Cathy L. Springhorn
Social Worker
Shoreview,MN
Summary
Dedicated Social Worker well-versed at liaising with clients to foster access to community resources, treatment and assistance programs. Strong background in supporting client treatment plans. Compassionate and driven with unfailing work ethic and passion for helping others.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
School Social Worker Intern
Columbia Heights Public Schools
Columbia Heights, MN
09.2023 - Current
- Promoting general well-being of students
- Working with outside agencies to provide support to families
- Offering mentoring and suggestions for Teachers and other school personnel
- Developing and providing crisis intervention strategies to improve student success
- Working to maximize coping skills for students in difficult situations.
- Improved school climate by fostering positive relationships among students, staff, and families through effective communication and conflict resolution techniques.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop strategies for addressing students'' social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
- Contributed to positive school culture by participating in school-wide initiatives geared towards inclusion, equity, and overall student wellbeing.
Union Steward
SEIU Local 284
01.2018 - 08.2023
- Stewards are mentors and advocates for union members with questions or concerns at work
- We organize members to address issues as a group instead of dealing with them alone
- We accompany and support members in meetings with management to ensure a fair process in which everyone is heard
- Organize the unit as a bargaining team member, assist in the creation of contract proposals and participate in contract negotiations with the school district.
- Maintained compliance with union contracts through careful review and communication of relevant information to members.
- Maintained accurate records related to member concerns, grievances filed, resolutions achieved, and other pertinent data for future reference or analysis purposes.
- Collaborated with legal counsel when necessary to address complex issues related to labor laws or contract disputes.
- Protected worker''s rights by advocating for appropriate health and safety measures within the workplace.
- Ensured fair treatment of all workers through diligent investigation of labor practices and potential violations.
Special Education Paraeducator
Mounds View Public Schools
01.2013 - 08.2023
- Build relationships with students to be able to assist them in their educational experience
- Assist in modifying classwork to match their Individual Educational Plans
- Advocate for students
- Collaborate closely with all teachers, case managers and deans for the well being of the students
- Tutor students in a wide variety of subjects and promote independence.
Member Political Organizer (MPO)
SEIU Local 284
08.2020 - 11.2020
- Mobilized citizens to take action on critical legislation through targeted advocacy campaigns
- Trained staff members and volunteers to effectively communicate the campaign''s core messages and values to voters during door-to-door canvassing efforts
- Managed volunteer recruitment efforts to build a strong base of support for various political initiatives
- Streamlined campaign operations by implementing efficient organizational systems and protocols
- Analyzed election data to identify trends, inform future strategies, and assess overall campaign success rates
- Expanded outreach efforts to underrepresented communities, fostering greater inclusivity within the political process
- Increased voter turnout by organizing and executing grassroots campaigns
Preschool
Mounds View Public Schools
01.2013 - 10.2013
- Assists the teacher in general daily classroom activities, helps special needs students, and cares for their physical, emotional health and safety, affirming their abilities, and striving to promote dignity in all relationships
Special Education Paraeducator Substitute
Mounds View Public Schools
09.2009 - 01.2013
- Preschool through High school age students
Volunteer Senior High Youth Director
Shepherd of the Hills
10.2010 - 01.2012
- Assisted in planning and supervising programs and activities for high school students
- Worked to build a thriving ministry based on building relationships between people
- Trained and oversaw volunteers
- Held parenting seminars.
Lead Staff
Lutheran Social Services
08.2008 - 10.2010
- Nord House was a residential treatment facility with up to 5 girls at a time between the ages of 12-18 years old
- They stayed for three weeks while attending day treatment through Fairview
- Nord House was a small story and a half house that the girls lived in for the time they were in the program
- We taught daily living skills, assisted with homework, communicated with families, completed intake paperwork, facilitated daily guided group discussions, provided transportation to AA, MA, and NA meetings, planned and facilitated evening programming events
- I was a part of interviewing, hiring and training staff with the program director
- I oversaw all the maintenance, shopping and bills for the house
- I assisted in creating staff schedules and facilitating staff meetings.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged innovation and creativity.
Unit Social Worker
Walker Cityview
01.1994 - 01.1996
- In-take paperwork of new residents
- Write care plans for residents
- Attend weekly family and resident conferences
- Assist in writing policies for care of residents in the nursing home
- Assist residents in handling their finances
- Assist residents with living wills, DNR forms, durable power of attorney forms and making pre-paid funeral arrangements.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Augsburg College
Minneapolis, MN 05.2001 -
Master of Social Work - Anti-Oppressive Clinical Practices
Augsburg University
Minneapolis, MN 05.2023 - 06.2024
Skills
Parent Education
Autism spectrum awareness
Child Development Understanding
Social Skills Training
Special Education Knowledge
Substance Abuse Prevention
Family engagement
Collaborative Problem-Solving
Positive Behavior Support
Ability to remain impartial
Empathy, Compassion, Deescalation
Trainings Activities
- Contemplative Prayer Practices Team Member, 08/2021 to present, An ecumenical collaboration between St. Catherine University and Christian congregations to learn to engage with congregations in the local ecumenical Christian Church so that together we can become ever more able to discover and pursue a common good in pursuit os social justice.
- Renewal Team Member, 08/2018-05/2021, Reaching out to congregation members to engage in meaningful conversations that assist in furthering our connections with each other and assist in finding out what the needs of the congregational members might be at this moment in time. Assisted in writing the job description of the associate pastor and facilitating congregational meetings to write it.
- Peer Ministry leader, 2010-present, Assist in facilitating Peer ministry trainings and Peer ministry retreats that train our high school aged youth to be peer ministers.
- Confirmation Leader 08/2016-10/2018, Facilitated weekly group discussions, chaperoned retreats and fun events
- High school & Middle school Youth Mission Trips 2007-2017 Meet bi-weekly with Youth Director to pray for summer youth mission trips, Organize training materials for adult leaders, plan meetings for Adult leaders and Youth participants, Assist with the meetings.
- Planning committee for the Women’s retreats in 1999 & 2002, Organize the speakers, events and details of the weekend
Timeline
School Social Worker Intern
Columbia Heights Public Schools
09.2023 - Current
Master of Social Work - Anti-Oppressive Clinical Practices
Augsburg University
05.2023 - 06.2024
Member Political Organizer (MPO)
SEIU Local 284
08.2020 - 11.2020
Union Steward
SEIU Local 284
01.2018 - 08.2023
Special Education Paraeducator
Mounds View Public Schools
01.2013 - 08.2023
Preschool
Mounds View Public Schools
01.2013 - 10.2013
Volunteer Senior High Youth Director
Shepherd of the Hills
10.2010 - 01.2012
Special Education Paraeducator Substitute
Mounds View Public Schools
09.2009 - 01.2013
Lead Staff
Lutheran Social Services
08.2008 - 10.2010
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Augsburg College
05.2001 -
Unit Social Worker
Walker Cityview
01.1994 - 01.1996