Nikole Van Alstine
ALLENHURST
Summary
Hard-working Supervisor with exceptional experience leading teams, delivering results and exceeding expectations. Creative and motivated leader adept at utilizing exceptional design and planning strengths to accomplish complex projects. Skilled in teaching new concepts and best practice strategies. Dedicated Social Worker offering counseling and crisis intervention expertise. Offering comprehensive background in social services and sexual abuse, as well as strong interpersonal, organizational and computer skills. Builds client rapport and assesses needs to provide appropriate resources.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Protection Specialist
Department for Children and Families Kansas State
05.2021 - Current
- Certified in forensic interviewing and certified in interviewing alleged victims regarding allegations of sexual and physical abuse
- Worked directly with law enforcement, Riley County and Clay County court system in KS to advise and assure the best solutions for families
- Investigates allegations of abuse and neglect, substance usage, performs risk assessments, develops safety plans, and refers families to appropriate contracted agencies and foster care providers
- Managed over 30 cases monthly with a rating of 100% completion for meeting deadlines and sending in documents.
- Strengthened community partnerships by actively participating in local events, workshops, and training sessions related to child protection issues.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on trends within the field of child protection, enhancing overall effectiveness.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive support systems for at-risk children and families.
- Streamlined workflow processes to expedite decision-making regarding child placement recommendations to the court system.
- Facilitated family reunification efforts by developing and monitoring progress on individualized service plans.
- Improved child safety by conducting thorough assessments and implementing effective intervention plans.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and agency policies through meticulous record-keeping and adherence to established procedures.
Child Development Program Supervisor
Healthy Families Oahu
11.2018 - 06.2020
- Directly supervised 10 child development specialists with over 100 cases monthly
- Responsible for care plans, resource distribution, training, event planning
- Oversaw staff training and development programs, ensuring employees were equipped with the skills needed to excel in their roles.
- Facilitated regular team meetings, keeping staff informed about updates, changes, or upcoming events related to the program they supervised.
- Evaluated program performance regularly, using data-driven insights to inform future decision-making processes.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on best practices while nurturing their professional growth trajectories over time.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills under challenging circumstances, effectively managing team dynamics during periods of transition or high-stress environments.
- Provided support for all employees and their case management and provided clinical supervision
- Develops treatment/service plans, using program compatible interventions based on best practice research
- Identifies any unusual child development and or behavioral concerns, and barriers to meeting treatment objectives and addresses these accordingly
- Completed intakes while evaluating mental health assessments, family violence assessments and substance abuse
- Helped provide solutions to families in domestic violence situations with contract and state services
- Documented all meetings in accordance with state contract guidelines and timelines.
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
- Enhanced team productivity through effective delegation, task prioritization, and clear communication.
Family Support Worker
Healthy Families Oahu
02.2018 - 11.2018
- Supported healthy development of children, and Parents around the community with a network of community-based resources and services that strengthen parenting practices
- Completed assessments to include child development, mental health such as post-partum and prenatal, parent child interactions, substance abuse, domestic violence and provided monthly group interactions to help strengthen parent child relationships
- Managed a case load of 20 families being seen weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly.
Team Leader
United States Army Military Police Officer 31B
06.2006 - 06.2009
- Deployed to Baqubah Iraq and developed two Iraq Police station headquarters while conducting counterterrorism missions in the local area
- Conducted daily combat patrols along with convoy security
- Conducted raids to serve warrants and find weapons
- Provided Law Enforcement, Public Safety, Rapid Emergency Response resolving crisis situations in culturally diverse populations on Fort Riley, Yongsan South Korea and K16
- Performed Criminal Investigation Interviews and Interrogations.
Education
Master's in Social Work -
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio05.2024
Bachelor of Science Justice Administrations -
DeVry University
Downers Grove, Illinois08.2016
Skills
- Leadership
- Mentor and Development
- Family planning counselor
- Substance abuse awareness
- Assessment skills
- Mental health awareness
- Sexual Exploitation Prevention
- Child Advocacy
- Safety Planning
- Needs Assessment
- Home visits
- Individual and family counseling
Certifications
- Certified in forensic interviewing through child advocacy center
- Certified in interviewing alleged victims regarding allegations of sexual and physical abuse
- Great Beginnings Start before birth training
- Emergency Response Training
- Developing solutions for at-risk youth and family care
- Grief and Bereavement counseling
- Probation and parole training
- Intimate Partner violence training
- HFA (Healthy Families America) Addressing Domestic Violence, Promoting Mental Health, Recognizing Prenatal Depression, Recognizing Substance Abuse, Fostering Infant and Child development, Keeping Babies Healthy and Safe, Preparing Moms for Birth and Beyond, Preventing Child abuse, Coaching on Positive Parenting strategies, and Striving for a smoke-free Environment
- Developmental States School Age through Adolescence
- Groundwork for Multicultural Care, Guidelines for Documentation, Home visitor Safety, Identifying and Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect, Law, Ethics and Standards of Care in Behavioral Health, Person-centered Planning, Positive Behavior Support for Children, and Quality Improvement
- CPR Certified
Timeline
Child Protection Specialist
Department for Children and Families Kansas State
05.2021 - Current
Child Development Program Supervisor
Healthy Families Oahu
11.2018 - 06.2020
Family Support Worker
Healthy Families Oahu
02.2018 - 11.2018
Team Leader
United States Army Military Police Officer 31B
06.2006 - 06.2009
Master's in Social Work -
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science Justice Administrations -
DeVry University
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