Jennifer Martinez
Summary
Compassionate, Bilingual School Social Worker with experience supporting students in special education and general education setting. Skilled in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement IEPs, providing social-emotional and behavioral interventions, while delivering trauma-informed care. Experienced in working with diverse student populations, including those with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Strong background in family engagement, including supporting non-English-speaking families through advocacy, interpretation, and access to school and community resources. Proven ability to coordinate with community agencies and child welfare systems (e.g., DCFS) to promote student safety, well-being, and academic success.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Social Worker
U-46 School District
Elgin, IL
08.2024 - Current
- Developed individualized support plans for students facing social and emotional challenges.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to enhance student well-being and academic performance.
- Conducted assessments to identify student needs and appropriate interventions and contribute to IEP development.
- Lead crisis intervention efforts, including suicide risk assessments and safety planning.
- Provided one-on-one and small group support to students with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders
- Collaborated with community agencies to develop and facilitate “Lunch Bunch” social skills groups, promoting peer interaction, communication skills, and positive relationship-building among students.
Care Provider
Maryville Academy
Des Plaines, IL
12.2019 - 08.2024
- Establish alliance with diverse and cultural population.
- Provided compassionate care and support to children in residential settings.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans tailored to each child's needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive service delivery.
- Monitored and documented behavioral progress, maintaining accurate records for review.
- Ensured a safe and comfortable environment for clients with compassion and patience.
- Effectively communicated with healthcare professionals and support team.
- Connect and troubleshoot with team members throughout the day about any accommodation or task.
School Social Worker Intern
Community Consolidated School District 15
Palatine, IL
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions for students facing behavioral and emotional challenges.
- Developed and implemented intervention strategies to enhance student well-being and academic performance.
- Assessed student needs through interviews, observations, and standardized assessments.
- worked with supervisor for transition meeting.
Intact Case Worker Intern
Children's Home & Aid
Des Plaines, IL
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Work collaboratively with families by performed weekly, and biweekly family visits to ensure a relentless focus on keeping children safe and supporting families.
- Collaborate with parents to develop and implement individualized services plans for the family.
- Connect families to resources (housing, counseling, food assistances)
- Maintained accurate and confidential client records in compliance with agency policies and regulations.
- Supported educational activities, fostering developmental growth and engagement.
- Maintained clean and organized environment, adhering to health and safety standards and monitor child safety and well-being.
Education
Master of Social Work - School Social Work
Aurora University
Aurora, IL05.2024
Bachelor of Social Work -
Aurora University
Aurora, IL05.2023
Skills
- IEP Development & Support
- Crisis Intervention/ De-escalation
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Family Advocacy
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Collaborated with DCFS caseworkers on child welfare cases involving safety, neglect, and family stabilization
- Documentation and compliance
- Bilingual Communication (English/Spanish)
Certification
- Child Welfare Employee License Board (CWEL), 2023
- Domestic Violence Certified, 2020
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention/ Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Certified, 2026
Timeline
School Social Worker
U-46 School District
08.2024 - Current
School Social Worker Intern
Community Consolidated School District 15
08.2023 - 05.2024
Intact Case Worker Intern
Children's Home & Aid
08.2022 - 05.2023
Care Provider
Maryville Academy
12.2019 - 08.2024
Master of Social Work - School Social Work
Aurora University
Bachelor of Social Work -
Aurora University