Lauren Askew
Rocky Mount
Summary
As social work professional, prepared to lead and inspire teams in delivering impactful support services. Proven ability to manage complex cases and implement effective interventions. Known for fostering culture of collaboration and dependability, adapting seamlessly to evolving circumstances.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Social Worker
Nash County Social Services
09.2020 - Current
- Promoted a positive work environment by modeling professional behavior and encouraging open communication among team members.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments and developed treatment plans that addressed the unique needs of each client while adhering to evidence-based practices.
- Provided expert guidance on complex cases, mentoring junior social workers in best practices, ethical decision-making, and case management techniques.
- Advocated for clients'' rights, ensuring access to resources and services necessary for their wellbeing.
- Collaborated with community partners to expand available resources for clients, fostering stronger support networks for individuals in need.
- Implemented effective crisis intervention strategies to ensure the safety of clients during times of distress.
- Managed high caseloads while maintaining quality care by prioritizing tasks and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, attending conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses regularly to enhance professional expertise.
- Streamlined case management processes by developing efficient documentation procedures and maintaining accurate client records.
- Navigated complex legal systems on behalf of clients, advocating for their rights in court proceedings and ensuring compliance with mandated services.
- Developed strong relationships with clients by establishing trust and rapport through empathetic listening and effective communication skills.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
Child Protective Services Investigator
Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services
06.2008 - 05.2020
- Investigate allegations of child abuse, neglect, mental injury abuse, and sex abuse in Anne Arundel County.
- Based on professional judgment determine if a child is in need of States assistance (Foster Care, Group Home, or Diagnostic Treatment)
- Conduct investigative interviews to gather information relating to allegations of child maltreatment.
- Train newer personnel on investigation and documenting cases effectively to maintain compliance with the Maryland State and Federal Laws.
- Process investigations from origination through case closure by summarizing, analyzing providing documentations to be reviewed by Investigative Team.
- Demonstrate knowledge of automated databases gathering site by documenting information into Maryland Children's Electronic Social Services Information Exchange (CHESSIE).
- Keep detailed records of all cases containing vital information documented thoroughly in CHESSIE.
- Prepare summaries regarding investigative findings to present to Department, Courts and referred Agencies.
- Actively engage clients in services within their community to reduce the needs for foster care.
- Collaborate with other Social Services Agencies locally, state wide and internationally, Hospitals Personnel, Schools, Community Providers and Courts Systems.
- Manage a caseload between 9 to 15 cases a month.
Direct Support Staff (Residential Home)
Anne Arundel County
03.2016 - 04.2018
- Support Individuals to achieve outcomes agreed upon on their ISP plan (i.e. health and safety, hygiene, community integration, financial literacy, and meal preparation).
- Facilitate community outings of Individuals choosing.
- Prepare healthy meals and snacks according to the meal plan created by (RIVA).
- Document behaviors and achievements of Individuals pertaining to their ISP plan.
- Report to Nursing Staff and Physicians any changes in individual's behavior and provided suggested recommendations.
- Insured that individuals remained healthy and safe while on duty.
- Address concerns of individuals and families as they arise.
Therapeutic Behavioral Aide
Anne Arundel County
02.2011 - 02.2012
- Provide crisis management services to family and individuals dealing with mental health concerns
- Conducts interviews and assessment of individuals and families to determine plan of action
- Create treatment plans for families and individuals based on assessments
- Lead and Participate in structured group counseling sessions to model behavior for families and individuals to utilize during a crisis
- Adhering to state regulations required including updating clinical records, complying with licensing requirements, and evaluating client progress levels.
Internship and Field Placement
Baltimore
09.2007 - 05.2008
- Provide and facilitate services to families in need.
- Educate and encourage parents to advocate for their children to obtain local services.
- Conduct investigative interviews and assessments to identify needs of the family.
- Provide intensive in-home services to an assigned caseload of families
- Attend conferences, workshops and trainings with purpose of enhancing knowledge of child welfarepolicies, regulations and procedures
- Collaborate with community partners, agencies and professionals with the purpose of enhancing childwell-being.
Shelter Assistant/Crisis Hotline Operator
Life Crisis Center
02.2006 - 05.2006
- Register patients for required services for an inpatient facility for domestic violence survivors
- Developing patient recovery plan
- Distribute prescribed medication as needed
- Facilitate floor checks
- Ensure that residents are in their assigned areas by their specified curfew.
- Ensure patients had sufficient resources
- Monitor patients daily activities
- Respond to patients daily needs
- Mediate and provide crisis interventions over the phone
- Administered medication to emotional and mentally ill patients
Interview Family Member of Incarcerated Clients to Determine Eligibility
Family Mediator
09.2005 - 01.2006
- Conduct school/home visits, mentored, tutored and developed after school programs and outings forteens in program
- Link families and children to needed services
- Monitored jail visit between the children and parents
Education
Master Degree - Clinical Social Work
University of Maryland at Baltimore
Baltimore, MD05.2008
Bachelor's - Sociology & Social Work
University of Maryland Eastern Shore & Salisbury University
05.2006
Skills
- Child welfare advocacy
- Individual and group support
- Social Work
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Crisis Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Case Management
- Behavioral Therapy
- Child protection services
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
Certification
Active Licensed Master of Social Worker (LMSW) held
Timeline
Lead Social Worker
Nash County Social Services
09.2020 - Current
Direct Support Staff (Residential Home)
Anne Arundel County
03.2016 - 04.2018
Therapeutic Behavioral Aide
Anne Arundel County
02.2011 - 02.2012
Child Protective Services Investigator
Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services
06.2008 - 05.2020
Internship and Field Placement
Baltimore
09.2007 - 05.2008
Shelter Assistant/Crisis Hotline Operator
Life Crisis Center
02.2006 - 05.2006
Interview Family Member of Incarcerated Clients to Determine Eligibility
Family Mediator
09.2005 - 01.2006
Bachelor's - Sociology & Social Work
University of Maryland Eastern Shore & Salisbury University
Master Degree - Clinical Social Work
University of Maryland at Baltimore
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