Anexis

Director of Social Services with 20+ years of expertise in program management and staff supervision. Proven track record in recruiting and training high-performing teams while educating families and community members. Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Programs, with strong bilingual communication skills. Recognized for leadership in program development, crisis management, and policy implementation, driving positive outcomes in social service environments.

Director of Social Services - St Mark's UMC Head Start Center - Brooklyn

(2001-04)

• Supervised Social Services staff in maintaining accurate and up to date files for 218 Families
• Created staff work assignments and monitored activity for efficient follow through
• Reviewed and provided feedback on Case files as completed by Social Services Staff
• Provided crisis intervention for families in need, which included emergency shelter services, food insecurities, domestic violence and other emergency services
• Provided in-depth trainings, workshops, seminars, and other learning opportunities to families
• Recruited, interviewed, and hired staff members for the Social Services Content Area
• Delegated authority and responsibility to department personnel
• Responsible for the recruitment and enrollment of children for the program and adhering to the Head Start ERSEA standards
• Entered all child and family information into various center and city computer required programs
• Ensured that Family and Community Partnerships staff is trained and adheres to the Head Start Performance standards
• Built relationships with Community Partners to enhance program partnerships and resources
• Acquired research data and Community information to complete the program Community Needs Assessment
• Participate in the annual Self-Assessment review for program quality assurance and helped develop corrective actions plans if necessary
• Ensure that program PIR, Self-Assessment reports and Community Needs Assessments are completed in a timely manner
• Complete staff evaluations Annually for Social Services Department
• Participate in Team Meetings with Board Members and Management Team
• Ensures that program runs efficiently in the absence of the Program Director
• Provide behavioral plans for Teaching staff who have behavioral challenges
• Conduct Trainings for Teaching Staff on Behavioral Challenges, Social Emotional, Best Child practices, and parent engagement
• Conducted Early Childhood Group therapy with children to help with classroom social and emotional aspects
• Provided support to the Director in completing NAEYC, Quality Stars, Head Start Grants and various other Head Start requirements
• Ensured that program staff adheres and is trained on the Head Start Performance standards with regards to Health, Family and Community Engagement, ERSEA Standards, Parent Involvement and Program governance
• Ensure that the program is supervised and addressed any issues present in the absence of the Director
• Assist with any sites visits by the State, Fire Inspections, Health Department or any other emergency service visits

Child Protective Specialist - Administration for Children's Services - Bronx, New York

(2000-07 - 2001-01)

• Responded to claims of abuse, neglect, or safety concerns
• Visited homes, inspected surroundings, and interviewed family members
• Developed plans to strengthen family units
• Attended court proceedings, submitted documents, and offered testimony
• Maintained caseload of 10-15 families
• Reported child abuse in accordance with legal standards of mandatory reporters
• Completed home welfare checks to align with state and program guidelines
• Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs
• Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records
• Collaborated with community program leaders and advocates to make resources accessible to those in need
• Interviewed individuals and families to assess needs and provide informational resources
• Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed
• Maintained case records and legal documentation
• Actively listened to customers, managed concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor

Master of Arts - Social Work - Adelphi University (2012-08)

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology - Lehman College (2000-01)