Tyra Henderson, MSW, LSWAIC, MHP
Social Worker
Tacoma,WA
Summary
Compassionate social worker with a strong background in child welfare and behavior therapy, dedicated to client-centered and collaborative care. Skilled in managing diverse caseloads, conducting risk and safety assessments, providing crisis intervention, and implementing behavioral strategies. Experienced in supporting children, families, and at-risk populations. Committed to continuous clinical growth through supervision and reflective practice, aiming to provide impactful and empathetic care that promotes client well-being.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigator
The Department of Children Youth and Families
08.2024 - Current
- Managed a diverse caseload, prioritizing urgent and complex cases while providing crisis intervention and coordinating resources for stabilization.
- Conducted home visits, assessed family dynamics, and completed safety and risk assessments to ensure child well-being.
- Utilized assessments to identify needs and facilitate referrals to mental health, substance abuse, and community services.
- Educated clients on available resources, empowering informed decision-making to improve outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, developing comprehensive case plans and coordinating efforts to support at-risk children and their families.
- Testified as an expert witness in court hearings, providing critical information to support legal decision-making.
- Regularly monitored case progress, adjusting interventions and strategies to ensure effective case closures.
Emergency Substitute Teacher
Auburn School District
04.2023 - 06.2024
- Presented classroom expectations, learning goals, and daily agendas to support student structure and engagement.
- Assisted students with assignments by reinforcing key concepts and encouraging critical thinking.
- Promoted safety and inclusivity by monitoring 25+ students, enforcing safety rules, and responding to conflicts or distress.
- Intervened in incidents of bullying or harassment and collaborated with administrators to ensure a respectful classroom environment.
- Modeled and supported collaboration, communication, and problem-solving to help students navigate challenges.
- Maintained accurate documentation of student incidents, behavioral concerns, and safety issues.
- Completed ongoing training in child safety, classroom management, and risk prevention.
Family Recovery Court (FRC) Intern
The Department of Children Youth and Families
06.2023 - 05.2024
- Supported investigations of child abuse/neglect and contributed to safety planning and service coordination.
- Conducted assessments to identify family strengths, risks, and service needs.
- Collaborated with law enforcement, medical professionals, and agencies to ensure child and family safety.
- Participated in home visits and case plan development to monitor progress and improve family outcomes.
- Facilitated access to mental health, substance abuse, and parenting support resources.
- Prepared documentation for court and internal reviews in compliance with policy and legal standards.
- Promoted culturally responsive and trauma-informed services while engaging in ongoing professional development.
Mentor and Senior Behavior Therapist (SBT)
Kyo
07.2021 - 04.2023
- Led Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy sessions for children in school and home settings, promoting communication, social skills, and self-help skill development.
- Implemented individualized behavior plans, including play-based activities, to support client growth.
- Ensured child safety and adherence to best practices across therapy settings.
- Collected and recorded client data, providing detailed session notes within an electronic medical records system.
- Collaborated with Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), parents, and teachers to track client progress and adjust therapy goals.
- Conducted monthly trainings, check-ins, and performance evaluations for 8+ mentees, developing goals to foster professional growth and enhance clinical skills.
Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigations Intern
The Department of Children Youth and Families
06.2022 - 03.2023
- Shadowed professionals to gain hands-on experience in investigations, client interviews, and child welfare protocols.
- Conducted assessments to identify family strengths, risks, and safety needs.
- Advocated for the rights and well-being of vulnerable children throughout investigative processes.
- Collaborated with law enforcement, medical professionals, and social workers to support informed decision-making.
- Applied critical thinking to analyze case information and assist in determining appropriate outcomes.
- Provided families with education on available community resources and support services.
- Completed ongoing training in child welfare laws, trauma-informed care, and best practices.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Building Opportunities for Learning and Development (BOLD) lab Washington State University
01.2020 - 05.2021
- Assisted university faculty and graduate students perform research experiments with a focus on diversity and inclusion within the college setting.
- Collaborated with 8 research lab members bi-weekly to organize and execute essential components to the research process.
- Conducted research for a pilot study regarding help-seeking behaviors of students attending Washington State University. Coordinated participant recruitment and scheduling for research study sessions weekly.
- Updated databases with information from previous and ongoing studies and experiments.
- Documented and coded research results from laboratory experiments, surveys, and other data collection methods.
- Improved contributions by diligently learning about research processes and goals.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
Washington State University
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, and behavior reports.
- Assessed student progress with course material using fair and equitable grading policies.
- Delivered constructive feedback on student projects, essays, and overall student performance following the grading of student work.
- Facilitated group discussions among students to encourage critical thinking skills.
- Observed teachers' instruction techniques as part of ongoing professional growth opportunities.
Education
Master of Social Work -
University of Washington
Tacoma, WA 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 05.2001 -
Skills
Adaptability
Interpersonal Communication
Case Management
Risk and Safety Analysis
Crisis Intervention
Analytical Thinking
Self Motivation
Case Management
Licenses and Certifications
Licensed Social Work Associate Independent Clinical (LSWAIC)
August 2024 - August 2025
Timeline
Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigator
The Department of Children Youth and Families
08.2024 - Current
Family Recovery Court (FRC) Intern
The Department of Children Youth and Families
06.2023 - 05.2024
Emergency Substitute Teacher
Auburn School District
04.2023 - 06.2024
Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigations Intern
The Department of Children Youth and Families
06.2022 - 03.2023
Mentor and Senior Behavior Therapist (SBT)
Kyo
07.2021 - 04.2023
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Building Opportunities for Learning and Development (BOLD) lab Washington State University
01.2020 - 05.2021
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
Washington State University
08.2019 - 05.2021
Master of Social Work -
University of Washington
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Washington State University
05.2001 -