Honor Society® member
Monica Contreras
Blended Case Manager at Lakeshore Community Services, Erie, PA Identify, coordinate and assist consumers in gaining access to needed medical assistance services, social security, housing, educational, and other services and support. Responsible for scheduling visits with clients and be informed of schedule meetings. Provide crisis intervention (including twenty four hour/day availability of staff), family education, skill building, parenting skills, budgeting, home maintenance issues, conflict resolution. Provide casework services including developing treatment plans to meet identified needs. Coordinated, monitored and advocated for the services and supports needed to achieve the individual's goals. Actively coordinates with other individuals and entities essential in the physical and behavioral care delivery.
- Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
- Master of Social Work
- Class of 2022
- Union City, Pennsylvania
Member since September 2020
About
I am a Mexican American, a first-generation immigrant, and a Social Work graduate student at the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. My story begins in a small majestic town called Sombrerete, Zacatecas, Mexico. My parents Juan and Maria, were born and raised there. In the early 80s, my parents came to the United States for a better life, the American dream. My parents worked full time, seven days a week, to provide for myself and my eight daughters on minimum wage. We lived in poverty all of my childhood. Shared Christmas gifts, shared memories, and hand-me-down clothes were a custom. My family benefited from social services programs that gave us school supplies when my parents could not afford it. Those programs inspired me to read books, since the only way I could get books was through programs. TRiO - Talent Search & Upward Bound, was a school program that offered tutoring and social workers helped succeed. Social Work impacted me personally and professionally, and I want to continue that mission. I want to complete a master's degree then pursue a Ph.D. degree in Social Work.
Education
-
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
masters in social work
2020 – 2022
Honors and awards
-
Dream Support Scholarship Award presidential
Scholarship award through the National Society of Leadership and Success
-
Presidential Scholarship Award
Scholarship award for student president for the Student Government Association for Mercyhurst University North East Camp
-
R.J. Miller Scholarship Award
Scholarship award for student President.
Goals and interests
- Career goal
Once I complete my master's degree, I want to pursue a Ph.D. degree in Clinical Social Work. master's degree would impact my career by allowing me to grow academically and strive to expand my opportunities. Essentially I want to become a professor. My success will allow me to set a new norm in my community, that education is possible for all.
- Graduate school interests
My interests in my graduate studies would be that I would like to further my education in helping people.
- Outside the classroom
During my spare time. I love to draw and paint.
Experience
-
Blended Case Manager
Lakeshore Community Services, Erie, PA Identify, coordinate and assist consumers in gaining access to needed medical assistance services, social security, housing, educational, and other services and support. Responsible for scheduling visits with clients and be informed of schedule meetings. Provide crisis intervention (including twenty four hour/day availability of staff), family education, skill building, parenting skills, budgeting, home maintenance issues, conflict resolution. Provide casework services including developing treatment plans to meet identified needs. Coordinated, monitored and advocated for the services and supports needed to achieve the individual's goals. Actively coordinates with other individuals and entities essential in the physical and behavioral care delivery.
Nov 2018 – Sep 2020
-
Direct Support Professional
Erie Homes for Children and Adults, Erie, PA. Comply with all applicable agency and governmental regulations, policies and procedures. Implement emergency treatment and life saving techniques to the extent training and agency protocol. Administer medications to residents following completion of the agency’s Medication Administration Training Program. Transport clients in agency vehicles when needed Record all necessary information, observations, and daily progress notes. Participate in planning and implementing programs, including social, recreational, work, and in-home activities .
Aug 2014 – Jul 2020
-
Counselor
Gannondale Home for Girls, Harbor Creek, PA Worked with 12-19 years old female juvenile delinquents from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Erie counties. Supervised daily living skills of youth. Managed caseload of 3 clients, managing one-on-one counseling sessions on weekly basis. Observed and reported daily behaviors of the youth for county courts.
Aug 2011 – Apr 2012
Languages
- English (US) Fluent
- Spanish Fluent
