Natalie Smith, LCSW
Reading
Summary
Compassionate School Social Worker providing comprehensive support to students, families, and school staff. Expertise in assessing needs and developing tailored interventions, combined with strong attention to detail and innovative program delivery. Knowledgeable about community resources and committed to fostering a positive and inclusive school environment. Dedicated to empowering individuals and promoting well-being through effective collaboration and advocacy.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Social Worker
Reading School District
10.2018 - Current
- Work with teachers, administrators, school staff, students, parents/guardians and external resources to maximize equitable student support success.
- Promote parent and teacher partnerships and communications to support students educational and behavioral goals.
- Provide crisis intervention support to students, families and educators, as well as an active member of the Crisis Response Team.
- Middle School Social Work Department Head, Chair of the District Mental Health Committee, Student Assistance Program (SAP) Coordinator, and CORE Team Lead.
- Support families in transition as the schools Homeless Liaison.
- Provide trainings to staff on Trauma, based off of my completion of training through Lakeside Global Institute.
- Aevidum Advisor working with students and staff to break the stigma of mental health.
- Facilitate individual and group sessions to support in solving problems, setting and achieving goals, identifying coping skills, and improving communication.
- Work to improve school attendance through School Attendance Improvement Conferences, programs, and referrals to needed resources.
- Facilitate Home Visits when necessary.
School-Based Therapist/Supervisor/Director
Progressions Behavioral Health Services
11.2014 - 10.2018
- Provided individual and family therapy for students grades K-12 in multiple school districts.
- Proactive member of the Interdisciplinary Team for each student receiving services.
- Provided monthly Supervision and daily support to School-Based Therapists.
- Assisted with building positive rapport with school districts and buildings, while working to build caseloads.
- Managed staff, financials, trainings, resources, and key performance indicators to facilitate agency operations.
- Adhered to policies for needed chart and annual audits.
- Networked with other providers, local school district's, Managed Care Organizations (MCO's), and county agencies.
Outpatient Therapist/Supervisor
Concern Counseling Services
08.2011 - 11.2014
- Provided individual and family therapy, as well as crisis response to clients ages 6 and up in the main office as well as in the community.
- Completed all needed documentation and kept it up to date based off of state and agency regulations.
- Conducted specialized services (Clinical and Drug and Alcohol Evaluations).
- Was a proactive member of the treatment team and assisted with referrals to community resources when needed.
- Supervised Outpatient and Community Residential Rehabilitation (CRR) Programs.
- Participated in 24 hour crisis response on call rotation.
- Coordinated and led monthly Staff Meetings and Trainings.
- Participated in county and state wide meetings to enhance service delivery and comply with updated regulations.
Education
Masters in Social Work
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown, PA05.2011
Bachelors in Social Work
Alvernia University
Reading, PA05.2010
Associate of Arts
Reading Area Community College
Reading, PA05.2008
Skills
- Crisis management techniques
- Mental Health Assessments
- Suicide Prevention
- Counseling per Individualized Educational Plans
- Conflict Mediation through Restorative Practices
- Behavioral Interventions
- Homeless Liaison (ECYEH)
- Attendance Improvement
- Student and Family Advocacy
- Department and District Wide Leadership
- Community Resource Intelligence
Certification
- 11/2022 School Social Work Certification
- 03/2018- Passed ASWB Social Work Exam (LCSW)
- 05/2011- Passed Social Work Master's License Exam (LSW)
Timeline
School Social Worker
Reading School District
10.2018 - Current
School-Based Therapist/Supervisor/Director
Progressions Behavioral Health Services
11.2014 - 10.2018
Outpatient Therapist/Supervisor
Concern Counseling Services
08.2011 - 11.2014
Bachelors in Social Work
Alvernia University
Associate of Arts
Reading Area Community College
Masters in Social Work
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
References
Leanne Eckenrode
Reading School District: Coordinator of Social Work Services
Reading, PA
484-258-7000 x57940
Alex Brown
Exeter School District
Reading, PA 19606 Reading, PA
484-651-5380
Leslie Chaundy
Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling & Psychological Associates, LLC
Wyomissing, PA 19610
610-301-8360