Lavangela Johnson Turner
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Highly credentialed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in counseling children, families, couples, and adults facing various traumas, including grief, substance use challenges, and mental health crises. Dedicated clinician and therapist known for serving diverse clients through the application of multiple clinical frameworks, ensuring a tailored approach to each individual's needs. Ongoing professional development has fostered an extensive clinical range and a deep commitment to client welfare. Recognized for enhancing workplace positivity and cohesion through an infectious personality and enthusiasm for the profession, while maintaining a strong commitment to equity and adaptability in treatment planning.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Therapist
Therapy Health Clinic
02.2023 - Current
- Managed caseloads efficiently, ensuring timely documentation and follow-up on all client interactions.
- Assisted clients in developing effective coping strategies through problem-solving oriented therapies.
- Implemented family systems therapy methods when working with families struggling with issues related to communication dynamics or dysfunctional relationships.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to foster peer support, communication skills, and healthy coping strategies.
- Enhanced client well-being by implementing evidence-based therapeutic interventions and techniques.
- Educated clients on mental health topics such as stress management, relationship building, and self-care practices.
- Stayed current with industry developments through ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities.
- Conducted crisis intervention services to provide immediate support for individuals experiencing acute distress or emotional turmoil.
- Evaluated therapy outcomes regularly using standardized assessment tools, adjusting treatment plans as needed to ensure continued progress towards client goals.
- Maintained strict adherence to ethical guidelines and confidentiality regulations in all aspects of clinical practice.
- Contributed to a supportive work environment through collaboration with colleagues on case consultations and sharing of resources.
Social Worker Lead-Family Support Specialist
Chicago Survivors
05.2018 - 06.2025
- Facilitated groups and specialized grief programming for youth and adults.
- Utilized multiple clinical interventions, including Post Traumatic Stress Intervention, Narrative Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Complicated Grief theory.
- Provide intensive clinical supportive grief counseling to families immediately after the loss of a loved one due to homicide, including home visits.
- Provide client centered individual, family, and group counseling to families and community members to provide healing with grief/loss concerns.
- Developed short- and long-term service plans using clinical case management skills and strong partnerships built with community organizations; Partnered with families long-term by connecting them with community healing events and long-term supports.
- Assisted with Crime Victims Compensation (CVC) applications and acted as the liaison between families and the Chicago Police Department; Assisted in relocation of families to facilitate a family’s need for increased safety.
Lead Care Coordinator
West Suburban Senior Services
05.2016 - 12.2017
- Provided intensive case management and clinical assistance, while facing multiple barriers to housing, food security, employment, and safety.
- Provided therapy using a Cognitive Behavioral Treatment model and the Harm Reduction Recovery model.
- Facilitated groups
- Interviewed patients and their relatives to compile detailed social and psychiatric information.
- Presented case history material for review and discussion with other staff members.
- Oversaw/managed a caseload of 300 clients, working under strict deadlines.
- Managed a team of 8 professionals.
Lead Direct Support Professional
Active Vision Inc
06.2013 - 05.2016
- Led continuous quality Improvement initiatives ensuring effective and evidence-driven program implementation at the agency.
- Created new relationships and linkage agreements with partner agencies to serve the multifaceted needs of clients more holistically.
- Provided direct care services for individuals with disabilities and mental illness.
- Completed detailed observations of clients and staff interaction.
- Attended Individual Service Plan meetings.
- Assisted clients in accomplishing personal goals.
Education
Masters of Social Work - Gerontology
Aurora University
Aurora, ILBachelor of Social Work - undefined
Western Illinois University
Macomb, ILSkills
- Anxiety reduction
- Depression treatment
- Child and adolescent therapy
- Multicultural competence
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Solution-focused brief therapy
- Grief and loss support
- Family therapy techniques
- Marriage and relationship counseling
- Substance abuse treatment
- Treatment Planning
- Group counseling
- Medical billing proficiency
Affiliations
- National Association of Social Workers
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Certification
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Brain Spotting, Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)
- LSW (Licensed Social Worker of Illinois)
- DV (Domestic Violence Certification)
- LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (In Process)
Timeline
Licensed Therapist
Therapy Health Clinic
02.2023 - Current
Social Worker Lead-Family Support Specialist
Chicago Survivors
05.2018 - 06.2025
Lead Care Coordinator
West Suburban Senior Services
05.2016 - 12.2017
Lead Direct Support Professional
Active Vision Inc
06.2013 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
Western Illinois University
Masters of Social Work - Gerontology
Aurora University
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