Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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

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Michael Bernal School Social Worker