Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Awards
Timeline
Generic

LEA SANDERS

Philadelphia

Summary

Experienced and empathetic social work professional with a demonstrated history in assessing clients' needs, developing personalized service plans, and connecting individuals and families with community resources. Dedicated advocate for social justice, passionate about empowering vulnerable populations. Proven ability to build strong client relationships and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Program Manager of Prevention and Diversion

HopePHL
01.2023 - Current
  • Oversees the rental assistance and rapid re-housing programs
  • Maintains staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees
  • Utilizes a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to support families who experience housing crises
  • Establishes written standards and program processes including engagement, case management, and documentation expectations to ensure successful program delivery
  • Manages multiple programs’ funding simultaneously, ensuring all deliverables are met and within budget
  • Prepares program reports and communicates updates to agency teams and program funders
  • Resolves conflicts between landlords and families by mediating discussions between parties involved
  • Manages a caseload of program participants, provides ongoing support, and connects participants to community resources and services

Family Empowerment Services Case Manager

Youth Service, Inc.
12.2019 - 05.2022
  • Provided direct services to families as specified by DHS
  • Conducted home visits, assessed the risk and safety of children, and established individualized service plans
  • Used adaptive communication style and practiced empathy to build trust and rapport with clients
  • Communicated with schools, medical offices, behavioral health services, and other agencies for the continuity of care and data gathering
  • Connected and referred clients to community resources and supportive services
  • Maintained accurate records of client progress and documentation of all contacts to ensure compliance with program requirements

Foster Care Case Manager

theVillage
10.2018 - 10.2019
  • Conducted home visits on a regular basis in accordance with agency and DHS guidelines to assess the safety and well-being of children placed in foster homes
  • Attended county court to testify regarding clients' placement status and to advocate for needed services
  • Facilitated communication between biological parents, foster parents, social workers, and other stakeholders involved in the case
  • Engaged families in developing service plans that identified the needs of the child or youth in care

Team Leader

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps
09.2017 - 07.2018
  • Provided leadership and support to 12 AmeriCorps members (18-24 years of age) with a focus on members' personal and professional development, service learning, logistics, and safety
  • Cultivated an environment of trust, respect, collaboration, and accountability among the team members through supervision, and individual and team meetings
  • Motivated members to achieve optimal results through effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Culminated over 2,400 community service hours and completed 250 hours of training in leadership, team, and resource management
  • Established and maintained effective working relationships with unit leaders, team members, staff members, site supervisors, and community members
  • Managed a $20,000 Federal budget and was responsible for $100,000 of government property (vehicles, electronics, tools, etc.)

Education

Master of Social Work -

West Chester University of Pennsylvania
05-2022

B.S - Human Services

Chestnut Hill College
05-2017

Skills

  • Relationship Building
  • Client Advocacy
  • Needs Assessment
  • Case Documentation
  • Community Referrals
  • Risk Assessment

Certification

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Awards

  • HRSA Grant Recipient, 2021
  • Congressional Award Recipient, 2018
  • Presidential Volunteer Service Award, 2018

Timeline

Program Manager of Prevention and Diversion

HopePHL
01.2023 - Current

Family Empowerment Services Case Manager

Youth Service, Inc.
12.2019 - 05.2022

Foster Care Case Manager

theVillage
10.2018 - 10.2019

Team Leader

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps
09.2017 - 07.2018

Master of Social Work -

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

B.S - Human Services

Chestnut Hill College
LEA SANDERS