MERCEDES ESCOBAR
Los Angeles
Summary
Qualified Social Worker with a strong foundation in social work principles and hands-on experience supporting diverse communities. Adept at conducting assessments, creating tailored intervention plans, and fostering positive client relationships. Demonstrated effective communication and case management skills in various internship settings.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Master of Social Work Intern
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Wellness Clinic
Los Angeles, CA
08.2025 - Current
- Conduct behavioral observations and intake processes to identify students’ social-emotional needs and inform service planning.
- Provide school-based social-emotional support to K-12 students through individual skill-building sessions focused on emotional regulation, coping strategies, and social development.
- Facilitate FOCUS (Families Overcoming Under Stress) groups for students across multiple grade levels and parents to strengthen resilience, communication skills, and emotional awareness.
- Provide psychoeducation to parents on behavior management strategies, including patience-building, turn-taking, and emotion recognition.
- Maintain accurate documentation, including session notes, observations, and service records in accordance with program guidelines.
- Collaborate with teachers, school staff, and caregivers to support student well-being and coordinate services.
- Apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive principles to create supportive and predictable environments that promote student safety, engagement, and emotional regulation.
GRYD Case Manager Intern
Alma Family Services
Los Angeles, CA
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Provided trauma-informed case management to youth at risk of gang involvement under the GRYD prevention model.
- Supported youth and families with service planning, goal setting, and referrals to community resources.
- Conducted assessments and progress reviews in coordination with the GRYD Comprehensive Strategy.
- Developed interagency relationships to strengthen collaborative care.
- Participated in supervision and documentation per agency and funder standards.
Administrative Coordinator – CalWORKs Program
Alma Family Services
05.2018 - 04.2025
- Frontline client support, including reception, appointment reminders, and documentation prep.
- Managed program logistics and clinical documentation for CalWORKs mental health services.
- Coordinated referrals, financial screenings, Medi-Cal verification, and intake appointments.
- Entered and tracked DMH billing in IBHIS and Exym; prepared monthly reports.
- Maintained data logs, managed confidential mail, and liaised with GAIN, DCFS, and internal departments.
Education
Master of Social Work -
California State University
Los Angeles05-2026
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
California State University
Los Angeles05-2025
Skills
- Languages: Fluent in English & Spanish (verbal and written)
- Software: Exym, IBHIS, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace
- Clinical Knowledge: HIPAA compliance, DMH documentation, trauma-informed care
- Soft Skills: Excellent interpersonal communication, empathy, reliability, and team collaboration
- Technical: 40 WPM typing; 10-Key by touch
- Behavior modification
- Individual counseling
- Treatment Planning
- Mental health diagnosis
- School-based interventions
- Community resources
- Mental health support
- Psychosocial assessments
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Master of Social Work Intern
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Wellness Clinic
08.2025 - Current
GRYD Case Manager Intern
Alma Family Services
08.2024 - 05.2025
Administrative Coordinator – CalWORKs Program
Alma Family Services
05.2018 - 04.2025
Bachelor of Social Work - undefined
California State University
Master of Social Work -
California State University