Derek Saukas
Denver,CO
Summary
Caring Youth Development Specialist with two years of assisting career, educational, and social development of young people. Works with students of diverse backgrounds and histories. Encourages achievement among future community leaders.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
School Social Worker Intern
Jefferson Jr/Sr High School
2023.09 - 2024.05
- Supervised a caseload of twelve clients between the seventh and twelfth grade
- Worked with children with physical and mental disabilities as well as conducting therapy sessions with these individuals
- Implemented focus groups for teaching valuable life skills and coping skills
- Implemented and completed individual education plans and manifestation meetings
- Established a lunch group for students to participate in fun activities and games
- Held weekly thirty-minute sessions with clients
- Assisted students with goal write-ups for the upcoming school year
- Compiled data from teachers and clients for annual presentations detailing clients' progress.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
DA Blodgett St. John's
2021.05 - 2023.08
- Created and facilitated recreation and education activities for youths to engage in group settings in a safe environment
- Worked with high risk youth, youth in juvinial detention centers and youth in the foster care system
- Applied crisis intervention methods to de-escalate potentially dangerous scenarios
- Delivered youth transitional assistance in areas of education, life skills, and career development
- Designed individualized independent youth living plans to help youngsters learn self-reliance.
SOCIAL WORK INTERN
Arbor Circle
2020.03 - 2021.04
- Offered community resource guidance to assist clients meet family needs
- Conducted outreach to local referral sources to build strong partnerships for supportive and positive adult interactions
- Mediated between family members to facilitate conflict resolution and foster healthy family relationships
- Completed chart analysis to summarize interactions with patients and facilitate appropriate follow-up sessions
- Advocated for foster children by facilitating access to community resources and services to maximize the safety and well-being of children
- Attended over 70 hours of meetings, conferences, and training courses to advance professional knowledge of social work.
CAMP COUNSELOR
Camp Sunshine
2020.07 - 2020.08
- Led groups of adults with physical and mental disabilities through a variety of camp activities and promoted fun, safety, and inclusivity
- Collaborated with other camp counselors to design fun and enriching learning activities for campers
- Communicated with parents about campers' activities and reported to supervisors how these activities went.
Education
Masters Of Social Science - MSW
University Of Denver
Denver, CO08.2024
Bachelor Of Social Science - Social Work
Hope College
Holland, MI05.2021
Skills
- Emotional Support
- Behavior Redirection
- Positive Reinforcement Strategies
- Conflict Management
- Behavioral Health
- Medical Assistance
- Running focus groups
- One-on-one therapy
Timeline
School Social Worker Intern
Jefferson Jr/Sr High School
2023.09 - 2024.05
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
DA Blodgett St. John's
2021.05 - 2023.08
CAMP COUNSELOR
Camp Sunshine
2020.07 - 2020.08
SOCIAL WORK INTERN
Arbor Circle
2020.03 - 2021.04
Masters Of Social Science - MSW
University Of Denver
Bachelor Of Social Science - Social Work
Hope College
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