Christelle Nicol
Bennington,VT
Summary
Fordham University Graduate and seasoned Clinical Social Worker with a strong foundation in trauma-informed practices and a demonstrated commitment to mental health advocacy. Leveraging five years of experience in providing compassionate support to individuals facing diverse challenges, dedicated to promoting healing and resilience through trauma-informed interventions. Passionate about advocating for social justice, equity, and inclusion, striving to create environments that foster empowerment and belonging for all. Seeking opportunities to continue advancing the field of social work by integrating innovative approaches and advocating for systemic change that enhances access to quality mental health care for marginalized communities.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Social Worker
Vermont Veterans Home
Bennington, VT
05.2023 - 09.2023
- Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
- Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments, developing tailored treatment plans, and providing ongoing support.
- Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plans.
- Presented clinical documentation and observations to interdisciplinary team.
- Developed and implemented detailed pre-discharge plans for clients soon to be reintegrated into community.
- Facilitated skill-building groups for clients, focusing on coping strategies, stress reduction techniques, and self-care practices.
School Based Clinician
United Counseling Services
Molly Stark Elementary School
01.2021 - 04.2023
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of students' mental health, emotional well-being, and social functioning to identify areas of concern and develop appropriate intervention plans.
- Provide individual and group counseling services to students to address a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral challenges, and academic concerns.
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, school psychologists, and other school personnel to support students' academic and behavioral needs within the school environment.
- Develop and implement prevention and intervention programs to promote positive mental health, social skills, and resilience among students.
- Offer crisis intervention services and support to students experiencing acute mental health crises, trauma, or emotional distress.
- Engage with parents and caregivers to provide support, education, and resources related to their child's mental health and well-being.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and collaborate with community agencies to coordinate services and resources for students and families.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of student assessments, counseling sessions, and progress notes in accordance with professional and legal standards.
- Collaborated with external agencies to ensure access to community resources for families in need of additional support services.
Family Outreach Clinician
United Counseling Services
Bennington, VT
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of families' strengths, needs, and goals through collaborative dialogue and engagement.
- Provide individual and family counseling services to address issues such as parenting, family conflict, communication, trauma, and crisis intervention.
- Assist families in accessing community resources and services related to housing, healthcare, education, employment, financial assistance, and social support.
- Offer advocacy and support to families navigating systems such as child welfare, juvenile justice, education, and mental health.
- Facilitate parent education workshops, support groups, and skill-building activities to enhance parenting capacities and family relationships.
- Collaborate with community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and social service agencies to coordinate services and referrals for families.
- Conduct home visits and outreach activities to engage with families in their natural environments and build trusting relationships.
- Develop and implement preventive initiatives and programs to promote family stability, resilience, and well-being.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of family assessments, counseling sessions, and service referrals in accordance with professional and legal standards.
Family Emergency Services (FES)
United Counseling Services
05.2019 - 04.2020
- Respond promptly to crises involving families, providing immediate support, safety planning, and assistance in accessing emergency shelter, food, clothing, and other basic needs.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of families' needs and safety risks, collaborating with them to develop individualized crisis intervention plans.
- Offer crisis counseling and emotional support to families experiencing trauma, grief, or acute stress related to crises.
- Coordinate with community agencies, shelters, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless service delivery and comprehensive support for families in crisis.
- Advocate for families' rights and access to services, assisting them in navigating systems such as healthcare, legal aid, social services, and housing assistance.
- Facilitate referrals to appropriate resources and services.
- Provide follow-up support and case management to families to ensure their ongoing safety, stability, and recovery from crisis.
- Participate in community outreach and education initiatives to raise awareness of family emergency services and promote prevention strategies.
- Maintain accurate and confidential documentation of crisis interventions, assessments, service plans, and referrals following professional and legal standards.
Education
Master of Science in Social Work (MSW) -
Fordham Graduate School of Social Work
New York, NY08.2020
Bachelor of Science in Psychology -
Southern Vermont College
Bennington, VT05.2016
Skills
- Assessment and Diagnosis
- Psychotherapy
- Crisis Intervention
- Collaborative Problem-Solving
- Trauma-informed practices
- Flexibility and Adaptability
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Cultural Competency
- Advocacy skills
- Empathy and Compassion
- Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Regulatory compliance (HIPAA)
Certification
- Completed clinical hours, eligible to sit for LICSW in VT.
- Finger printed and background checked in the state of VT & NY.
- Helping Save lives using the CSSRS, certificate upon request.
- CSTAG 1 & 2
- Transforming Trauma: The school as a healing community.
- Evidence- Based Training and Supervision on Parenting Behavioral Management for Child Disruptive Behavior.
- Qualified Mental Health Practitioner Training Mental Health Involuntary Treatment.
- Through the Trauma Lens: Understanding Developmental Trauma, leaning principles and practices of Trauma Informed Care.
- Crisis Prevention Institute(CPI)
- CPR & First Aid for children and adults
- Adverse Childhood Experiences & Trauma-Informed Care (ACEs)
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health in an Uncertain Time: Reintegration Strategies for Classroom and Community.
Timeline
Clinical Social Worker
Vermont Veterans Home
05.2023 - 09.2023
School Based Clinician
United Counseling Services
01.2021 - 04.2023
Family Emergency Services (FES)
United Counseling Services
05.2019 - 04.2020
Family Outreach Clinician
United Counseling Services
01.2019 - 01.2021
Master of Science in Social Work (MSW) -
Fordham Graduate School of Social Work
Bachelor of Science in Psychology -
Southern Vermont College