Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Memberships And Affiliations
Volunteer Experience
Timeline
Generic

Laura Strausburg-Smith

Portland,Indiana

Summary

Experienced Master Social Worker motivated to increase individual's learning, communication and social skills. Creates customized programs according to learner's needs, tendencies and preferences to enhance progress and satisfaction. Offers one-on-one, group and family sessions.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Behavior Support Specialist

Opportunities for Positive Growth, Inc.
Fishers, IN
08.2019 - Current
  • .Developed individualized behavior plans based on assessment results, client needs, and family input.
  • Monitored progress of clients' behavior goals and objectives through direct observation, review of data collection materials, and parent and guardian interviews.
  • Educated families about parenting techniques, effective communication skills and conflict resolution methods.
  • Encouraged and motivated clients to develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
  • Attended team meetings and provided feedback on case updates and treatment recommendations.

Senior Family Advocate

The Arc of IndianaI
Indianapolis, IN
08.2015 - 08.2019
  • Provide information about entitlement programs, discuss employment related needs, educate on natural and community supports, collaborate with professionals to ensure service referrals, advocate for appropriate educational services, consult on guardianship and alternatives, interact effectively with people from various backgrounds

Supported Living Social Worker

Jay-Randolph Developmental Services
Portland, Indiana
11.2002 - 07.2015
  • Provided written report of departmental outcomes and trends to agency, collaborated with professional to develop appropriate case plans, lead teams to engage members in client outcomes, trained staff on client biopsychosocial needs, managed entitlement programs

Camp Counselor

Aloha Foundation
Fairlee, Vermont
06.2002 - 08.2002
  • Supported campers to problem-solve, facilitated interactions with campers, developed craft curriculum for class

Support Associate

Family Services Society
Marion, Indiana
12.2000 - 06.2002
  • Coordinated and facilitated children and women support groups, handled client intake/assessment

Education

Master of Social Work -

Indiana University School of Social Work
08-2019

Bachelor of Social Work: Social Work -

Ball State University
01.2000

Skills

  • Reliability
  • Culturally-sensitive
  • Community outreach expert
  • Attention to Detail
  • Problem-Solving
  • Goal Setting
  • Adaptability
  • Interpersonal Communication

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Member of National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
  • Epilepsy Awareness Advocate

Volunteer Experience

Jay Community Partners, 05/2012, Current, Board Member and Community Liason, Partner and coordinator of initiatives focused on community engagement alongside persons with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.

Timeline

Behavior Support Specialist

Opportunities for Positive Growth, Inc.
08.2019 - Current

Senior Family Advocate

The Arc of IndianaI
08.2015 - 08.2019

Supported Living Social Worker

Jay-Randolph Developmental Services
11.2002 - 07.2015

Camp Counselor

Aloha Foundation
06.2002 - 08.2002

Support Associate

Family Services Society
12.2000 - 06.2002

Master of Social Work -

Indiana University School of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work: Social Work -

Ball State University
Laura Strausburg-Smith