Kelsey Tester
Bristol
Summary
Family Services Specialist II with Washington County Virginia Department of Social Services, skilled in crisis intervention and service planning. Expert in trauma-informed care and community resource navigation, successfully facilitating family reunification and enhancing client engagement. Proven ability to build trust and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to achieve positive outcomes for families in need. Experience in Child Protective Services In-Home and Investigation units.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Services Specialist II
Washington County Department of Social Services
08.2020 - Current
- Conducted assessments to identify family needs and service gaps.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation for client interactions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive service plans.
- Provided crisis intervention support to families in distress situations.
- Educated clients about available programs and eligibility requirements.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Supported outreach efforts to increase awareness of family services offered.
- Maintained confidential records and documentation in OASIS database.
- Attended and participated staff meetings and training seminars.
- Mentored new staff members as they navigated the complexities of family services work; sharing knowledge and expertise to enhance overall team performance.
- Increased family stability by providing crisis intervention and connecting them to appropriate community supports.
- Promoted community resources to families, assisting them in accessing necessary services for their specific needs.
- Safeguarded children''s welfare through thorough risk assessments and timely interventions in high-risk cases.
- Established strong partnerships with community organizations; working together to address systemic issues affecting families in the region.
- Offered family crisis intervention to manage conflict and identify peaceful resolutions.
- Maximized client engagement through proactive outreach efforts, including home visits, phone calls, and written correspondence.
- Expedited permanency planning for children in foster care through diligent case management and effective collaboration with legal stakeholders.
- Strengthened relationships among families by facilitating group sessions and providing conflict resolution support.
- Conducted in-home individual and family counseling sessions to help clients achieve goals and gain insight.
- Fostered positive connections between youth and caregivers by coordinating mentorship programs focused on relationship-building activities.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address complex family situations and deliver comprehensive care.
- Facilitated successful reunifications between children and their birth parents through consistent support and evidence-based interventions.
- Identified and reported signs and symptoms of violence, abuse, and neglect for immediate intervention and remediation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN05-2020
High School Diploma -
Sullivan East High School
Bluff City, TN05-2016
Skills
- Confidentiality practices
- Service planning
- Parenting education
- Community resources
- Law enforcement collaboration
- Case recordkeeping
- Trauma-informed care
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- ChildFirst Forensic Interview Protocol
- Multitasking Abilities
- Motivational interviewing
Timeline
Family Services Specialist II
Washington County Department of Social Services
08.2020 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
East Tennessee State University
High School Diploma -
Sullivan East High School