Patricia Butler
Thunder Bay,ON
Summary
Dynamic Child Protection Worker with The Children’s Aid Society, skilled in crisis intervention and family assessment. Proven track record of enhancing child welfare outcomes through effective collaboration and advocacy. Adept at building trust with families, ensuring compliance with child welfare laws, and implementing trauma-informed care strategies for high-risk populations.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Protection Worker
The Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay, ON
04.2014 - Current
- Developed proficiency in implementing crisis resolution techniques during urgent circumstances.
- Maintained confidentiality at all times, adhering to strict ethical guidelines governing the handling of sensitive client information.
- Increased positive outcomes for children by establishing strong working relationships with families, schools, and community resources.
- Developed individualized service plans that addressed specific needs identified during assessments, resulting in better-targeted interventions for each families situation.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support for children and families in need.
- Advocated for the best interests of children in court proceedings, presenting well-researched recommendations for custody or placement decisions.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to client services.
Residential Youth Worker
Creighton Youth Services- J.J. Kelso
Thunder Bay, ON
08.1999 - 07.2018
- Supervised daily activities of youth, ensuring a safe and supportive living environment.
- Facilitated group sessions, encouraging communication and conflict resolution among residents.
- Mentored junior staff, providing guidance on best practices for youth engagement.
- Implemented behavior management strategies, improving overall resident behavior and interactions.
- Managed medication administration according to prescribed schedules while maintaining accurate records of all medications dispensed.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, deescalating volatile situations while ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Enhanced youth development by implementing individualized care plans and engaging in therapeutic activities.
- Facilitated group sessions for skill-building, socialization, and conflict resolution among residents.
Medical Social Worker (contract)
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre -CAMHU
Thunder Bay, ON
02.2014 - 04.2014
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care delivery for diverse patient populations.
- Facilitated access to community resources, enhancing patients' support networks and improving outcomes.
- Educated patients and families on healthcare options, empowering informed decision-making regarding treatment plans.
- Offered crisis intervention services to address urgent concerns related to mental health, substance abuse, or domestic violence issues.
- Developed cultural competence through ongoing professional development opportunities, providing culturally sensitive services to diverse patient populations.
- Coordinated individualized discharge plans to manage safe transition back into community and home environments.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary team collaboration for optimal patient care through regular case conferences and communication.
- Ensured continuity of care by coordinating seamless transitions from hospitalization to outpatient services.
Youth Addiction Worker
St.Joseph’s Care Group- Sister Margaret Smith Centre - Youth Services
Thunder Bay, ON
08.2000 - 08.2012
- Maintained a safe living environment by enforcing house rules and addressing behavioral concerns promptly and effectively.
- Assisted residents with daily living activities, promoting self-sufficiency and independence.
- Organized recreational outings for residents, encouraging positive social engagement within their local community.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for resident’s needs.
- Managed and led activities promoting growth in mental, emotional, and educational areas.
- Provided guidance and advice to youth, supporting navigation of diverse personal and social issues.
- Assisted in identifying and reducing barriers to youth engagement and development.
- Developed strong cooperative relationships with coworkers and managers.
Education
HBSW, Social Work
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, ON2010
CYC Diploma - Child And Youth Counsellor
Confederation College
Thunder Bay, ONSkills
- Caseload management
- Family assessment
- Substance abuse awareness
- Confidentiality adherence
- Motivational interviewing
- Ethical practice
- Multicultural competence
- Crisis intervention
- De-escalation techniques
- Child development awareness
- Cultural sensitivity
- Community networking
- Child protection
- Mental health
- Parenting education
- Family support
- Safety planning
- Court testimony
- Child advocacy
- Needs assessment
- Trauma-informed care
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Interviewing techniques
- Intimate partner violence training and awareness
- Psychosocial assessments
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Clinical documentation
- Client advocacy
- Mental health counseling
- Conflict resolution
- Family services
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Trauma informed care framework
- Individual counseling
- Multicultural awareness
- Program development
- Group therapy
Languages
English
Timeline
Child Protection Worker
The Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay
04.2014 - Current
Medical Social Worker (contract)
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre -CAMHU
02.2014 - 04.2014
Youth Addiction Worker
St.Joseph’s Care Group- Sister Margaret Smith Centre - Youth Services
08.2000 - 08.2012
Residential Youth Worker
Creighton Youth Services- J.J. Kelso
08.1999 - 07.2018
HBSW, Social Work
Lakehead University
CYC Diploma - Child And Youth Counsellor
Confederation College