Jenn Walther
Santa Cruz
Summary
Social worker providing mental health services to justice-involved adults in Santa Cruz County. Experienced in conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments, identifying trauma and systemic factors affecting behavior, and supporting client stability through treatment, advocacy, and community resources. Skilled in collaborating with probation, treatment providers, and interdisciplinary teams to support rehabilitative alternatives to incarceration. Committed to trauma-informed advocacy and improving outcomes for individuals navigating the criminal legal system.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Clinical Provider
Encompass Community Services
Santa Cruz, CA
01.2025 - Current
- Provide outpatient mental health services to justice-involved adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
- Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments examining trauma history, substance use, mental health needs, and social factors impacting stability and functioning
- Develop individualized treatment plans and provide ongoing therapeutic support through individual counseling and occasional couples sessions
- Advocate for client-centered alternatives to incarceration, including referrals to residential treatment programs and mentorship-based support services when appropriate
- Work closely with probation officers and community providers to support client stability, treatment engagement, and successful reentry into the community
- Provide drop-in counseling and crisis intervention at the Probation Success Center in a field-based setting
- Maintain detailed clinical documentation in compliance with agency and legal standards
- Initially joined the program as a graduate intern and was hired into a permanent clinician role within six months
Instructional Assistant
Santa Cruz County Office of Education
Watsonville, CA
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Alternative education sites: Sequoia Middle School and DeWitt Anderson High School
- Provided one-on-one and small-group academic support to students in alternative education settings
- Built strong, trusting relationships with students experiencing academic, emotional, or behavioral challenges
- Provided individualized Algebra instruction and academic tutoring to support student progress
- Collaborated with teachers and staff to support student engagement and classroom stability
- Assisted students in accessing appropriate school and community support services
- Monitored classroom safety and supported positive behavioral interventions
- Assisted with classroom organization, preparation of instructional materials, and record keeping
- Selected to transition to DeWitt Anderson High School to support a larger student population
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Development, Adolescent Emphasis
California State University, East Bay
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
University of Kentucky
05-2026
Skills
- Biopsychosocial assessment
- Trauma-informed interviewing
- Treatment planning
- Crisis intervention
- Probation collaboration
- Reentry planning
- Community resource coordination
- Individual counseling
- Co-occurring disorders
- Clinical documentation
Timeline
Lead Clinical Provider
Encompass Community Services
01.2025 - Current
Instructional Assistant
Santa Cruz County Office of Education
09.2023 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Human Development, Adolescent Emphasis
California State University, East Bay
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
University of Kentucky