Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Tena Dellaca-Hedrick

Kununurra,WA

Summary

Tena Dellaca-Hedrick is an award winning professional and academic, who strives to be the best practitioner through integrity of service and excellence in academia. Tena brings 30 plus years of professional experience in social and criminal services and 15 years in academia.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Child Protection Worker

Department Of Communities
09.2016 - Current
  • During employment experience has been garnered from working on the following teams:
  • Child Safety (East & West Kimberley) - Child Protection Worker, Senior Duty Officer & Senior Child Protection Worker.
  • Children in Care (East & West Kimberley) - Senior Child Protection Worker
  • Remote Worker - (East & West Kimberley) - Senior Community Child Protection Worker.
  • Also,
  • Established trust-based relationships with clients by building rapport through empathetic communication.
  • Achieved timely permanency outcomes through diligent case planning and coordination with legal professionals.
  • Advocated for children's best interests during court hearings, presenting findings from assessments and investigations clearly and professionally.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive case plans and ensure child welfare.
  • Maintained detailed documentation in case files, ensuring accurate record-keeping for audits and court proceedings.
  • Evaluated progress of clients regularly to ensure they were meeting goals outlined in their case plans.
  • Enhanced child safety by conducting thorough assessments and investigations of alleged abuse or neglect cases.
  • Built strong relationships with community partners, fostering collaboration in support of children's wellbeing.
  • Conducted regular home visits to monitor safety of children in foster care and family placements, addressing any concerns promptly.
  • Developed targeted interventions that addressed specific needs of each child under my supervision.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, addressing immediate safety concerns and connecting families with appropriate resources.
  • Facilitated family reunification efforts by developing service plans tailored to individual needs and monitoring progress closely.
  • Attended court proceedings, submitted documents and offered testimony.
  • Responded to claims of abuse, neglect or safety concerns.
  • Visited homes, inspected surroundings and interviewed family members.
  • Developed plans to strengthen family units.
  • Assisted families in navigating social services system, including applying for referred services, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
  • Intervened in crisis situations with children who were experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
  • Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to reduce and prevent family conflict.

Adjunct Professor

Indiana Institute Of Technology
08.2009 - 12.2019
  • Taught in the disciplines of Human Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology & Sociology, providing instruction to up to 200 undergraduate students each semester.
  • Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
  • Created subject curriculum, testing resources, and teaching tools for the following subjects: Conflict Resolution, Group Dynamics, Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems, Applied Social Problems in the Criminal Justice System, Advanced Social Problems, Introduction to Human Services, Psychology of Diversity, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Ethics and Diversity, Corrections, and Victimology.
  • Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
  • Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.

Social Justice Program Coordinator

Victory Noll
09.2012 - 01.2015
  • Provided a faith-based approach to social justice that followed the Catholic Social Teachings Council of the Vatican. These services were created and implemented on behalf of Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters and used to serve the community at large in areas of spiritual direction, education, advocacy and empowerment. The services in this program addressed equity around race, violence, gender, immigration, incarceration, stewardship of the earth, human trafficking, poverty, creation, access and opportunity to resources and holistic health. The program’s mission sought to empower all who entered their doors through a spiritual and socially responsible modality of living that utilised a communal loving compassionate approach of meeting people where they were at while providing supportive education and educational and clinical services to empower individuals to become their larger selves and their own hero’s.

Senior Forensic Victim Advocate

Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Centre
08.2009 - 09.2012
  • Provided acute crisis intervention through crime scene response services.
  • Accompanied clients to court to clarify processes and procedures.
  • Served as a liaison between crime victims and relevant legal professionals, ensuring clear communication and understanding of the victim''s needs throughout the process.
  • Supported victims, family members and witnesses through law enforcement, healthcare and social services.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring comprehensive support for crime victims throughout the legal process.
  • Offered guidance on navigating complex systems by providing information about available resources and assisting with paperwork completion when necessary.
  • Developed safety plans to meet victims' assessment of need.
  • Assisted law enforcement in investigations, conducting interviews with victims and witnesses for accurate case documentation.
  • Developed partnerships with local agencies such as shelters, hospitals, or mental health providers to improve access to essential services for clients.
  • Facilitated support groups for crime victims, fostering an environment of healing while encouraging open discussions among participants.
  • Constructed referral list of agencies and community resources for victims' to provide aftercare services.
  • Coordinated individual and group counselling to meet victim service standards.
  • Provided crisis intervention and stabilization during emergencies, offering immediate support to affected individuals and families.
  • Spearheaded awareness through public speaking to community and business groups.

Forensic Victim Advocate

Fort Wayne Police Department
01.2003 - 08.2009
  • Provided acute crisis intervention services through crime scene response services.
  • Served as a liaison between crime victims and relevant legal professionals, ensuring clear communication and understanding of the victim''s needs throughout the process.
  • Advocated for victims'' rights during court proceedings, ensuring that their voices were heard throughout the legal process.
  • Accompanied clients to court to clarify processes and procedures.
  • Supported victims, family members and witnesses through law enforcement, healthcare and social services.
  • Enhanced community awareness of available resources by organizing outreach events and presentations on victim advocacy programs.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring comprehensive support for crime victims throughout the legal process.
  • Improved victim support services by establishing a strong rapport and providing emotional assistance to crime victims.
  • Developed safety plans to meet victims' assessment of need.
  • Liaised with members of justice system on behalf of client.
  • Offered guidance on navigating complex systems by providing information about available resources and assisting with paperwork completion when necessary.
  • Maintained detailed case records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality in accordance with legal requirements and organizational policies.
  • Collected statistical data and updated documentation to maintain client records.
  • Assisted law enforcement in investigations, conducting interviews with victims and witnesses for accurate case documentation.
  • Developed partnerships with local agencies such as shelters, hospitals, or mental health providers to improve access to essential services for clients.
  • Streamlined referral processes to relevant organizations, facilitating timely access to necessary medical, financial, or therapeutic resources.
  • Facilitated support groups for crime victims, fostering an environment of healing while encouraging open discussions among participants.
  • Promoted a culture of empathy within the organization, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting each victim''s unique experience.
  • Increased victim satisfaction rates with provided services through regular follow-ups and ongoing communication regarding case progress.
  • Constructed referral list of agencies and community resources for victims' to provide aftercare services.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay updated on current industry trends and legislation related to crime victim rights.
  • Developed effective safety plans for at-risk individuals, addressing specific needs while prioritizing their wellbeing.
  • Attended interagency meetings and networked to create community partnerships.
  • Provided comprehensive assessment, goal setting and service plans.
  • Coordinated individual and group counselling to meet victim service standards.
  • Provided crisis intervention and stabilization during emergencies, offering immediate support to affected individuals and families.
  • Established treatment plans with short- and long-term goals.
  • Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
  • Provided crisis counselling and intervention services to clients in emergency situations.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
  • Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
  • Facilitated peer support groups to help clients connect with others.
  • Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop coping skills and improve communication.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
  • Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.

Education

Master of Science - Human Services GPA 4.0

Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnasota
05.2014

Bachelor of Science - Human Services GPA 3.9

Purdue University
Fort Wayne, Indiana
05.2011

Associate of Applied Science - Human Services GPA 3.85

Ivy Tech Community College
Fort Wayne, Indiana
05.2007

Certification

Fresno State University - Joint Centre on Violence and Victim Studies - Accreditation in Advanced Victim Studies.


Indiana Purdue University - Certification in Peace & Conflict Studies.


Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Centre - Advanced Certification in Sexual Assault Advocacy.


Centre for Credentialing & Education - Human Service – Board Certified Clinical Practitioner (HS-BCP).

Indiana Community Action Association - Certification, Family Development Specialist Certification, Family Development Specialist.

Timeline

Senior Child Protection Worker

Department Of Communities
09.2016 - Current

Social Justice Program Coordinator

Victory Noll
09.2012 - 01.2015

Adjunct Professor

Indiana Institute Of Technology
08.2009 - 12.2019

Senior Forensic Victim Advocate

Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Centre
08.2009 - 09.2012

Forensic Victim Advocate

Fort Wayne Police Department
01.2003 - 08.2009

Master of Science - Human Services GPA 4.0

Capella University

Bachelor of Science - Human Services GPA 3.9

Purdue University

Associate of Applied Science - Human Services GPA 3.85

Ivy Tech Community College

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Tena Dellaca-Hedrick