Kimberly Whalen
Manassas
Summary
Dedicated School Social Worker with 26 years of experience in educational environments. Highly knowledgeable in Special Education law and procedures. Familiar with issues such as learning difficulties, socialization problems, behavioral and emotional needs. Skilled at fostering safe and inclusive school environments, addressing diverse student needs through counseling and intervention. Known for collaborative teamwork and adaptability in dynamic educational settings, ensuring reliable support and positive outcomes.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Social Worker
Fairfax County Public Schools
09.1998 - 07.2024
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to create supportive learning environments leading to improved student academic performance.
- Implemented evidence-based programs aimed at improving school climate and promoting positive behavior among students, creating a safe place for students in crisis.
- Maintained compliance with standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment and reporting.
- Participated in the Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) process as well as IEP and other related meetings that determined and implemented school-wide policies.
- Completed psychosocial histories of students under evaluation for special education.
- Implemented research-based, data interventions and strategies to support positive behavior and social-emotional development and used data-driven decision making to monitor progress .
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children, families, and community agencies to meet case needs.
- Implemented peer mentoring program, improving student relationships and academic support.
- Enhanced student attendance by addressing underlying social and emotional issues.
- Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions, enhancing students' social skills and emotional intelligence.
- Provided grief counseling to students and staff, aiding school community in coping with loss.
- Provided professional development sessions for faculty on mental health awareness, enhancing staff's ability to support students.
- Provided case management services via the Children's Services Act (CSA) of Virginia with at-risk student population. Participated in FAPT, FPM and FRM meetings.
- Complied with federal, state and local standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment, and reporting and documentation.
- Provided educational support services to students with emotional, intellectual and physical disabilities.
Family Counselor
Family and Youth Outreach Services Inc.
09.1996 - 05.1998
- Provided home-based counseling to at-risk youth and their families including 24-hour crisis intervention.
- Assessed clients'' needs and developed customized treatment plans to address their specific challenges effectively.
- Maintained detailed case notes and documentation in compliance with ethical standards and confidentiality requirements.
- Established trust with clients, ensuring a safe and non-judgmental environment for open dialogue during sessions.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, helping families navigate through difficult situations safely and constructively.
- Developed strong rapport with diverse client populations, demonstrating cultural sensitivity in all interactions.
- Provided court testimony for abuse/neglect cases
Addiction Counselor
Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Services
10.1991 - 09.1996
- Collaborated with physicians to determine effective combination of therapy and medical treatments for patients in recovery.
- Enhanced patient recovery by developing and implementing tailored treatment plans for each individual.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, quickly responding to emergencies and connecting clients with appropriate resources.
- Developed customized aftercare plans for discharged clients, ensuring they had access to ongoing support services upon completion of formal treatment programs.
- Led individual and group counseling sessions to meet variety of therapeutic needs for recovering individuals.
- Provided psycho-educational lectures and therapuetic recreational activities for patients and family members.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA06-1995
Bachelor of Science - Major: Social Work Minor: Sociology
Radford University
Radford, VA05-1991
Skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Crisis intervention
- Motivational Interviewing
- Risk Assessments
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Case management
- Individual and group counseling
- Solution-based interventions
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Association of Social Work Boards. 2012 to present
- Child and Adolescent Needs Assessment (CANS) certified
FCPS SEPTA award for Outstanding Related Service Professional May 2022
Nominated for Outstanding Related Services Professional by the Fairfax County Public School Special Education PTA (SEPTA) award for school year 2021/22 and won for the category of school social workers. The recipients in this category include school occupational, physical, speech therapists, psychologists and social workers.
Timeline
School Social Worker
Fairfax County Public Schools
09.1998 - 07.2024
Family Counselor
Family and Youth Outreach Services Inc.
09.1996 - 05.1998
Addiction Counselor
Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Services
10.1991 - 09.1996
Master of Science - Social Work
Virginia Commonwealth University
Bachelor of Science - Major: Social Work Minor: Sociology
Radford University
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