TARA WALTERS
Hamilton,NJ
Summary
Dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering 25+ years of individual/group/couples counseling and crisis intervention expertise to a diverse population. Proven skills in conducting assessments, planning treatments and facilitating therapy sessions. Proficient in DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, ICD-10 codes. Extensive background applying evidence-based practices to positively impact clients. Highly collaborative, organized and resourceful with excellent clinical acumen.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager/Lead Clinician
Helping Hearts Heal Counseling Services, LLC
03.2022 - Current
- Conducted clinical assessment and evaluation to determine client needs
- Counseled up to 10-12 clients weekly with issues such as mood disorders, PTSD and anxiety
- Developed and implemented intensive individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior and other psychosocial issues
- Guided clients in development of skills and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
Clinical School Social Worker
Hamilton Bd. Of Education
08.1998 - 07.2023
- Responsible for case managing and providing services for High School BD Program
- Completed social assessments and implemented Individualized Educational Plans to support student learning
- Worked closely with teachers to ensure student's Individualized Educational Program is followed and IEP goals are met
- Built solid and trusting rapport with students and families, fostering trust and communication to meet educational and social/emotional needs
- Provided weekly Individual and Group Therapy to students to teach positive action intervention to enhance positive behavior modifications
- Provided crisis intervention and behavior modification plans in coordination with teachers and support staff
- Worked collaboratively with Guidance Counselors, and utilized Naviance to assist students with career and college planning.
Social Worker
Juvenile Justice Commission
04.1997 - 08.1998
- Provided case management services, counseling, education and life-skills training to diverse, at-risk juvenile population
- Completed assessments to ensure compliance with relevant correctional regulations
- Created intervention and treatment plans for juveniles in need of assistance
- Developed and created programs and monitored effectiveness against individual participant needs
- Provided individual and group therapy sessions to develop new and positive coping mechanisms and techniques
- Collaborated with schools, family services and health care providers to determine services and aid with discharge plans.
Therapist/Supervisor of Programs
Mercer County Correction Center
09.1994 - 04.1997
- Responsible for monitoring suicide prevention program, and provided crisis intervention and support to inmates
- Performed evaluations and assessments to recommend best treatment for individual inmates
- Conducted educational, vocational, and social-emotional evaluations to identify inmates' needs and devise rehabilitation plans
- Oversaw educational & religious programs and activities.
Education
Master of Social Work - Children And Family Services
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA05.1994
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Spelman College
Atlanta, GA05.1988
Skills
- Clinical supervision
- Biopsychosocial assessments Individual and family counseling
- Group therapy facilitator
- Solution-based interventions
- Crisis Intervention
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Interpersonal, verbal and written communication
- Program Development and Management
- Cultural competence, awareness and sensitivity
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
- Google (G Suite)
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) NJ, PA, AZ
- Certified School Social Worker, NJ Department of Education - 1998
Timeline
Operations Manager/Lead Clinician
Helping Hearts Heal Counseling Services, LLC
03.2022 - Current
Clinical School Social Worker
Hamilton Bd. Of Education
08.1998 - 07.2023
Social Worker
Juvenile Justice Commission
04.1997 - 08.1998
Therapist/Supervisor of Programs
Mercer County Correction Center
09.1994 - 04.1997
Master of Social Work - Children And Family Services
University Of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Spelman College
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) NJ, PA, AZ
- Certified School Social Worker, NJ Department of Education - 1998
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