Miriam Connolly, LMSW

• Coordinate social work student field placements by referring them to community field sites.
• Serve on various planning committees and task forces designed to advance curricula and social justice.
• Provide social work instruction to students and support to field instructors during field site visits.
• Support social work students in creating effective goal statements and resumes for internship placements.
• Provide education, support and guidance to students experiencing difficulties in field.
• Provide guidance and support to field instructors.
• Recruit and provide orientation for new field sites.
• Facilitate field instructor training to strengthen and guide the internship experience.
• Help students to develop their professional identity and explore career options.
• Mentored undergraduate and graduate students in effective next-steps for education and career preparedness.

• Oversaw all program components (outreach and recruitment, coaching, mentor program and community engagement) to support the success of undergraduates students with foster care and homelessness experience.
• Provided direct holistic support to Blavin Scholars to assist them in navigating and maximizing their college experience.
• Met goal of program growth to 51 students and over 90% retention rate
• Provided training, support and supervision to professional staff members, MSW interns, and student staff
• Facilitated local and national trainings and outreach for individuals, groups and colleges to advocate for college access for students with foster care experience
• Cultivated and maintained consistent, supportive relationships with on and off campus organizations, donors, Blavin liaisons, schools and colleges to increase awareness of program's mission and ensure ongoing growth.
• Provided mentorship and guidance to new program leaders and directors at a variety of schools and colleges with similar campus based support programs.

● Supported, coached, and advised Blavin Scholars with all aspects
of entry, assimilation, and retention in college life and transition
to post-graduate endeavors.

● Provided holistic support, engaged in crisis intervention,
problem-solving and skill building.

● Acted as liaison to assist Blavin Scholars in accessing resources in
the community and through the Department of Health and
Human Services.

● Supervised trained and supported MSW interns assigned to the
Blavin Scholars Program.

● Facilitated establishment and maintenance of effective
mentor/mentee relationships for the Scholars.

● Created and coordinated the Blavin Scholars Volunteer Program.

• Provided recruitment, retention, support and coaching services to new and veteran foster parents to increase quality foster homes in Washtenaw County.
• Provided supervision to UM and EMU BSW and MSW interns.
• Responsible for spearheading shift in foster home licensing to focus on education, support and agency/parent connections resulting in 30% increase in qualified Washtenaw County foster homes.
• Created and led annual Raise Hope and Foster Dreams 5K and Foster Parent Appreciation Banquet.
• Served as leader in the restructuring, marketing, recruitment and mission advancement for Washtenaw County Foster Care Coalition.

• Completed assessments and planned customized treatments, applying wide range of resources.
• Assisted youth in improving self-esteem, communication and coping skills.
• Planned and organized individual, family and group therapy for patients ranging in ages and issues.
• Prepared and maintained comprehensive progress reports for review by various parties.
• Referred clients to other specialists, entities or support services as necessary.
• Assisted clients with gaining insights, establishing clear goals and planning strategies to reach personal targets.
• Implemented variety of evidence-based counseling methods to achieve therapy goals.

• Passionately served as a strong advocate for children and families experiencing foster care in Flint.
• Conducted thorough assessments, client-centered treatment plans, and accessed community-based services to ensure permanency for foster youth and their families.
• Represented best interest of client during court hearings through presentation of written court reports, expert testimony and strong advocacy for children and families.
• Ensured positive transitions from foster care for youth through ongoing relationship building, client-centered planning, resource development, timely responses to requests and post-transition follow-up.
• Supervised 10 Bachelor's level MSW interns with 60% State of Michigan hire rate post graduation.

• Coached, supervised and supported foster care unit staff of 8 professionals and 2 Bachelor's level social workers
• Provided leadership and support to child welfare team in interpreting and implementing agency policies, ensuring best practices and partnering to reach full professional potential.
• Facilitated individual and group foster care staff trainings on all aspects of case management and court presentation.
• Trained incoming staff and social work interns on respectfully navigating complexities of diversity and ensuring well-being of all who are served.