Audrey Heeren, LMSW
Greenwood Lake,NY
Summary
Dedicated Social Worker with multiple years experience providing crisis intervention,psychosocial evaluations and psychotherapy services to children, adolescents and adults. Understanding and compassionate professional committed to performing all duties in accordance with customary rules of ethics. Offering a comprehensive background in social services, as well as strong interpersonal, organizational and computer skills. Builds client rapport and assesses needs to provide appropriate resources.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Therapist
ACCESS: Supports for Living
04.2021 - Current
- Responsible for facilitating groups with adult populations with recurring, severe mental health illnesses, some with active psychosis
- Provide guidelines to help build and ensure a trusting and confidential environment in which clients can work together supportively and safely
- Work as part of a collaborative team of therapists, medical professionals and psychiatrists to asses and ensure each client is continuing to benefit from their assigned groups in working toward their mental health recovery
- Participate in agency trainings, continuing education and weekly staff meetings
- Provide crisis intervention services for clients experiencing acute distress, promoting safety and stabilization.
- Improve client outcomes by utilizing evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to individual needs.
- Manage caseloads efficiently, ensuring timely documentation and adherence to professional ethical standards.
- Develop and maintained strong rapport with clients through empathetic listening and effective communication skills.
- Continually update clinical knowledge through ongoing professional development opportunities, resulting in improved client care.
- Assess progress throughout the course of therapy using standardized measures to ensure continued effectiveness of interventions.
- Establish a trusting environment that encouraged open communication between therapist and client, promoting self-awareness and growth.
- Facilitate group therapy sessions, fostering positive peer support and enhancing the overall therapeutic experience.
- Assist clients with gaining insights, establishing clear goals and planning strategies to reach personal targets.
Social Worker
T.E.E.N Works
02.2014 - 06.2023
- Worked as part of a collaborative team in a pre-employment program run by the Rockland County Youth Bureau, for youth ages 14-21 to ensure that all skills and training are provided for successful employment in the community
- Conduct assessments on each young person to identify strengths and interests regarding placement for employment
- Facilitated peer mediation between youth
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Developed and facilitated support groups, promoting healthy coping skills and fostering peer connections among participants.
- Provided crisis intervention services for clients experiencing acute mental health or substance abuse issues.
- Enhanced community outreach efforts for better service accessibility and increased program enrollment.
- Supervised interns or junior staff members, providing direction on best practices in social work and contributing to their professional growth as practitioners.
- Reduced recidivism rates among at-risk youth by providing targeted interventions focused on skill-building, pro-social activities, and positive role modeling.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
- Provided crisis intervention services and collaborated with staff to create safety plans for clients at risk of self-harm or violence.
Social Worker
Bethel Nursing and Rehabilitation
07.2012 - 05.2013
- Worked as part of a collaborative team on the sub-acute floor of Nursing and Rehabilitation to ensure that patients receive the therapies they need in order to successfully be discharged back into the community
- Conducted psycho-socials on each new resident upon admission
- Provided case notes and care plans in a timely manner
- Assisted clients with navigating and accessing social services such as housing and medical care if needed after discharge.
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.
- Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
Service Coordinator
A&T Healthcare
01.2012 - 07.2012
- Worked under the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion and Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver programs through Medicaid funding under the NYS Department of Health
- Provided in-home counseling to all clients on caseload
- Worked with adults ages 18+ who were transitioning from a nursing home back into the community, or who currently resided in the community and were being diverted from having to be placed in a nursing facility
- Advocated and acted as a liaison between clients and community agencies and resources
- Assisted clients with Medicaid re-certification, Disability or Social Security benefits, Medication Management, scheduling and following up with physician appointments, ensured clients attended all scheduled medical appointments and adhered to physician's orders, obtained employment or volunteer activities
- Worked in conjunction with agency nurses to ensure clients' health and welfare were being maintained
- Completed all agency and required DOH paperwork and documentation in a timely manner.
Social Worker, LMSW
JCCA- Edenwald Center, RTC
07.2008 - 01.2012
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Conducted routine home assessments and provided family therapy on site
- Supported family reunification efforts by facilitating supervised visitations between children placed in foster care or kinship homes.
- Conducted regular home visits to monitor the safety of children in foster care placements, addressing any concerns promptly.
- Maintained detailed records on each child''s history, medical information, and educational progress while in residential foster care.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices in therapeutic foster care case management.
- Facilitated successful transitions to independent living for older youth aging out of foster care through life skills training, opportunities within the community, and resource coordination.
- Educated parents on available support services, enabling them to effectively navigate systems of care for their children's benefit.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of child safety, identifying areas of concern and implementing appropriate interventions.
- Assisted adolescents transitioning out of foster care through life skills training programs focused on education, employment, housing stability goals.
- Ensured timely intervention in crisis situations, coordinating with emergency services and other professionals as needed.
- Advocated for children''s best interests in court proceedings, presenting case findings and recommendations to judges and legal representatives as well as contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Developed culturally sensitive approaches when working with diverse populations of children and families experiencing various challenges.
- Strengthened community partnerships to provide additional resources for at-risk children and families in need of assistance.
- Increased school attendance rates through collaboration with teachers, counselors, and families to address barriers to success.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
- Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Facilitated groups to address specific needs such as grief and loss, anger management and social skills.
- Assisted parents in regaining the guardianship of their children, through community referrals to anger management, drug rehabilitation, parenting skill, housing assistance and counseling
Clinical Social Work Intern
Clarkstown High School North
09.2007 - 05.2008
- Provided weekly therapeutic counseling to students in a high school setting.
- Facilitated and co-facilitated several groups including stress reduction and a curriculum based girls circle group all of which promote self awareness and social skills.
- Completed agency documentation such as progress notes and online submission of intakes to OASAS.
- Developed strong rapport with students through empathetic listening and open communication, fostering trusting relationships conducive to growth.
- Enhanced student well-being by implementing effective social-emotional learning strategies in group sessions.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings, such as SAAT (Substance Abuse Assessment Team), IST and IEP meetings, contributing valuable insights to inform student-centered interventions.
- Supported the development of social skills and conflict resolution techniques among students through targeted group activities and discussions.
- Provided crisis intervention support for students experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges, ensuring timely assistance and appropriate referrals.
- Interviewed clients to assess needs and determine most suitable needs and services.
Social Work Intern
Catholic Charities of Rockland
09.2006 - 08.2007
- Performed client screenings and accurately recorded data in case files to facilitate clinical case coordination services and case management duties.
- Coordinated outreach efforts with clients, agencies, and businesses in the community.
- Organized holiday programs for families in need.
- Offered community resource guidance to clients to meet family needs for assistance.
- Conducted outreach to local referral sources to build strong partnerships for supportive services.
- Interviewed clients to assess needs and determine most suitable needs and services.
- Maintained client reports to track client progress, record interventions and provide relevant data for analysis.
- Developed strong rapport with clients by establishing trust and maintaining open lines of communication throughout the internship experience.
- Educated clients on their rights and responsibilities within various social service systems, empowering them to make informed decisions.
- Assisted clients in navigating community resources for optimal support and services.
- Supported families in addressing parenting challenges through education, resource connection, and skills training workshops.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service
New York, NY08.2008
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology -
Fordham University
Bronx, NY05.2005
Skills
- Anxiety Reduction
- Depression Treatment
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Individual Counseling
- Group therapy facilitation
- Anger Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Multicultural Competence
- Grief counseling
Activitiesandskills
- Supervised BSW and MSW students on a volunteer basis
- SIFI Certified
- Proficient in MDS program
- Certified and trained in DOH documentation as per Medicaid requirements
- Proficient in Connections program
- Certified Family Treatment Conference facilitator
- Certified in School Violence Prevention and Intervention
- Certified facilitator of the Strengthening Families Program
- Computer literate: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Windows and Internet research
Certification
- SIFI certified
- Provisional School Social Worker Certificate
Timeline
Licensed Therapist
ACCESS: Supports for Living
04.2021 - Current
Social Worker
T.E.E.N Works
02.2014 - 06.2023
Social Worker
Bethel Nursing and Rehabilitation
07.2012 - 05.2013
Service Coordinator
A&T Healthcare
01.2012 - 07.2012
Social Worker, LMSW
JCCA- Edenwald Center, RTC
07.2008 - 01.2012
Clinical Social Work Intern
Clarkstown High School North
09.2007 - 05.2008
Social Work Intern
Catholic Charities of Rockland
09.2006 - 08.2007
Master of Social Work -
Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology -
Fordham University
- SIFI certified
- Provisional School Social Worker Certificate
Similar Profiles
Erika SantiagoErika Santiago
Program Associate at Access Supports For LivingProgram Associate at Access Supports For Living
Darnel GuerrierDarnel Guerrier
Revenue Cycle Director at Access Supports For Living, Inc.Revenue Cycle Director at Access Supports For Living, Inc.
Shonika NazaireShonika Nazaire
Mobile Mental Health Practitioner at Access Supports For LivingMobile Mental Health Practitioner at Access Supports For Living