Samantha Cranford

Experience

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  Central Behavioral Health

  Mar 2016 - Aug 2017

  Case Manager

  Met with Transition Age Youth (TAY) on a weekly basis to aid in the development of their independent living skills as related to the following domains: Educational Opportunities, Employment/ Career, Living Situation, Personal Effectiveness and Well-Being, and Community Life Functioning.Job duties included (but not limited to):• Promoted recovery, resiliency, and strengths-based philosophy daily• Engaged with TAY through relationship development and person-centered planning• Connected TAY with various community resources• Assisted TAY in obtaining and maintaining housing• Collaborated with TAY’s other formal and informal supports frequently• Attended multi-system meetings in support of TAY as needed• Facilitated TAY activities in the community• Participated in weekly individual and group supervisions • Recorded progress notes using proper TIP language• Completed all necessary documentation for each TAY in a timely matter Show less

• 

  New Leash on Life USA

  Aug 2017 - Oct 2019

  • Provide case management services for post-release participants• . Draft and present status reports to program Judge• Advocate for services on behalf of participants• Develop a committee of Returning Citizens to assist in New Leash program development• Create relationships with Second Chance employers in Philadelphia• Communicate with stakeholders on behalf of participants• Advocate for services on behalf of participants • Facilitate Life Skills and Career Readiness courses at Alternative and Special Detention jail• . Develop and enhance program curricula• Record and distribute progress notes after each class

  • Returning Citizen Advocate

    Jul 2019 - Oct 2019

  • Career Readiness Instructor

    Aug 2017 - Jul 2019
• 

  Defender Association of Philadelphia

  Aug 2018 - Jun 2019

  MSW Intern

  • Conduct biopsychosocial assessments on clients• Complete client intakes for Judge or Attorney referrals• Create Early Parole Petitions for clients rejected from the Forensic Intensive Recovery program• Connect clients to various resources in the Philadelphia area• Advocate for clients in court• Assist staff with record collection and review for mitigation cases• Communicate with attorneys, judges, and service providers to increase continuity of care• Schedule transportation for clients from jail to treatment programs• Develop a strong understanding of the criminal justice system and legal processes• Record case notes after meeting with clients• Utilize various departmental, organizational, and city- and state-wide software systems• Attend weekly supervision meetings Show less

• 

  Defender Association of Philadelphia

  Aug 2019 - May 2021

  Social Worker
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  YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School

  Jun 2021 - now

  • Design and lead equity-centered student success strategies that increase access to mental health support, boost retention, and improve postsecondary outcomes.• Direct a 10-member cross-functional team, driving high performance and collaboration; foster a mission-aligned culture.• Use data and KPIs to identify service gaps and lead targeted interventions, resulting in improved student outcomes and stronger program alignment.• Collaborate across departments on recruitment, enrollment, grants, and school culture, ensuring strategic alignment and operational consistency.• Build and manage external partnerships that expand access to housing, employment, and social services, reducing systemic barriers for students.• Support feasibility study for an innovative YouthBuild housing model, shaping long-term strategic planning Show less • Supervise a team of three case managers, two mental health clinicians, and one social work intern• Conduct biweekly team meetings and individual supervision meetings with case managers, clinicians, and intern• Identify and implement evidence-based practices for working with young adults with various mental health conditions• Track student barrier data to improve barrier removal resources• Develop and update Student Success department policies to ensure a more equitable experience for students• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with various community agencies and stakeholders• Advocate for policies that promote student and staff well-being• Launch school-wide initiatives to reduce barriers to accessing resources (ex. Food pantry, counseling self-referral QR code)• Monitor daily student attendance and complete Director-level outreach interventions • Utilize various databases to track student progress and attendance data and use data to inform interventions with students• Lead bi-monthly interdisciplinary team meetings for student support• Design and facilitate various professional development trainings for staff • Manage and track departmental budget for student barrier removal program• Attend weekly School Leadership meetings and perform follow-up tasks as needed• Spearhead student mentoring program and monitor effectiveness • Provide counseling services for approximately 25 students Show less

  • Director of Student Success

    Jul 2024 - now

  • Lead Social Worker

    Jul 2023 - Jul 2024

  • Interim Co-Lead Success Coordinator

    Dec 2022 - Jun 2023

  • Success Coordinator

    Jun 2021 - Dec 2022
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  Everlasting Wellness LLC

  May 2022 - Sept 2023

  Outpatient Therapist