Dakota Taylor, LSW
Summary
Licensed social worker with expertise in individual and group counseling, delivering impactful mental health services. Proficient in conducting intake assessments and advocating for clients, ensuring personalized support in community and correctional settings.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Therapist
NorthShore Health Centers - Porter County Jail
Portage , IN
09.2024 - Current
- Led the Chemical Dependency and Addictions Program at Porter County Jail since January 2025.
- Conducted 2 to 3 comprehensive mental health and substance abuse intake assessments daily when working in the outpatient setting.
- Facilitated substance abuse intakes for groups of 5 to 10 clients every 6 weeks.
- Delivered substance abuse group therapy to over 300 incarcerated clients, providing individual counseling as needed.
- Coordinated referrals to external agencies, including medical providers and housing resources.
Intern
Porter-Starke Services - Behavioral Health Academy
Valparaiso, IN
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Conducted intake assessments and created treatment plans catered to clients' needs.
- Provided appropriate referrals to clients for services offered within the agency and the community if needed.
- Documented treatment by creating case notes after each session which were reviewed by a licensed clinician.
- Participated in weekly staffing meetings with licensed clinicians to further my learning.
- Received Motivational Interviewing Endorsement (BHA)
Youth Mentor
Crown Counseling
Crown Point, IN
08.2022 - 03.2024
- Facilitated resource identification and goal-setting for at-risk youth and their families to promote improved functioning.
- Collaborated with DCS and Probation Officers to ensure the best care was being provided to our clients.
Intern
NorthShore Health Centers - Porter County Jail
Portage, IN
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Co-facilitated substance abuse and relapse prevention groups for incarcerated individuals.
- Conducted intake assessments at both group and individual levels.
- Assisted in providing referrals for clients upon release to support reintegration.
Intern
Porter County Substance Abuse Council
Valparaiso, IN
01.2020 - 05.2020
- Conducted research to develop grant proposals based on data analysis.
- Educated over 200 high school students on substance abuse risks.
- Designed promotional graphics for drug awareness campaigns shared on social media.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Indiana University Northwest
Gary, IN05-2024
Bachelor of Social Work -
Indiana University Northwest
Gary, IN05-2022
Human Services Technical Certificate -
Ivy Tech Community College
Valparaiso, IN05-2020
Skills
- Intake assessment
- Motivational interviewing
- Treatment planning
- Discharge planning
- Case coordination
- Client advocacy
- Community outreach
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Mental Health Therapist
NorthShore Health Centers - Porter County Jail
09.2024 - Current
Intern
Porter-Starke Services - Behavioral Health Academy
08.2023 - 04.2024
Youth Mentor
Crown Counseling
08.2022 - 03.2024
Intern
NorthShore Health Centers - Porter County Jail
08.2021 - 05.2022
Intern
Porter County Substance Abuse Council
01.2020 - 05.2020
Master of Social Work -
Indiana University Northwest
Bachelor of Social Work -
Indiana University Northwest
Human Services Technical Certificate -
Ivy Tech Community College