SARAH MONTOYA
Indio,CA
Summary
Compassionate social worker with several years of comprehensive experience working with diverse populations to support mental health and wellness and aid in day to day issues. Well-versed in assessing client strengths, advocating for client resources and conducting home and community visits. Kind and respectful professional with demonstrated conflict resolution skills and strong decision-making abilities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Classified Substitute Technician
Coachella Valley Unified School District
08.2024 - Current
- Work on-call as needed positions, as a substitute, in a variety of different positions for the school district (i.e, administrative assistant, attendance clerk, school safety supervisor etc.)
Wellness Prevention Specialist
Reef Sunset Unified School District
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions with students to discuss social, emotional, and behavioral issues.
- Attended staff meetings to discuss current events affecting the school community.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals to develop and implement appropriate interventions for students facing social or academic difficulties.
- Advised teachers on strategies for working with difficult students or those exhibiting challenging behaviors.
- Organized extracurricular activities that foster teamwork skills among participants.
- Counseled parents about their children's behavior problems and provided referrals when necessary.
- Created a positive school climate by providing support to staff members and encouraging respectful behavior among students.
- Provided crisis intervention services for students in need of immediate assistance.
- Facilitated conflict resolution between peers when needed.
- Worked with teachers, administrators, students, parents and external support agencies to maximize treatment success.
- Provided resources to families in need of assistance such as food banks or housing programs.
Social Worker
Quality Foster Services Foster Care
08.2022 - 09.2023
- Assessed safety risks for children living at home or in foster care settings for dependent children, 0-18.
- Conducted home visits to ensure safety compliance, and implementation of State mandates and Agency policies in certified homes.
- Advocated on behalf of children placed in foster homes to ensure their needs were met.
- Engaged with schools and other educational institutions on behalf of students who were struggling academically or socially due to life circumstances.
- Coordinated care with interdisciplinary teams and community contacts to promote continuity of care.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress and interactions according to agency standards.
- Supported resource parents through circumstances by employing critical thinking and adhering to professional behavior in service delivery to meet the children's needs and promote safety.
- Provided counseling and support during time of heightened stress for foster youth and other situations that impeded their success.
- Provided crisis intervention services, as needed.
Discharge Case Management Navigator
Community Regional Medical Center
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Collaborated with other professionals such as social workers, case managers, medical staff to coordinate care and execute safe discharge planning services for patients.
- Screened patients for appropriate discharge planning interventions and assessed discharge needs.
- Provided appropriate referrals to community agencies and resources to aid in coordination of discharge.
Social Service Worker II- III
Kings County Human Services Agency, Child Protective Services
10.2015 - 04.2022
- Investigated suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation (immediate and 10-Day) in accordance with Welfare and Institution Code 300.
- Utilized client-centered and strengths-based engagement with families to ameliorate concerns to maintain the family and child's safety.
- Provided education, counseling, referral services, and advocacy for families involved in CPS cases.
- Participated in interagency meetings to coordinate services for clients affected by abuse or neglect.
- Interviewed individual clients, families, or groups to assess situations, capabilities, and problems to determine services required to meet their needs.
- Provided emotional support to children experiencing trauma due to neglect or abuse while also connecting them with mental health professionals if needed.
- Facilitated family reunification when possible following appropriate safety considerations.
- Prepared and served Protective Custody Warrants.
- Prepared detailed reports of all findings regarding cases of suspected abuse or neglect.
- Attended court hearings as necessary to represent the agency's interests in protecting the welfare of children and working directly with attorneys.
- Monitored compliance with court orders ensuring that all conditions were met promptly and accurately.
- Completed assigned After Hours (on-call) shifts independently on weekdays/weekends collaboratively with Kings County Law Enforcement agencies.
- Monitored children's well-being and provided for advocacy through home visits, school visits, and medical appointments.
- Reviewed case documentation to ensure compliance with state regulations and laws governing Child Protective Services.
- Developed and maintained relationships with families, community resources, and other stakeholders to provide appropriate services.
- Received training to deliver trauma-informed assessments and services.
- Actively participated in staff training sessions on best practices related to Child Protective Services caseworking.
- Built trust and rapport with victims of violent crimes by remaining calm and compassionate in variety of situations.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
University of New England
Portland, ME08.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
California State University, Fresno
Fresno, CA05.2015
Skills
- Advocacy
- Critical Thinking
- Teamwork
- Case Assessment
- Time Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Outreach Planning
- Referral Coordination
Certification
Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in Social Work
Timeline
Classified Substitute Technician
Coachella Valley Unified School District
08.2024 - Current
Wellness Prevention Specialist
Reef Sunset Unified School District
09.2023 - 06.2024
Social Worker
Quality Foster Services Foster Care
08.2022 - 09.2023
Discharge Case Management Navigator
Community Regional Medical Center
07.2022 - 06.2023
Social Service Worker II- III
Kings County Human Services Agency, Child Protective Services
10.2015 - 04.2022
Master of Arts - Social Work
University of New England
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
California State University, Fresno
Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in Social Work
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