Kausalya Vimal

#1510-1250 Bridletowne Circle

Toronto, ON, M1W2V1

Phone: 647-637-7415

Email: [email protected]

York Region District School Board

Date: May 10th, 2018

ATTN: To whom it may concern

RE: Job application for School Social Worker

As I have completed my MSW graduate degree, I am enthusiastically and actively pursuing new career challenges. I am a very keen and determined individual with a drive to work to my full potential. I believe my sincerity and honesty towards my work and the opportunities given to me will aid in the building of a better community.

Through my work experience in various organizations I have developed competency in cultural sensitivity in diverse communities and increased my ability to maintain a calm composure when working under challenging circumstances. In fact, my degree in Social Work has induced a comprehensive understanding of anti-oppressive and anti-racist framework. I have the ability to engage, motivate, counsel and advocate for those that I am working with.

Furthermore, my involvement as a social worker has enabled me to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary team settings and I have developed strong working relationships with children, youth, adults, and families.  My involvement with various organizations throughout the years has allowed me to gain experience and knowledge in assessments and interventions, implementing interactive programs and services to children, youth and their families, gathering and compiling data to formulate reports, carrying out treatment/safety plans and case management plans, and the ability to assess individuals in crisis and apply appropriate therapeutic interventions that will aid them to recovery. These opportunities have helped me in the development of patience, organization and discipline in this field.

As a person from a diverse ethnic background I feel my extensive involvement in my community is a clear demonstration of my ability to remain committed, and passionate in helping others. As a result of this, I am able to take on multiple tasks at one time and prioritize them effectively. I am also very task-oriented and committed to my responsibilities. Therefore, I would continue to remain a loyal asset to your organization.

I appreciate your time in considering my request. I am very much interested in the School Social Worker  position with the York Region District School Board. I can be contacted at (647) 637-7415 or via email at [email protected]. Thank you once again for your time.

Regards,

Kausalya Vimal

Objective:

To leverage my 10+ years working with children, youth, and families in diverse communities, applying effective interventions, and having a strong understanding of anti-oppression with a focus on mental health, equity, and inclusion into this role as a School Social Worker.

Education:

Ryerson University, Toronto, ON –  September 2014-August 2015

Masters in Social Work

York University, Toronto, ON- September 2005-May 2009

Honours in Bachelor of Social Work

Highlights of Qualification:

·         10 years of social work experience working with children, youth, and families from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, including newcomers and aboriginals.

·         10 years of experience working collaboratively with TDSB, TCDSB, YRDSB and other community services and health care organizations in Toronto and York Region.

·         Currently registered in good standing with the OCSWSSW.

·         Sound knowledge of applying anti-oppressive framework in practice.

·         Strong understanding of equity, inclusion, intersectionality, power, privilege, and social location when working with families/professionals.

·         Community experience working with severely mentally ill clients including; depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder.

·         Strong case management and analytical skills to determine appropriate intervention.

·         Strong risk assessment & counseling skills (CBT, individual and group).

·         Ability to plan, conduct and evaluate programs/services.

·         Ability to multitask and work responsibly in a team environment and individual setting.

·         Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

·         Excellent oral and written communication skills.

·         Excellent administrative and time management skills.

·         Certified in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).

·         Able to read and write English fluently, speak Tamil fluently.

·         Valid Ontario G Driver’s License and a vehicle available for work purposes.

Field Practicum Experience

Toronto Catholic District School Board

School Social Worker – January 2015 – May 2015

·         Completed responsibilities of a School Social Worker at two catholic elementary schools in southeast Scarborough.

·         Provided assessment and counseling to students and parents/guardians.

·         Attended case conferences, school-based support learning team meetings, and annual review board meetings.

·         Liaised between school, family and community resources to provide effective services to children and families.

·         Worked with students identified with various types of learning disabilities and mental health challenges such as depression, and anxiety.

·         Designed, implemented, and facilitated social groups for boys and girls around social behavioural issues.

Paid Employment History

Community Health and Counselling Services Inc.

Social Worker/Mental Health Specialist – October 2017-Present

·         Complete comprehensive mental health assessment reports for clients suffering from post vehicle accidents.

·         Complete mental health assessment tools (i.e BAI, BDI-II, BPI, Treatment Outcome PTSD Scale, WHODAS 2.0).

·         Counsel individuals using CBT who have been identified with moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.

·         Complete intake for new clients.

·         Complete monthly reports, case notes, and other documents required for agency purposes.

·         Collaborate with other health service providers, social service providers, and other community links to provide resources for clients, and advocate for them.

York Region Children’s Aid Society

Intake and Assessment Worker (Contract position)-  December 2015 – September 2017

·         Reviewed child protection referrals and determined appropriate approach to begin investigations with families to assess child protection concerns and the potential risk to children.

·         Sound knowledge of the Eligibility Spectrum, and Child and Family Service Act (CFSA) and its functions.

·         Sound knowledge of child and youth development by completing training material, completing thorough assessments when interacting with children and youth to identify their needs.

·         Sound knowledge of how to navigate agency database, and provincial database (FastTrack).

·         Consulted with supervisor to determine appropriate response, and safety plan with the family through an anti-oppressive framework.

·         Completed risk/strength & needs assessments for families that are involved with the agency.

·         Provided crisis intervention and counseling support and connected families with resources in the community.

·         Collaborated with families of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds to set out goals and establish plans of service.

·         Prepared and ensured accurate, thorough and timely recording of case information and reports that meet agency and ministry standards.

·         Prepared court documents for apprehensions, temporary care agreements, and supervision orders.

·         Prepared and conducted transfer meetings of files from intake to ongoing family services.

·         Built rapport with families experiencing issues with mental health, substance abuse, parent/teen conflict, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.

·         Worked collaboratively with colleagues and other professionals in the community including York Regional Police, YRDSB, and hospitals.

·         Completed Child Welfare Training Modules 5-8. (New Worker Training)

Family and Children Services of Waterloo

Intake/Family Service Worker (6 month contract) – June 2015 – December 2015

·         Carried out initial intake assessments and service plans in both Family Service and Intake roles.

·         Completed duty coverage for various teams. This consisted of attending to immediate needs of clients, assessing the risk, through which I developed my ability to make sound decisions with the consultation of supervisors.

·         Familiarity and ability to organize family centered conferencing focused on a differential response model.

·         Provided information, consultation, and assessments to sources of referrals in initial assessment/screening team.

·         Assisted family service workers by attending court on their behalf, and reviewing protection applications.

·         Conducted risk/strength & needs assessments for families that are involved with the society.

·         Built rapport with families experiencing issues with mental health, substance abuse, parent/teen conflict, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.

·         Provided counseling and support for families, while connecting them with community resources.

·         Collaborated with colleagues and other professionals in the community including Waterloo Regional Police, school board, and hospitals.

·         Good knowledge of child and adolescent development.

·         Good working knowledge of Ministry and Society standards around investigating abuse cases.

·         Completed New Worker Training Modules 5 &6.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto

Coordinator, Match Support & Enrollment/Assessment- November 2012 – September 2014

·         Managed a caseload of up to 90 matched volunteers and children.

·         Conducted assessment interviews with volunteers, children, youth and parent/guardians.

·         Prepared written child and volunteer assessments to determine match suitability and decisions regarding the continuation of matches.

·         Created developmental goals and need levels of children and youth through the use of a strengths-based and anti-oppressive approach.

·         Assisted with the facilitation of Volunteer Training, Parent Information Sessions and Child Safety Training.

Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre (CanTYD)

Program Coordinator – August 2011 – August 2012

·         Supported and assisted the effective operation and implementation of CanTYD programming.

·         Responded to public inquiries providing comprehensive information about the agency, its programs and the application process.

·         Completed intake referrals of youth, families and volunteers into the agency from the point of first contact to active enrolment.

·         Collaborated with program staff to ensure a smooth transition amongst functions.

·         Led the active recruitment of volunteers and children through promotion of CanTYD and its programs.

·         Provided mentorship to Youth Outreach Workers through supporting the development of transferable life skills and opportunities for peer leadership.

·         Supported the Director of Human Resources in developing, implementing, and maintaining all HR management systems and policies.

·         Provided orientations, training, supervision, and evaluations for staff and volunteers.

Catholic Community Services of York Region

Settlement Worker- June 2009 – March 2010 (Contract)

·         Provided direct settlement services for newcomer youth and their families, including information referrals, translation, advocacy, access to services, guidance, support, and counseling.

·         Planned and organized newcomer orientation programs, group information sessions and other settlement- related activities in collaboration with YRDSB school staff.

·         Assessed settlement needs of newcomer students and their families and linked them with community resources.

·         Gained experience in team clinical consultation to review outcome of programs.

·         Prepared and submitted monthly statistics, records and reports.

Volunteer Experience

Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre

Director of Programming- January 2017 – Present

Ensure that all outreach program requirements are being met (funding expectations, program design, etc.).
Ensure that all the requirements in funding proposals are being met and/or addressed (target client numbers, project design, etc.).
Work closely with the Program Coordinator and Director of Finance to ensure existing outreach programs have the required resources for existing funding programming to continue.
Report at Board of Directors meetings as to whether targets are being met, ensures that reporting is occurring in a timely manner with accurate information.
Ensure that funded projects are clearly articulated and have feasible objectives.
Ensure that each Youth Outreach Worker has objectives that they are working towards with an action plan.
Ensure that each project has allocated or budgeted the needed resources (volunteers, finance, etc.).
Work in conjunction with the appropriate Director/Youth Outreach Worker to ensure all funding, human resources, and volunteer requirements are met in all outreach programs.
May assist in implementation of program, when resources are limited.
Discuss all major issues involving programming with the Program Coordinator.
Ensure that there is an in depth understanding of Tamil Canadian youth issues in the GTA, in the Board, as well as all staff and volunteers.
Outreach and understand the pulse of community needs to better design and implement programs and services.
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST