Jessica Strohbusch
Amery,USA
Summary
Social worker with extensive experience in fostering positive lifestyle changes in populations facing mental health and substance use challenges. Committed to serving culturally diverse populations with sensitivity and understanding. Known for compassion, advocacy, creativity and adaptability in service delivery.
Overview
1
1
Certification
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Media Specialist – Part Time, Contract
Wisconsin Association of Treatment Court Professionals
Amery, WI
01.2018 - Current
- Implemented marketing and media strategies for 600-member statewide organization, enhancing visibility of treatment courts across Wisconsin.
- Managed AV and technical setup for WATCP's two annual conferences, capturing photography and videography for future marketing and social media initiatives.
- Website management, social media management, photography, video production, copy and ad design (Software - Adobe CS6, Canva).
- Collaborated with Executive Director and governing board to develop and execute marketing plan, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with organizational goals.
Social Worker - Child Protection, Initial Assessment and Youth Justice
Polk County Department of Children and Families
Balsam Lake, WI
03.2024 - 06.2026
- Utilized motivational interviewing and trauma-informed approaches to engage resistant youth and families effectively.
- Collaborated with families in crisis to address immediate dangers, connecting them with essential resources for stability.
- Conduct first-line response to reports of child abuse and neglect.
- Investigate reports through interviews, record requests, and inter-agency contacts while maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Apply knowledge of Wisconsin state statutes to make appropriate substantiation decisions.
- Draft and file court documents for the purpose of custodial and juvenile court proceedings.
- Appear on behalf of the department in juvenile and child-welfare court proceedings.
- Maintain a caseload of justice-involved youth, supervising compliance with court-ordered conditions.
- Drafted case plans and coordinated referrals to services, ensuring alignment with client needs for optimal outcomes.
Youth Homelessness Case Manager
The Salvation Army of St. Croix County
New Richmond, WI
11.2022 - 03.2024
- Guided clients age 17-24 experiencing homelessness through life skills development, daily support, and case management.
- Connected youth to essential services and resources, addressing immediate needs and aligning with their goals.
- Oversee two transitional homes serving a six-county area in northwest Wisconsin.
- Operate under HUD guidelines and grant objectives, using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
- Maintained relationships with partner agencies, exercising judgment and decision-making during crisis situations.
Resident Counselor
Positive Alternatives
Amery, WI
06.2022 - 11.2022
- Supervised residents at group home for at-risk youth, providing structure and one-on-one support to promote personal development and stability.
- Facilitated daily counseling sessions for residents to promote emotional well-being.
- Developed individualized care plans based on resident needs and preferences.
- Managed confidential client records, documenting critical behavioral and medical information to ensure tailored support for individual needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate resident support services.
Substitute Teacher
New Richmond School District
New Richmond, WI
01.2018 - 11.2022
- Supervised and managed classroom environments, fostering a positive learning atmosphere at middle and high school levels.
- Engaged students to enhance learning, providing tailored instruction and encouragement.
- Developed and executed lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
Editor, The Amery Free Press
Sentinel Publications
Amery, Wis.
10.2015 - 03.2018
- Reported and photographed all beats and topics, including high-profile interviews, government, crime, and legal investigations.
- Designed layouts using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop for diverse projects, including graphic design support, website updates, and social media management.
- Built community relationships to connect public with local issues and events.
Public Relations Specialist
Rice Lake Weighing Systems
Rice Lake, Wis.
03.2013 - 03.2014
- Developed and implemented strategic communication plans for product launches.
- Crafted press releases and media materials to enhance brand visibility.
- Coordinated media outreach efforts to build relationships with industry journalists.
- Led public relations initiatives for large industrial brand, producing compelling literature and campaigns as senior copywriter.
Copywriter/PR, Multimedia Content Developer, Social Media Specialist
Rice Lake Weighing Systems
Rice Lake, Wis.
02.2009 - 03.2013
- Created sales-driven literature, catalogs, instructional materials, and website content using creative writing, SEO, and editing techniques.
Education
BS - Psychology (with Social Work Certificate)
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI01-2023
AAS - Industrial Engineering
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Eau Claire, WI01-2005
Skills
- Digital marketing
- Content strategy
- Press release writing
- Case management
- Crisis intervention
- Motivational interviewing
- Detailed documentation
- Networking
- Community engagement
- Team collaboration
- Organizational skills
- Workflow optimization
- Problem solving
- Technical issue troubleshooting
- Analytical skills
- Continuous improvement
- Task prioritization
- Public speaking
- Team building
- Emotional intelligence
- Cross-cultural communication
- Effective communication
Certification
- Licensed Certified Social Worker (CSW), Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), 04/01/24
- Facilitator – A Window Between Worlds, Trauma-informed art workshops for improving connection, transformation and healing, 01/01/25
Hobbies and Interests
- Photography
- Graphic Design
- Acrylic and Watercolor Painting
- Music
- Community Theater
- Woodworking
- Camping
- Travel
Awards
Winner of seven awards in the Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s 2017 Better Newspaper Contest
Professional Development
- Divorce and Family Mediation Training, UW Madison Continuing Studies, 10/01/18
- Mental Health First Aid, United Way of the St. Croix Valley, 06/01/18
Accomplishments
- Winner of seven awards in the Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s 2017 Better Newspaper Contest
Timeline
Social Worker - Child Protection, Initial Assessment and Youth Justice
Polk County Department of Children and Families
03.2024 - 06.2026
Youth Homelessness Case Manager
The Salvation Army of St. Croix County
11.2022 - 03.2024
Resident Counselor
Positive Alternatives
06.2022 - 11.2022
Media Specialist – Part Time, Contract
Wisconsin Association of Treatment Court Professionals
01.2018 - Current
Substitute Teacher
New Richmond School District
01.2018 - 11.2022
Editor, The Amery Free Press
Sentinel Publications
10.2015 - 03.2018
Public Relations Specialist
Rice Lake Weighing Systems
03.2013 - 03.2014
Copywriter/PR, Multimedia Content Developer, Social Media Specialist
Rice Lake Weighing Systems
02.2009 - 03.2013
BS - Psychology (with Social Work Certificate)
University of Wisconsin-Stout
AAS - Industrial Engineering
Chippewa Valley Technical College