Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Steve Sapienza

Raleigh,NC

Summary

With a proven track record at Wake County Public Schools, I excel in delivering emotional support and crisis intervention, enhancing student well-being. My expertise in multidisciplinary team collaboration and student advocacy has significantly improved school climate and student attendance, showcasing my commitment to fostering positive change and resilience in educational settings.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

School Social Worker-Elementary

Wake County Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
  • Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop intervention strategies for students in need of additional support.
  • Created a safe space for students experiencing crises by providing immediate support and appropriate referrals.
  • Implemented evidence-based programs aimed at improving school climate and promoting positive behavior among students.
  • Maintained compliance with standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment and reporting.

School Social Worker-Middle School

Wake County Public Schools
09.2020 - 08.2022
  • Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions.
  • Participated in IEP, RTI and other related meetings that determined and implemented school-wide policies.
  • Monitored student attendance, documented truancy and submitted referrals per requirements.
  • Provided crisis intervention services and collaborated with school staff to create safety plans for students at risk of self-harm or violence.
  • Completed psychosocial histories of students under evaluation.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of students'' social-emotional functioning to inform interventions and service planning.
  • Served as a liaison between the school, family, and community agencies to ensure effective communication and collaboration around student needs.
  • Connected families with community resources to address needs such as housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.
  • Complied with federal, state and local standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment, and reporting and documentation.

Student Assistance Coordinator-High School

Wake County Public Schools
08.2015 - 09.2020
  • Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop intervention strategies for students in need of additional support.
  • Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions.
  • Enhanced student well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions addressing various social, emotional, and behavioral issues.
  • Monitored student attendance, documented truancy and submitted referrals per requirements.
  • Participated in IEP, RTI and other related meetings that determined and implemented school-wide policies.
  • Provided crisis intervention services and collaborated with school staff to create safety plans for students at risk of self-harm or violence.
  • Completed psychosocial histories of students under evaluation.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of students'' social-emotional functioning to inform interventions and service planning.
  • Collaborated with students, teachers, administrators, parents and outside agencies.
  • Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
  • Provided group and individual counseling to address problems.
  • Supported students, teachers and families during crisis situations.
  • Coordinated multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss individual student needs holistically.
  • Enhanced student attendance by addressing underlying social and emotional issues.
  • Provided grief counseling to students and staff, aiding school community in coping with loss.
  • Developed comprehensive anti-drug program, leading to decrease in substance abuse among students.
  • Facilitated group counseling sessions, enhancing students' social skills and emotional intelligence.
  • Enhanced student well-being by developing and implementing individualized support plans.

Therapist

Community Connections INC.
06.2012 - 07.2017
  • Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
  • Maintained detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring effective tracking of progress and continuity of care across providers.
  • Established clear boundaries with clients, maintaining ethical practice standards while preserving the therapeutic relationship.
  • Provided individual and group therapy sessions to patients suffering from mental health issues.
  • Assessed clients' mental health needs, developed treatment plans and monitored progress.
  • Maintained and updated patient records, changes in service plans and treatment reports.
  • Counseled individuals, groups, and families to bring awareness of problems, deal with crisis situations and develop action plans.
  • Delivered brief interventions to help clients develop healthy coping skills.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting a supportive environment for shared learning and growth.
  • Guided clients in development of skills and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.

Social Worker-Behavior Modification Elementary

Wake County Public Schools
08.2012 - 09.2015
  • Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
  • De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
  • Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
  • Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
  • Helped clients with recognizing and managing mental health concerns through evidence-based interventions.
  • Assisted clients in navigating the legal system, attending court hearings as needed and providing support throughout the process.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for clients.
  • Achieved significant improvements in client mental health through consistent, empathetic counseling and crisis intervention.
  • Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
  • Facilitated psychoeducational classes to help clients develop life skills.

School Social Worker-Middle, Elementary

Wake County Public Schools
09.2003 - 05.2012
  • Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop intervention strategies for students in need of additional support.
  • Created a safe space for students experiencing crises by providing immediate support and appropriate referrals.
  • Implemented evidence-based programs aimed at improving school climate and promoting positive behavior among students.
  • Maintained compliance with standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment and reporting.
  • Collaborated with students, teachers, administrators, parents and outside agencies.
  • Connected families with community resources to address needs such as housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.
  • Enhanced parent engagement with school through regular communication and workshops, strengthening home-school connection.
  • Conducted workshops on bullying prevention, fostering safer school climate.
  • Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.

Education

GED -

Home School
Chicago, IL

Associate of Applied Science - General Studies

Elgin Community College
Elgin, IL
12-2000

Bachelor of Science - Health Education

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL
05-2001

Master of Arts - Social Work

University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
05-2003

Accomplishments

    2009-2010 Wake County Public School System School Social Worker of the Year

    2009-2010 North Carolina Central region School Social Worker of the Year

    2012-2013 North Carolina School Social Worker Association School Social Worker of the year

Certification

  • 6/2012 Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Timeline

School Social Worker-Elementary

Wake County Public Schools
08.2022 - Current

School Social Worker-Middle School

Wake County Public Schools
09.2020 - 08.2022

Student Assistance Coordinator-High School

Wake County Public Schools
08.2015 - 09.2020

Social Worker-Behavior Modification Elementary

Wake County Public Schools
08.2012 - 09.2015

Therapist

Community Connections INC.
06.2012 - 07.2017

School Social Worker-Middle, Elementary

Wake County Public Schools
09.2003 - 05.2012

GED -

Home School

Associate of Applied Science - General Studies

Elgin Community College

Bachelor of Science - Health Education

Northern Illinois University

Master of Arts - Social Work

University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign

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Steve Sapienza