Andrea Van Der Merwe
London,ON
Summary
With over 2,000 hours of direct experience in social services, I am deeply committed to addressing mental health challenges and advocating for marginalized communities. My professional journey reflects a dedication to trauma-informed and culturally sensitive practices, ensuring equitable access to resources and support systems. As a graduate social work student, I aim to further develop my skills to foster systemic change and empower individuals through advocacy and inclusive practices.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Relief Justice Worker
St. Leonard’s Community Services
09.2024 - Current
- Assisted clients in finding employment opportunities and housing options upon release, fostering self-sufficiency and economic stability.
- Leveraged strong communication skills to maintain rapport between parole officers, clients, and community partners throughout the supervision period.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions and progress updates, supporting data-driven decision-making processes.
Graduate Student Research Assistant
King’s University College
09.2024 - Current
- Maintained high ethical standards throughout all aspects of the research process, protecting participant confidentiality and adhering to university guidelines.
- Reviewed technical and professional publications and journals to stay current on recent literature and make more strategic research decisions.
- Reviewed peer manuscripts prior to submission for publication, offering constructive feedback to ensure high-quality content was produced.
Housing Support Worker
Atlohsa Family Healing Services
04.2023 - 09.2024
- Managed a caseload of 10 high-acuity Indigenous clients facing housing insecurities efficiently, ensuring timely completion of required documentation and adherence to program requirements.
- Built a multi-disciplinary team to ensure clients receive culturally appropriate and trauma informed wrap-around support for their mental and physical health, legal, spiritual and housing needs.
- Assisted clients with understanding their rights and responsibilities as tenants after being housed by providing ongoing assistance through teaching life skills such as personal hygiene and cleaning.
Program Support Worker
Ark Aid Street Mission
12.2022 - 04.2023
- Contributed to the establishment of a supportive and inclusive environment within the shelter through active listening and empathetic engagement with clients.
- Organized donation drives within the local area, successfully securing clothing items, toiletries, and other essentials for shelter residents.
- Connected with first-responders and addressed crisis situations with sensitivity, utilizing conflict resolution skills to deescalate situations and maintain a safe environment.
Child & Youth Neighbourhood Worker
Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre
05.2022 - 09.2022
- Collaborated with other staff members to plan and facilitate engaging and enriching activities for elementary school aged children's summer school and after school programming.
- Enhanced engagement by incorporating inclusive activities and personalized instruction to foster participation and accommodate diverse learning and developmental needs.
- Assisted in maintaining a safe, accessible, and hazard free environment, ensuring cleanliness and proper supervision of children.
Education
Master of Social Work -
King’s University College
London, ON07-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Democratic Governance And Criminology
Western University
London, Ontario07-2024
Skills
- Advocacy and Case Management
- Trauma-Informed and Strength-Based Practices
- Harm-Reduction Strategies
- Conflict Resolution and De-escalation Techniques
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cultural Competence and Inclusivity
- Organization and Time Management
- Research and Analytical Skills
Certification
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), LivingWorks, 2024
- Crisis Intervention Training, 2024–2025
- Narcan/Naloxone Administration, 2024
- Duty to Report and Support, Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex, 2024
- Anti-Racism and Inclusivity, King’s University College, 2024
- Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence, 2024
- Land-Based Community Leadership for ReconciliAction, Royal Roads University, 2024
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2024
- Occupational Health and Safety Awareness (OHSA), 2024
- Workplace Harassment and Violence Training, 2024
- WHMIS 2015 Certification, 2024
- First Aid & CPR/AED Level C, Canadian Red Cross, 2024–2027
Languages
English
Afrikaans
Timeline
Relief Justice Worker
St. Leonard’s Community Services
09.2024 - Current
Graduate Student Research Assistant
King’s University College
09.2024 - Current
Housing Support Worker
Atlohsa Family Healing Services
04.2023 - 09.2024
Program Support Worker
Ark Aid Street Mission
12.2022 - 04.2023
Child & Youth Neighbourhood Worker
Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre
05.2022 - 09.2022
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), LivingWorks, 2024
- Crisis Intervention Training, 2024–2025
- Narcan/Naloxone Administration, 2024
- Duty to Report and Support, Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex, 2024
- Anti-Racism and Inclusivity, King’s University College, 2024
- Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence, 2024
- Land-Based Community Leadership for ReconciliAction, Royal Roads University, 2024
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2024
- Occupational Health and Safety Awareness (OHSA), 2024
- Workplace Harassment and Violence Training, 2024
- WHMIS 2015 Certification, 2024
- First Aid & CPR/AED Level C, Canadian Red Cross, 2024–2027
Master of Social Work -
King’s University College
Bachelor of Arts - Democratic Governance And Criminology
Western University
Similar Profiles
Lisa SimonsLisa Simons
RPN, RPN Supervisor at St. Leonard’s Community Services, Addiction and Mental HealthRPN, RPN Supervisor at St. Leonard’s Community Services, Addiction and Mental Health
JEWEL MARIA JOHNJEWEL MARIA JOHN
Youth Worker at St. Leonard's Community ServicesYouth Worker at St. Leonard's Community Services
Shaunie CadieuxShaunie Cadieux
Medical Billing Clerk at St Lawrence County Community ServicesMedical Billing Clerk at St Lawrence County Community Services