Jennifer Varatharajah
Vancouver,BC
Summary
I am eager and driven to make a meaningful impact. With strong communication skills and a dedication to helping others, I'm ready to excel in any collaborative or independent role. Looking forward to learning and growing as I support those in need.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CRUW Group Leader
Vancouver Aboriginal Child&Family Services Society
03.2024 - Current
- Coordinate transportation logistics, ensure punctual pick-up and drop-off for participants.
- Engage youth in meal preparation and facilitate social interaction among youth.
- Cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment, promoting open communication and respecting diverse perspectives.
- Lead team-building activities to strengthen relationships within the group.
- Offer guidance to youth in developing positive social skills and relationships.
- Facilitate development of transferable life skills during program activities.
- Foster a sense of belonging and community through shared experiences.
- Adjust schedules and activities to meet the interests and needs of the youth while staying aligned with program goals.
Directions Youth Support Worker
Family Services of Greater Vancouver
01.2024 - Current
- Handling calls, emails, and door check-ins for incoming clients
- Maintaining community mail for youth
- Offering referrals within the community and bridging youth to services
- Liaising with MCFD afterhours and other youth services/ safe houses
- Serving dinner, coordinating showers and laundry for youth in the Centre
- Offering therapeutic support and building connection/rapport with youth
- Completing administrative tasks such as intakes, and logs regarding significant interactions with youth.
Program Support Worker
First United Church Community Ministry Society
06.2022 - Current
- Handling calls, emails, and incoming clients at the community help desk
- Providing administrative and statistical support for programs
- Maintaining community mail by tracking members letters and sorting
- Organizing and running community outreach programs
- Completing tax intake for up to 10 years with documents needed
- Providing current referrals within the community, contacting NPO’s
- Assisting with the community lunch program lines and serving
- Packing and prepping Harm reduction kits and supplies
- Building rapport with community members, promoting services and supplies
Relief Child Youth Worker
Hollyburn Family Services
06.2021 - 08.2024
- Maintaining a safe and healthy environment in the home for youth ages 12-19.
- Building good working relationships with the youth, parents, and community
- Facilitating encouraging recreational and educational activities
- Collaborating with the clinical team, social worker and school, providing observations for assessments, progress reports and youth care plans while assisting youth in transition to adulthood.
Practicum Student
Vancouver Aboriginal Child&Family Services Society
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Completed Comprehensive Plans of Care
- Facilitated PWD, welfare, CLBC and other resource applications.
- Participated in complex case planning, safety planning and family planning conferences.
- Collaborated with foster parents, clients, and extended family in meetings for transition or reunification planning.
- Documented visits, meetings and collateral calls using appropriate systems (ICM)
- Prepared and served court documents.
Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator
Shelter Movers
06.2021 - 12.2022
- Conduct phone interviews with potential administrative applicants.
- Assess applicants’ suitability to volunteer with the organization.
- Support facilitation of trauma informed orientation sessions
- Assist in moves for clients with packing and driving with peers.
- Identify volunteer related issues and report back to management.
Behavioral Interventionist/Teaching Assistant
Brig House Junior Kindergarten
06.2020 - 11.2021
- Assist students from 1.5 to 5 years old with and without ASD with daily tasks.
- Assist with tracking behavioral patterns and progress to adjust learning materials and projects accordingly.
- Collaboratively work with professionals involved in program planning.
- Utilizing excellent organizational skills within the facility to help plan and support students and staff.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
University of British Columbia
Vancouver10-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of British Columbia
Vancouver05-2024
Associate of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Capilano University
North Vancouver01-2022
Skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Educational support
- Collaborative teamwork
- Case management
- Calm and patient demeanor
- Client advocacy
- Organization skills
- Attention to detail
- Relationship building
- Crisis intervention
- Risk assessment
- Intervention planning
- Motivational interviewing
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- MoCA [Montreal Cognitive Assessment] 2025, February.
- First Aid Certification, 2024.
Timeline
CRUW Group Leader
Vancouver Aboriginal Child&Family Services Society
03.2024 - Current
Directions Youth Support Worker
Family Services of Greater Vancouver
01.2024 - Current
Practicum Student
Vancouver Aboriginal Child&Family Services Society
01.2024 - 04.2024
Program Support Worker
First United Church Community Ministry Society
06.2022 - Current
Relief Child Youth Worker
Hollyburn Family Services
06.2021 - 08.2024
Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator
Shelter Movers
06.2021 - 12.2022
Behavioral Interventionist/Teaching Assistant
Brig House Junior Kindergarten
06.2020 - 11.2021
- MoCA [Montreal Cognitive Assessment] 2025, February.
- First Aid Certification, 2024.
Master of Arts - Social Work
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of British Columbia
Associate of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
Capilano University
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