Adam McKenzie Jr.
Powder Springs
Summary
A dedicated and passionate leader with a strong desire to pursue a legal education and become a stronger advocate for our children who are most at risk.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Manager of Residential Services
Hillside Inc
03.2018 - Current
- Increased staff productivity by providing continuous training and development opportunities.
- Communicate regularly with guardians of residents, answering questions and addressing concerns.
- Provide leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
- Ensure timely review and approval of staff timecards for payroll processing.
- Participated in community events and met with local leaders to promote services and engage with public.
Court Appointed Special Advocate
Atlanta CASA
10.2018 - 12.2022
- Fostered positive relationships with social workers, attorneys, and foster families to ensure proper care and safety of children.
- Testified in court and provided voice for severely abused and neglected children.
- Facilitated family reunification when appropriate by monitoring progress toward goals set forth in court-approved plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive plans addressing the needs of at-risk youth.
- Completed extensive training programs to stay current on laws, regulations, policies, and best practices related to child advocacy work.
- Assisted judges in making informed decisions by conducting thorough research and presenting accurate data on each case.
- Utilized strong interpersonal skills when interacting with children in difficult situations, building trust and rapport to gather vital information for their cases.
- Provided assessments and made recommendations to court.
- Enhanced courtroom efficiency by preparing detailed reports and delivering clear presentations of findings during hearings.
- Researched each client's case to become familiarized with his or her background by carefully reviewing available documents.
- Improved child welfare by providing effective advocacy for children in the court system.
- Provided ongoing support to children in court proceedings by attending all hearings, offering emotional guidance, and ensuring their rights were protected.
- Conducted interviews with parents, foster parents, school officials, and other individuals to better understand client's needs.
RBWO/Residential Treatment Program Supervisor
Youth Villages, Inc.
05.2010 - 03.2017
- Interview applicants and make hiring decisions
- Oversee 30+ staff members and ensure all are properly trained and understand policies and procedures
- Provide ongoing training on regulatory rules and regulations
- Tally work hours and ensure payroll is submitted and approved
- Maintain consistent communication with outside agencies
- Assist with crisis situations regarding youth on campus
- Meet with both staff and youth to discuss career path and develop strategies to achieve set goals
AmeriCorps Volunteer Service Member
Youth Villages, Inc.
06.2009 - 05.2010
- Created contracts and related documents in developing a Mentor Program for the Youth Villages Inner Harbour campus; established a Mentor Coordinator position for the program (new position on campus); recruited candidates for said program
- Developed process for selecting qualified mentors for the Mentor Program including background screening and drug testing
- Spoke at public engagements to seek funding and donations for the Mentor Program
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
The University of Memphis
01.2008
Skills
- Extensive knowledge of rules and regulations regarding Community Based and Residential Treatment Programs
- Extensive training in behavior management models such as ART (Aggression Replacement Training), and CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention)
- Problem solver, with an outstanding ability to effectively oversee projects while providing positive leadership for team members
- Training and mentoring
- Written and verbal communication
- Positive working relationships
- Client advocacy
Accomplishments
- Employee Recognition Award, Received 'Simply The Best Award' for outstanding performance as a Teacher Counselor at Youth Villages Annual Employee Conference.
- AmeriCorps Alumni Member, A national service program started under the Clinton administration. Members provide at least a year of intensive service to meet community needs in education, the environment, public safety, health, and homeland security. Completed a full term of service (10 months/1700 hours). Provided tutoring and mentoring for at risk youth. Successfully led volunteer projects in the Atlanta community with Trees Atlanta, the Botanical Gardens, The Edge Homeless Shelter, Sheltering Arms, Hands on Atlanta, and many more non-profit organizations.
Extracurriculars
Student athlete (Football) while at College of Dupage and The University of Memphis.
Certification
- First Aid, CPR/AED Instructor Certification – American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Timeline
Court Appointed Special Advocate
Atlanta CASA
10.2018 - 12.2022
Program Manager of Residential Services
Hillside Inc
03.2018 - Current
RBWO/Residential Treatment Program Supervisor
Youth Villages, Inc.
05.2010 - 03.2017
AmeriCorps Volunteer Service Member
Youth Villages, Inc.
06.2009 - 05.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
The University of Memphis
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