Kiera Sparks
Summary
Dedicated Social Worker provides exceptional professional care and implements appropriate interventions. Utilizes variety of resources to identify unique needs and assist vulnerable populations. Adept at establishing strong rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Support Specialist
Start Corporation
04.2023 - Current
- Improved community engagement by organizing and leading support groups, workshops, and events.
- Enhanced client well-being by providing personalized support and resources tailored to individual needs.
- Managed caseloads efficiently, ensuring timely follow-up and thorough documentation of all interactions.
- Improved client housing stability by developing individualized case management plans and providing ongoing support.
- Reduced homelessness rates in the community by successfully placing clients in permanent, affordable housing options.
Family Intervention Specialist
Youth Villages
Baton Rouge, LA
01.2023 - Current
- Improved family relationships by conducting comprehensive assessments and identifying root issues.
- Developed tailored intervention plans for each family to address specific challenges and promote healthier dynamics.
- Enhanced communication skills among family members by facilitating open discussions and teaching active listening techniques.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers and therapists, to ensure holistic support for families.
- Reduced instances of child removal from homes by providing stability-focused interventions for at-risk families.
Mental Health Specialist
Turn-Around Community Outreach
Baton Rouge, LA
03.2019 - 02.2023
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized mental health treatment plans.
- Enhanced quality of care for patients through ongoing assessment, monitoring, and adjustment of treatment interventions.
- Maintained detailed records of clinical interventions, progress notes, treatment plans, and other documentation required for regulatory compliance.
Mental Health Specialist
Hope Behavioral Health, LLC
Baton Rouge, LA
03.2021 - 10.2022
- Enhanced therapeutic relationships through active listening, empathy, and effective communication skills.
- Reduced crisis situations through timely interventions and appropriate referrals to community resources.
- Ensured compliance with documentation standards, completing accurate and timely progress notes for each client interaction.
Mental Health Specialist
SHOULDERS OF STRENGTH
Baton Rouge, LA
02.2019 - 03.2020
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized mental health treatment plans.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to ensure the highest quality of care for all clients served.
- Provided psychoeducation for patients and families, increasing understanding of mental health conditions and treatment options.
- Documented client progress in confidential files.
Child Welfare Specialist
Department Of Children & Family Services
Baton Rouge, LA
06.2018 - 03.2019
- Enhanced family reunification rates through diligent monitoring and support of parent-child visitations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.
- Assisted in the placement of children into safe, nurturing foster homes by conducting comprehensive home studies.
- Ensured child safety through regular home visits, careful documentation, and ongoing communication with involved parties.
Child Welfare Intern
Department of Children and Family Services
Baton Rouge, LA
02.2018 - 05.2018
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Supported positive parenting skills by providing parents with education, guidance, and coaching throughout the case management process.
- Enhanced child safety by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to address concerns and implement interventions.
Education
MSW - Social Work
Walden University
Minneapolis, MNBachelor of Science - Social Work
Southern University and A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA01.2018
High School Diploma -
Madison Preparatory Academy
Baton Rouge, LA01.2013
Skills
- Organized
- Time Management
- Positive attitude
- Self Confidence
- Strong Work Ethic
- Leadership Skills
- Strong Work Values
- Risk Assessment
- Critical Thinking
- Effective Communication
- Crisis Intervention
- Case Management
Affiliations
- NABSW-2018
- Social Work Action Club -2018
- NASW - 2018
Certification
- CPR Certification
- CPI Certification
- RSW
Timeline
Community Support Specialist
Start Corporation
04.2023 - Current
Family Intervention Specialist
Youth Villages
01.2023 - Current
Mental Health Specialist
Hope Behavioral Health, LLC
03.2021 - 10.2022
Mental Health Specialist
Turn-Around Community Outreach
03.2019 - 02.2023
Mental Health Specialist
SHOULDERS OF STRENGTH
02.2019 - 03.2020
Child Welfare Specialist
Department Of Children & Family Services
06.2018 - 03.2019
Child Welfare Intern
Department of Children and Family Services
02.2018 - 05.2018
MSW - Social Work
Walden University
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Southern University and A&M College
High School Diploma -
Madison Preparatory Academy