HEATHER HIMES
Crown Point,IN
Summary
Dedicated licensed school social worker offering 8 years of experience in education environments and over 15 years in the social work field. Familiar with issues such as learning difficulties, socialization problems and emotional needs. Background working in urban areas of poverty with a high population of at-risk clients. Dedicated to promoting individual success and building lasting professional relationships.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Therapist
Pillars of Wellness
09.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented intensive individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior and other psychosocial issues.
- Tracked progress according to goals for interventions.
- Documented patient information, treatment plans, and patient responses.
- Guided clients in development of skills and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
- Counseled individuals, groups or families to help understand problems, deal with crisis situations and develop realistic action plans.
School Social Worker
Valparaiso Community Schools
08.2019 - 08.2024
- Provided educational support services to students with emotional, intellectual and physical disabilities
- Worked with teachers to implement behavioral improvement plans based on established assessments
- Participated in IEP, 504, and other related meetings that determined and implemented school-wide policies
- Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions
- Collaborated with outside agencies (outpatient therapists, probation) to provide continuity of care within the school setting
- Maintained compliance with standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment and reporting
- Certified Suicide Prevention (QPR) Trainer for district
School Social Worker
SCHOOL CITY OF EAST CHICAGO
01.2016 - 08.2019
- Assessed students for emotional and behavioral issues
- Provided crisis intervention and suicide prevention education
- Implemented supportive services for at risk students
- Counseled individual students for identified risk factors
- Provided support and education for prenatal and post natal students
- Facilitated School Health Fair
- Provided educational and supportive group therapies
Hospice Social Worker
FRANCISCAN COMMUNITIES
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Complete initial comprehensive psycho-social assessment determining the needs of each patient and family unit of the terminally ill patient
- Provide ongoing supportive therapy to patients diagnosed with a terminal illness
- Coordinate the Bereavement Program for hospice families and the general community
- Work within a multidisciplinary team to coordinate the needs of patients and families
- Provide group, family, and individual grief therapy support for families of hospice patients
- Educate patients and family on stages of grief, anticipatory grief, and hospice philosophy
- Assist with the development and implementation of advanced directives
Emergency Consultation Coordinator
FRANCISCAN ST MARGARET
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Provided crisis intervention and psychosocial assessments to patients presenting to the emergency room for psychiatric and social service needs
- Evaluated patients for suicide risk, psychosis, drug and alcohol withdrawal, and other risk factors
- Reviewed and educated patients and families on treatment options and community resources
- Obtained prior authorization from insurance providers for treatment programs and inpatient admissions
- Facilitated admissions to inpatient and outpatient psychiatric hospitalization programs
- Consulted with psychiatrists, ER physicians, RN's, and other community services regarding patient care and placement
- Implemented Emergency Detention Orders and DCFS referrals when necessary
Behavioral Health Advisor
FRANCISCAN ST MARGARET
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Provided acute therapeutic care for adolescents ages 11 to 18
- Facilitated groups focusing on self development, coping skills, medication management, problem solving, and self esteem building
- Provided individual care for adolescents with special needs
- Worked with treatment team including nurses, therapists, and psychiatrists
Education
Master Of Social Work - Mental Health and Addictions
Indiana University Northwest
Gary, IN01.2009
Bachelor Of Science - Psychology
Purdue University Calumet
Hammond, IN01.2004
Skills
- Behavioral therapy
- Suicide Prevention Training
- Crisis intervention
- Program development
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Risk assessments
- IEP and 504 understanding and implementation
- Resource advocacy
- Socialization issues
- Solution-based interventions
- One-on-one support
- Group therapy facilitation
Licensures And Certifications
- LSW- Licensed Social Worker
- LSSW- Licensed School Social Worker
- Certified QPR Suicide Prevention Trainer
- CPI Trained (Crisis Prevention Intervention)
- CPR Certified
Timeline
Therapist
Pillars of Wellness
09.2024 - Current
School Social Worker
Valparaiso Community Schools
08.2019 - 08.2024
School Social Worker
SCHOOL CITY OF EAST CHICAGO
01.2016 - 08.2019
Hospice Social Worker
FRANCISCAN COMMUNITIES
01.2014 - 01.2016
Emergency Consultation Coordinator
FRANCISCAN ST MARGARET
01.2010 - 01.2013
Behavioral Health Advisor
FRANCISCAN ST MARGARET
01.2005 - 01.2010
Bachelor Of Science - Psychology
Purdue University Calumet
Master Of Social Work - Mental Health and Addictions
Indiana University Northwest
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