Jennifer King
Calgary
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated social worker with over 20 years of experience supporting vulnerable women and families facing violence and crisis. Proven ability to create a safe, trusting environment that encourages open communication and healing. Skilled in crisis management, safety planning, and relationship building, with strong organizational abilities for thorough documentation and follow-up. Quick-thinking and resourceful in problem-solving, consistently striving to empower clients through empathetic support and effective interventions.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Services Counsellor, Crisis Counsellor/Navigator
FearIsNotLove
08.2024 - Current
- Organized and managed a caseload of 19 clients
- Creatively found solutions to safety issues and supported clients in calls to police when needed
- Worked with the PATHS team to complete digital safety planning
- Completed Danger Assessments, Case Plans and Safety Plans with each client
- Processed Trauma with individuals on my caseload, prioritizing their safety in leaving an abusive relationship or managing coparenting after leaving the relationship
- Built strong relationships where clients felt safe, empowered and respected
- Developed relationships with staff team members where ideas and insight could be shared safely and openly
- Managed online files up to accreditation standards and maintained accurate case notes after each session
Community Support Specialist-Journeys Program
McMan
01.2023 - 08.2024
- Supported women who were recovering from an addiction through one-on-one support (resourcing, assessment tools, supports)
- Collaborated with Brenda Strafford, Calgary Women’s Centre, Alcove, Elizabeth Fry, Aventa and Calgary Dream Centre, to deliver recovery groups to women in addiction
- Facilitated 4-5 Relapse Prevention groups per month (Each woman left with an in-depth prevention planning tool for their recovery)
- Offered Addiction Education for Natural Supports monthly (these sessions covered Understanding Addiction, Mental Health and Trauma in regards to addiction, as well as setting healthy boundaries
- Organized monthly support groups for Women in addiction recovery
- Worked closely with Calgary Young Offenders Centre staff, and visited 4-5 times per month providing support to women incarcerated and assisted them in planning for Relapse Prevention, Goal planning and Transition
- Piloted and created a five part Women’s Addiction Support group in partnership with the Calgary Women’s Centre
SAFE Home Study Writer
McMan
08.2017 - 01.2022
- Organized paperwork required for a SAFE Home Study
- Completed thorough interviews with families looking to obtain Kinship, Foster, Private Guardianship and Adoption
- Assessed level of risk within homes and executed safety checks
- Empathised with families and provided a comfortable atmosphere where individuals felt safe sharing their stories
- Developed trusting relationships with individuals and families
Sexual Assault Worker/Educator
Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse
09.2012 - 01.2014
- Facilitator of the “Who Do You Tell” Child Abuse Education Program in Catholic Schools around the city
- Lead presentations to junior high students on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault
- Supported volunteers in our volunteer program around learning how to talk to clients about childhood sexual abuse
- Advocated for children who were currently experiencing abuse in their lives
- Assisted parents in developing the skills to talk to their own children about abuse, body ownership and the right to say no to unwanted touches
Kinship Facilitator
McMan Youth, Family and Community Services
08.2007 - 08.2012
- Provided support for Kinship caregivers through the Child and Family Services Authority process and system
- Assisted clients in completing paperwork necessary for an Alberta SAFE Home Assessment
- Explained the terms of the Family Enhancement Act to caregivers/clients, and new staff beginning with the program
- Offered resources and community referrals to other agencies or counselling centres
- Developed strong relationships with clients and other professionals
- Compiled reports of the client’s progress and goals
- Planned and executed a Kinship caregiver coffee club support group
- Supervised and managed the organization of the Christmas Party for clients and families
- Assessed the safety of the children placed in the kinship homes on a regular basis
- Actively involved in case conferences with families as well as support through investigations
Volunteer Coordinator/ Mentor Coordinator
Aspen Family and Community Network Society
07.2006 - 08.2007
- Managed the Volunteer, Tutor, and Mentor programs
- Recruited, interviewed, screened, trained and placed volunteers throughout all 19 programs in the organization
- Planned the self care evening for female clients called “Diva for a Day”
- Organized Holiday Shoe Box campaign with two elementary schools in the city
- Facilitated “Youth Helping Youth” campaign completed by Diefenbaker High School students to raise money for Aspen’s Christmas program
- Attended Volunteer recruitment events
Child and Youth Worker
Stratford Children’s Services
06.2005 - 01.2006
- Worked with behavioural boys between the ages of 7-18 in a group home setting
- Performed daily household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry
- Assisted the boys with their school work and took them on outings to the Children’s museum, fairs, shopping, and the Toronto Science centre
- De-escalated aggressive and dangerous behaviours through a strength based practice
Practicum Student
Kitchener-Waterloo Sexual Assault Support Centre
03.2004 - 05.2005
- One to one counselling for individuals supporting survivors
- Supported clients going through court to press charges against the offender
- Compiled a manual of worksheets for support groups
- Due to a successful completion of the practicum, went on to get hired in a contract position as Volunteer Coordinator:
- Managed 24 hour crisis and support line
- Connected with volunteers and supported them in daily tasks
- Provided insight to volunteers around difficult client situations
- Organised volunteer support meetings
Practicum Student
KidsLink Early Intervention Services
01.2004 - 04.2004
- Co-Facilitated counselling groups for children around divorce/separation, self esteem, and assertiveness.
- Assisted Intervention workers in daily tasks, including preparation for group work, or individual counselling sessions.
Education
Social Service Work Diploma -
Loyalist College
Belleville, ON06.2005
Skills
- Empathetic approach
- Client relationship building
- Crisis management expertise
- Adaptable resource management
- Proficient in delivering presentations
- Effective written documentation
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Avid Reader
- Baking
- Volunteering
- Watching Movies and TV Shows
- Pilates
- Peloton
- Beaches and Sunshine
Timeline
Community Services Counsellor, Crisis Counsellor/Navigator
FearIsNotLove
08.2024 - Current
Community Support Specialist-Journeys Program
McMan
01.2023 - 08.2024
SAFE Home Study Writer
McMan
08.2017 - 01.2022
Sexual Assault Worker/Educator
Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse
09.2012 - 01.2014
Kinship Facilitator
McMan Youth, Family and Community Services
08.2007 - 08.2012
Volunteer Coordinator/ Mentor Coordinator
Aspen Family and Community Network Society
07.2006 - 08.2007
Child and Youth Worker
Stratford Children’s Services
06.2005 - 01.2006
Practicum Student
Kitchener-Waterloo Sexual Assault Support Centre
03.2004 - 05.2005
Practicum Student
KidsLink Early Intervention Services
01.2004 - 04.2004
Social Service Work Diploma -
Loyalist College
Training
- ASSIST Certification April 2023
- First Aid Certification January 2023
- ASSIST Recertification January 2012
- Aboriginal/Diversity Training October 2011
- Crisis Prevention Institute Training update March 2011
- First Aid/CPR December 2010
- ADHD Seminar November 2010
- Dr. Crumbley Kinship Training November 2010
- Suicide Intervention Training (ASSIST) September 2009
- Little Warriors Workshop July 2009
- Privacy Legislation February 2009
- Domestic Violence Training January 2009
- Diversity Training September 2008
- Service Delivery Training February 2008
- Re-cert First Aid/ CPR January 2008
- Risk Management in Volunteer Programs February 2007
- Diversity Training January 2007
- Aboriginal Awareness Training November 2006
- Suicide Intervention Training (ASSIST) September 2006
- Crisis Prevention Institute Training June 2005
- First Aid/CPR Training April 2005
- Anti-Oppression Training January 2005
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line Training March 2004
- Family Violence workshop September 2003
- Gang Violence workshop October 2003
INDUSTRY RELATED EXPERIENCE
- Counselled and supported women who had experienced domestic violence
- Assisted clients in referrals to other programs/completing applications for income support, etc.
- Collaborated with community agencies and developed partnerships to best support clients
- Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
- Passionate about creating change and advocating for the vulnerable population
- Provide community resources and referrals to women in need
- Counselling, organizing workshops, facilitation of support groups
- Addiction Recovery Counselling with women
- Facilitated Relapse Prevention Groups
- Organized Addiction Education Series for Natural Supports
- Completed SAFE Home studies for Kinship, Foster and Adoptive homes
- Coordinated client barbeques including food, games, and networking
- Co-Facilitated groups for survivors of sexual assault around self esteem, assertiveness, self care
- Facilitated eight 24 hour sessions of Children’s Services Orientation Training for Kinship Caregivers
- Worked closely with Kinship families, assisting them in completing paperwork for SAFE home assessments
- Attended court in a support role with clients filing charges against their perpetrators, as well as in a support capacity with kinship caregivers
Similar Profiles
Josephine CarlosJosephine Carlos
Licensed Practical Nurse at AgeCare SetonLicensed Practical Nurse at AgeCare Seton
Zeming ZhaoZeming Zhao
Shift Supervisor at STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANYShift Supervisor at STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY
Stuart JamesStuart James
Manager of Logistics and Donation Flow at Goodwill Industries of AlbertaManager of Logistics and Donation Flow at Goodwill Industries of Alberta
Halimah AhmadzaiHalimah Ahmadzai
Lead Customer Service Sales Associate / Cashier at Zara, CF Market MallLead Customer Service Sales Associate / Cashier at Zara, CF Market Mall
Alexandra KadubiecAlexandra Kadubiec
Youth and Family Crisis Counsellor (Mobile Crisis) at Youth Services Bureau of OttawaYouth and Family Crisis Counsellor (Mobile Crisis) at Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa