ROBERT B. RICKSTAD
Lowell,MI
Summary
Dedicated School Social Worker offering several years of experience in education environments. Familiar with issues such as learning difficulties, socialization problems and emotional needs. Background working in urban areas of poverty with high population of at-risk students.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
At-Risk School Social Worker
Lowell Area Schools
10.2016 - Current
- Worked with teachers to implement behavioral improvement plans based on established assessments.
- Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions.
- Provided group and individual counseling to address problems.
- Provided case management services, counseling, education and life-skills training to diverse, at-risk student population.
- Supported students, teachers and families during crisis situations.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
Case Manager - Young Delinquent Intervention Program
D.A. Blodgett - St. Johns
03.2010 - 10.2016
- Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources.
- Facilitated individual and group sessions to promote positive behavior change for clients.
- Monitored clients' progress and tracked client services to provide crisis interventions.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
- Assessed community needs and identified resources for social and community service programs.
MSW Intern
Wyoming Junior High
01.2015 - 05.2016
- Managed a student caseload of 20
- Counseled clients on life skills and coping mechanisms.
- Planned discharge actions and identified resources within community for continued care.
- Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for students.
- Monitored clients' progress to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Devised and implemented community-based programs to promote mental health awareness.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for students.
Recreational Activity Leader
City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation
10.2009 - 03.2010
- Planned and implemented a variety of structured and organized recreational and academic enrichment activities
- Monitored and maintained the code of conduct for students participating in the after school program
Community Living Support Aide
D.A. Blodgett - St. Johns
09.2009 - 03.2010
- Mentored children with developmental disabilities by teaching them life and coping skills
- Met with the youth(s) in their homes to teach, train and assist with individualized skills needed to maintain personal self sufficiency
- Maintained consistent documentation and communication with staff
- Provided support to the primary case worker
BSW Intern
Lenawee County Department of Human Services
08.2008 - 04.2009
- Worked in three different departments within the DHS agency including Child Protective Services, Foster Care and Adult Services
- Involved in the team decision making program which included collaboration with multiple service departments
Education
Masters of Social Work - Advanced Generalist
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI08.2016
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Adrian College
Adrian, MI05.2009
Skills
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Confidential case documentation
- Solution-based interventions
- Family collaboration
- Counseling services
- Resource advocacy
- Crisis intervention
- Mental health assessment
- Case management
- Student advocacy
Accomplishments
- Phi Alpha Chi Epsilon
- National Honor Society for Social Work Students
- Maintained a 3.7 GPA throughout the MSW program
Volunteer Trainings
- Leaping in Lenawee County, Adrian, MI, Assisted in the organization and implementation of a Lenawee County DHS fundraiser which publicized and advocated services provided by the state to families in need of assistance within Lenawee County
- Big Brother Big Sister Club of Lenawee County, Adrian, MI, Mentored youth at various Lenawee County elementary schools
- Ottawa Area Center, Allendale, MI, Worked with students with severe cognitive disabilities and assisted with their educational needs
- Healing Racism - Pine Rest Christian Health Services, Recognized racism in its various manifestations, including the most blatant forms of bigotry to its most subtle, unaware, and sometimes passive forms. Worked as a team to discuss the commitment to racial justice
- Motivational Interviewing - D.A. Blodgett - St. Johns, Discussed and implemented topics about reflective listening, asking permission, change talk, importance of confidence, normalizing, decisional balancing, columbo approach, self-efficacy, readiness to change, affirmations, advice and feedback, summaries, therapeutic paradox, and open ended questions
- Love & Logic - D.A. Blodgett - St. Johns, Provided insight on how to help parents with different techniques on how to build and achieve healthy relationships with their children and peers
Timeline
At-Risk School Social Worker
Lowell Area Schools
10.2016 - Current
MSW Intern
Wyoming Junior High
01.2015 - 05.2016
Case Manager - Young Delinquent Intervention Program
D.A. Blodgett - St. Johns
03.2010 - 10.2016
Recreational Activity Leader
City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation
10.2009 - 03.2010
Community Living Support Aide
D.A. Blodgett - St. Johns
09.2009 - 03.2010
BSW Intern
Lenawee County Department of Human Services
08.2008 - 04.2009
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Adrian College
Masters of Social Work - Advanced Generalist
Grand Valley State University
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