Sara O’Toole

4445 E. Laketon Ave • Muskegon, MI 49442 • (231) 288-9355 • otooles@mail.gvsu.edu

Professional Summary
MSW with experience in crisis social work, teaching, and residential services social work. Have experience in
providing telephonic counseling for those in crisis including safety planning, and assisting in emergency services
such as evaluations. Experienced in individual and group teaching and counseling. Coordinated care for individuals
including working with case managers, referring to community resources, and conducting wellness checks.
Education
Master of Social Work Degree Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Grand Rapids, MI

Bachelor of Science Degree Central Michigan University (CMU) Mt Pleasant, MI

Associate of Science Degree Muskegon Community College​ ​(MCC) Muskegon, MI

Professional Development
10/2018 - Current Protocall Services Grandville, MI

● Provide telephonic support to individuals who are in crisis, requesting counseling services, or concerned for
the well being of another individual.
● Gather demographic and clinical information for high intensity calls including those who are suicidal,
homicidal, or in danger, and assess for suicidal intent.
● Dispatch county CMH on call workers, MOCT, DCR, or DMHP workers to facilities, usually hospitals,
who require immediate face to face evaluations for individuals needing mental health services.

05/2018 - 05/2019 MSW Intern - Grand Rapids Housing Commission Grand Rapids, MI

● Advocate for 140 low income adults and seniors who have a physical or cognitive impairment, or a
substance abuse disorder, document progress, and assess skills
● Assist residents in attaining community resources such as DHHS benefits, transportation, job searching,
living healthy by eating, and provide housing inspections and creating plans to maintain housing
● Counsel residents as a case manager, provide emotional support, conduct wellness checks for those needing
emergency services, and plan and coordinate activities for the residents

02/2018 - 06/2018 Substitute Teacher - Muskegon County Muskegon, MI

● Substitute taught grades K-12, specializing in grades 3rd - 6th, managing an average of 27 kids per room
● Instructed classroom curriculum material left by the teacher including math, English, writing, history, etc
● Watched the children and handle any classroom problems including emotional or physical disruptions

08/2016 - 05/2017 Social Work Graduate Assistant – GVSU Grand Rapids, MI

● Researched health care options for older adults including statistics on healthy aging, palliative care and
collaborative care for seniors, senior friendly communities, and caregiver fatigue.

02/2016 - 07/2016 English Instructor – Greenheart Travel Bogotá, Colombia

● Taught English as a second language to eight classes with twenty five students per class
● Developed curriculum, created worksheets, lead classroom activity games, and presented lesson plans
● Evaluated students and worked with mentor on academic success and needs of students
 Sara O’Toole
4445 E. Laketon Ave • Muskegon, MI 49442 • (231) 288-9355 • otooles@mail.gvsu.edu

● Instructed work preparatory skills such as attendance, task completion, problem solving and safety

10/2014 - 10/2015 AmeriCorps Member / Job Coach – Goodwill Grand Rapids, MI

● Instructed employment and life skill courses to varied community members including subjects on
resume/cover letter writing, interview questions and answers, computer training, communication, stress
management, and economic self sufficiency,
● Assisted the individual in creating a Career Development Plan based on interest, skill and opportunity, and
served as a role model, training participants to identify, understand, and practice appropriate worker
characteristics and appearance standards
● Documented the progress of participants in regards to their patient centered plan, assign online work
tutorials, and manage case notes

02/2015 – 05/2015 Creative Writing Instructor – Brooks Correctional Facility Muskegon, MI

● Co-instructed various creative writing lessons to approximately 15 inmates two hours per week
● Prepared lesson materials and facilitate interactive group discussions regarding readings and assignments
● Maintained a positive and professional relationship with the inmates while providing constructive criticism

01/2014 – 05/2014 Research Assistant – CMU Mt Pleasant, MI

● Research Focus: Video Game Violence and Aggressive Behavior

01/2014 - 05/2014 Inside-Outside Exchange Program – CMU St. Louis, MI

● Participated in a class inside the St. Louis Correctional facility three hours per week
● Interacted with and gained a unique perspective of the criminal justice system from the inmates
● Developed strong communication skills discussing sociological topics with people of various backgrounds

05/2011 - 09/2011 Youth Mentor– Every Woman’s Place Muskegon, MI

● Mentored young women on employment skills including resource navigation, resume and cover letter
writing, and transportation to job interviews
● Mentored young women on life skill development including hygiene, parenting, and coping techniques
● Recorded progress, documented case notes, and coordinated community outings with participants