Conservatorship Worker I
Receives cases from investigators after children are removed from their homes, placed in CPS conservatorship, and placed in care outside their homes.
Determines each child’s needs and ensuring that appropriate referrals for testing, evaluations, records, or further assessments are made. Ensures all services are focused on achieving positive permanency.
Working with children, families, and communities to plan for a child's permanency.
Identifying potential permanency resources for the child through ongoing contact with parents, family members, and other individuals the child and family identify as important to them.
Searching for potential kinship providers throughout the case. Completing home studies of a child's family members or family friends (kinship providers) who might care for the child.
Meets with the parents to assess risk and safety issues, identify behavior changes necessary to achieve child safety, referring parents to appropriate services to address the identified needs to move towards positive permanency. Discusses with parents their progress towards making changes to behaviors that pose dangers to their child(ren).
Meets with children, parents, family friends, or foster homes in public as well as in their own homes.
Collaborates with a Placement Team, including Kinship staff, for placements, as needed.
Participates in meetings and conferences at times and places convenient for the family members as well as everyone involved in the case.
Visits children monthly to assess the child’s feeling of safety in their current home, to plan for permanency, and to discuss their needs, wishes, and progress while in care
Attends and participates in court hearings about the child and family. This includes contacting the parties in the case before hearings, preparing court reports, and testifying in court on the child’s needs, the family’s progress, and the department’s efforts to achieve permanency for the child.
Keeps the child’s, parents, caregivers, court-appointed attorney and guardian ad litem(s) informed about the child’s circumstances and significant events.
Works with the department's attorney to prepare for contested-court hearings and trials.
Works with kinship caregivers and foster parents to ensure that they have what they need to care for the child or youth placed with them i.e., keeping them informed about developments in the case, returning phone calls, and in some areas of the state being available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week at certain times.
Transitions children home during reunification services and provides support to the family until the legal case is closed.
Supervises adoptive placements until the adoption is final or until the case is transferred to an adoption caseworker.
Using effective time-management skills to make sure all key tasks are done.
Documents case records by completing forms, narratives, and reports to form a written record for each client.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships between Child Protective Services staff and law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources.
Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers, clients, and all work-related contacts.
Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of child development
Knowledge of family dynamics
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in problem solving techniques
Ability to operate a personal computer.
Ability to travel and attend child and family visits as well as other work related appointments and meetings after 5pm.
Ability to be on call on a rotating basis and work irregular hours.
Ability to work in an emotion-filled environment and which may require conducting home visits in isolated or high crime areas and may involve exposure to substandard and unsanitary living conditions
PROCESS COMPETENCIES
A process competency refers to a general approach to practice that can be observed in a newly hired CPS Specialists' interactions with children, families, and safety networks.
Engaging
Understands and is able to articulate how family engagement is critical to achieving safety, permanency, and well-being.
Can identify basic strategies for engaging children and families.
Understands and appreciates the different views, expertise and experience of others; takes into account the perspectives of other individuals
Teaming
Understands the need to expand the child's safety network beyond caregivers and to other adults who care about the child and can participate in day to day safety of the child.
Interviews caregivers to identify individuals who may be supportive of the caregiver and/or child.
Interviews children to identify individuals who may be supportive of the child and/or caregiver.
Assessing
Understands and is able to articulate the concept of child safety.
Is able to identify one's own biases and is willing to challenge one's own thinking.
Regularly seeks information from a variety of sources to make and revise assessments.
Understands the importance of and is able to make judgments based on factual information vs. assumptions.
Planning
Considers ways to ensure personal safety in addition to safety of children and families during interviews and other meetings
Intervening
Understands and is able to articulate what an intervention is and the variety of interventions CPS might use under which circumstances.
Evaluating
Understands and is able to articulate personal responsibility for outcomes in a case.
CONTENT COMPETENCY
A content competency refers to a specialized domain of knowledge that should be integrated into process competencies.
Domestic Violence
Understands and is able to identify power and control.
Distinguishes domestic violence from other types of violence
Is able to identify and refer both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence to appropriate services.
Mental Health
Can articulate symptoms of broad mental health diagnostic categories.
Is able to make appropriate referrals for crisis intervention, psychological and psychiatric evaluations.
Can articulate mental health resilience factors and recovery process.
Substance Abuse
Distinguishes between substance use, abuse, and chemical dependency.
Can articulate physical and behavioral warning signs of substance use and abuse.
Administers and/or makes referrals for drug testing as appropriate.
Makes referrals to community and contracted services available to treat substance abuse.
Can articulate substance abuse resiliency factors and recovery process.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
Demonstrates a basic understanding of the following
Federal and state law, regulations and rules for the operation of child protection programs.
The statutory responsibility for reporting suspected abuse and neglect
Roles and responsibilities of participants in the global child welfare system, including children, families, child protection, various courts, and other child/family serving agencies.
Legal definitions and concepts, including ethics, and is able to apply them within the law to casework and judicial process
Establishes Effective Relationships with Colleagues
Is willing to accept and provide support and assistance from/to co-workers, supervisors and other child protective services employees
Is able to build and maintain effective working relationships with external stakeholders
Follows policy and procedures
Is able to learn and understand the specific policies and procedures for child protective services
Understands the policy requirements of ethical practice and the ramifications to staff and clients when this does not occur.
Demonstrates adherence to policy and best practice
Documenting
Records observations accurately as part of case documentation, using specific quotes and precise behavioral descriptions of the danger and its impact on the child
Prepares clear, accurate, and appropriate written communications or documents
Prepares court documents such as petitions, affidavits and court reports
Managing Time
Acts quickly to solve problems and to get things done
Uses technology, "to-do" lists or other tools to manage time, keep track of what needs to be done, and manage multiple, pressing job demands
Regularly re-assesses and re-prioritizes in order to focus attention on the most important tasks
Oct. 2014-July 2019 Texas Health & Human Services Commission-Texas Works Advisor II
Texas Works Advisor II accurately determines eligibility for TANF, Food Stamps and/or Medicaid Programs. Work involves interviewing clients, documenting information gathered, determining benefits, verifying case data, explaining program benefits and requirements. Reviews eligibility of client’s for ongoing services. Sometimes assigned to special projects as needed. A Texas Works Advisor II is responsible to maintain a regular and predictable work schedule. Verifies, and calculates income and resources to determine client financial eligibility. Interviews clients or authorized representative to gather information to determine eligibility for benefits. Documents case records using automated equipment to form a record for each client. Communicates on an intermediate level with others (internally or externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve problems or complaints. Works with clients and/or AES Workers to attempt resolution of disputed case actions. Appears as a representative of the agency during a fair hearing. As a Texas Work Advisor II have knowledge of interviewing techniques to obtain highly personal information makes inquiries, and resolve conflicting statements. I am able to establish and maintain an effective working relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, and resolve conflicts. As a Texas Work Advisor II, have the skills to organize, prioritize, write, proofreading, editing, filing, record keeping, and interpersonal communication. Ability to complete work within specified deadlines. Ability to read, understand, and apply a variety of interrelated instructions, such as those found in guidelines, regulations, and policies. Ability to establish priorities according to relative importance and deadlines; set goals; and manage time efficiently. Ability to identify conflicting information provided by clients or their authorized representatives. Ability to operate computer equipment.
Texas Health & Human Services Commission-Texas Works Advisor I
Work involves interviewing clients in person or via outbound phone call, documenting information gathered, determining eligibility for benefits, verifying case data, explaining program benefits and requirements. Work involves making outbound calls to verify client information. Reviews eligibility of clients for ongoing services. Job requires detailed oriented individuals with ability to apply complex policies and procedures. Travel requirements: during the training period, this position may require travel of up to 75% of the time and 20% after the training period is complete.
Maintains a regular and predictable work schedule, especially during critical, peak work days (Mondays/Tuesdays). Interviews clients or authorized representatives via phone or in person to gather information to determine eligibility for benefits. Processes changes to client status, overpayments, and adjusts or restores benefits. Obtains, verifies, and calculates income and resources to determine client financial eligibility. Conducts collateral cold calls via conference line to obtain verification of client information. Documents case records using automated systems to form a record for each client. Communicates effectively with others (internally or externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve problems or complaints. Perform other duties as assigned. Must be able to work occasional overtime, as required by management, outside of normal hours of operation, which may include weekends when called upon. Must be able to work in a highly stressful and fast paced environment, under constant pressure to meet required deadlines, interview service times, standards, and thresholds.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques to obtain highly personal information, make inquiries, and resolve conflicting client statements • Ability to perform basic arithmetic functions, including using decimals and computing percentages • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others • Ability to actively listen to clients, elicit, relate and evaluate information, and interpret terms • Ability to complete work within specified deadlines • Ability to read, understand, and apply a variety of interrelated instructions, such as those found in guidelines, regulations, and policies • Ability to establish priorities according to relative importance and deadlines, set goals, and manage time efficiently • Ability to identify conflicting information provided by the clients or their authorized representatives • Ability to operate computer equipment • Ability to operate call center phone equipment • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, and resolve conflicts • Skill in organizing, prioritizing, writing, proofreading, editing, filing, record keeping, and interpersonal communication • Skill in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. • Ability to work in a dynamic fast paced and constant changing environment • Ability and skill to perform data entry • Knowledge of computer functionality and use of Internet, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
May 2006 – Sept. 2014 Business Office – Accounting Clerk Cashier
University of Texas at Brownsville
Accounting clerk-cashier primary perform cashiering duties, with alternate duties which includes: receive and attend to the general public able to research and analyze accounts with infrequent correction or assistance from the supervisor. Exercise good judgment in making minor decisions in accordance with the company policies. Perform clerical duties: prepare daily reports and records, maintain cash position with balancing standards. To provide customer service to students, staff and general public
Nov 2010 – Dec 2010 Team Sports Sales Associate Academy Sport + Goods
Provide prompt, friendly customer service. Zone merchandise Conduct price changes. Set and maintain weekly ad signage. Perform price/SKU look-ups. Set and maintain planogram. Unload merchandise from trucks. Operate cash register and maintain knowledge of cashier procedures. Answer telephone. Housekeeping duties Attend training seminars. Some travel may be required. Required to learn company policies and procedures; duties may change and associates may be required to perform other duties as assigned
Aug 2003 - Feb 2006 Customer Service Rep Brownsville Public Utilities Board
Providing customer service to all customers sympathetic to customers’ problems Good communicator, able to make decisions under pressure; strong organization and follow-through skills Problem solver, self-motivated and able to work in a teamwork environment and adapt to changing situations. Responsibilities include, clerical duties, establishing service, assist the general public, handling new construction, data entry. Research and analyze customer accounts. Knowledge of the product, services and guidelines
May 2003-Aug 2003 Order Processesor Dell Computers
Responsible for verifying correct information and processing international orders
Aug. 2000 - April 2003 Enrollment Counselor/Finance Clerk ACS
Provided Customer Service for the CHIP program helping customer to enroll child in the correct health insurance program depending in the area customer lived in. Responsible for opening all the finance mail and sorting it out entering all customers’ payments into finance logging sheets Double-checking the T-file from Bank One. Providing customer service for the Finance Department; processing NSF checks
April 1999- Aug.2000 Enrollment Counselor Maximus Inc.
Responsible for enrolling and answering questions about Texas Star Program-Medicaid Also responsible re-directing information to correct agencies.
Feb. 1998-July 1998 Sales Representative MCI WORLDCOM
Responsible for selling MCI long distance service
July 1998-April 1999 Third Party Verifier Telequest Teleservices
Responsible for verifying sales for MCI Long distance services.
July 96 to Nov. 97 Bookkeeper DYSA, C.S Forwarding Limited Co
Responsible for payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and making bank deposits.
SKILLS:
Fluent in English and Spanish.
Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
Dependable - can work without supervision.
Demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail and ability to work well in team environment.
Demonstrated ability to consistently meet deadlines.
Computer literate - can quickly learn new software.
Work well in a high-pressure environment.
Exercise initiative, achievement and independent judgment.
REFERENCES: Available upon request
Contact this candidate