Michael Bernal
School Social Worker
Chicago,IL
Summary
Compassionate and skilled Social Worker with 5 years of experience in school-based settings and over a decade of youth-focused instruction. Proven ability to assess and address a wide range of client needs, including crisis intervention, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, and socialization difficulties. Experienced in providing individual and group support, developing targeted interventions, and implementing evidence-based strategies to promote social-emotional growth.
Adept at building strong partnerships with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to create cohesive care plans that support the whole child. Committed to a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach that empowers clients to thrive both academically and personally. Experienced in working with at-risk youth and self-contained classrooms, with a focus on long-term success and resilience.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
District-wide Social Emotional Learning Specialist
Skokie School District 69
Skokie, IL
08.2024 - Current
- Supported team of 10 SEL Specialist (Social workers, Professional Counselors, School Psychologist) and 3 Social work Interns
- Provide case consultation and conceptualization services to support the growth and efficacy of district SEL Specialist
- Developed and facilitated best practices presentations
- Mentored new social workers entering the field to promote professional growth and solidify foundational skills necessary for success.
- Enhanced staff performance through regular supervision, training, and professional development opportunities.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of students' social-emotional functioning to inform interventions and service planning.
- Provided crisis intervention services and collaborated with school staff to create safety plans for students at risk of self-harm or violence.
- Enhanced student well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions addressing various social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop intervention strategies for students in need of additional support.
- Supported implementation evidence-based programs aimed at improving school climate and promoting positive behavior among students.
- Established supportive relationships with at-risk youth through regular check-ins, goal-setting activities, and consistent follow-up.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
- Initiated multidisciplinary team collaboration, resulting in comprehensive care for students with complex needs.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Collected and maintained accurate data regarding services provided
Baseball Instructor
Self-employeed
Chicago, IL
01.2014 - Current
- Create and organize progressive training programs for each specific position.
- Enhance trainee comprehension and shorten learning process through tailored teaching methods.
- Exercise strong communication skills to build rapport and develop understanding of trainees strengths and areas for improvement.
- Establish safe and trusting environment to foster growth of trainees.
- Plan exercise regimens targeting individual needs and enhancing personal results.
- Adapt to level of trainees which range from elementary aged to players in Major League Baseball
Social Emotional Learning Specialist
Skokie School District 69
Skokie , IL
08.2022 - 08.2024
- Conducted psychoeducational assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Managed caseload of students with IEP's, 504's and McKinney Vento
- Developed and implemented data driven goals across MTSS
- Collaborated with community schools resources and families
- Experience in developing and implementing gender support plans
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized student support.
- Conducted Functional Behavior Analysis' and developed Behavior Intervention Plans
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects
- Acted as team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of improvement and adjust teaching strategies accordingly, enhancing student outcomes.
- Provided individualized support to exceptional students, working closely with families and support staff to ensure a successful learning experience.
- Served as a liaison between school administration and faculty, facilitating open communication channels for addressing concerns or suggestions.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in education and enhance personal growth as an educator.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Facilitated individual and small group instruction to address learning needs.
- Provided crisis intervention services and collaborated with school staff to create safety plans for students at risk of self-harm or violence.
- Maintained compliance with standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment and reporting.
- Implemented evidence-based programs aimed at improving school climate and promoting positive behavior among students.
- Resolved conflicts among students with mediation techniques, promoting harmonious school community.
- Connected families with community resources to address needs such as housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.
- Monitored progress of identified students using data-driven decision making to adjust intervention plans as needed.
ESY School Social Worker
Lockport Area Special Education Cooperative
Lockport , IL
06.2022 - 07.2022
- Maintained compliance with standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment and reporting.
- Trained and guided teachers on how to identify and support students.
- Developed and facilitated goal-oriented lessons to individuals, small group and classroom groups.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of school psychologists, teachers and administrators to create and implement Individualized Education Plans.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results
- Enhanced student well-being by developing and implementing individualized support plans.
- Facilitated group counseling to address specific needs such as grief and loss, anger management and social skills.
School Social Work Intern
Batavia Public School District 101- Rotolo Middle
Batavia , IL
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Identified at-risk students, created detailed plans for specialized education and behavioral skills and communicated plans with parents and school staff.
- Developed IEPs for students with special needs and advocated for comprehensive teaching methods.
- Completed detailed charts to summarize interactions with patients and booked follow-up sessions.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Developed Functional Behavioral Assessment and Positive Behavioral Intervention Plan to identify cause of problem behavior, formulate strategies to address behavior and teach new behavioral skills.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Developed and facilitated goal-oriented psycho-education and skills groups to improve students success in their learning environment.
- Provided group and individual counseling to address problems.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of school psychologists, teachers and administrators to create and implement Individualized Education Plans.
- Completed psychosocial histories of students under evaluation.
- Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions.
- Trained and guided teachers on how to identify and support students.
- Participated in IEP, RTI and other related meetings that determined and implemented MTSS.
- Supported students, teachers and families during crisis situations.
- Complied with federal, state and local standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment and reporting and documentation.
- Evaluated, assessed and diagnosed learning and social issues.
- Provided educational support services to students with emotional, intellectual and physical disabilities.
- Developed and presented mindfulness professional development for students and staff.
Paraprofessional Educator
Lockport Area Special Education Cooperative
Lockport, IL
08.2020 - 05.2022
- Set up visual aids, equipment and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Maintained inclusive learning environment to enable students to gain maximum benefit from lessons.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules and support lead teacher.
- Organized and led practice, research and lab assignments.
- Prepared instructional materials for group and one-on-one use to comply with established curriculum.
- Provided support to help students with special needs learn and grow.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
- Created lesson materials, visuals and digital presentations to supplement lesson plans.
- Provided support during classes, group lessons and classroom activities.
- Applied specialized teaching techniques to reinforce social and communication skills.
- Assessed student social, emotional and academic needs to plan goals appropriately.
- Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.
- Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based strategies to foster independence and social academic engagement,
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
School Social Work Intern
Lockport Area Special Education Cooperative
Chicago , IL
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Identified at-risk students, created detailed plans for specialized education and behavioral skills and communicated plans with parents and school staff.
- Developed IEPs for students with special needs and advocated for comprehensive teaching methods.
- Offered community resource guidance to clients to meet family needs for assistance.
- Developed Functional Behavioral Assessment and Positive Behavioral Intervention Plan to identify cause of problem behavior, formulate strategies to address behavior and teach new behavioral skills.
- Administered assessments and developed academic goals based on specific disabilities and barriers to learning.
- Facilitated push-in and pull-out ESE support instruction.
- Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions.
- Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous support for the student(s).
- Supported students, teachers and families during crisis situations.
- Provided educational support services to students with emotional, intellectual and physical disabilities.
- Complied with federal, state and local standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment and reporting and documentation.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive success in the learning environment.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL 08.2020 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Fayetteville, AR 08.2013 - 12.2017
Associate of Arts - General Studies
New Mexico Junior College
Hobbs, NM 08.2012 - 07.2013
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 08.2011 - 06.2012
Skills
Effective Communication
Proficient in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
Data collection and management
Crisis Intervention
Collaborative and growth minded approach
Relationship building
Fluent in Spanish
Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA)
Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP)
Languages
English & Spanish
Timeline
District-wide Social Emotional Learning Specialist
Skokie School District 69
08.2024 - Current
Social Emotional Learning Specialist
Skokie School District 69
08.2022 - 08.2024
ESY School Social Worker
Lockport Area Special Education Cooperative
06.2022 - 07.2022
School Social Work Intern
Batavia Public School District 101- Rotolo Middle
08.2021 - 05.2022
Paraprofessional Educator
Lockport Area Special Education Cooperative
08.2020 - 05.2022
School Social Work Intern
Lockport Area Special Education Cooperative
08.2020 - 05.2021
Master of Arts - Social Work
Lewis University
08.2020 - 05.2022
Baseball Instructor
Self-employeed
01.2014 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
08.2013 - 12.2017
Associate of Arts - General Studies
New Mexico Junior College
08.2012 - 07.2013
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology
Oklahoma State University
08.2011 - 06.2012