Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

AKAISHA BLACKHAWK

West Des Moines,IA

Summary

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 14+ years of experience in human services, behavioral health, crisis intervention, and case management. Experienced in mental health counseling, crisis assessment, safety planning, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and community resource coordination.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Mental Health Clinician

ForWard Consulting LLC
01.2023 - Current
  • Provide psychotherapy, crisis intervention, safety planning, assessments, documentation, and care coordination.

Mental Health Professional

Polk County Jail
01.2023 - 01.2024
  • Provided crisis intervention and support to individuals experiencing acute mental health issues.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to develop individualized treatment plans for diverse populations.
  • Collaborated with correctional staff to ensure safe and effective mental health care delivery.

Case Manager – Foster Care Program

Four Oaks Family & Children's Services
01.2022 - 01.2023
  • Supported foster parents, coordinated services, and navigated child welfare and behavioral health systems.

Family Caregiver & Graduate Student

N/A
01.2019 - 01.2022
  • Primary caregiver and suitable other placement for four children while completing MSW degree.

Family Case Manager

YESS
01.2016 - 01.2019
  • Coordinated care and community resources for families of children with behavioral health needs.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify family needs and develop tailored service plans.
  • Coordinated resources and services among community partners to support family stability and well-being.
  • Facilitated regular case reviews, monitoring progress and adjusting interventions as necessary for optimal outcomes.
  • Provided crisis intervention strategies, ensuring immediate support during critical family situations.

Residential Counselor / Developmental Instructor

Link Associates
01.2012 - 01.2016
  • Provided support services, skill development, and community integration.

Education

MSW - Social Work

Our Lady of The Lake University
San Antonio, TX
05-2022

BA - Social Work

University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
05-2016

AA -

DMACC
Des Moines, IA
01-2013

Skills

  • Crisis Intervention
  • Safety Planning
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • De-escalation
  • Community Resource Navigation
  • Behavioral Health Assessment
  • Documentation
  • Telehealth
  • Case Management
  • Stress management strategies
  • Suicide risk assessment

Certification

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), State of Iowa

Timeline

Mental Health Clinician

ForWard Consulting LLC
01.2023 - Current

Mental Health Professional

Polk County Jail
01.2023 - 01.2024

Case Manager – Foster Care Program

Four Oaks Family & Children's Services
01.2022 - 01.2023

Family Caregiver & Graduate Student

N/A
01.2019 - 01.2022

Family Case Manager

YESS
01.2016 - 01.2019

Residential Counselor / Developmental Instructor

Link Associates
01.2012 - 01.2016

MSW - Social Work

Our Lady of The Lake University

BA - Social Work

University of Iowa

AA -

DMACC
AKAISHA BLACKHAWK