Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Jamie Lawrence-Nickels

Social Worker & Civil Services Manager
Bloomington

Summary

Dynamic Division Manager at the State of Indiana Department of Child Services, skilled in process optimization and team development. Implemented innovative change management initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering strong client relationships. Committed to driving success through analytical problem-solving and effective communication, resulting in improved project delivery, data analysis and stakeholder engagement.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Division Manager Foster Care and Kinship Navigator

State of Indiana Department of Child Services
11.2019 - Current
  • Developed strong team dynamics through regular communication, collaboration, and goal-setting initiatives.
  • Promoted innovation within the division by encouraging creative problem-solving techniques among staff members.
  • Ensured division compliance by staying up-to-date on standards, guidelines, and policies, and conducting internal audits as necessary.
  • Supervised daily planning, coordination and administration for division operations.
  • Handled escalated complaints involving division operations and work of personnel under supervision.
  • Exercised independent judgment in onboarding, training and motivating division staff to maximize performance.
  • Implemented data-driven decision making to improve operational procedures and drive overall business success.
  • Improved project delivery times with efficient resource allocation methods and proactive task management systems.
  • Spearheaded change management initiatives to ensure successful implementation of new systems or processes within the division.

Public Assistance Case Manager

State of Indiana- Family & Social Services Administration
03.2022 - 10.2026
  • Determined eligibility for SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Medicaid programs, per state and federal policy.
  • Educated clients about additional resources, and made appropriate referrals based on individual needs.
  • Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.


Foster Care Specialist Supervisor

State of Indiana Department of Child Services
08.2014 - 12.2019
  • Provided supervision and support for 4 Foster Care Specialists and 1 Relative Support Specialist in order to provide excellent support and ensure the quality assessment in the foster family licensing process, as well as assessing the needs of unlicensed relative/kinship caregivers.
  • Improved communication between foster families and agency by maintaining regular contact and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Provided ongoing education to foster families regarding relevant child development topics, empowering them to better support their children''s growth and emotional wellbeing.
  • Served as a liaison between schools, therapists, medical professionals, and other relevant stakeholders involved in each child''s case management plan.

Foster Care Licensing Specialist

State of Indiana Department of Child Services
06.2009 - 08.2014
  • Assisted in increasing placement stability by providing ongoing support and resources to foster families.
  • Maintained accurate records and documentation, ensuring timely completion of required reports and audits.
  • Cultivated a supportive network for foster families through organizing regular support group meetings.
  • Increased awareness of available resources by developing and delivering informative presentations to prospective foster parents.
  • Improved communication between stakeholders by facilitating regular meetings with foster parents, social workers, and other professionals.

Family Case Manager

State of Indiana Department of Child Services
10.2006 - 06.2009
  • Expedited permanency for children in foster care by diligently working towards reunification or adoption, as appropriate.
  • Contributed to continuous improvement efforts within the agency by participating in ongoing training opportunities and providing constructive feedback on existing processes.
  • Enhanced family well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing individualized case plans.
  • Ensured accurate documentation of case progress by maintaining detailed records and submitting timely reports to supervisors.
  • Educated families on relevant policies and procedures to enhance understanding of the case management process.
  • Improved child safety by closely monitoring at-risk families and providing timely interventions when necessary.
  • Developed trusting relationships with clients through empathetic listening, non-judgmental support, and consistent follow-up on their progress.

Education

Masters of Social Work - Social Work

Indiana University School of Social Work
Indianapolis, IN
05.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - Gender Studies

Indiana University, Bloomington
Bloomington, IN
05.2001 -

Skills

Process optimization expertise

Innovation and creativity

Customer engagement

Analytical problem-solving

Client relationship management

Responsive to new challenges

Verbal and written communication

Goal setting and achievement

Data analytics

Demonstrated professional conduct

Timeline

Public Assistance Case Manager

State of Indiana- Family & Social Services Administration
03.2022 - 10.2026

Division Manager Foster Care and Kinship Navigator

State of Indiana Department of Child Services
11.2019 - Current

Foster Care Specialist Supervisor

State of Indiana Department of Child Services
08.2014 - 12.2019

Foster Care Licensing Specialist

State of Indiana Department of Child Services
06.2009 - 08.2014

Family Case Manager

State of Indiana Department of Child Services
10.2006 - 06.2009

Masters of Social Work - Social Work

Indiana University School of Social Work
05.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - Gender Studies

Indiana University, Bloomington
05.2001 -

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Jamie Lawrence-NickelsSocial Worker & Civil Services Manager