Lauren Munch

Experience

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  Project Oz

  Aug 2006 - May 2007

  Transitional Living Program Intern

  -Provided services including: help obtaining employment and/or education, help obtaining housing, education on money management/budgeting, help accessing community resources, and education on life skills to a caseload of homeless youth, ages 18-21-Reviewed new applications and prepared for case staffing-Maintained proper case notes and documentation-Worked on-call for crisis intervention situations including: runaway youths, youths “locked-out” by their parents, and family conflict-Facilitated and assisted with a weekly life skills class for Transitional Living Program participants -Assisted with a Youth for Unity class at the Boys and Girls Club (grades 5-8) Show less

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  Willowbrook High School

  Aug 2007 - Jun 2008

  School Social Work Intern

  -Provided counseling, education, and related services to individual students-Crisis intervention-Facilitated multiple life skills/social skills groups with students with developmental disabilities and with other special education students-Completed Social Development Studies and adaptive behavior assessments-Collaborated with staff and parents on services to students-Participated in IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) meetings-Maintained proper case notes and documentation Show less

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  Lisle Senior High School

  Aug 2008 - Sept 2009

  Inclusion Aide

  • Attended regular education classes with special education students and provided supports• Implemented proper accommodations and modifications indicated in students’ Individualized Education Programs• Consulted and collaborated with general education teachers and inclusion facilitators regarding students’ grades, academic and behavioral progress, and planned for quizzes, tests, papers, and projects• In Resource Study Hall: assisted in supervision, facilitated a productive and conducive learning environment, re-taught class material, helped students stay organized and manage assignments• Assisted with assessments and implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans• Implemented a vocational training program for a student with Autism which included: going to a job site three days a week, teaching job skills and work ethic • Fostered independence in the community and taught life skills with a student with Autism by going out into the community to restaurants, grocery stores, the mall, etc.• Additional Duties: Assistant Coach of the Scholastic Bowl team and took part in the Snowball program as a small group co-facilitator Show less

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  ChildServ

  Sept 2009 - Mar 2010

  Youth Care Worker

  • Provided for the physical and emotional needs and supervision of residents of a Group Home for teenagers who were DCFS wards• Crisis intervention and resident mediation• Taught and assisted residents in life skill areas (i.e. – maintenance of their rooms, good personal hygiene, meal preparation, cleaning, etc.)• Performed required responsibilities in regard to assigned Primary Residents (i.e. – scheduled all dental and doctor appointments, attended Individual Educational Plan meetings, completed proper paperwork for and participated in Quarterly Staffings, advocated for client services, completed weekly counseling sessions)• Maintained directions for use of all medication; dispensed all medications to residents• Completed daily case notes to document therapeutic services for Medicaid billing Show less

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  Countryside Association

  Aug 2010 - Aug 2013

  • Managed the vocational program for over 200 individuals with disabilities at the Work and Training Center• Ensured sufficient availability of subcontract work through quality workmanship, prompt job completion, and facilitating repeat customer business• Supervised 13 direct support staff • Guided staff on the ethical treatment and standards of care for individuals served• Collaborated with case management on client goals and needs• Advocated for clients' rights and encouraged clients to participate in opportunities that would grow their skill sets and confidence towards obtaining employment in the community in the future• Worked with local school districts by providing training and work opportunities to local students transitioning out of high school• Took responsibility for the overall safety of staff and clients in the program Show less • Managed a caseload of adults with disabilities both working towards gaining employment and those currently employed. • Assisted adults with job searching, interviewing, and other job development skills• Fostered relationships with potential employers within the community• Job coached individuals once employed; trained the individual on the job skills needed to sustain their employment independently and indefinitely• Facilitated staffings every two months with individuals, employers, referral source, and family members regarding the individual's current job status, strengths, areas of needed improvement, concerns, etc.• Complied monthly log notes to submit billing reports to the Department of Rehabilitation Services • Provided support and training to all "Work Crews" as needed (work crews included paid and volunteer opportunities for individuals who work at Countryside Center) Show less

  • Work Services Coordinator

    Aug 2011 - Aug 2013

  • Employment Specialist

    Aug 2010 - Aug 2011
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  Little City Foundation (formerly Countryside Association)

  Aug 2013 - Aug 2018

  Case Management Coordinator

  • Oversee day to day operations of a day program for 240 individuals with intellectual disabilities and ensure quality client care and service delivery • Responsible for interviewing, hiring, training, and supervising Case Managers/QIDPs• Ensure that the development and implementation of the service plans utilize Person Centered Planning and meet State requirements• Maintain a caseload of individuals served (i.e. maintain paper and electronic files, complete assessments, conduct annual staffings, create and implement service plans, monitor and run client goals• Liaison with family members, residential facilities, and other outside agencies, etc)• "Superuser" for AWARDS case management software program which includes training and troubleshooting with staff members• Oversee the coordination of incident reporting, including training staff, reviewing all reports, coordinating data collection for statistical reporting, and making reports of abuse and neglect to OIG/APS/IDPH as needed• As Chairperson of the Behavior Management Committee, facilitate a team to review and make recommendations on new and existing behavior plans • Coordinate the monthly community outing calendar to promote community integration• Provide counseling and crisis intervention services to individuals served• Assist clients and families with linkage to community opportunities, services, and resources• Provide recommendations for admissions, discharge, and/or program transfers• Other tasks include: regularly assisting with lunch duty and personal care, facilitating community outings, planning client events, and professional consultation with DSPs & QIDPs Show less

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  CASE: Cooperative Association for Special Education

  Aug 2018 - now

  School Social Worker