Bettina Balmer
Big Creek
Summary
Dynamic Family Services Office Supervisor with extensive experience at DCBS, excelling in case management and policy writing. Proven track record in developing training programs and enhancing community coordination. Adept at crisis intervention and fostering collaborative relationships, resulting in improved service delivery and client outcomes. Strong analytical skills complemented by effective communication abilities.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Family Services Office Supervisor
DCBS
11.2023 - Current
- Plan, Assign, evaluate and the work of a group of employees responsible for providing family based services, intake services and ongoing case management services to eligible clients and determines the operational and office procedures of a specified group of employees in accordance with departmental policy.
- Assesses training needs and makes recommendations for providing appropriate formal training as well as providing on-the-job training.
- Develops job standards and evaluates staff in terms of those standards.
- Assigns cases and provides case supervision.
- Reviews and monitors operations.
- Conducts staff meetings to interpret policies, procedures, progress reports and other phases of the family-based services programs.
- Works closely with unit personnel to provide guidance and counseling on the more complex and difficult cases.
- Submits reports to the immediate manager and central office as required.
- Interviews prospective employees, confers with problem employees/recommends appropriate disciplinary actions and recommends employees for salary increases.
- Develops and maintains working relationship with local, state and federal officials to further coordinate community efforts for meeting the needs of clients and their families.
- Developed a court tracking system to better serve clients and assist employees with completing and submitting court reports timly.
Social Service Clinician II
DCBS Cumberland Region
03.2022 - Current
- I am the Chief of the Bell County CPS team.
- I have completed ongoing case work including visits in homes and detention centers; Developed case plans and evaluated case plans.
- Current responsibilities include CPS investigations and completing assessments, filing petitions as needed, prepare court reports, testifying in court and entering information in TWIST.
- I complete supervisory on call rotation as acting FSOS every other week and advise workers regarding acceptance of referrals, consults with workers, complete SRC forms and consults with regional staff, review assessments/SDM's and approve, review case plans and case plan evaluations and approve.
- I Supervise in the absence of FSOS during vacations and days off.
- I attend case planning meetings and attend OOHC meetings I attend community partner meetings including MDT and ROSC meetings.
- I Complete consultations with staff as needed, review and approve court reports.
- I attend all juvenile court hearings and complete court orders for cases presented.
- I mentor and train new staff and am a Field Training Specialist.
- Maintain current and confidential case records.
- Enters data into computer system and maintains records.
- I am currently completing APS guardianship assessments and assisted in training the new APS worker in Bell County with guardianships.
co-owner
D&B Farm and Specialty Foods, LLC
03.2010 - Current
- Developed and wrote business plan.
- Grew and marketed vegetables and fruits at local farmers market.
- Ordered supplies and seeds for business and kept track of expenses and income.
- Developed BBQ seasoning and sauce and marketed at farmers market.
- Opened retail store in June 2012 in Clay County.
- Supervised contractors during construction and kept track of invoices and ordering of building supplies.
- Developed employee policy manual and developed evaluations for employees.
- Interpret KRS, state and federal food policy safety code to comply with standards.
- Supervised and trained employees, prepared work schedules for employees, completed evaluations, completed disciplinary actions and food safety training for employees.
- Managed bakery, prepared breads and pastries, ordered inventory, prepared budget, and tracked spending and expenses.
- Retail store closed June 2014.
- Continue to have business license currently not operating.
Family Services Office Supervisor
DCBS Cumberland Region
09.2023 - 10.2023
- Plan, Assign, evaluate and the work of a group of employees responsible for providing family based services, intake services and ongoing case management services to eligible clients and determines the operational and office procedures of a specified group of employees in accordance with departmental policy.
- Assesses training needs and makes recommendations for providing appropriate formal training as well as providing on-the-job training.
- Develops job standards and evaluates staff in terms of those standards.
- Assigns cases and provides case supervision.
- Reviews and monitors operations.
- Conducts staff meetings to interpret policies, procedures, progress reports and other phases of the family-based services programs.
- Works closely with unit personnel to provide guidance and counseling on the more complex and difficult cases.
- Submits reports to the immediate manager and central office as required.
- Interviews prospective employees, confers with problem employees/recommends appropriate disciplinary actions and recommends employees for salary increases.
- Develops and maintains working relationship with local, state and federal officials to further coordinate community efforts for meeting the needs of clients and their families.
- Developed a court tracking system to better serve clients and assist employees with completing and submitting court reports timly.
Social Service Clinician II
DCBS Cumberland Region
08.2020 - 02.2022
- Completed complex investigations as part of the specialized investigative team including fatalities, near fatalities., foster homes, school personnel, facilities and 4 and under physical abuse.
- Interview medical staff, children, adult family members, community partners, victims, perpetrators and school personnel for investigations.
- Collaborate with UK Forensic Team and Central Office.
- Assign cases, provide supervision and consultation of cases in absence of FSOS.
- Work with and coordinate investigations with County Attorney's office's, OIG, KSP and local law enforcement.
- File petitions on behalf of victims, complete court reports and testify at hearings.
- Complete written assessments and also complete recommendations to the court.
- Maintain confidential files, answer phone and prepare correspondence.
- Currently a member of the Cumberland Employee Retention Committee.
- Attend community partner meetings quarterly.
- Chief of Specialized Investigations and supervised in absence of FSOS including on call duties of determining if a referral met statutory requirements.
Social Service Clinician
DCBS Eastern Mountain
04.2020 - 08.2020
- In addition to previous duties of APS SSWI and SSWII for Eastern Mountain Region, continue to provide crisis intervention assistance to KSP, Local Sheriff Department's in Eastern Mountain Region and Local City Police agencies in Eastern Mountain Region.
- Work with and coordinate investigations with Leslie County Attorney office when there is a need to file petitions on behalf of victims needing guardianship, complete court reports and testify at hearings.
- Complete written assessments and also complete recommendations to the court.
- Provide expert assistance in the area of mental health for other APS staff.
- Complete complex and high risk facility investigations in nursing homes, hospitals, Supports for Community Living Agencies and Psychiatric centers.
- Attended community events directed by or in absence of FSOS.
- Coordinate facility investigations with State agencies such as Office of Inspector General, Office of Attorney General and BHDID.
- Continue to provide all other duties as previously assigned.
- Complete special assignments as directed by FSOS.
- During telecommuting, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Face Time are utilized to assess clients.
Family Service Office Supervisor
Department for Community Based Services
Hazard
06.2019 - 03.2020
- Plan, Assign, evaluate and the work of a group of employees responsible for providing family based services, intake services and ongoing case management services to eligible clients and determines the operational and office procedures of a specified group of employees in accordance with departmental policy.
- Assesses training needs and makes recommendations for providing appropriate formal training as well as providing on-the-job training.
- Develops job standards and evaluates staff in terms of those standards.
- Assigns cases and provides case supervision.
- Reviews and monitors operations.
- Conducts staff meetings to interpret policies, procedures, progress reports and other phases of the family-based services programs.
- Works closely with unit personnel to provide guidance and counseling on the more complex and difficult cases.
- Submits reports to the immediate manager and central office as required.
- Interviews prospective employees, confers with problem employees/recommends appropriate disciplinary actions and recommends employees for salary increases.
- Develops and maintains working relationship with local, state and federal officials to further coordinate community efforts for meeting the needs of clients and their families.
- Developed a court tracking system to better serve clients and assist employees with completing and submitting court reports timly.
Social Service Clinian I
DCBS Eastern Mountain region
05.2018 - 06.2019
- Complete CPS abuse, neglect and exploitation investigations in Leslie County.
- Also complete ongoing CPS casework that involves engaging families and negotiating tasks to complete regarding abuse & neglect.
- Interview medical staff, adult family members, victims, perpetrators and school personnel for investigations.
- Work with and coordinate investigations with Leslie County Attorney office , KSP and local law enforcement.
- File petitions on behalf of victims, complete court reports and testify at hearings.
- Complete written assessments and also complete recommendations to the court.
- Maintain confidential files, answer phone and prepare correspondence.
- Provide leadership to employees of Eastern Mountain Service Region as a member of the EMSR Morale Committee to assist with and motivate employees with job satisfaction.
- Completed Certificate of Supervisory Essentials Program June 2018.
- Scribe for CQI meetings.
- Promoted to Family Service Office Supervisor June 2019.
Social Service Clinician I
DCBS Eastern Mountain Region
10.2017 - 05.2018
- Promoted to SSCI October 2018: In addition to previous duties of SSWI and SSWII, continued to provide crisis intervention assistance to KSP, Perry Sheriff Department and Hazard City Police.
- Supervised in absence of FSOS and provided case consult.
- Resource for other APS staff.
- Continued to complete high risk facility investigations.
- Attended community events in absence of FSOS.
- Continued to coordinated investigations with State agencies.
- Continued to provide all other duties as previously assigned.
- Completed special assignment as directed by FSOS/SRAA.
- Completed APS peer reviews of cases.
- CQI Facilitator 2017.
- Practicum supervisor for BSW student.
- Completed special assignment to Leslie CPS in March and April 2018.
- During special assignment, received case load that needed home visits to families, case plan conferences, case plan evaluations, and follow up with community partners.
- Brought all past due work into compliance by end of March and updated by end of April 2018.
- Continued to address and up date past work missing until present.
- Assisted with mentoring Human services student during March 2018 special assignment.
- Member of the EMSR Morale Committee to assist with and motivate employees with job satisfaction.
- CQI facilitator/leader 2017.
Social Service Worker II
DCBS Eastern Mountain Region
02.2017 - 10.2017
- Promoted to SSWII.
- Continued with APS Regional team.
- In addition to SSWI duties, provided advocacy and intensive case coordination for individuals and families experiencing severe problems and crisis.
- Assisted KSP, Perry County Sheriff office, Leslie County Sheriff Office, EMS and Hazard City Police with crisis calls.
- Advocated for individuals mental and medical needs/services.
- Coordinated placement of adults and patients within personal care homes and nursing homes.
- Served as resource person for staff, service providers, courts and community partners.
- Completed high risk facility investigations involving vulnerable adults regarding abuse & neglect.
- Advocated on behalf of terminally ill/critically ill adults that were in need of a guardian.
- Supervise in absence of FSOS.
- Promoted/marketed Adult Protective Services at local health fairs and conferences.
- Developed leadership skills by attending and participating in local Elder Abuse Council meetings and events.
- Attended community events in absence of FSOS and provided case consult in absence of FSOS.
- Completed complex investigations in SCLs and nursing homes related to abuse and neglect.
- Coordinated investigations and collaborated with OAG, KSP, OIG and BHDID.
- Completed investigations in the community and nursing homes, SCL's, hospitals and psych center.
- Completed guardianship assessments for Owsley and Leslie District Court and testify at hearings.
- Experienced in interviewing physicians, administrators, staff, nurses, victims and perpetrators.
- Maintained confidential information and entered documentation into computer system.
- Answered phone and prepared correspondence.
- Maintained case files.
- Completed APS case reviews.
- Provide leadership to employees of Eastern Mountain Service Region as a member of the EMSR Morale Committee to assist with and motivate employees with job satisfaction.
- Presentation regarding elder abuse and neglect at World Elder Abuse event in June 2017.
Social Service Worker I
DCBS Eastern Mountain region
10.2014 - 02.2017
- Adult Protective Services Regional Team: Completed complex APS investigations in supports for hospitals, psych center, community living and nursing homes to detect and document fraud, abuse and financial exploitation.
- Also completed APS investigations in the community.
- Coordinated investigations and worked with OAG, Board of Nursing, law enforcement, OIG and BHDID.
- Completed community investigations in Perry, Leslie, Lee, Owsley, Knott, Breathitt counties.
- Completed investigations in nursing homes in Lee, Owsley, Leslie, Breathitt counties.
- Completed SCL investigations in Breathitt, Perry, Letcher and Knott counties.
- Investigations included interviewing physicians, nurses, administrators, staff, families and collaterals.
- Interpret and enforce policy & KRS during investigations.
- Maintained confidential information and entered documentation into computer system.
- Provide crisis intervention when needed.
- Assisted Perry Court when needed regarding adults in need of assistance.
- Completed guardianship assessments for Leslie and Owsley District Courts and testified at hearings.
- Completed written assessments for investigations and recommendations.
- Completed complex multiple investigations at a Perry County SCL facility which resulted in perpetrators being charged with felony abuse.
- Completed special assignment as directed by FSOS/SRAA to Leslie CPS December 2016 and January 2017.
- Promoted/marketed Adult Protective Services at local health fairs and conferences.
- Attended Elder Abuse Council meeting for FSOS.
- Attended Health Fairs and community events as assigned by FSOS.
- Provided crisis intervention and assisted law enforcement as requested.
- Answered phones and prepared correspondence and maintained case files.
Service Coordinator
Go Hire, Inc
07.2014 - 10.2014
- Completed home visits, assessed needs for services and provided on going family based services.
- Worked as a member of a team to ensure service provision.
- This included therapists, teachers, medical providers and parents.
- Developed service objectives & service plans, completed referrals, and coordinated needed services.
- Maintained confidential case records.
MSW Consultant
Cumberland Valley District Health Department
10.2008 - 02.2012
- Contract position.
- Provided supervision for 2 BSW level social workers.
- Reviewed assessments completed by BSW's, completed consultation via phone and in person and staffed cases with BSW's and approved work.
- Completed home visit with each BSW on a quarterly basis to monitor cases and skills.
- Developed and taught 2 in-services per year for BSW's.
Social Service Worker II
DCBS Eastern Mountain Region
01.2009 - 06.2010
- Completed complex APS investigations in supports for hospitals, psych center, community living and nursing homes to detect and document fraud, abuse and financial exploitation.
- Also completed APS investigations in the community.
- Coordinated investigations and worked with OAG, Board of Nursing, law enforcement, OIG and BHDID.
- Completed community investigations in Perry, Leslie, Lee, Owsley, Knott, Breathitt and Wolfe counties.
- Completed investigations in nursing homes in Lee, Owsley, Knott, Breathitt, and Letcher counties.
- Completed SCL investigations in Breathitt, Perry, Floyd and Knott counties.
- Investigations included interviewing physicians, nurses, administrators, staff, families and collaterals.
- Interpret and enforce policy & KRS during investigations.
- Maintained confidential information and entered documentation into computer system.
- Provide crisis intervention when needed.
- Assisted Perry Court when needed regarding adults in need of assistance.
- Answered phones and prepared correspondence and maintained case files.
Social Service Clinician I
DCBS Cumberland Region
11.2004 - 03.2008
- Transferred to Laurel County CPS Ongoing Team to complete stipend contract.
- Completed CPS ongoing case work.
- Completed CPS investigations during on call hours as scheduled.
- Screened and accepted CPS referrals according to policy standards.
- Interpret & enforce policy and KRS during CPS ongoing cases and investigations.
- Investigated/verified information, prepared court reports, completed petitions regarding child/adult abuse & neglect, attended and testified at hearings, made recommendations to the court and monitored conditions set by the court.
- Completed referrals for community services for families and elderly.
- Also developed relationships with community partners to improve access to services for family and elderly.
- Worked with professional/legal/court staff to ensure unified service provision in ongoing cases and advocated for clients.
- Developed service objectives and plans with clients to assist in meeting needs of the family.
- Completed home evaluations with recommendations concerning foster/relative homes.
- Coordinated investigations with KSP, OAG, OIG and BHDID.
- Completed special investigations as assigned by FSOS and SRAA.
- Assisted/coordinated in the placement of children in adoptive/foster/family care homes crisis stabilization, or juvenile facilities.
- Recommended appropriate out of home placement when needed.
- Served as a resource person for staff, foster parents, service providers, courts, law enforcement and community partners.
- Maintained confidential records and entered documentation into computer system.
- Attended court in Clay, Laurel, Knox, Harlan, Leslie, Whitley, Jackson and Rockcastle counties.
- Supervised in absence of CPS FSOS including approving assessments, case plans and case plan evaluations and mentoring new staff and providing consultation for staff.
- Answered phone and prepared correspondence and filed case documentation.
- Field Training Specialist from 2005 to 2007 that involved mentoring and training new staff.
- Supervised student placements.
- Reviewed cases and completed peer reviews for CPS.
Social Service Worker I
DCBS Cumberland Region
09.2001 - 11.2004
- Completed APS and CPS abuse, neglect & exploitation investigations and ongoing case work.
- Also completed domestic violence investigations and attended domestic violence court.
- Screened and accepted APS and CPS referrals according to policy standards.
- Interpret & enforce policy and KRS during CPS and APS investigations.
- Investigated/verified information, prepared court reports, completed petitions regarding child/adult abuse & neglect, attended and testified at hearings, made recommendations to the court and monitored conditions set by the court.
- Completed referrals for community services for families and elderly.
- Also developed relationships with community partners to improve access to services for family and elderly.
- Worked with professional/legal/court staff to ensure unified service provision in ongoing cases and advocated for clients.
- Developed service objectives and plans with clients to assist in meeting needs of the family.
- Completed complex investigations in Supports for Community Living and nursing homes to detect and document fraud, abuse and financial exploitation as well as abuse.
- Coordinated investigations with OAG, OIG and BHDID.
- Completed special investigations in local child care facility and out of region employee investigations as assigned by FSOS and SRAA.
- Assisted in the placement of adults/children in adoptive/foster/family care homes, nursing homes or juvenile facilities.
- Maintained confidential records and entered documentation into computer system.
- Provided emergency services/on call on a 24/7 basis for APS in Clay County as part of the regional team (2002 to 2004).
- Completed on call as scheduled for CPS (2001 to 2002).
- Completed home visits and guardianship assessments for courts in Clay, Laurel, Jackson and Rockcastle counties.
- Supervised in absence of APS FSOS.
- Answered phone and prepared correspondence and filed case documentation.
Medical Social Worker
Memorial Hospital Home Health
02.1998 - 09.2001
- Home visits to patients and families in Clay, Jackson and Leslie Counties.
- Assessed patient needs for service and developed treatment plan accordingly.
- Communicated with physician, other medical professionals and community partners related to patient needs and services.
- Maintained confidential records.
Education
Master's - Master of Science in Social Work
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY05.2005
Bachelor's - Social Work
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Millersville, PA05.1994
Associate's - Gerontology
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Millersville, PA05.1990
Skills
- Case management and policy writing
- Training development and report preparation
- Community coordination and crisis intervention
Websites
Certification
KY Board of Social Work, CSW, 5964, 01/12/11, 09/23/26
Accomplishments
- Certificate of Appreciation for Excellence in APS Casework, 02/01/18
- Elder abuse Awareness Award/Social Worker of the Year Award, 03/01/18
- Cambridge Who’s Who, 2006-2007
- University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work Certificate of Achievement for Research, 2005
- Nominated for Raymond A. Kent Research Award, 2005
Special Training
- Advanced P&P Supervisor Seminar Series, 02/01/20
- Motivational Interviewing Training, 05/01/19
- Certificate of Supervisory Essential Program, 06/01/18
- Field Training Specialist, 2005-2007
- Practicum Supervisor, 01/01/18
Presentations
Elder Abuse Signs and Reporting, World Elder Abuse Event, 06/01/17
Timeline
Family Services Office Supervisor
DCBS
11.2023 - Current
Family Services Office Supervisor
DCBS Cumberland Region
09.2023 - 10.2023
Social Service Clinician II
DCBS Cumberland Region
03.2022 - Current
Social Service Clinician II
DCBS Cumberland Region
08.2020 - 02.2022
Social Service Clinician
DCBS Eastern Mountain
04.2020 - 08.2020
Family Service Office Supervisor
Department for Community Based Services
06.2019 - 03.2020
Social Service Clinian I
DCBS Eastern Mountain region
05.2018 - 06.2019
Social Service Clinician I
DCBS Eastern Mountain Region
10.2017 - 05.2018
Social Service Worker II
DCBS Eastern Mountain Region
02.2017 - 10.2017
Social Service Worker I
DCBS Eastern Mountain region
10.2014 - 02.2017
Service Coordinator
Go Hire, Inc
07.2014 - 10.2014
co-owner
D&B Farm and Specialty Foods, LLC
03.2010 - Current
Social Service Worker II
DCBS Eastern Mountain Region
01.2009 - 06.2010
MSW Consultant
Cumberland Valley District Health Department
10.2008 - 02.2012
Social Service Clinician I
DCBS Cumberland Region
11.2004 - 03.2008
Social Service Worker I
DCBS Cumberland Region
09.2001 - 11.2004
Medical Social Worker
Memorial Hospital Home Health
02.1998 - 09.2001
Master's - Master of Science in Social Work
University of Louisville
Bachelor's - Social Work
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Associate's - Gerontology
Millersville University of Pennsylvania