Nicole Walters
Gary,IN
Summary
Licensed Social Worker with 17 years in child welfare and 21 years in substance abuse and mental health. Expertise in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and comprehensive case management. Proven ability to empower individuals and families through client-centered support and effective communication. Accomplished in cognitive-behavioral therapy and patient assessment, delivering impactful treatment plans and fostering positive outcomes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Therapist
Crown Counseling
Crown Point, USA
01.2025 - Current
- Utilize trauma-informed and evidence-based interventions in both office and school-based settings.
- Experienced in crisis intervention, treatment planning, and supporting clients through complex mental health needs.
- Identified crisis situations and provided immediate support when necessary.
- Developed treatment plans based on clients' needs and goals.
- Monitored clients' progress through regular reviews of assessment results, and outcomes data.
- Provided individual, family, and group therapy to adults with various mental health issues.
Child Engagement Specialist and Family Case Manage
Indiana Department of Child Services
Gary, IN
10.2006 - 07.2024
- Facilitated trainings regarding relevant topics such as crisis intervention and trauma-informed care to foster and support caregivers.
- Identified potential risk factors that may negatively impact a family's well-being.
- Responded promptly to emergencies by providing crisis counseling and support services.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all client interactions and progress reports.
- Collaborated closely with community partners to ensure clients receive needed resources.
- Conducted home visits to assess the safety and stability of family members.
- Attended court hearings representing clients when necessary.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN12-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Indiana University, Northwest
Gary, IN08-2006
Skills
- Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care
- Nonprofit services and coaching
- Effective communication
- Comprehensive case management
- Individual and group therapy
- Treatment planning
- Substance abuse education
- Peer support strategies
Certification
- Former Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS)
- Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), 01/01/23
- Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), 01/01/23
- Mental Health First Aid, 01/01/18
- Leadership of Northwest Indiana, 01/01/13
- Institute of Innovative Leadership, 01/01/05
Volunteer Experience
- Porter Starke, Women's Recovery Home, Porter Starke, IN, 01/01/01, 12/31/04, mentoring, aftercare groups, transportation
- Lighthouse Recovery Home, Crown Point, IN, 01/01/18, 12/31/19, coaching, administrative, social media, fundraising
- Recovery Connections, 01/01/19, present, coaching
- Portage Recovery Association, Portage, IN, 01/01/18, present, board member, co-treasurer, social media, fundraising
- Gatehouse Recovery Home, 01/01/22, present, board member, outreach, marketing, fundraising
Awards
The Dr Richard Hug Prevent Child Abuse in Lake County Award, Child Abuse Forum, 04/01/14
Personal Information
Title: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Internships
- Porter County Sheriff’s Department (Fall 2023): data collection and evaluation, community coalitions, victim advocacy initiatives, follow-up care, crisis protocols, resource guides, community-based programs
- Crown Counseling (Summer-Fall 2024): individual therapy, substance use disorder group facilitator, sand tray therapy training, grief training, individual and group supervision, client-centered, detail-oriented, collaborative, culturally competent, resilient, adaptable
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Licensed Therapist
Crown Counseling
01.2025 - Current
Child Engagement Specialist and Family Case Manage
Indiana Department of Child Services
10.2006 - 07.2024
Master of Social Work -
Indiana University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Indiana University, Northwest