Kelly Wells

I made a difference to that one. – Starfish Social Work Proverb. Experience in child welfare, working in school environments, local community resources and service planning as well as leadership skills and passion for leading groups.

Bright Stars Family Coordinator - Albemarle County Bright Stars

(2021-09)

Experience providing comprehensive support services to families enrolled in the early intervention Bright Stars preschool program. Maintained a caseload of 34+ enrolled families and alumni including regular contact, consultation, and home visits. Helped families achieve self-sufficiency and establish and maintain a connection to the school community.

• Plans and coordinates recruitment, new applications, and selection process for students in the program
• Attends weekly school staff support team meetings to improve collaboration and communication
• Ensures follow up with Bright Stars families and alumni
• Collaborates with preschool teachers to provide early intervention and family support
• Completes comprehensive assessments of the needs and strengths of Bright Stars children and their families
• Maintains connection with families through monthly home visits, team meetings and family events
• Experienced at planning and coordinating family engagement events, field trips and special events
• Coordinated enrollment, recruitment, application, and selection of applicants for upcoming school year
• Collaborated with school staff to support families using agency, school, and other resources
• Served as the EFFRT team lead for the Bright Stars team to identify and engage family and natural supports to achieve safety, permanency, and well-being for children in our community

Family Services Specialist II/III - Albemarle County Child Protective Services

(2016-09 - 2021-11)

5+ years of experience working as a Child Protective Services Worker and then a Senior CPS Worker and Intake Coordinator for Albemarle County Department of Social Services. Experience dealing with the complex and dynamic issues of domestic violence and sexual assault as it relates to child abuse and neglect. Familiarity with local resources, services and community organizations to heal and prevent further trauma. Fluent at handling a high volume of clients in a thorough and efficient manner.

• Completed intake assessments regarding new concerns of abuse or neglect
• Assisted the Senior Team in Child Welfare in facilitating unit wide meetings and implementation of the coaching practice to increase staff performance
• Utilized trauma informed practices and evidence-based decision making
• Completed difficult casework including child fatalities, serious physical abuse, out of family investigations and sexual abuse
• Employed Child First Forensic Interview protocol in child interviews and conducted forensic interviews at the Child Advocacy Center

SAAF Services Coordinator - Sexual Assault Advocacy Fund, Central Virginia Legal Aid Society

(2015-07 - 2016-09)

Provided comprehensive support services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

• Served as the primary point of contact for students in the aftermath of trauma with navigating legal options and connecting with holistic care

Program Assistant - Charlottesville Victim Witness Assistance Program

(2012-01 - 2015-07)

Provided comprehensive support services to victims of crime in Charlottesville.

• Worked in collaboration with various government and local agencies to improve services offered

Volunteer - Charlottesville Victim Witness Assistance Program

(2010-10)

• Provided comprehensive support services to victims of crime in Charlottesville
• Worked in collaboration with various government and local agencies to improve services offered

Advanced Diploma - Albemarle High School (2002 - 2006)

Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences with Concentration in Health Studies – Minor in Women's Studies - James Madison University (2006 - 2010)