Kara Rinas, RSW
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Intervention Practitioner
Government of Alberta Ministry of Children's Services
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Worked in accordance with the Government of Alberta's legislation regarding child safety, child well-being, family and community supports, and goals for permanency
- Served as a caseworker responsible for 20 files in the north region of Alberta
- Practiced early intervention strategies and developed safety plans and timelines with families to mitigate involvement with Children's Services
- Built rapport with children in care, foster families, families of origin, and Indigenous communities
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment
Child Care Support Worker
Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation
06.2022 - 10.2022
- Implemented trauma-informed care and organized activities that aid children in all stages of development
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, effectively de-escalating challenging situations while maintaining client safety
- Contributed to the development of agency policies and procedures aimed at establishing an innovative childcare program
- Administered assessments to identify stages of development, observable behaviors, and signs of trauma
- Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART)
Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation
03.2022 - 10.2022
- Working in collaboration with Alberta Health Services to respond to patients in Emergency rooms experiencing domestic violence
- Provided compassionate support to affected individuals during high-stress situations, utilizing effective communication techniques and empathetic listening skills
- Conducted safety and danger assessments, providing recommendations for risk mitigation strategies
- Provided education to familiarize patients with resources such as emergency shelters, the abuse helpline, and emergency support services.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners, fostering a supportive network for rapid response efforts
- Collaborated effectively with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring comprehensive care during crisis situations.
Client Advocate
Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Answered the crisis line, triaged callers, completed intakes and referrals
- Offered crisis intervention services to address urgent concerns related to mental health, substance abuse, or domestic violence issues
- Completed psychosocial evaluations, danger/risk assessments, and needs assessments
- Assisted clients in creating goal-orientated plans and provided one-on-one counseling
- Connected patients with community resources, ensuring access to essential services such as housing, healthcare, and financial assistance
- Coordinated individualized discharge plans to manage safe transition back into community and home environments
Summer Program Coordinator
Westlock Library
05.2021 - 07.2021
- Led participant recruitment efforts, resulting in a diverse pool of individuals dedicated to creating an exceptional summer experience
- Enhanced participant experience by developing engaging and interactive summer program activities
- Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees
- Utilized social media to promote events and increase attendance
- Fostered a sense of community among participants and staff, creating lasting connections and contributing to the program''s overall success
Summer HR Student
Homeland Housing
06.2019 - 09.2019
- Assisted the hiring team in finding suitable candidates to serve a vulnerable population of seniors
- Aided in reviewing policies and procedures suitable to improve senior care facilities
- Contributed to a positive work environment by collaborating effectively with colleagues in interdisciplinary team meetings and communication efforts.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work (In Progress) -
Dalhousie University
08.2024
Social Work Diploma -
MacEwan University
04.2022
High School Diploma -
R.F. Staples High School
06.2019
Affiliations
- Active Registration - Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) - RSW #: 17321
Practicum /Volunteer Experience
Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation, Practicum Student, Morinville, AB (09/01/21 - 01/01/22)
- Working inside Jessie's House, a shelter for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence. Providing child care within the shelter and creating weekly recreational programming for the children. Shadowed on-site social workers and participated in Group Therapy sessions with clients.
Dragonfly Group Home, Practicum Student, Edmonton, AB (09/01/20 - 04/01/21)
- Worked one-on-one with high-risk and suicidal youth. Completed intervention checks and suicide risk assessment screenings. Tutored youth with schoolwork and instructed life skills activities. Organized and scheduled recreational activities.
Alberta Health Services, Summer Student, St. Albert, AB (06/01/18 - 09/01/18)
- Worked alongside all Allied Health professionals at the Sturgeon Hospital. Under the instruction of Social work, developed resources for children to help them cope with grief and loss. Assisted patients in applying for income support, AISH, CPP, and Alberta Senior Benefits. Shadowed Social workers complete psychosocial assessments and financial assessments. Developed effective communication skills between patients, families, and medical staff by learning mediation techniques during challenging conversations.
Professional Development
- Registered Social Worker - ACSW
- Bachelor of Social Work (In-progress)
- Social Work Diploma
- Certified Level 2 Early Childhood Educator
- Certified in Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ)
- Certified in CPR & First Aid
- Mental Health First Aid
- ACWS Children's Curriculum Training
- ACWS Danger Assessment Training
- Trauma-Informed Practice Training
- Cognitive and Behavioral Signs in Children and Youth Training
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
Club Involvement
- Thunderstruck Rainbow Alliance (2023-Present)
- Rotary Interact Club (2017-2019)
- Double Diamond 4-H Multi Club (2010-Present)
- R.F. Staples Leadership Program (2013-2018)
Recognition Awards Certificates
- 2023 - MacInnis Memorial Bursary - Dalhousie University
- 2022- MacEwan Dean's List
- 2020-2022 - Macewan First Class Academic Standing
- 2019 - 4-H Alberta Scholarship: Westlock 4-H District Scholarship
- 2019 - Humanitarian "above and beyond" Rotary Interact Award
- 2019 - Accepted to Grant MacEwan University with an Entrance Scholarship
- 2019 - Rutherford Scholarship recipient
- 2019 - Magna Cum Laude in grade 12 (91%)
References
Genesis Flores
Former DART Team Lead & Cultural Connector
780-910-4385
Kandell Pierce
Complex Case Coordinator
780-722-2595
Timeline
Child Intervention Practitioner
Government of Alberta Ministry of Children's Services
10.2022 - 03.2023
Child Care Support Worker
Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation
06.2022 - 10.2022
Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART)
Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation
03.2022 - 10.2022
Client Advocate
Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation
09.2021 - 06.2022
Summer Program Coordinator
Westlock Library
05.2021 - 07.2021
Summer HR Student
Homeland Housing
06.2019 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Social Work (In Progress) -
Dalhousie University
Social Work Diploma -
MacEwan University
High School Diploma -
R.F. Staples High School
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