Khara Janssen
Colchester,VT
Summary
Child and Youth focused Social Services Manager with background in case management, school support and most recently staff management in state wide foster care program in Vermont. Highly educated in laws and local resources relating to family and youth welfare and crisis intervention. Offering 23 years of experience in various settings including juvenile detention centers, pre schools, alternative schools, and Non Profit Programs with ages from birth-23. Maintains composure, diplomacy and efficiency in all situations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Development Program Manager
Spectrum Youth And Family Services
Burlington, VT
06.2006 - 02.2020
- Managed 2 largest districts in statewide program providing case management services for 120 foster youth aged 12-23 and supervised 5 direct service staff.
- Developed and created electronic client records using Apricot and Foothold databases and monitored effectiveness against individual client goals and program based outcomes.
- Managed all program referrals and treatment plans and reported youth progress to Department of Children and Family Services as per both districts' contract.
- Collaborated with Counselors, Schools, Department of Labor, Burlington Housing Authority, shelters, food shelves, Department of Corrections and many local agencies to provide best services for youth in our program.
- Oversaw staff development through in-depth trainings and workshops.
- Advocated for client needs and resolved roadblocks with innovative solutions
- Recruited, interviewed, hired, trained and supervised dozens of staff
Behavior Interventionist/Special Education Paraeducator
Ontop Alternative Program
Burlington, VT
06.2003 - 08.2006
- Assisted teachers in small classroom setting of Alternative school.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance and assessments.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Implemented behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions to present and reinforce learning concepts.
- Responded to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct appropriate personnel for resolution.
- Observed individuals or groups of students in variety of settings to maintain safe and positive learning environment.
- Assisted with communication methods to keep parents informed about child's development and behavioral issues.
- Understood and acclimated to teacher's routine to provide classroom coverage.
- Communicated with teachers and other district personnel to assist in evaluating progress and implementing IEP objectives.
After School and Summer Camp Counselor
Kids And Fitness At The Edge
South Burlington, VT
04.2004 - 09.2006
- Led groups of children safely through variety of after school and day camp activities.
- Supported children by actively listening and offering encouragement.
- Implemented camp activities fostering physical, social and emotional growth.
- Organized and guided group activities by leading, coaching and participating with campers.
- Supervised camper activities to address behavioral issues and promote fun, safety and inclusivity.
- Provided clear instruction to activity and program participants to deliver fun and safety.
- Resolved conflicts that arose between campers.
- Transported and escorted program participants to and from activities and on field trips.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Sociology
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05.1999
Skills
- Youth Program Development
- Program Management
- Staff Management
- Community Partnerships
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Conflict Resolution
- Collaboration
- Case Management
Timeline
Youth Development Program Manager
Spectrum Youth And Family Services
06.2006 - 02.2020
After School and Summer Camp Counselor
Kids And Fitness At The Edge
04.2004 - 09.2006
Behavior Interventionist/Special Education Paraeducator
Ontop Alternative Program
06.2003 - 08.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology And Sociology
University of Iowa
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