Accomplished Social Worker with over a decade of hands-on experience, holding a Master's degree in Social Work with a specialization in International and Community Development, and a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences Addictions Counselling. Demonstrated success in providing comprehensive social work services to individuals and families navigating mental health and substance use concerns. Currently contributing expertise to the Addiction Recovery and Community Health (ARCH) Program at the Peter Lougheed Centre, Alberta Health Services.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Temporary Full Time Social Work II
Alberta Health Services – Peter Lougheed Centre
03.2022 - Current
Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify the unique needs and strengths of individuals presenting with acute mental health concerns and substance use disorders
Implemented risk screening protocols, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients and proactively addressing potential crisis situations
Collaborated closely with a multidisciplinary team to develop and execute effective transition and discharge plans for patients, ensuring continuity of care and support beyond hospital settings
Established and maintained therapeutic relationships with clients and their families, providing counseling and support tailored to their specific circumstances
Demonstrated expertise in harm reduction approaches, utilizing a client-centered lens to empower individuals and enhance their capacity for self-determination
Facilitated warm handoffs by connecting patients to community resources, including housing support, income assistance, and other essential services
Successfully supported clients in navigating the complexities of obtaining medical coverage, income support, and senior's benefits
Actively participated in ongoing professional development, completing Epic-Connect to Care Training and maintaining certification in Basic Life Support.
Assisted Self-isolation Site (ASIS)
The Alex
10.2020 - 06.2022
Completed intakes, housing assessments, risk assessments, and safety planning
Supported clients with acute mental health and substance use disorders in stabilization
Coordinated care and discharge planning with medical team
Provided outreach support to clients
Connected clients to resources and appropriate services in community
Supported clients in obtaining medical coverage and applying for health benefits
Recovered money to cover medication costs for program through advocacy
Managed coordination of pilot program for Alberta Adult Health Benefit
Worked from a culturally competent framework and Harm Reduction approach
Supervised social work practicum students
Trained new case managers and provided supervision
Trained social team support staff at completing social intakes and using HMIS system
Completed Alberta Health Services (AHS) Trauma Informed Care: Learning Series, Modules 1-6
Completed Navigating Difficult Relationships Training
Accomplished in Ethics of Healthy-Boundaries and Relationship Training.
Case Manager
Calgary Progressive Lifestyle Foundation (CPLF)
09.2019 - 09.2020
Managed the quality of support teams and services for 17 clients, emphasizing a client-centered approach to facilitate monthly support team meetings and ensure focus on client goals and needs
Screened, selected, and provided performance evaluations of qualified support staff, contributing to the overall excellence of client care
Maintained up-to-date client files and records, ensuring compliance with company policies and legislative standards set by Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD)
Advised, supported, and delegated tasks to front-line support teams, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment
Coordinated in-services and acted as a professional liaison, enhancing team cohesion and knowledge sharing
Developed detailed individual service support plans and annual provisions, measuring the attainability of outcome goals
Settled decisions in compliance with company policies and procedures, adhering to legislative standards set by PDD
Provided concise communication and timely conflict resolution to team members, promoting a positive and supportive work environment
Wrote funding proposals for new client intakes and existing clients, contributing to the financial sustainability of the organization
Coordinated services in accordance with clients' budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation
Ensured that individual support plans and protocols for all clients were current, following codes of conduct by presenting them for review and approval of the Supportive Rights Committee
Completed Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training, further enhancing crisis management skills and client safety.
Child and Youth Care Counselor
Hull Services
12.2007 - 07.2018
Facilitated therapeutic psych-educational and experiential treatment, contributing to overall well-being and development of children and youth
Worked within a multidisciplinary team to create treatment plans, discharge planning, and co-facilitated family meetings, ensuring comprehensive care
Shift-lead within the Safe Directions' Continuum of care programs, demonstrating leadership and effective communication skills
Supervised several practicum students from various post-secondary programs, providing mentorship and guidance
Acted as team leader, providing guidance, training, and supervision to staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment
Supported diverse, complex youth with substance use and mental health concerns, applying a trauma-informed care approach
Completed intakes, treatment planning, risk assessment screening, and safety planning, ensuring a holistic approach to client care
Accomplished the Donna Arvidson-Building Relationships of Influences for Emerging Leaders Training, enhancing leadership skills
Participated in Collaborative Problem-Solving Tier I & Tier II Training, contributing to effective problem-solving strategies
Completed Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) Training Series I, expanding knowledge in therapeutic interventions
Acted as the Volunteer coordinator for Safe Directions Continuum Programs, managing and organizing volunteer resources.
Education
Master's of Social Work - Specialization in International and Community Developmental
University of Calgary
08.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Health Sciences Addictions Counselling
University of Lethbridge
05.2007
Key Qualifications
Expertise in trauma-informed care, Client-Centered, and harm reduction approaches.
Proven success in coordinating care and discharge planning within multidisciplinary teams.
Proficient in conducting psychosocial assessments, risk screening, and crisis intervention.
Strong advocate for clients' rights, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring overall well-being.
References
Available Upon Request
Timeline
Temporary Full Time Social Work II
Alberta Health Services – Peter Lougheed Centre
03.2022 - Current
Assisted Self-isolation Site (ASIS)
The Alex
10.2020 - 06.2022
Case Manager
Calgary Progressive Lifestyle Foundation (CPLF)
09.2019 - 09.2020
Child and Youth Care Counselor
Hull Services
12.2007 - 07.2018
Master's of Social Work - Specialization in International and Community Developmental
University of Calgary
Bachelor of Arts - Health Sciences Addictions Counselling
CCU Registered Nurse (Causal) at Alberta health services (Peter Lougheed Centre)CCU Registered Nurse (Causal) at Alberta health services (Peter Lougheed Centre)
Registered Nurse at Generations,Multi Generation Housing and Community CentreRegistered Nurse at Generations,Multi Generation Housing and Community Centre