School Social Work Supervisor, School Social Worker , and Senior Adjunct Professor with expertise in crisis intervention and ethical decision-making. I am dedicated to fostering student success through individualized education plans and collaborative communication strategies. I specialize in situational assessments, conflict resolution, and effective communication. My goal is to promote optimal mental, emotional, and behavioral health for my clients, in collaboration with other members of the educational team. I specialize in situational assessments, conflict resolution, and effective communication. I demonstrate skills in psycho-social assessment, treatment planning, and advocacy. Committed to fostering student success through individualized education plans and collaborative communication strategies. Seasoned Social Worker specializing in situational assessments, conflict resolution, and effective communication.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Social Work Supervisor
Integrity Educational Services
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2022 - Current
Supervised social work staff to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Conducted performance evaluations to assess staff capabilities and improve service delivery.
Reviewed client cases regularly for accuracy and appropriate intervention strategies.
Mentored junior social workers in crisis intervention techniques and resource utilization.
Implemented strategies for managing difficult cases including those involving ethical dilemmas or legal issues.
Participated in training sessions related to current trends or advancements in the field of social work.
Monitored caseloads of assigned staff to ensure timely completion of tasks.
Provided guidance, mentorship, and support to junior social workers in order to advance their skills and knowledge.
Assessed and identified service delivery challenges and opportunities within local area.
School Social Worker
Kent Intermediate School District
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2019 - Current
Provided counseling services to students facing emotional and social challenges.
Collaborated with teachers to create supportive classroom environments.
Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students in need.
Facilitated group sessions addressing peer relationships and conflict resolution.
Conducted assessments to identify student needs and appropriate interventions.
Engaged with families to enhance communication and support networks.
Coordinated with community resources for additional student assistance and support.
Collaborated with teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals to develop and implement appropriate interventions for students facing social or academic difficulties.
Counseled individuals and groups in specific problem areas.
Provided crisis intervention support for students, families, and educators.
Advised teachers on strategies for working with difficult students or those exhibiting challenging behaviors.
Maintained confidential case documentation.
Facilitated conflict resolution between peers when needed.
Assisted teachers with identifying, referring and supporting students.
Educated faculty members about legal requirements concerning student privacy rights.
Created a positive school climate by providing support to staff members and encouraging respectful behavior among students.
Counseled parents about their children's behavior problems and provided referrals when necessary.
Served as an advocate for students who are victims of neglect or abuse.
Assisted in the development of IEPs for students with special needs.
Developed treatment and intervention plans for students needing extra support.
Helped determine and implement school policies in regular meetings.
Tracked attendance of students and noted issues, including submitting truancy referrals where merited.
Monitored student progress through regular meetings with faculty members and by reviewing student records.
Documented full student psychosocial histories as part of evaluation process.
Provided resources to families in need of assistance such as food banks or housing programs.
Coordinated activities for at-risk youth aimed at promoting healthy life choices.
Compiled socio-psychiatric case histories to facilitate accurate diagnoses.
Interviewed clients individually and in groups to assess situations, capabilities and problems.
Participated in ongoing training to maintain license and enhance knowledge of relevant mental health topics.
Maintained confidentiality through stringent handling of charts and data.
Senior Adjunct Professor
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan
08.2004 - Current
Facilitated interactive discussions to enhance critical thinking skills.
Evaluated student performance through assignments and examinations.
Mentored students on academic and career development opportunities.
Collaborated with faculty to improve curriculum and course offerings.
Prepared, administered and graded exams and assignments to evaluate student progress.
Utilized a variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
Distributed and posted course syllabus and answered student questions regarding standards, material, grading, and progression at beginning of semester.
Monitored student progress throughout the semester utilizing attendance records, grade reports, and other data sources.
Facilitated active learning through class discussions, group activities, and individual projects.
Implemented different teaching styles to meet needs of diverse student population.
Maintained schedule of office hours to assist students and offer educational support.
Conducted office hours weekly to provide assistance with course material or address any questions or concerns from students.
Tutored and coached students to help achieve personal and academic goals.
Assessed student performance with integrity.
Documented student assignments, attendance, and test scores in online reporting systems.
Provided constructive feedback on student assignments to promote student success.
Fostered classroom environment conducive to learning and building character.
Attended conferences and workshops related to pedagogy, subject matter content, or professional development.
Assisted students in achieving completion of learning objectives.
Mentored students in the development of their research skills and critical thinking abilities.
Encouraged students to develop self-directed approaches to independent learning.
Promoted safe and clean classroom environment conducive to individualized and small group needs.
Encouraged students to actively participate in class through positive reinforcement and engagement techniques.
Maintained student engagement through creative subject delivery and learning activities.
Tutored students requiring additional assistance in mastering concepts.
Built strong student rapport by driving classroom and online discussions and providing academic advisement.
Cultivated collaborative and innovative learning environment to meet each student's unique educational needs.
School Social Worker
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Grand Rapids, MI
08.1990 - 07.2019
Provided counseling services to students facing emotional and social challenges.
Collaborated with teachers to create supportive classroom environments.
Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students in need.
Facilitated group sessions addressing peer relationships and conflict resolution.
Conducted assessments to identify student needs and appropriate interventions.
Collaborated with teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals to develop and implement appropriate interventions for students facing social or academic difficulties.
Counseled individuals and groups in specific problem areas.
Provided crisis intervention support for students, families, and educators.
Advised teachers on strategies for working with difficult students or those exhibiting challenging behaviors.
Organized seminars on topics such as bullying prevention, substance abuse awareness, anger management.
Maintained confidential case documentation.
Facilitated conflict resolution between peers when needed.
Assisted teachers with identifying, referring and supporting students.
Educated faculty members about legal requirements concerning student privacy rights.
Created a positive school climate by providing support to staff members and encouraging respectful behavior among students.
Counseled parents about their children's behavior problems and provided referrals when necessary.
Served as an advocate for students who are victims of neglect or abuse.
Conducted research on best practices related to social work in schools.
Assisted in the development of IEPs for students with special needs.
Developed treatment and intervention plans for students needing extra support.
Tracked attendance of students and noted issues, including submitting truancy referrals where merited.
Monitored student progress through regular meetings with faculty members and by reviewing student records.
Provided resources to families in need of assistance such as food banks or housing programs.
Coordinated activities for at-risk youth aimed at promoting healthy life choices.
Compiled socio-psychiatric case histories to facilitate accurate diagnoses.
Interviewed clients individually and in groups to assess situations, capabilities and problems.
Participated in ongoing training to maintain license and enhance knowledge of relevant mental health topics.
Counseled parents on proper child-rearing choices.
Maintained confidentiality through stringent handling of charts and data.
Interfaced with local court system, attending court proceedings and working directly with attorneys.
Built trust and rapport with victims of violent crimes by remaining calm and compassionate in variety of situations.
Attended hearings with victims to provide emotional support.
Education
Ed.S - Higher Education
Northcentral University
San Diego, CA
06-2024
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI
04-1990
Bachelor of Arts - Biology And Spanish
Albion College
Albion, MI
05-1982
Ph.D. - Counseling Psychology
National University
La Jolla, CA
Skills
Crisis intervention
Individualized education plans
Student mentoring
Emotional support
Ethical decision-making
Team collaboration
Communication strategies
Case management
Certification
Master of Social Work License; Macro and Clinical
Accomplishments
GVSU School of Social Work Outstanding Professor
GVSU Preceptor
Affiliations
Beulah Missionary Baptist Church: Choir, Trustee, Superintendent of Sunday School, Program Committee Member
Child Development Facilitator at CDF for Renfrew Educational Services, Renfrew Educational servicesChild Development Facilitator at CDF for Renfrew Educational Services, Renfrew Educational services