Mikayla Mcdowell
Lincolnton,NC
Summary
Doctor of Social Work candidate with a strong understanding and commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity with a focus on providing culturally sensitive and client-centered interventions.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Worker
Cleveland County Schools- Elizabeth Elementary
08.2022 - Current
- Provide engaging, dynamic presentations to teens about teen dating violence prevention in an attempt to help students seek a future free of dating abuse and domestic violence
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop intervention strategies for students in need of additional support.
- Created a safe space for students experiencing crises by providing immediate support and appropriate referrals.
- Implemented evidence-based programs aimed at improving school climate and promoting positive behavior among students.
- Maintained compliance with standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment and reporting.
- Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions.
- Enhanced student well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions addressing various social, emotional, and behavioral issues.
- Monitored student attendance, documented truancy and submitted referrals per requirements.
- Established supportive relationships with at-risk youth through regular check-ins, goal-setting activities, and consistent followup.
English Teacher
Henderson Independent High School
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Taught the principles of the English Language, using different methods to deliver successful courses while also providing comprehensive supports and services to address barriers impacting the social, emotional, academic, and physical needs of student
CPS Social Worker
Catawba County Department Of Social Services
Hickory, NC
05.2019 - 08.2021
- Advocated for client needs within legal and policy frameworks to ensure fair treatment.
- Conducted individual counseling sessions for improved client emotional well-being.
- Analyzed client cases to identify underlying issues and develop targeted interventions.
- Facilitated access to community resources by conducting comprehensive needs assessments.
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
School Social Work Intern
South Rowan High School
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Provided comprehensive supports and services to address barriers impacting the social, emotional, academic, and physical needs of students
Education
Doctor of Social Work - Social Work
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY05-2025
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Johnson C. Smith University
Charlotte, NC05-2023
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
Livingstone College
Salisbury, NC05.2019
undefined
Lincolnton High School
Lincolnton, North Carolina06.2015
Skills
- Compassionate
- Case management
- Client advocacy
- Conflict resolution
- Crisis intervention
- Risk assessment
- Culturally Competent
- Efficient under pressure
- Analytical thinking
- Assessment skills
Affiliations
- Member, Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc., Livingstone College
- 2018-2019 President, Phi Alpha Honor Society, Livingstone College
- 2022-2023 Vice President, Phi Alpha Honor Society, Johnson C. Smith University
Timeline
Social Worker
Cleveland County Schools- Elizabeth Elementary
08.2022 - Current
English Teacher
Henderson Independent High School
08.2021 - 06.2022
CPS Social Worker
Catawba County Department Of Social Services
05.2019 - 08.2021
School Social Work Intern
South Rowan High School
08.2018 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
Livingstone College
undefined
Lincolnton High School
Doctor of Social Work - Social Work
University of Kentucky
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Johnson C. Smith University