Katie Kline
Desbarats,ON
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Social Service Worker with extensive experience in providing person-centered care and behavioral support in long-term care and healthcare settings. Skilled in implementing recreational therapy programs that enhance the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of residents, including those with dementia, mental health challenges, and developmental disabilities. Experienced in conducting needs assessments, creating individualized care plans, and facilitating therapeutic activities that promote social interaction, physical health, and mental stimulation. Adept at educating long-term care and acute care workers on how to properly approach and care for individuals, emphasizing the importance of individualized care and Gentle Persuasive Approach to ensure each person is treated with dignity and respect. Collaborative team player, committed to continuous professional development and integrating current best practices in social services and therapeutic interventions to improve clients' quality of life.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
External Field Instructor
Algoma University
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
01.2025 - Current
- Supervised and mentored social work bachelor’s students during their field placement, providing guidance on case management, client interactions, and professional development.
- Developed and implemented individualized learning plans and goals to ensure students met academic and practical objectives for their field placements.
- Conducted regular one-on-one supervision meetings with students to assess their progress, provide feedback, and discuss challenges and successes.
- Provided ongoing evaluation of student performance, offering constructive feedback and recommendations for improvement, and preparing detailed written assessments.
- Fostered a supportive learning environment by encouraging self-reflection, critical thinking, and the development of professional ethics and practice.
Transitional Activation Support Worker Team Lead
Alzhiemer Society of Sault Ste Marie & Algoma District
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
10.2022 - Current
- Conduct assessments of clients' needs, and create personalized support plans alongside the Transitional Clinical Behavioral Response Specialist that address clients' emotional, physical, and social needs during transitions to an alternate living environment.
- Work collaboratively with Behavioral Supports Ontario (BSO) teams in long-term care and acute care settings, as well as other healthcare professionals, such as personal support workers, registered practical nurses, social workers, and family members, to ensure a comprehensive support plan.
- Support clients in adjusting to changes in their living environment.
- Provide hands-on assistance in implementing plans that help clients reintegrate into their community, home, or into a new living environment.
- Act as a liaison between clients and various services, ensuring that they have access to community resources such as healthcare, social services, transportation, housing, etc.
- Advocate on behalf of clients, making referrals to appropriate agencies when necessary.
- Regularly monitor clients' progress toward their transition goals, providing feedback, and adjusting plans as necessary.
- Keep detailed records and documentation of each client’s progress, challenges, and success stories.
- Offer crisis intervention and support in times of emotional or mental distress during the transition process.
- Identify potential risks to clients' well-being, and implement strategies to mitigate those risks.
- Led a team of four individuals, overseeing scheduling, transitions to alternate living environments, and ensuring timely and effective client support for both my own caseload and those of my team members.
- Attended and actively participated in meetings with other healthcare agencies, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between teams to provide comprehensive care.
- Committed to ongoing professional development by attending learning series, workshops, and training sessions to stay up-to-date on industry best practices, and trends.
- Maintained high standards of client care while supporting team members in overcoming challenges, and ensuring client satisfaction and safety during transitions.
- Provided education and guidance to support staff to ensure the appropriate approach is being utilized when providing support to clients (such as personal care).
Applied Behavior Analysis Technician
Positive Behavioural Supports (PBS)
Greater Sudbury, Ontario
10.2021 - 06.2022
- Execute behavior intervention plans (BIPs) developed by Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to address specific behavioral concerns and promote skill development in children diagnosed with autism.
- Collect and record data on clients' behavior, progress, and response to interventions during therapy sessions.
- Track data accurately and consistently to assist BCBAs in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and adjusting treatment plans as needed.
- Assist clients in learning essential skills, including communication, social, self-care, and life skills.
- Work on specific goals set in individualized treatment plans (e.g., teaching social interaction skills, increasing independence in daily living tasks).
- Work closely with BCBAs, supervisors, and other professionals to ensure that the ABA treatment plan is being effectively implemented and modified when necessary.
- Attend regular team meetings to discuss client progress, challenges, and new strategies.
- Educate and coach parents, caregivers, and family members on how to implement behavioral interventions in the home or community setting.
- Provide support and feedback to ensure consistency and generalization of skills outside of therapy sessions.
Recreational Therapist
Finlandia Village
Greater Sudbury, Ontario
09.2021 - 10.2021
- Conduct individual assessments to determine the recreational, social, and physical needs of each resident.
- Develop personalized care plans that outline specific goals, interventions, and activities to address residents' needs, preferences, and abilities.
- Modify activities for residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive impairments, ensuring that interventions are appropriate for their specific stage.
- Monitor residents' progress and adjust care plans as necessary to ensure the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
- Design and lead recreational and therapeutic activities to promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical well-being. Activities may include games, arts and crafts, music therapy, exercise programs, group discussions, and memory stimulation.
- Foster a positive and supportive environment for residents through social interactions, promoting feelings of belonging and reducing loneliness or isolation.
- Encourage residents to participate in group activities and engage in meaningful conversations that promote emotional well-being.
- Provide one-on-one therapeutic sessions for residents who may have difficulty participating in group activities due to personal challenges or limitations.
- Lead activities that stimulate cognitive functions, such as memory games, puzzles, reminiscence therapy, and mental exercises.
- Provide structured routines that help residents maintain mental engagement and foster a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Personal Support Worker
Algoma Manor
Thessalon, Ontario
10.2020 - 08.2021
- Delivered compassionate, client-centered care to individuals with complex behaviors, including those with dementia, mental health challenges, and developmental disabilities, ensuring dignity, respect, and choice in daily activities.
- Applied behavioral strategies to support individuals with challenging behaviors, including those identified in Behavioral Supports Ontario (BSO) initiatives. Assisted with the development and implementation of individualized care plans to improve quality of life and reduce behavioral issues.
- Responded to behavioral crises with de-escalation techniques, ensuring the safety of both the client and others in the environment. Trained in non-violent crisis intervention to handle high-stress situations appropriately.
- Encouraged social interactions and engagement in meaningful activities that promoted cognitive function, emotional well-being, and behavioral stabilization.
- Assist clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and oral hygiene.
Education
Diploma - Social Service Work
Cambrian College of Applied Arts And Technology
Greater Sudbury, ON04-2020
Skills
- Team leadership
- Client advocacy
- Effective communication
- Time management
- Professional development
- Case management
- Crisis intervention
- Decision-making
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Proven experience collaborating with Long Term Care embedded BSO (Behavioural Support Ontario) team members, as well as interdisciplinary care staff, including PSWs, RNs, and Recreation Therapists
- Skilled in coordinating with external agencies such as Ontario Health AtHome to ensure aligned care strategies, particularly for high-risk clients, focusing on the most effective support and intervention plans
- Video Conferencing - experience utilizing online networks such as zoom and teams to facilitate meetings
- Professionalism
- G Class Driver’s License – clean driving record with zero infractions
- Experience utilizing PowerPoint to create presentations
Certifications & Training
- Gentle Persuasive Approach's in dementia care (GPA)
- DementiAbility methods workshop
- Behavioral Supports Ontario (BSO) Foundations
- Living the dementia journey workshop
- P.I.E.C.E.S workshop
- Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST)
- Standard First Aid, with CPR level C & AED
Affiliations
- Social Committee Member – Alzheimer's Society
Actively participates in planning and organizing community events to support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Volunteer after hours to assist with event logistics and engage with community members to raise awareness and provide support. - Health and Safety Committee Member – Alzheimer's Society
Contributing to the health and safety of staff by delivering monthly presentations at staff meetings on various health and safety topics. Staying informed on current regulations and best practices to ensure a safe environment and raise awareness on critical issues impacting workplace safety. - Collaborated in High-Risk Meetings with multidisciplinary teams, including First Link Coordinators, Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee, and Canadian Mental Health Association Case Managers, to ensure comprehensive support and decision-making for individuals in complex situations."
Certification
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) – In the process of re-registering
Currently in the process of re-registering with OCSWSSW to maintain professional certification and continue practicing as a Social Service Worker in Ontario.
Accomplishments
- Delivered a comprehensive presentation to the Ministry of Long-Term Care via Zoom, explaining the Transition Program and Behavioral Supports Ontario (BSO) initiative, providing key insights and details to help the ministry better understand the program’s objectives, processes, and impact.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
External Field Instructor
Algoma University
01.2025 - Current
Transitional Activation Support Worker Team Lead
Alzhiemer Society of Sault Ste Marie & Algoma District
10.2022 - Current
Applied Behavior Analysis Technician
Positive Behavioural Supports (PBS)
10.2021 - 06.2022
Recreational Therapist
Finlandia Village
09.2021 - 10.2021
Personal Support Worker
Algoma Manor
10.2020 - 08.2021
Diploma - Social Service Work
Cambrian College of Applied Arts And Technology