Laura Groves
Iroquois Falls,ON
Summary
Dynamic outreach professional with a proven track record at Street Health, adept at client advocacy and crisis intervention. Skilled in needs assessment and community engagement, I successfully connected individuals to vital resources, enhancing their self-sufficiency and well-being. Committed to fostering partnerships and promoting mental health awareness within underserved populations.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Street Outreach Worker
Street Health
03.1995 - 09.2000
- Developed partnerships with local businesses to create job opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions and progress, ensuring efficient communication among team members and adherence to confidentiality standards.
- Facilitated group sessions for clients focused on life skills development, promoting self-sufficiency among participants over time.
- Assisted clients in obtaining housing by providing support throughout the application process and connecting them to available resources.
- Promoted community awareness of homelessness issues through presentations at schools, churches, and other public gatherings.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for clients needing assistance accessing medical appointments or other essential services within the community.
- Connected clients to mental health and substance abuse treatment services, facilitating their path towards recovery.
- Provided emotional support and encouragement for clients facing personal challenges, demonstrating empathy and understanding throughout the process.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to determine client eligibility for various assistance programs, maximizing resource utilization.
- Served as a liaison between clients experiencing homelessness and various social service agencies, advocating on behalf of each individual''s specific needs and rights.
- Enhanced community relationships by conducting regular outreach, engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Assisted in organizing community events and fundraisers to increase public awareness of homelessness issues and raise funds for needed services.
- Implemented harm reduction strategies when working with clients engaged in high-risk behaviors, prioritizing safety without judgment or stigma attached.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed, effectively deescalating tense situations and ensuring client safety.
- Assisted in conducting needs assessments to identify key areas of service needs.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies.
Phone Outreach Worker
City of Toronto
04.1992 - 03.1994
- Maintained accurate client records by diligently documenting all interactions, interventions, and outcomes in the case management system.
- Assisted families with financial and housing resources.
- Advocated for client needs and funding for at-risk groups.
- Developed strong relationships with local organizations to establish a network of support services for clients in need.
- Supported homeless individuals transitioning into housing by connecting them with necessary supplies, furniture donations, and move-in assistance resources.
- Increased client engagement in programs through consistent follow-up calls or visits to address concerns or offer additional resources as needed.
- Served as a liaison between clients and service providers, ensuring clear communication of needs and expectations while maintaining client confidentiality at all times.
- Improved outreach program effectiveness by continually evaluating and updating strategies based on community feedback and needs.
- Connected individuals to appropriate resources through comprehensive assessments, referrals, and followups.
- Advocated on behalf of clients experiencing discrimination or other obstacles preventing them from accessing vital services within the community.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to coordinate medical appointments for clients facing barriers to access or transportation issues.
- Networked across Toronto to build new connections and make initial contacts with prospects.
- Increased referrals by calling on target groups, organizations and professionals.
- Determined needed and relevant interventions based on each client's cognitive abilities and current needs.
- Coordinated with local government to provide resources to clients.
- Provided support to social service clients in navigating available resources.
Community Outreach Worker
Open Door Centre
02.1987 - 02.1992
- Conducted needs assessments in the community, identifying gaps in services and developing strategies to address those gaps.
- Provided crisis intervention support during emergency situations involving clients or community members experiencing acute distress.
- Improved public awareness of available resources by distributing informational materials and addressing community members'' needs.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions and progress towards goals, ensuring continuity of care across multiple service providers involved in each case.
- Enhanced community engagement by organizing and facilitating outreach events and workshops.
- Collaborated with local organizations to develop partnerships for joint initiatives, strengthening the support network within the community.
- Created and implemented community-based programs to improve education or fill specific needs.
- Developed long-lasting partnerships with local leaders, management team and peers with active engagement, exemplary communication and consistent issue resolution.
- Surveyed local program participants to ascertain problematic areas requiring improvement.
- Connected individuals with available and relevant resources.
- Coordinated with different service providers to meet clients' individual needs.
- Facilitated community outreach to expand participation and support.
- Helped clients navigate social services system and access needed resources.
- Created educational materials to convey important information to service recipients.
- Supported clients through development of new life skills, obtaining resources and transitioning back to society.
- Assisted clients with obtaining housing, employment and support resources.
- Intervened in crisis situations to obtain support for clients and reduce escalation or recurrence risks.
Education
Central High School
Burlington, ON06-1984
Skills
- Mental health awareness
- Substance abuse
- Client advocacy
- First aid training
- Community engagement
- Needs assessment
- Compassionate approach
- Street-based counseling
- Service linkage
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Policy understanding
- Self motivation
- Decision-making
- Effective communication
- Active listening
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Housing resources
- Reliability
- CPR/AED
- Supportive counseling techniques
- Adaptability
- Interpersonal skills
- Crisis management
- Risk assessment
- Community advocacy
- Crisis intervention
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of 5 in the development of Street Hotline.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Street Outreach Worker
Street Health
03.1995 - 09.2000
Phone Outreach Worker
City of Toronto
04.1992 - 03.1994
Community Outreach Worker
Open Door Centre
02.1987 - 02.1992
Central High School