Life Experience, Education, and Volunteer Experience
For as long as I can remember there has been a passion in me to advocate for my community and its vulnerable populations; I have a desire to be on the forefront of social issues defending those who can’t represent themselves and speak for those who can’t use their voice. My passion for the social work field, along with my personal knowledge and work experience have motivated me so seek out my master’s degree in social work. Earning a masters degree will award me the knowledge and skills needed to advance my career, and the privilege of being able to start working towards becoming a licensed social worker. Through my career, I have developed a passion for gerontology and medical social …show more content…
Shortly before entering my bachelor’s program I decided to quit my office job and pursue an opportunity in the social work field to provide me with the experience I was craving. My first position in the social work realm was at a teen crisis center for teenagers who had been removed from their living situation temporarily or were in-between permanent housing; this job provided me with an invaluable experience and a look at the foster care system, as well as how Child Protective Services’ operated. From there, I started working for an agency that supervised visits between children and their guardians who did not have custody; this job allowed me to see the same situation I had been, but from the parents perspective and allowed me to work with a more diverse population. During this time, I was also completing my practicum for my bachelor’s program; I completed my practicum with Dr. Kris Marks, a Psychologist with her own private …show more content…
Marks, I had the opportunity to learn how to conduct, assess and evaluate mental status exams, evaluate individuals for learning disabilities, social security and other government benefits. Additionally, I sat in on and was educated on how IQ testing is conducted, graded and assessed. My practicum experience gave me an invaluable look into how to evaluate and assess mental illness. My practicum provided me with a firsthand look at what chronic mental health looked like, what these individuals needed and which care or services might not be available, but strongly needed by this population. Dr. Marks provided a one-on-one practicum experience throughout our year together while developing and challenging my critical thinking skills. Once I graduated from Heritage University with a bachelor’s, I took a position as a mental health counselor in an inpatient psych unit. Working in an inpatient setting has allowed me to see a wide range of mental health related issues and gain experience from working one-on-one with chronically mentally ill and/or suicidal patients. It has been the most rewarding position thus far, and I feel honored to help those during their sickest time and feel lucky to be able to see them get better throughout the course of their hospitalization. I have the opportunity through this position to gain a better understanding of the mental health
For as long as I can remember there has been a passion in me to advocate for my community and its vulnerable populations; I have a desire to be on the forefront of social issues defending those who can’t represent themselves and speak for those who can’t use their voice. My passion for the social work field, along with my personal knowledge and work experience have motivated me so seek out my master’s degree in social work. Earning a masters degree will award me the knowledge and skills needed to advance my career, and the privilege of being able to start working towards becoming a licensed social worker. Through my career, I have developed a passion for gerontology and medical social …show more content…
Shortly before entering my bachelor’s program I decided to quit my office job and pursue an opportunity in the social work field to provide me with the experience I was craving. My first position in the social work realm was at a teen crisis center for teenagers who had been removed from their living situation temporarily or were in-between permanent housing; this job provided me with an invaluable experience and a look at the foster care system, as well as how Child Protective Services’ operated. From there, I started working for an agency that supervised visits between children and their guardians who did not have custody; this job allowed me to see the same situation I had been, but from the parents perspective and allowed me to work with a more diverse population. During this time, I was also completing my practicum for my bachelor’s program; I completed my practicum with Dr. Kris Marks, a Psychologist with her own private …show more content…
Marks, I had the opportunity to learn how to conduct, assess and evaluate mental status exams, evaluate individuals for learning disabilities, social security and other government benefits. Additionally, I sat in on and was educated on how IQ testing is conducted, graded and assessed. My practicum experience gave me an invaluable look into how to evaluate and assess mental illness. My practicum provided me with a firsthand look at what chronic mental health looked like, what these individuals needed and which care or services might not be available, but strongly needed by this population. Dr. Marks provided a one-on-one practicum experience throughout our year together while developing and challenging my critical thinking skills. Once I graduated from Heritage University with a bachelor’s, I took a position as a mental health counselor in an inpatient psych unit. Working in an inpatient setting has allowed me to see a wide range of mental health related issues and gain experience from working one-on-one with chronically mentally ill and/or suicidal patients. It has been the most rewarding position thus far, and I feel honored to help those during their sickest time and feel lucky to be able to see them get better throughout the course of their hospitalization. I have the opportunity through this position to gain a better understanding of the mental health