Lydia Mcknight
Philadelphia
Summary
Seeking a career in social services where I can foster personal growth while uplifting and empowering individuals and communities through compassionate support and advocacy. With extensive expertise in individual and group counseling techniques, I bring a deep understanding of human behavior and the mechanisms for meaningful change. My strong supervision and training capabilities help cultivate highly effective and collaborative teams. Paired with excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, I am committed to empowering others through clarity, compassion, and impactful engagement.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Support Services Coordinator
CORA Services
Philadelphia
01.2023 - Current
- Evaluated and assessed students’ service needs in an after-school environment and recommended new services and improvements based on student outcomes and feedback.
- Designed individualized behavioral plans for classroom implementation to track available services and ensure alignment with identified student needs to connect students with appropriate resources and community providers if necessary.
- Identified and applied necessary supports to promote student success and adjusted interventions or connections as needed based on progress and results.
- Maintained strong partnerships with school staff, counselors, and external agencies.
- Conducted regular client follow-ups to evaluate service effectiveness, address concerns, resolve complaints, and re-match students with better-suited providers as needed.
Special Education
School District of Philadelphia
Philadelphia
09.2012 - 01.2025
- Assisted special education teacher with implementation of research-based instructional activities in school and community settings for children with disabilities (Autistic support, life skills, and multiple disabilities).
- Adapted classroom activities and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of differentiating instruction, supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
- Communicated with supervising instructional staff and professional support personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
- Monitored students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (lunch, bus stops, playgrounds, classroom, restrooms, field trips, assemblies, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
Case Manager
Baptist Childrens Services
Philadelphia
09.2010 - 06.2012
- Conducted assessments (mental health, trauma history, substance use) to guide treatment, monitor progress, and adjust clinical goals as needed.
- Facilitated individual, group, and family therapy sessions
Coordinated with schools or tutoring programs to ensure academic continuity. - Connected youth to vocational training, internships, or job-readiness workshops as well as teaching life skills: budgeting, cooking, communication, conflict resolution.
- Organized social groups, recreational activities, and peer engagement opportunities
Social Worker
SFSJ Group Home for Boys
Bensalem
10.2008 - 06.2012
- Delivered comprehensive assessment and therapeutic services through individual, group, and family casework, incorporating education, prevention, and environmental interventions to maximize service outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary treatment teams and community agencies to coordinate care for clients with minor psychosocial needs, ensuring a supporting network.
- Conducted weekly case studies and clinical assessments, contributing valuable insights to fellow social services professionals, judicial personnel, and placement agencies.
- Engaged clients in structured discussions to promote responsibility, motivation, and attitude adjustment in support of positive behavioral redirection.
Childcare Director
VisionQuest
Thorndale
09.2005 - 10.2008
- Led the supervision and care of at-risk youth in residential and community-based shelter settings, ensuring safety, structure, and therapeutic support.
- Directed daily programming and guided youth care workers in implementing individualized behavioral and social support strategies.
- Oversaw compliance with program standards to ensure high-quality services tailored to the needs of vulnerable youth.
- Provided basic case management and collaborated closely with families, the Department of Human Services, and juvenile probation to support holistic care plans.
- Delivered behavioral interventions using Safe Crisis Management (SCM) techniques to de-escalate situations and foster safe environments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Chestnut Hill College
Philadelphia, PA05-2008
Skills
- Service evaluation
- Behavioral planning
- Client follow-up
- Resource connection
- Compliance management
- Assessment coordination
- Therapeutic intervention
- Crisis management
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Program development
- Community engagement
Timeline
Support Services Coordinator
CORA Services
01.2023 - Current
Special Education
School District of Philadelphia
09.2012 - 01.2025
Case Manager
Baptist Childrens Services
09.2010 - 06.2012
Social Worker
SFSJ Group Home for Boys
10.2008 - 06.2012
Childcare Director
VisionQuest
09.2005 - 10.2008
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Chestnut Hill College
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