DEANA M. MENDEZ
San Fernando,CA
Summary
Aspiring School Social Worker with a strong foundation in child development, mental health support, and crisis intervention. Eager to contribute to a positive school environment by offering guidance and support to students and families in an intern role.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
MSW Intern
Pacoima Charter Elementary School
09.2024 - Current
- Supported students in addressing emotional and academic concerns
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to promote social-emotional well-being
- Collaborated with teachers, parents, and school administrators to monitor student progress and provide support
- Led workshops on mental health awareness and love languages to promote emotional well-being and effective communication
- Documented case notes and maintained confidentiality in accordance with school policies
- Coordinated with local social service agencies to connect families with support services, including mental health resources and housing assistance
- Managed daily attendance calls and followed up with families to address barriers to regular school attendance
- Worked with school administration to identify absenteeism patterns and implement early interventions for students with chronic absences
Case Manager
Finally Family Homes
05.2023 - Current
- Assessed clients upon program entry to determine needs and eligibility
- Identified and addressed clients' needs, providing appropriate support and resources
- Guided clients to housing, education, and employment resources to promote stability
- Advocated for clients' rights and needs, ensuring they receive necessary services
- Assisted clients in successfully graduating the program and achieving self-sufficiency
- Developed and implemented individualized service plans to support client progress
- Conducted weekly meetings/check-ins with youth and administrative staff to track progress and ensure coordination
Lead teacher
Child Mind Institute: Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA)
06.2024 - 09.2024
- Facilitated in a classroom with 30 students interested in science and mental health
- Implemented curriculum as designed, which includes topics on mental health disorders, mental health triggers, mental health research, and youth mental health issues, guiding students to develop key skills and in-depth understanding of content
Peer Advisor
Los Angeles Mission College EOP&S/NEXT Up
11.2021 - 08.2024
- Provided mentorship and individualized support to EOPS/NEXT Up students, fostering academic and social emotional adjustments
- Assisted and developed and facilitated orientation programs and workshops for over 100 students
- Monitor mentee progress, identifying barriers to success and connecting students with mental health, academic, and basic needs resources
- Advocated for student well-being by referring them to on campus support services, including counseling, food assistance, and tutoring
MSW Intern
Vista Village
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Provided direct support and assistance to residents in alignment with individualized treatment plans
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to evaluate residents' mental health needs, strengths, and challenges
- Collaborated with the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement holistic care plans tailored to each resident's goals
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based modalities to address various mental health concerns
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date documentation of client interactions, progress notes, and treatment plans in compliance with regulatory standards
- Educated residents on coping skills, self-care practices, and community resources to promote empowerment and recovery
- Advocated for clients' needs and rights as necessary
ABA Therapist
Behavioral Learning Center
06.2021 - 08.2023
- Scheduled appointments via email and phone to coordinate client care
- Assisted supervisor in implementing treatment plans, documenting progress, and maintaining medical records
- Interpreted improvement, created progress reports, and developed new treatment plans for children and families
- Communicated with parents to keep them informed of their child's progress
- Provided training and shadowing to staff to enhance their ability to manage case-by-case challenges
Site Coordinator
LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program
10.2017 - 10.2021
- Managed record-keeping tasks (payroll, orders, surveys, attendance, phone calls) to ensure materials for student success
- Organized and facilitated meetings with staff, parents, and stakeholders for clear communication and collaboration
- Trained and guided staff in safety procedures, including emergency drills, proper use of EpiPens, and promoting healthy habits
- Led staff training on classroom management, payroll, registration, and grant/donation processes
Preschool Teacher assistant (SUB)
SAGE ACADEMY
01.2019 - 10.2020
- Developed lesson plans based on state requirements and individual student needs
- Enforced safety guidelines and maintained a secure learning environment
- Communicated with parents about student progress and schedule changes
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings to ensure effective collaboration and engagement
Education
Master of Arts - Master of Social Worker (MSW) PPSC
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA05-2025
B.A. - Early Childhood Development in Applied Science
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CASkills
- Strategic planning
- Group therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Self-care strategies
- Clinical assessment
- Individual counseling
- Trauma-informed care & counseling
- Treatment Planning
- Crisis management and intervention
- Suicide prevention
- Coping Mechanism Development
- Needs assessment
- Problem-solving abilities
- Active listening
- Grief counseling
Certification
- NASW- Motivational Interviewing
- Faith & Spirituality Integrated SBIRT Training
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP) CITI Program
- Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research CITI Program
- OUR HOUSE Grief Support Training (Groups)
- American Red Cross CPR Certified
- Trauma Focused- CBT
- ACE aware training
Volunteered
- Actively presents at RFA classes.
- Participates in LAMC and CSUN's Guardian/Resilience Scholars open panels
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
MSW Intern
Pacoima Charter Elementary School
09.2024 - Current
Lead teacher
Child Mind Institute: Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA)
06.2024 - 09.2024
MSW Intern
Vista Village
09.2023 - 06.2024
Case Manager
Finally Family Homes
05.2023 - Current
Peer Advisor
Los Angeles Mission College EOP&S/NEXT Up
11.2021 - 08.2024
ABA Therapist
Behavioral Learning Center
06.2021 - 08.2023
Preschool Teacher assistant (SUB)
SAGE ACADEMY
01.2019 - 10.2020
Site Coordinator
LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program
10.2017 - 10.2021
Master of Arts - Master of Social Worker (MSW) PPSC
Azusa Pacific University
B.A. - Early Childhood Development in Applied Science
California State University, Northridge
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