Katherine Weatherspoon
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Dedicated Clinical/Crisis Counselor with over 4 years of clinical experience assessing and treating individuals with various emotional, mental and behavioral conditions. Successful at accurate diagnoses and working closely with high-risk patients. Adept at consultations for new clients and at maintaining relationships with existing clients.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mobile Crisis Counselor
Children's Home Society Of Florida
07.2021 - Current
- Serves as the Lead Clinician of a mobile crisis response team contracted by Family Support Services of Florida and is comprised of 5 Crisis Counselors who provide services to youth in foster care in Duval and Nassau counties,
- Enhances client stability by providing immediate crisis intervention and assessment services during emergency situations to children, teens in the Florida foster care system.
- Reduces inpatient hospitalization rates by conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing appropriate safety plans for clients in crisis.
- Develops and facilitates psychoeducation and training on trauma-focused mental health topics for Caregivers, Case Managers, and family members of children and teens in foster care.
- Deescalated high-stress situations, utilizing effective communication techniques and crisis intervention strategies.
- Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, facilitating continuity of care for clients in need.
- Promotes community mental health resources, connecting clients to appropriate support systems and reducing overall reliance on emergency services.
Clinical Counselor
Children’s Home Society of Florida
07.2021 - Current
- Provides high-quality behavioral and mental health counseling services to various age groups ranging from children to adults in school and community settings.
- Delivers appropriate evidence-based treatment interventions to individuals, groups, and families from diverse backgrounds.
- Develops and facilitates psychoeducational workshops tp educators, parents, adolescents, and marginalized populations.
- Provides community referrals and resources to various national and community agencies and organizations.
- Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for clients' diverse needs.
- Increases parental/guardian and client satisfaction by providing empathetic, supportive, and non-judgmental counseling sessions.
- Improves client outcomes with thorough assessments, goal setting, and progress tracking.
- Enhances the therapeutic environment by establishing a safe and supportive space for clients to openly discuss their concerns.
Rape Recovery Team Advocate
The Women’s Center of Jacksonville, FL
05.2019 - 07.2021
- Provide advocacy for the needs of sexual assault survivors; First Repsoder to sexual assault survivors during reporting / examination process
- Provided crisis counseling to survivors and co-survivors; Accompanied clients through legal process and criminal proceedings; Provided connections with community resources.
- Assisted clients with high quality safety planning; Provided trauma-informed care to clients in individual and in group settings. Created comprehensive presentations on various relevant mental health and wellness topics.
- Developed and implemented targeted trainings and presentations for the LGBTQIAA+ community and for disenfranchised and marginalized communities.
- Negotiated favorable settlements on behalf of clients through effective mediation and negotiation tactics.
- Delivered high-quality representation to clients in court, resulting in favorable judgments and settlements.
- Achieved positive outcomes for clients by providing thorough legal research and drafting persuasive arguments.
- Advised clients on various legal matters, ensuring they understood their rights and options.
- Managed complex caseloads with diligence, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely resolution of cases.
- Conducted comprehensive client interviews, gathering relevant information to build a strong case foundation.
Clinical Social Work Intern
National Youth Advocacy Program
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Enhanced client assessments by incorporating evidence-based practices and culturally sensitive approaches.
- Improved treatment plans for clients by conducting thorough biopsychosocial evaluations and identifying appropriate interventions.
- Developed strong therapeutic alliances with clients, fostering trust and open communication to facilitate change.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care, ensuring comprehensive services for each client.
- Streamlined case management processes, resulting in more efficient use of time and resources for both staff and clients.
Case Manager
Jewish Family & Community Services
03.2018 - 05.2019
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Coordinated essential services for clients, resulting in improved overall well-being and self-sufficiency.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
Case Manager
Sequel Youth and Family Services
03.2017 - 03.2018
- Conducted intake orientations and research based Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol (SPEP) groups; Assists the therapist in delivering treatments to youth through individual and group counseling.
- Developed case plans and assessed progress of behaviors; Researched and implemented programs which assisted youth develop positive life skills and success; Liaised between Juvenile Probation Officers, parents, and youth; Advocated for individual youth needs; Served as a mentor to over 75 youth.
- Improved client outcomes by implementing effective case management strategies and streamlining processes.
Social Work Intern (BSW)
River Garden Hebrew Home
08.2016 - 12.2016
- Enhanced client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Supported clients in achieving their goals by providing resources, referrals, and advocacy services.
- Conducted group therapy sessions for improved mental health and coping strategies among participants.
- Implemented evidence-based practices for effective case management and service delivery.
- Strengthened family dynamics by facilitating family meetings and addressing communication challenges.
Education
Master of Social Work - Clinical Social Work
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL05.2020
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work - Social Work And Psychology
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL12.2016
Associate of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Florida State College At Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL12.2013
Skills
- Individual Counseling
- Psychosocial assessment
- Community Resource Navigation
- Suicide Prevention
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Risk evaluation
- Client Advocacy
- Collaborative Problem-Solving
Certification
- Child Welfare Certification - May 2018
- Tobacco Treatment Specialist – Certified 2015
Civic Engagement
Board member of Outside the Walls Community Outreach, Inc.
Awards
FSCJ Hats Off to Women Award - March 2020
Training
- Stress Management Workshop, 05/2023, GE Aerospace Mental Health Awareness Week staff engagement activity. (75 employees present), 75 employees
- Intercultural Affirmation with a focus on the LGBTQIA+ Community, 10/2022 - 11/2023, University of North Florida undergraduate Intro to Social Work class. (13 -20 students) Children’s Home Society of Florida Full Service School Program Continuing Education trainings. (10 team members), 13 - 20 students, 10 team members
- Cultural Humility for the African American / Black Community, 10/2020, Women’s Center of Jacksonville’s organizational training. (46 employees present), 46 employees
- Virtual presentation for the University of North Texas - Dallas Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority Inc. Social Justice lunch and learn event, 02/2021, 12 members present, 12 members
- Male Sexual Assault Survivor Educational Workshop, 02/2020, Black Men Heal monthly healing discussion. (6 participants), 6 participants
Timeline
Mobile Crisis Counselor
Children's Home Society Of Florida
07.2021 - Current
Clinical Counselor
Children’s Home Society of Florida
07.2021 - Current
Clinical Social Work Intern
National Youth Advocacy Program
01.2021 - 05.2021
Rape Recovery Team Advocate
The Women’s Center of Jacksonville, FL
05.2019 - 07.2021
Case Manager
Jewish Family & Community Services
03.2018 - 05.2019
Case Manager
Sequel Youth and Family Services
03.2017 - 03.2018
Social Work Intern (BSW)
River Garden Hebrew Home
08.2016 - 12.2016
Master of Social Work - Clinical Social Work
Florida State University
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work - Social Work And Psychology
Florida State University
Associate of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Florida State College At Jacksonville
- Child Welfare Certification - May 2018
- Tobacco Treatment Specialist – Certified 2015
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