Laura Wheaton
New Minas
Summary
Dynamic social worker with a strong work ethic and advanced empathetic listening skills, experienced through working closely with frequently marginalized children and families. Proven track record in building community partnerships and advocating for clients, enhancing access to essential resources. Skilled in maintaining accurate records and fostering interprofessional collaboration to improve client outcomes.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Families Plus Social Worker
Family Service Nova Scotia
09.2023 - Current
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- Support risk mitigation and sustainable skill enhancement through close collaboration with families and community service providers.
- Educate families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
- Maintain client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
Counselor - Provincial Helplines
Family Service Nova Scotia
09.2023 - Current
- Assist clients in setting realistic goals through solution-focused brief therapy approaches, developing action plans based on individual needs.
- Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions, escalating crisis level concerns as needed.
- Educate clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency.
- Improve client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
Social Work Practicum Student
Department of Community Services
04.2023 - 08.2023
- Complex case planning with marginalized populations;
- Developed family-specific risk-mitigation plans in collaboration with families and community partners;
- Assessed risk while effectively responding to crisis;
- Built rapport with service users to promote self-determination and personal investment in case planning;
- Ensured ethical and culturally sensitive best practice by regularly consulting legislation and professional guidelines including the CASW Code of Ethics, the Children and Family Services Act, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, and Bill C-92.
Lead Behavioural Interventionist/Community Liaison
Rowan's Room Developmental Society
03.2021 - 04.2023
- Developed targeted, individualized intervention plans for children and youth living with disabilities, trauma, and/or mental health challenges.
- Established and maintained interprofessional community partnerships to provide holistic care to students and staff.
- Consulted with community members impacted by disability injustice to assess gaps in service delivery and identify corrective measures.
- Engaged in policy advocacy with government officials at the municipal and provincial levels.
- Submitted grant applications for community partnerships, infrastructure, training, and tuition.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work -
Dalhousie University
Halifax, NS10.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Honours in Psychology
St. Thomas University
Fredericton, NB05.2020
Diploma - Criminology
Eastern College
Fredericton, NB04.2015
Skills
- Critically Reflective Analysis
- Strong Work Ethic
- Advanced Active and Empathetic Listening Skills
- Exceptional Verbal and Written Communication
- Individual and Community Advocacy Experience
- Building Strong Community Partnerships
- Maintaining Updated Records
- Interprofessional Collaboration
- Time Management
- Conflict Resolution
Certification
- Brain Story Certification - 2023
- Registered Behaviour Technician Training - 2021
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training - 2021
- Mental Health First Aid Certification - 2022
Accomplishments
2020 recipient of the Ray and Lorain Irving Prize for Best Thesis in the Department of Psychology at St. Thomas University.
Secured several grants for a nonprofit organization to improve service delivery, infrastructure, and client and staff mental health.
Timeline
Families Plus Social Worker
Family Service Nova Scotia
09.2023 - Current
Counselor - Provincial Helplines
Family Service Nova Scotia
09.2023 - Current
Social Work Practicum Student
Department of Community Services
04.2023 - 08.2023
Lead Behavioural Interventionist/Community Liaison
Rowan's Room Developmental Society
03.2021 - 04.2023
Bachelor of Social Work -
Dalhousie University
Bachelor of Arts - Honours in Psychology
St. Thomas University
Diploma - Criminology
Eastern College
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