Sandra Rivera
Teaneck,NJ
Summary
Compassionate Social Worker specializing in crisis intervention and counseling, demonstrated over 20+ year industry career. Provides behavioral assistance to help all children and counseling to adults. Flexible and personable approach to building rapport and addressing challenges.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Social Worker
Dr. Val Karan, LLC Clinical Psychologist
12.2020 - Current
- Provide clinical social work services to children, adults and families in private practice under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
- Utilize therapeutic techniques including play therapy, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, strength based therapy, supportive counseling, parenting skills training and family therapy.
- Develop biopsychosocial histories, and implement treatment plans.
- Connect clients to community service, protective and resource agencies.
- Update client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Interview clients or families to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Help clients with recognizing and managing mental health concerns through evidence-based interventions.
- Monitor clients' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with the practice policies and procedures.
School Social Worker
West New York Board Of Education-Elementary School
09.2020 - Current
- Provide school based group and individual counseling within a public school setting to a high need population of approximately 600 students grades k-6th grade.
- Support students, teachers and families during crisis situations.
- Collaborate with students, teachers, administrators, parents and outside agencies.
- Observe student behavior and work with teachers to implement behavioral improvement plans based on established assessments.
- Guide teachers to support students enhance their Social Emotional Learning.
- Facilitate family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between the school and family.
- Facilitate presentations to parents and staff on enhancing Social Emotional Learning at home and in school.
Child Study Team Social Worker
West New York Board Of Education-Early Childhood
01.2016 - 06.2020
- Participate in the identification, evaluation, classification and placement of preschool students with special needs.
- Completed psychosocial histories of students under evaluation.
- Develop Individualized Educational for students eligible for special education and related services .
- Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions.
- Trained and guided teachers on how to identify and support students.
- Provided case management services to students identified as having an Individualized Educational Plan.
- Provided educational support services to students with emotional, intellectual and physical disabilities.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family and community support services.
Preschool Social Work
West New York Board Of Education-Early Childhood
09.2002 - 12.2015
- Member of the Preschool Intervention & Referral Team (PIRT).
- Supported classroom teachers via providing strategies for children who were exhibiting challenging behavior or having a physical, social, cognitive or emotional delay.
- Observed students in the classroom and provided teachers with behavior intervention plans based on students needs.
- Provided education and professional development to teachers on the Positive Behavior Support Model.
- Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance school social work clinical skills.
Early Intervention Social Worker
Visiting Nurse Services Of New York
01.1999 - 08.2002
- Conducted home visits and provided in home supportive counseling and concrete services to families that had an infant or toddler identified with developmental delay or medical diagnosis.
- Conducted Psychosocial assessments for children as part of the Early Intervention identification evaluation process.
- Provided play therapy for children with developmental challenges or disabilities.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implemented services to address needs.
- Built and maintained therapeutic relationships, fostering positive, supportive and empowering clients.
- Provided crisis intervention to support clients during times of urgent need.
- Supported the parents/guardians in developing coping skills and parenting techniques to help manage life challenges and difficulties.
Pediatric Clinic Social Worker
NY Presbyterian Hospital, New York
09.1998 - 12.1999
- Provided crisis intervention to multicultural at risk families dealing with social stressors, child rearing issues, family and marital problems.
- Provided play therapy to children and counseling to adults and families.
- Facilitated bi-monthly healthy parenting support groups for young parents to teach basic infant care and parenting techniques.
- Advocated and linked children and families to Early Intervention and community support services.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Columbia University in The City of New York
New York, NY05.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
State University of New York At Binghamton
Binghamton, NY05.1989
Skills
- Licensed Social Worker in New Jersey (LSW), 1997
- NJ Department of Education Social Work Certification , 2002
- Certified in Sand Play Therapy, 2023
- Certified in Level 1 Theraplay and MIM and Group Theraplay, 2023
- Real Estate Salesperson, 2019
- Fluent in Spanish-speak, read and write
Timeline
Licensed Social Worker
Dr. Val Karan, LLC Clinical Psychologist
12.2020 - Current
School Social Worker
West New York Board Of Education-Elementary School
09.2020 - Current
Child Study Team Social Worker
West New York Board Of Education-Early Childhood
01.2016 - 06.2020
Preschool Social Work
West New York Board Of Education-Early Childhood
09.2002 - 12.2015
Early Intervention Social Worker
Visiting Nurse Services Of New York
01.1999 - 08.2002
Pediatric Clinic Social Worker
NY Presbyterian Hospital, New York
09.1998 - 12.1999
Master of Science - Social Work
Columbia University in The City of New York
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
State University of New York At Binghamton
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