Social Assistant

SARA A. COLLINS

** ****** **** **** 860-***-****

Higganum, CT 06441 **********@*******.***

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Creative and energetic professional who quickly adapts to a changing environment. Ability to remain calm and focused during stressful situations. Always prepared for different situations whether it is working with individuals, groups, attending meetings, or giving presentations. Willingness to go above and beyond the job requirements.

EDUCATION

Master of Social Work, May 2016

Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate, August 2016

Bachelor of Social Work, May of 2013

University of Saint Joseph West Hartford, CT

INTERNSHIPS

Focus Center for Autism Canton, CT October 2015-May 1016

Social Work Intern

Coordinated and developing two to three group activities per week

Conducted weekly counseling sessions with a teen on the autism spectrum

oDeveloped coping strategies to better communicate needs and concerns

oTaught relaxation techniques for when she becomes overwhelmed

oStress management related to being a teenager

oAssessment of self-harm behaviors and collaborative interventions

Assisted with development of behavioral interventions

Developed social stories for students to process their difficulties

Autism Families CONNECTicut, West Hartford, CT September 2012-May 2013

Social Work Intern

Worked directly with children and teens on the autism spectrum, as well as their parents and siblings

Advocated for the clients’ needs

Developed a new teen social/dance program for the organization

The Gengras Center, West Hartford, CT September 2011- May 2012

Social Work Intern

Individual counseling of students with variety of disabilities

Psychoeducational/Mutual Aid Group for teenage girls. Activity/Art interventions; worked on social emotional goals consistent with Individual Education Plans (IEP)

SARA A. COLLINS

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Gengras Center, West Hartford, CT September 2008- Present

Teaching Assistant

Working with behaviorally challenged students

Used de-escalation skills to avoid a more server behavioral episodes

Assists in maintaining a well-running classroom so all students have the richest learning experience possible

Responsible for a designated 1:1 student as well as assisting other students within the classroom.

Runs lesson plans for students in either a 1:1 or group setting

Recording behavioral data, monitoring behaviors, assisting students with academics

Assists classroom teacher with classroom prep including, but not limited to, developing social stories, updating IEP’s, as well as reviewing and filing students personal information

Focus Center for Autism, Canton, CT October 2016-Present

Direct Staff

Promotes a safe and clean environment to ensure clients can reach their full potential

Responsible for a 1:1 individual as well assisting other clients when needed.

Provides counseling sessions with teens who are on the autism spectrum when necessary

Coordinating, developing, and running group activities as needed

Respite Care Giver, West Hartford, CT October 2011- January 2015

Care Giver

Worked for a twelve-year-old boy who has autism

Going on community outings

Advocating for client needs when in the community

Managing client behaviors

Brian House Incorporated, Chester, CT January 2001–September 2008

Direct Care Aid

Provided for the safety and wellbeing of seven clients within a group home

Ensured about the residents’ daily routines and programs

Planned parties for the group home, as well as Greater Brian House Community

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Mandated Reporting Training

Basic Health and Behavior Training

OSHA Safety Training

Psychical/Psychological Management Training (PMT)

Computer Proficient:

oBoardmaker Studio & Microsoft Office including Excel

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