Special Education Teacher

• Aug 2022 - Present

Legislative Coordinator

• Jan 2021 - Aug 2022

Works with the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) government relations division and responds to requests for information from the Legislature and other external entities. Prepares for legislative session by compiling Legislative Appropriation Request and legislative initiatives, ensuring staff complete legislative tracking training, and compiling information to share regarding the CPS program and initiatives. Coordinates the analysis of CPS-related bills, the preparation of fiscal notes, and the review of legislative hearings. Ensures subject matter experts provide information and complete legislative analyses in a timely manner. Prepares materials for and supports CPS staff during hearings and legislative meetings. Listens to legislative hearings to be responsive to emergency questions. After legislative session concludes, ensures implementation plans for enrolled bills completed by staff and coordinates quarterly updates. Show less

CPI Supervisor

• Jul 2018 - Jan 2021

Hires, manages, and develops staff through review of performance data, individual conferences, case readings, data warehouse reports, field visits, and unit meetings to ensure productivity and compliance with policy, procedure, and service control requirements. Provides consultative services, analysis, and technical assistance to design, implement, and monitor solutions and improvements resulting from assessment of CPI cases within the unit pertaining to all child safety issues to ensure the best outcome for the families we serve. Provides subject matter expertise, guidance and consultation to unit staff, internal and external stakeholders to shape effective service delivery. Accountable for critical decisions that are crucial to the protection of children. Consults with the area Program Director, regional and state office management, regional caseworkers, and external public and private stakeholders to provide details of complex, high profile and sensitive CPI cases and prioritizes time sensitive reports Show less

CPS Investigator III

• Jul 2017 - Jul 2018

Investigated reports of abuse/neglect to children to assess current or future risk to children by interviewing parents, family members, and others; interviewing and examining children; assessing home environment; and gathering pertinent information from other sources Determined actions to be taken to remove or to reduce an immediate threat to the safety of a child to include testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, placing children in substitute care, referring family for immediate crisis intervention therapy or other community resources Developed and maintained effective working relationships between Child Protective Services staff and law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources Show less

Forensic Interviewer

• Nov 2015 - Jul 2017

Completed CACTX model of forensic interview training. Interviewed children ages 2 to 17 as victims of sexual abuse, sever physical abuse, and witnesses to violent crimes. -maintained records of all interviews in Case Tracking system. Managed the multidisciplinary team meeting on a monthly basis. Maintained records of prosecutable cases through the district and county attorney's office. Completed CACTX model of forensic interview training. Interviewed children ages 2 to 17 as victims of sexual abuse, sever physical abuse, and witnesses to violent crimes. -maintained records of all interviews in Case Tracking system. Managed the multidisciplinary team meeting on a monthly basis. Maintained records of prosecutable cases through the district and county attorney's office.

CPS Specialist

• Apr 2014 - Oct 2015

Investigated reports of abuse/neglect to children to assess current or future risk to children by interviewing parents, family members, and others; interviewing and examining children; assessing home environment; and gathering pertinent information from other sources Determined actions to be taken to remove or to reduce an immediate threat to the safety of a child to include testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, placing children in substitute care, referring family for immediate crisis intervention therapy or other community resources Developed and maintained effective working relationships between Child Protective Services staff and law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources Show less

CPS Specialist

• Oct 2010 - Mar 2013

Investigated reports of abuse/neglect to children to assess current or future risk to children by interviewing parents, family members, and others; interviewing and examining children; assessing home environment; and gathering pertinent information from other sources Determined actions to be taken to remove or to reduce an immediate threat to the safety of a child to include testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, placing children in substitute care, referring family for immediate crisis intervention therapy or other community resources Developed and maintained effective working relationships between Child Protective Services staff and law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources Show less

Youth Refuge Worker

• Oct 2009 - Apr 2010

Provided support and counseling to youth regarding social skills, behavior and strategies in dealing with conflict effectively Casework for homeless youth in targeted areas Advocated for youth in dealings with governmental agencies and departments in regards to benefits, assistance and support Provided support and counseling to youth regarding social skills, behavior and strategies in dealing with conflict effectively Casework for homeless youth in targeted areas Advocated for youth in dealings with governmental agencies and departments in regards to benefits, assistance and support