NICHOLAS KASTEN
Lakemoor,IL
Summary
Adaptable and energetic recent graduate with a Master of Social Work from the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, specializing in School Social Work, and over 10 years of experience working with youth. Dedicated professional committed to fostering academic success and supporting the social and emotional development of students within a collaborative environment. Proven ability to engage effectively with diverse populations, leveraging strong communication and interpersonal skills to create positive educational experiences. Passionate about empowering students to reach their full potential while promoting a culture of inclusivity and support.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
School Social Worker
Waukegan Community School Dist 60
Waukegan, IL
11.2020 - Current
- Developed and implemented individualized intervention plans for students with behavioral and emotional challenges. Collaborated with parents, teachers, and administrators to address student needs and promote mental health awareness. Provided crisis intervention services during critical incidents to ensure student safety and well-being. Conducted assessments to identify student strengths, weaknesses, and needs for tailored support programs. Monitored case progress and adjusted intervention strategies based on ongoing evaluations and feedback. Advocated for community resources to support students' social-emotional development outside of school settings. Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop intervention strategies for students in need of additional support. Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions. Implemented research-based interventions and strategies to support positive behavior and social-emotional development. Participated in IEP, RTI and other related meetings that determined and implemented school-wide policies.
Residential Care Worker
Bakari Center of Wisconsin Community Services
Milwaukee, WI
11.2018 - 09.2020
- Provide direct care, nurturing, and supervision of the residents from the ages of 13-17 within Type II residential care center. Implement a daily schedule of activities. Promote and utilize the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy model with youth on a daily basis. Provide group educational and recreational activities, follow up individually with youth, serve as a mentor and role model.
School Social Work Intern
McKinley Elementary
Wauwatosa, WI
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Met independently with students for one on one sessions, supported social/emotional wellbeing, and assessed personal growth of IEP goals and 504 plans. Provided social emotional curriculum. Served as liaison between students, homes, schools, family services, mental health clinics, and other local resources. Assisted and connected students who face problems such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty with resources.
Initial Assessment Intern
Bureau of Child Welfare
Milwaukee, WI
02.2019 - 08.2019
- Interviewed clients individually, in families, or groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems, to determine what services were required to meet their needs. Provided collaborative efforts with Ongoing Case Management and provided detailed reports of findings from interviews.
Supportive Community Living Case Worker
Lutheran Services In Iowa
Dubuque, IA
10.2015 - 01.2018
- Provided positive supports, assistance, and instructing independent living skills to individuals who have a chronic mental illness or developmental disabilities to provide the tools of success and empower personal independence.
Youth Counselor II
Four Oaks
Dubuque, IA
09.2015 - 10.2016
- Promoted academic success for at-risk male and female teenagers in an alternative middle/high school setting with behavioral issues: fulling IEP and other academic services for students. Provided mentoring and facilitation of emotional and educational development, with an emphasis on behavioral skills needed to be a productive member within their homes and communities successfully.
Education
MSW - Helen Bader School of Social Welfare School Social Work
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI05-2020
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) - Psychology
Loras College
Dubuque, IA05-2015
Skills
- Establishes rapport quickly
- Excellent Case management skills
- Strong work ethic
- Proficient computer skills
- Emotional support
- Student advocacy
- Crisis intervention
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Solution-based interventions
- IEP collaboration
- Diagnostic evaluations
- Community resources
Timeline
School Social Worker
Waukegan Community School Dist 60
11.2020 - Current
School Social Work Intern
McKinley Elementary
09.2019 - 05.2020
Initial Assessment Intern
Bureau of Child Welfare
02.2019 - 08.2019
Residential Care Worker
Bakari Center of Wisconsin Community Services
11.2018 - 09.2020
Supportive Community Living Case Worker
Lutheran Services In Iowa
10.2015 - 01.2018
Youth Counselor II
Four Oaks
09.2015 - 10.2016
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) - Psychology
Loras College
MSW - Helen Bader School of Social Welfare School Social Work
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee