Clara Vierstra
Denver,CO
Summary
Experienced Social Worker with 6 years in delivering social services to diverse populations. Expertise in client assessment, resource advocacy, and community outreach. Skilled in conflict resolution and decision-making, utilizing holistic and cognitive approaches to enhance mental health and wellness. Knowledgeable in program administration for high-risk groups.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim College Social Worker
Pickens Technical College
Aurora, CO
02.2026 - 05.2026
- Delivered solutions-focused brief services to over 1,200 high school and postsecondary students using CBT and DBT-informed interventions, enhancing student well-being.
- Conducted suicide risk assessments and coordinated crisis responses, including safety planning, referrals to higher levels of care, and follow-up support, ensuring comprehensive care for at-risk students.
- Provided counseling services to students facing personal and academic challenges.
- Developed individualized support plans to address student needs effectively.
- Conducted workshops on mental health awareness and coping strategies.
School Social Worker
Rocky Mountain Prep Southwest
Denver, CO
07.2025 - 01.2026
- Conducted 20+ suicide and threat assessments per semester using the C-SSRS.
- Taught evidence-based suicide prevention lessons to 100 students weekly over 12 weeks, enhancing awareness and promoting mental health safety.
- Trained 60 staff members on trauma-informed practices and social-emotional supports, equipping them to better support students' mental health needs.
- Coordinated 504 meetings and managed plans for 40 students, ensuring compliance with educational standards and addressing individual student needs.
Elementary School Social Worker
Gillem Staffing
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Led collaborative meetings with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective, student-centered support.
- Conducted behavioral and mental health assessments to inform targeted intervention planning for diverse student populations.
- Provided caregivers with practical behavioral strategies to enhance student functioning across home, school, and community environments.
Middle School Social Worker
Atlas Prep Middle School
Colorado Springs, CO
04.2023 - 07.2024
- Led crisis response by performing risk assessments, implementing de-escalation techniques, and creating safety plans for at-risk students.
- Conducted mental health screenings and developed 504 plans, BIPs, and IEP-aligned supports to address individual student needs.
- Supervised 2 social work interns in crisis responses, guiding de-escalation strategies and enhancing documentation practices.
Registered Behavior Technician
No Limits
Colorado Springs, CO
03.2020 - 08.2022
- Collected and analyzed behavioral data to guide clinical adjustments, enhancing treatment efficacy.
- Coached caregivers to support skill generalization and behavior regulation, fostering client progress with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Implemented behavior intervention plans for individuals with developmental challenges.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure consistent care and support.
- Conducted one-on-one sessions to reinforce desired behaviors and skills.
Education
Master's Degree - Social Work
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs05-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Intercultural Studies
Alliance University
Nyack, NY05-2017
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Risk assessment
- Crisis planning
- CBT interventions
- DBT strategies
- Behavioral assessment
- Evidence-based practices
Certifications And Licensure
- Special Service Provider License, #24481744
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Certification
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Certificate
Timeline
Interim College Social Worker
Pickens Technical College
02.2026 - 05.2026
School Social Worker
Rocky Mountain Prep Southwest
07.2025 - 01.2026
Elementary School Social Worker
Gillem Staffing
08.2024 - 06.2025
Middle School Social Worker
Atlas Prep Middle School
04.2023 - 07.2024
Registered Behavior Technician
No Limits
03.2020 - 08.2022
Master's Degree - Social Work
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Bachelor of Arts - Intercultural Studies
Alliance University