Open to opportunities

Vesta Walker

@vestawalker

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Licensed Clinical Social Worker with expertise in mental health support.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking a role that allows me to leverage my clinical skills in a supportive environment, focusing on mental health advocacy and community engagement.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have dedicated my career to providing compassionate and effective mental health support to diverse populations. My experience spans various roles, including telehealth psychotherapy and crisis intervention, where I have successfully assessed and treated individuals facing emotional challenges and mental illnesses.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement and collaboration. I have developed and implemented educational programs that address the social-emotional needs of students and families, ensuring culturally responsive practices. My work in various settings, including hospitals and schools, has equipped me with the skills to provide comprehensive support and advocacy for those in need.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Telehealth Psychotherapist

Valera Health

Sep 2021 - Sep 2024 (3 years)

Assessed, diagnosed, and treated individuals suffering from psychological distress and mental illness. Administered and interpreted psychological assessments and provided support to families.

Teletherapy Mental Health Counseling Crisis Management

Travel Social Worker

Finger Lakes Health

Sep 2023 - Apr 2024 (7 months)

Assessed, diagnosed, and treated individuals experiencing emotional challenges and mental illnesses. Provided crisis intervention consultations and discharge planning within the hospital network’s emergency departments.

Emotional Assessment Discharge Planning

Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapist

Amerimed Early Intervention / Important Steps, Inc.

Sep 2018 - Sep 2021 (3 years)

Provided ABA therapy and special instruction services to children diagnosed with cognitive/developmental delays. Evaluated progress and provided coaching to parents.

ABA Therapy Parental Coaching

Assistant Director

New York City Public Schools

Sep 2017 - Sep 2018 (1 year)

Developed an educational-social-emotional program for diverse high school students and families. Provided administrative support and acted as a liaison between various stakeholders.

Program Development Administrative Support Community Engagement Counseling

School Social Worker

New York City Public Schools

Feb 2016 - Sep 2018 (2 years 7 months)

Collaborated with school administration to implement culturally responsive programming. Provided crisis intervention and developed supportive groups for students.

Implementation

Lead Instructional Teaching Artist

New York City Public Schools

Jan 2016 - Jun 2016 (5 months)

Supervised and trained teachers on using artistic interventions in academic lessons. Designed and taught professional development modules.

Artistic Intervention Curriculum Design Professional Development Classroom Management

Social Worker

Independence Care System, Inc.

Apr 2014 - Sep 2014 (5 months)

Provided advocacy and psychotherapeutic services to adults with disabilities in a homecare setting. Coordinated services with other agencies.

Advocacy Psychotherapy Coordination

Teaching Artist

Expeditionary Learning School for Community Leaders

Sep 2011 - Jun 2012 (9 months)

Instructed hip-hop and salsa dance styles to high school students and coordinated showcases for dance students.

Dance Instruction Showcase Coordination

Social Worker

Visiting Nurse Regional

Oct 2010 - Jan 2012 (1 year 3 months)

Provided therapy to individuals with medical and psychiatric issues in a homecare setting, maximizing functioning and preventing hospitalization.

Therapy

Social Worker

Bellevue Hospital Center

Feb 2005 - Apr 2010 (5 years 2 months)

Provided supportive counseling and crisis intervention in the emergency room, advocating for patients and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.

Supportive Counseling

Social Work Intern

Bellevue Hospital Center

Sep 2008 - May 2009 (8 months)

Provided assessment and psychotherapy services to adolescents, collaborating with school administrators and facilitating workshops.

Assessments Psychotherapy Facilitation Collaboration

Dance Instructor

Genesis Dance Ensemble

Jun 1995 - Jun 2007 (12 years)

Managed the administrative office and provided artistic consultation, choreographing dances and scheduling performances.

Performance Management Administration Dance Education

Coordinator of Staff Development

St. John’s New Student Orientation

Jan 2002 - Sep 2003 (1 year 8 months)

Organized and facilitated training sessions for orientation advisors, maintaining staff morale through team-building activities.

Facilitation Team Building Organizational Skills Leadership

Coordinator of Mentor Activities

St. John’s College Bound: Liberty Partnerships Program

Jan 2000 - May 2002 (2 years 4 months)

Provided administrative support and supervised mentor-mentee relationships while counseling high school students on educational and emotional matters.

Mentorship Administrative Support Counseling Relationship Management