Hildah Chongo
Burnaby,Canada
Summary
Experienced social services professional skilled in crisis intervention, risk assessment, and trauma-informed care. Specializes in tackling complex mental health, substance use, and housing issues. Bachelor of Social Work focused on indigenous and healthcare practices. Collaborates effectively in interdisciplinary teams to improve access to culturally safe care for diverse populations.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Resident Support Worker
Elizabeth Fry Society Gurney House
New Westminster, Canada
01.2021 - Current
- Reviewed sensitive, protected case files, including intake notes and hospital records, to develop tailored support plans for residents.
- Responded to client emergency and crisis needs and de-escalated conflict.
- Collaborated with agencies and community services to streamline monitoring of resident sign-ins and sign-outs, improving accountability and safety.
- Supported clients by managing communications, scheduling meetings, assisting with housing applications, organizing physical files, and coordinating discharges.
- Conduct comprehensive phone screenings to assess eligibility for temporary housing.
- Prepared and organized meals for clients in a communal kitchen, ensuring dietary needs were met.
Youth Worker
Covenant House
Vancouver, Canada
01.2016 - Current
- Supported youth through three distinct programs: Women’s Crisis, Community Support Services, and Rites of Passage, enhancing their access to critical resources.
- Assessing and admitting youth “in crisis,” including those fleeing from abuse, human trafficking, gang life and substance abuse.
- Partnered with case managers and community organizations such as The Foundry to coordinate comprehensive support for youth in need.
- Assisted youth in accessing resources for sexual abuse, mental and physical health, and addiction support.
- Developing meaningful rapport while also promoting clear boundaries to facilitate the youth feeling safe and developing independence.
- Working with youth who have concurrent mood disorders, such as BPD, BP, PTSD, and other various mood and personality disorders.
- Utilized non-violent crisis intervention skills to evaluate suicide risks and potential harm to self or others.
- Coordinated and conducted life skills workshops to empower youth and foster independence.
- Applied Covenant House’s philosophy and policies to ensure effective residential care for youth.
- Conducted youth intakes, assessments, and discharges to enhance service delivery
- Facilitated crisis intervention sessions with detailed briefings and debriefings to ensure safety and effective resolution.
Resident Support Worker
The Salvation Army
Vancouver, Canada
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Facilitated phone screenings and admissions for women and children fleeing domestic abuse, providing a safe and supportive entry into services.
- Offer 24-hour crisis support and advocacy to help women and children regain their self-esteem and rebuild their lives.
- Connected women with legal aid and made referrals to counselling support.
- Analyzed confidential court and hospital reports and assisted women in completing applications, ensuring access to necessary resources.
- Coordinated weekly children’s programs, school tutoring, and childcare while facilitating women’s individual and group support sessions and spiritual care.
- Prepared meals and provided clothing, personal care items, children's toys, and essential supplies to enhance comfort and dignity for victims of violence.
Education
Bachelor’s - Social Work – Indigenous & Health Specialization
NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Burnaby, BC03-2026
Completion and passing of required Youth Probation Courses - YJUS 1006, 1007, and 1008
JUSTICE INSTITUTE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Burnaby, BC01-2019
Bachelor’s Degree - Criminology
KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
Surrey and Richmond, BC01-2016
High school Diploma -
STEVESTON LONDON SECONDARY SCHOOL
Richmond, BC01-2010
Skills
- Emergency response
- Trauma-informed practice
- Mental health support
- Case management
- Risk assessment
- Safety planning
- Client intake
- Community outreach
- Client management software
- Data management
- Report writing
- Conflict resolution
- Cultural competency
Certification
- Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)
- CanFASD: Foundations in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- Trauma-Informed Practice Certification
- Leadership Development Training
- Security Guard License
References
Available upon request
Practicum Experience
- Tri-Cities Mental Health and Substance Use Centre, Port Coquitlam, BC, Practicum Placement, 01/26 - 04/26, Collaborated within an interdisciplinary mental health team to support adults experiencing complex mental health and substance use concerns., Conducted comprehensive client intake and psychosocial assessments, including mental health screening and risk assessments under clinical supervision., Performed suicide risk assessments and safety planning, contributing to crisis response and stabilization interventions., Provided trauma-informed, client-centred support and brief therapeutic interventions while promoting recovery-oriented practice., Participated in psychiatric consultations, case conferences, and interdisciplinary care planning to support coordinated treatment and service delivery., Maintained thorough clinical documentation, including assessments, progress notes, and service plans within electronic health record systems., Facilitated referrals and applications for community resources, supporting client access to housing, financial, and mental health services., Coordinated with pharmacies and healthcare providers to support medication management and continuity of care.
- Alouette Correctional Centre for Women (ACCW), Maple Ridge, BC, Practicum Placement, 01/16 - 04/16, Reviewed sensitive inmate case files, including psychiatric, offence, and family history., Maintained secure case notes in a protected system., Monitored inmate movements in medium security., Assisted supervisors with daily operations, including segregation rounds., Led inmate programs, including Mandala art, life skills training, and sewing kit projects., Facilitated resume writing and Core Programs workshops., Participated in mental health meetings and provided emotional support to inmates., Organized educational and rehabilitative activities., Supported leadership development and community reintegration skills.
- Lougheed Community Police Office (LCPO), Burnaby, BC, Civilian Volunteer, 01/13 - 12/14
General Skill Highlights
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
- Mental Health & Addiction Support
- Case Management & Service Planning
- Harm Reduction & Housing First Approach
- Interagency Collaboration & Advocacy
- Risk & Safety Assessment
- Client Intake & Needs Assessment
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Cultural Competency & Anti-Oppression
- Documentation & Report Writing
- MS Office | Outlook | Data Entry | 70 WPM
Timeline
Resident Support Worker
Elizabeth Fry Society Gurney House
01.2021 - Current
Resident Support Worker
The Salvation Army
01.2018 - 12.2020
Youth Worker
Covenant House
01.2016 - Current
Bachelor’s - Social Work – Indigenous & Health Specialization
NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Completion and passing of required Youth Probation Courses - YJUS 1006, 1007, and 1008
JUSTICE INSTITUTE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Bachelor’s Degree - Criminology
KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
High school Diploma -
STEVESTON LONDON SECONDARY SCHOOL