Mercedes Lechlitner
Bloomington,IN
Summary
Motivated Social Worker and Educator with comprehensive knowledge of social justice issues and systems affecting marginalized communities. Passionate about utilizing experiences as both a social worker and an educator to develop and facilitate programs to support communities in need. Dedicated to forming trusting relationships and advocating for others.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle School Coordinator
Harmony School
03.2022 - Current
- Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education
- Coordinated staff and student activities to promote safe and productive learning environments.
- Managed budgets and resources for middle school program
- Verified student grades, attendance and schedules
- Worked with other educators and programs within Harmony on collaborative decision making processes
- Worked closely with the director of Harmony school
Middle School ELA/ Social Studies Teacher
HARMONY SCHOOL
09.2021 - Current
- Language arts and social studies educator
- Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading and writing practice
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways
- Helped students develop academic, social and emotional skills for long-term success
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth
- Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material
- Cultivated relationships with parents for complete support network
- Curriculum development
- Staff coordination
Housing Case Manager
IU Health Hospitals
05.2020 - 08.2021
- Worked with HIV/AIDS clients to secure housing
- Managed caseload of around 25 clients
- Worked with low income individuals to budget finances
Peer Advocate
All Options
05.2016 - 09.2020
- Provided emotional support surrounding complex issues around abortion, child loss, grief, and trauma
- Executed tabling at community events
- Completed 40 hours of advocate training
- Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening and dynamic communication skills
- Assisted individuals in identifying and re-engaging with family, friends and other natural supports to build support system
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of the current legal landscape around abortion access
MSW Intern
Harmony School
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Provided assessment and individual psychotherapy services to students in 1st-12th grades
- Conducted group counseling sessions for LGBTQ+ adolescents, social skills groups, and adjustment support
- Developed and implemented sex education programming for middle and high school students
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to provide support
- Wrote notes, completed documentation for referrals and maintained case files
- Assessed individuals under supervision of licensed social worker to help guide treatment planning
Volunteer
MSW, Youth
01.2019 - 05.2019
- Facilitated psychotherapy services and counseling to address the needs of students in 3rd-8th grades
- Provided immediate crisis counseling to students in need
- Conducted group counseling sessions related to personal, social, and academic issues
- Utilized theoretical frameworks, such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Middle School Mathematics Teacher
Harmony School
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving to help students develop mathematical reasoning.Implemented and developed engaging curriculum, including mathematics, an LGBTQ+ elective, and a filmmaking class
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
- Cultivated individualization to meet the unique needs of each student
- Utilized experiential components and further refined facilitation skills.
Social Action Day Committee
12.2017 - 02.2018
- Networked with and scheduled community members for Social Action Day programming
- Managed and coordinated event activities
- Organized attendance of student groups and provided support for community members during presentations.
Language Arts Student Teacher
Many Farms High School
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Gained experience working with marginalized populations and learned about systemic issues facing indigenous peoples
- Developed a semester long curriculum around issues of race, culture, identity, voice, and power
- Developed skills of facilitation and classroom management through hands-on teaching.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Indiana University
Bloomington05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Secondary English Education
Indiana University
Bloomington05.2017
Skills
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Crisis Intervention
- Individual / Group Counseling
- Behavioral Therapy
- Meeting Facilitation
- Classroom Management
- Curriculum Development
- Presentation Skills
- Child & Family Counseling
- Program Development
- Behavior Management
- Group Therapy
- Addiction Counseling
- Event Coordination
- Curriculum Change Needs
Timeline
Middle School Coordinator
Harmony School
03.2022 - Current
Middle School ELA/ Social Studies Teacher
HARMONY SCHOOL
09.2021 - Current
Housing Case Manager
IU Health Hospitals
05.2020 - 08.2021
MSW Intern
Harmony School
08.2019 - 05.2020
Volunteer
MSW, Youth
01.2019 - 05.2019
Social Action Day Committee
12.2017 - 02.2018
Middle School Mathematics Teacher
Harmony School
08.2017 - 05.2018
Language Arts Student Teacher
Many Farms High School
01.2017 - 05.2017
Peer Advocate
All Options
05.2016 - 09.2020
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Indiana University
Bachelor of Science - Secondary English Education
Indiana University
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