Maria McManus

• Motivated Social Worker with comprehensive knowledge of social justice issues and systems affecting marginalized communities. Passionate about developing and facilitating programs to support communities in need.
• Third-year Bachelor of Social Work student committed to collaborating, advocating, and supporting marginalized communities.
• Skilled at group facilitation: balance group needs with individual participant needs, adapt quickly to challenges and ensure educational objectives are met.
• Worked collaboratively and with enthusiasm, demonstrated in practicum, paid work, and during university group projects.

• First Aid & CPR/AED Certificate
• MANDT Training Certificate
• CLBC Privacy Training
• Naloxone Online Training Certificate
• Serving It Right Certificate
• Understanding Stigma Certificate
• Food Safety Certificate
• Humanitarian Award
• Dean's List Award (Vancouver Island University)

• Special Education Tutoring, Ballenas Secondary School, Parksville, BC

-Special Education tutoring was a high school course that allowed students to work with youth with Autism and Down Syndrome who attended Ballenas Secondary School., Helping students with academic work., Community inclusion., Supporting students with physical education.

• Make A Difference Program , Nanaimo, BC

-Make a Difference program was a middle school program where I volunteered at local food banks and soup kitchens., Sorting and organizing food donations., Showing empathy to those in need., Dishwashing, cooking, setting tables, organizing utensils, and cleaning.

• Shireen Shakirae, Former MANAGER at coastal support services, (604) 613-2662
• Jennifer Mudge, MANAGER at coastal support services, (778) 971-2335
• Kaida Evans, FAMILY FRIEND, (250) 266-0510

Practicum Student, Outreach and Community Inclusion Worker, Coastal Support Services, Nanaimo, BC

• Completing a 350-hour practicum at my local agency, working with adults struggling with mental health and addictions and developmental disabilities
• Helping facilitate indoor and outdoor activities for clients
• Working one-on-one with adults facing mental health issues, substance abuse, and/or developmental challenges.
• Supporting adults in an empathetic manner, used narrative-based inquiry, documented relevant information, and collaborating with both my practicum supervisor and individuals from a client-centered approach

Practicum Student, Mental Health and Addictions Support Worker, Edgewood Treatment Centre, Nanaimo, BC

• Completed a 200-hour practicum at agency, supported adults struggling with mental health and addictions
• Provided interventions primarily focused on specific skills training and support needs of patients, such as helping individuals acquire relapse prevention, community adjustment, and employment skills
• Monitored client goal attainment, proactively assisted individuals in averting potential crises, and reported client status and progress to the practicum coordinator
• Assisted with general duties assigned by the Team Lead, such as cleaning duties, accounting for patients during mealtimes and structures, and providing emotional support for patients.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs.
• Worked alongside staff and helped lead educational workshops on topics related to mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and self-care techniques for both clients and the broader community.
• Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe environment for clients experiencing emotional distress.