Sarah Vesz
Mississauga,ON
Summary
An empathetic and caring social worker experienced in supporting clients with complex needs. Passionate about teaching life skills and utilizing a collaborative approach to support my clients in setting and meeting their goals. Dedicated to establishing rapport and building genuine connections with clients and coworkers.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Access Worker
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Toronto, ON
05.2021 - Current
- Supervise, monitor, and assess visits between children and their families at the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto facility, the client’s home and/or the community.
- Support children and adults with complex needs, including individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health, and addiction.
- Complete clear, concise, and detailed observation notes which are submitted to the court system within 24 hours. Complete incident reports and medication forms within a timely manner.
- Develop programming activities and organize outings for families.
- Provide role modeling and support to both parents and children during access visits, which includes hands on teaching of caregiving and life skills
- Provide crisis intervention and short-term counseling to community members in need
- Liaison with internal and external service providers including case workers, developmental service workers, foster homes, and drivers.
Grant Writer
Street Voices
Toronto, ON
04.2021 - 10.2021
- Successfully secured 250,000 dollars through the Ontario Trillium Fund to support Black homeless youth
- Gathered information on current programs being offered to children and youth
- Developed and cultivated good relationships with potential and consistent donors to support funding objectives.
- Tracked grant opportunities, deadline dates and required materials.
- Assisted in the development of an online directory, connecting homeless children and youth to resources
Street Voices Placement Student
Street Voices
Toronto, ON
01.2021 - 04.2021
- Led the Street Voices Communications Team, delegating tasks to other students and employees, ensuring overall goals and deadlines were met
- Assisted in the development of an online directory to connect children and youth to social services in Canada
- Created a training manual for phone operators and developed crisis intervention and de-escalation trainings
- Developed community partnerships to receive funding to develop programs and resources for homeless youth
- Curated and submitted multiple grants
In-Home Respite Worker
Private In-Home Care
Caledon, ON
12.2017 - 12.2018
- Supported primary caregivers in caring for a client diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
- Assisted client with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication administration, and light housekeeping.
- Operated lifts to move client from various areas in home
- Utilized diverse activities to support social, emotional and recreational needs of client
- Built strong and trusting rapport with client and family members
- Supported the development of socialization skills through recreational activities, outings, and community events.
- Administered oral medications
Co-operative Education Student
Vera Davis Centre and Long Term Care Home
Bolton, ON
06.2017 - 10.2017
- Identified and implemented supports required in residents’ home
- Organized and implemented recreational and wellness activities for residents
- Provided one-on-one supports to over 50 residents, including residents experiencing physical and cognitive impairment and mental illness
- Connected residents with local resources
- Worked with dietary plans to ensure that residents were being provided meals that met their medical needs
- Developed and maintained relationships with local physicians and other potential referral sources to promote outstanding patient service.
- Participated in case conferences with physicians, therapists and nurses to discuss and evaluate patient's condition
In-Home Support Worker
Private In-Home
Caledon, ON
06.2016 - 09.2016
- Assisted in the development of independent living skills through instruction and guidance.
- Developed activities that promoted independence and confidence
- Accompanied clients to doctors' offices and on other trips outside home, providing transportation, assistance and companionship.
- administered medications on schedules to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Community Social Services
University of Guelph
Toronto, ON12-2025
Diploma - Social Service Work
George Brown College
Toronto, ON04.2021
Skills
- 4 years of experience in supporting children and adults with complex needs, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, communication disorders, mental health, and addiction issues
- Strong case management skills
- Passionate about teaching life skills and empowering clients to meet their own needs
- Ability to complete written reports within a timely manner
- Strong crisis management and intervention skills
- Dedicated to building rapport with clients, coworkers, and outside resources
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to identify and connect clients to community resources
- Valid G License and access to a reliable vehicle
Training and Certifications
- Standard First Aid, CPR and AED Training
- Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour (UMAB)
- Adverse Childhood Experiences Training
- Red Cross: Psychological First Aid Training
- Toronto Shelter Standards - Toronto Hostels Training Centre
Timeline
Family Access Worker
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
05.2021 - Current
Grant Writer
Street Voices
04.2021 - 10.2021
Street Voices Placement Student
Street Voices
01.2021 - 04.2021
In-Home Respite Worker
Private In-Home Care
12.2017 - 12.2018
Co-operative Education Student
Vera Davis Centre and Long Term Care Home
06.2017 - 10.2017
In-Home Support Worker
Private In-Home
06.2016 - 09.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Community Social Services
University of Guelph
Diploma - Social Service Work
George Brown College
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