Sahara Wiley
HARVEY,IL
Summary
Knowledgeable background in trauma-informed practices to support clients. At the same time, implementing cultural competency and promoting self-representation. With an extensive background in mental health support and advocacy.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Social Worker
Joint Agreement Echo School
South Holland, IL
09.2024 - Current
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to address student mental health needs.
- Developed and implemented intervention strategies tailored to diverse student populations.
- Collaborated with educators to create supportive environments fostering academic success.
- Provided crisis intervention services, ensuring timely support for students in distress.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify students' emotional and social needs.
- Developed comprehensive treatment plans for students, addressing various social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
- Improved student emotional well-being by providing individualized and group counseling sessions.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
- Completed psychosocial histories of students under evaluation.
- Supported students, teachers and families during crisis situations.
- Monitored students for signs of trauma, abuse and neglect.
School Social Work Intern
Bellwood School District 88
Bellwood, IL
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to support student emotional well-being.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop strategies addressing student behavioral challenges.
- Assisted in the assessment of student needs through observations and interviews.
- Developed strong rapport with students through empathetic listening and open communication, fostering trusting relationships conducive to growth.
- Facilitated regular communication between school staff, parents, and community agencies to optimize support systems for at-risk students.
- Responded to crises and emergency situations to provide immediate assistance to persons in need.
- Facilitated groups to address specific needs such as grief and loss, anger management and social skills.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
Parent Child Advocate
Aunt Martha's
Park Forest, IL
02.2022 - 07.2023
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans.
- Conducted assessments to identify individual needs and appropriate resources.
- Facilitated workshops to educate families on available services and support networks.
- Educated parents on their rights and responsibilities regarding their children''s education, empowering them to make informed decisions on behalf of their kids.
- Organized events to raise awareness about child advocacy issues among parents, educators, and community members.
- Developed comprehensive case files that documented each child''s history, strengths, challenges, goals, and progress over time.
- Coordinated with social workers, therapists, and medical professionals to address any mental health or physical health concerns affecting a child''s wellbeing.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
Housing Advocate Intern
Lakeside Community Committee
Chicago, IL
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Provide referrals, safety plans, and homeless preventions.
- Developed and maintained case files, tracking progress and outcomes for effective client support.
- Assisted clients in navigating rental applications, lease agreements, and tenant rights education.
- Mentored new advocates, sharing best practices and enhancing team effectiveness in service delivery.
- Collaborated with various community organizations to address systemic barriers contributing to homelessness or unstable housing situations.
- Educated clients about their rights as tenants under state law, empowering them to advocate for themselves effectively when necessary.
- Facilitated communication between clients and other service providers.
- Advocated for clients' housing rights, ensuring access to safe and affordable housing options.
Education
High School Diploma -
Thornton Township High School
Harvey, IL05-2015
Associate of Arts - undefined
South Suburban College
South Holland, IL12-2018
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
Governors State University
University Park, IL12-2021
Master of Social Work - School Social Worker
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL05-2024
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Emotional support
- Family support
- Crisis intervention
- Suicide prevention
- Classroom observations
- IEP collaboration
- Data collection and management
- Documentation
- Child development expertise
- Mental health assessment
- Special needs
- Trauma informed care framework
Certification
- Professional Educators Licenses (PEL) 2024-2029
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW) 2025-2027
- Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools, Center for Safe & Resilient Schools and Workplaces
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy MUSC Health
- Tour of Motivational Interviewing April 14th 2020
- Mental Health Youth First Aid February 28th, 2020
- Motivational Interviewing w/ Difficult-to-Engage Clients October 18th 2019
Leadership/Community Service
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Timeline
School Social Worker
Joint Agreement Echo School
09.2024 - Current
School Social Work Intern
Bellwood School District 88
09.2023 - 05.2024
Parent Child Advocate
Aunt Martha's
02.2022 - 07.2023
Housing Advocate Intern
Lakeside Community Committee
09.2020 - 05.2021
Associate of Arts - undefined
South Suburban College
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
Governors State University
High School Diploma -
Thornton Township High School
Master of Social Work - School Social Worker
University of Illinois At Chicago