Sofia Fernandez MSW, LCSW
Cicero,IL
Summary
Licensed clinical social work professional prepared for impactful roles in mental health and community support. Possesses deep experience in assessment, intervention planning, and crisis management. Recognized for collaborative approach and reliability, ensuring adaptive responses to evolving client needs and team goals.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Engagement Specialist
Oak Park Township
Oak Park, IL
01.2022 - Current
- Provided individual mental health counseling to youth ages 6–18, maintaining an active caseload of 15+ clients.
- Facilitated an LGBTQ+ support and education group for teens, fostering identity exploration, inclusion, and peer connection.
- Supervised and mentored interns, providing guidance on client interactions, documentation, and professional development.
- Led a support group for refugee youth and families, assisting with cultural adjustment, emotional support, and access to community resources.
Mental Health Clinician
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
Chicago, IL
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Provide individual therapy, community support and case management through a trauma focused lens.
- Collaborated with families, schools, and other local resources to coordinate care and improve client outcomes.
- Conducted assessments, developed treatment goals, and implemented evidence-based interventions to support emotional and behavioral growth.
Intake Coordinator
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
Chicago, IL
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Respond to inquiries in a timely manner and complete necessary documentation for services.
- Refer clients to other agencies in the case they do not meet LSSI criteria for programs.
- Provide crisis assessments over the phone and walk-in clients from the community.
Camp Counselor
Park District of Oak Park
Oak Park, IL
06.2018 - 08.2018
- Planned and led recreational, educational, and team-building activities to promote social skills and personal growth for children ages 7-9.
- Managed behavior using positive reinforcement and conflict resolution strategies.
- Communicated with parents/guardians regarding camper progress, behavior, and any concerns.
Education
Masters of Social Work -
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL05-2021
Bachelors of Social Work - undefined
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL12-2018
Skills
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Clinical supervision
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling
- Treatment plans
- CPR/AED
- Electronic charting
LANGUAGES
English - Fluent
Spanish - Fluent
Timeline
Youth Engagement Specialist
Oak Park Township
01.2022 - Current
Mental Health Clinician
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
08.2021 - 01.2022
Intake Coordinator
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
01.2019 - 01.2022
Camp Counselor
Park District of Oak Park
06.2018 - 08.2018
Bachelors of Social Work - undefined
Western Illinois University
Masters of Social Work -
University of Illinois at Chicago
SOCIAL SERVICE EXPERIENCE
Internship – Oak Park Township Youth Services – Oak Park, IL – August 2021 – May 2021
- Conducted psychosocial assessments and parent assessments to new clients.
- Facilitated in group programing for middle school students to provide positive self-esteem and leadership experience.
- Supported crisis intervention efforts, including risk assessment and safety planning when needed.
Internship – Senior Life Solutions– Rushville, IL – August 2018 - December 2018
- Conducted case notes on caseloads of 10+ patients to ensure they met their goals before discharge.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for elderly patients with anxiety and depression.
- Conducted psychosocial assessments and depression screenings to newly admitted patients.