Rafaela Montoya

Accomplished social services professional with extensive experience in case management, program coordination, and organizational leadership. Skilled in supervising teams, preparing detailed reports, and collaborating with law enforcement, courts, and community agencies. Proven ability to develop and manage budgets, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver impactful services to diverse populations, including children, families, and vulnerable adults.

Senior Social Worker at County of Orange (2020-02 – Present)

• Wrote comprehensive reports, including investigation, detention, pre-trial, and status review reports, ensuring accurate case documentation
• Investigated allegations of abuse and neglect of elders, dependent adults, and children, contributing to timely case resolutions
• Assessed harm and risk for children, elders, or dependent adults, supporting informed intervention decisions
• Worked closely with children from infancy to 18 years old, tailoring support to developmental needs
• Testified in criminal, probate, family law, or juvenile court hearings, providing expert case insights
• Attended detention hearings to advocate for client safety and well-being
• Managed complex case loads, ensuring compliance with county and state guidelines
• Collaborated with stakeholders such as law enforcement, county agencies, lawyers, court officers, and medical professionals to coordinate care
• Conducted follow-up state-mandated home visits and visitations, ensuring ongoing client safety
• Conducted unannounced visits when ordered by court, verifying compliance and safety
• Supervised SSW interns, enhancing team capacity and professional development
• Lifted or transported children to designated locations, ensuring safe and timely transitions
• Responded to cases within and outside Orange County, providing flexible and comprehensive support

Intern at DaVita (2024-06 – 2025-03)

• Completed comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for dialysis patients under the supervision of a DaVita Social Worker, identifying emotional, social, and resource-related needs.
• Assisted in developing individualized care plans and collaborated with an interdisciplinary team (physicians, nurses, dietitians, and administrators) to support patient treatment goals.
• Provided supportive counseling, patient education, and adjustment support for individuals coping with chronic kidney disease and dialysis.
• Coordinated community and clinic resources, including transportation, insurance assistance, transplant referrals, mental health services, and housing support.
• Maintained accurate clinical documentation, attended care conferences, and monitored patient progress alongside the supervising Social Worker.
• Supported communication between patients and medical staff, advocating for patient needs and encouraging treatment adherence.
• Helped facilitate patient support groups and provided resource referrals to enhance long-term well-being.

Counselor Intern at Casa de la Familia (2023-04 – 2024-03)

• Conducted intake assessments and gathered psychosocial history under clinical supervision to identify client needs related to trauma, family dynamics, and emotional well-being.
• Provided supportive counseling to children, adolescents, and adults affected by domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other trauma-related issues.
• Developed individualized treatment plans and therapeutic goals, using trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approaches.
• Utilized evidence-based modalities—including CBT, motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, and grounding techniques—to reinforce client progress and coping strategies.
• Coordinated referral resources and assisted clients in accessing additional services such as mental health support, case management, and community programs.
• Maintained accurate and confidential case notes, progress updates, and documentation in accordance with agency policy and supervision requirements.
• Supported client engagement and treatment continuity through reminder calls, resource follow-ups, and coordination with multidisciplinary providers.

Free tax prep coordinator at United Way (2019-11 – 2020-02)

• Coordinated tax preparation events, increasing community access to free tax services
• Prepared reports for state funding, ensuring compliance and continued program support
• Provided assistance to free tax preparation partners and sites, improving service delivery
• Delivered training for tax preparation volunteers, enhancing volunteer effectiveness
• Presented to the community, raising awareness of available tax preparation resources
• Conducted outreach for events, expanding program reach and participation
• Managed social media outlets, increasing event visibility and engagement

Program Coordinator at Mariposa Center (2018-10 – 2019-11)

• Developed and managed program budget, optimizing resource allocation for program success
• Developed, implemented, and coordinated all services of On-site Engagement in Collaborative Courts Program, ensuring program objectives were met
• Maintained required program documentation, supporting compliance and reporting requirements
• Conducted Collaborative Courts staff bi-weekly meetings, facilitating communication and progress tracking
• Developed, implemented, and monitored Collaborative Courts program outcome measures to evaluate effectiveness
• Monitored and optimized peer counselors' case load and schedule, improving service delivery
• Ensured staff followed all P&P's of program and agency, writing program P&P's as needed to maintain standards
• Collaborated with Program Supervisor to improve services within the program, enhancing client outcomes
• Monitored productivity of counselors and built relationships with collaborative agencies to strengthen partnerships
• Assisted with HR issues as needed, supporting staff performance and compliance
• Prepared necessary documentation to fulfill contract requirements, ensuring program funding

Employment Specialist at Mariposa Center (2017-07 – 2019-06)

• Partnered with CalWORKs clients to obtain gainful employment, increasing job placement rates
• Assisted CalWORKs clients in accessing supported education at local vocational/trade schools to enhance skill sets
• Guided CalWORKs clients in developing skills through resume building, job search strategies, and interview role-playing, improving job readiness
• Provided personal linkage and supportive services for interviews and job fairs, facilitating employment opportunities
• Interacted with the community and allied agencies to enhance the goals of the 'Welfare to Work' program

Interim CEO at Civic Center Barrio Housing Corporation (2015-02 – 2016-06)

• Planned, developed, organized, implemented, directed, and evaluated the organization's fiscal function and performance, ensuring financial stability
• Developed credibility by providing timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports, and trends to assist the Board and senior executives
• Prepared financial reports for lenders, cities, and Board of Directors, supporting transparency and compliance
• Prepared compliance reports to federal government, ensuring regulatory adherence
• Ensured compliance for Home-program and Tax credit program, maintaining funding eligibility
• Supervised all employees, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment
• Prepared and managed annual budget, reduced operating costs, and increased operating reserve accounts to strengthen financial health
• Enhanced and/or developed, implemented, and enforced policies and procedures to improve overall operation and effectiveness
• Maintained and strengthened relationships with cities and lenders, supporting organizational partnerships
• Oversaw the agency's day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth and efficient management

Shelter Manager at Laura's House (2008-08 – 2012-04)

• Ensured safety and security of facility's residents, employees, and volunteers, maintaining a safe environment
• Provided training and ongoing supervision of all employees and volunteers, increasing staff competency
• Enforced emergency shelter policies and procedures, ensuring compliance and safety
• Updated policies and procedures annually to reflect best practices and regulatory changes
• Managed the annual budget for shelter and prepared statistical reports to support funding and operations
• Developed and maintained relationships with law enforcement, emergency services, and community agencies to coordinate support
• Attended community meetings as needed, representing the shelter and building partnerships
• Assisted HR with the hiring process and addressed concerns to support staff retention
• Ensured the confidentiality of clients, upholding privacy standards
• Prepared staff and volunteer schedules and approved timesheets to ensure adequate coverage
• Coordinated and conducted all case management meetings, facilitating client progress

Master of Social Work in Social Work – Grand Canyon University (2022-12 – 2025-05)

B.A in Psychology – University of California (2001 – 2003)

– Santa Ana College (1998 – 2001)