Sophia Watson

I am a dedicated social worker with a strong passion for supporting individuals, families, and communities in improving their overall well-being. I earned my Master of Social Work from Western Carolina University, where I was a Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Scholar. Currently, I serve as a School Social Worker with Caldwell County Schools, where I collaborate with community organizations to provide comprehensive support to students and families.

My experience spans clinical settings, community outreach, and case management, allowing me to approach challenges with a well-rounded, person-centered perspective. I have worked closely with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults with varying needs, focusing on mental health, crisis intervention, and access to essential resources. Through my professional and internship experiences, I have facilitated therapy sessions, supported integrated care initiatives, and helped individuals maintain independence through effective case management and life skills support.

I am particularly passionate about mental health advocacy, suicide prevention, and creating safe, supportive environments for vulnerable populations.

I hold multiple certifications, including School Social Worker Certification, CPI Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, CPR, and training in suicide prevention and child maltreatment recognition. These credentials support my ability to respond effectively in high-need situations while maintaining a compassionate and ethical approach. My goal is to continue making a meaningful impact by empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and advocating for accessible, equitable care for all.

In the future, I plan to obtain my LCSWA to further my knowledge and provide more comprehensive care.

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER at CALDWELL COUNTY SCHOOLS (2024-08 – Present)

• Working within three non-profit organizations; The Community Care Clinic, The Counseling Center of Highlands, and the International Friendship Center.
• Participate in therapy with the counseling center.
• Partake in integrated care within the Care Clinic.

MSW SPECIALIZED PLACEMENT INTERN at PLATEAU BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COLLABORATIVE (2023-08 – 2024-05)

• Working within three non-profit organizations; The Community Care Clinic, The Counseling Center of Highlands, and the International Friendship Center.
• Participate in therapy with the counseling center.
• Partake in integrated care within the Care Clinic.
• Work with the food pantry, and the literacy center to help promote healthy eating for better mental health.
• Provide support that clients may need within the other organizations.
• Host therapy with clients in the Counseling Center.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE IN-HOME CASE MANAGEMENT at HAYWOOD COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES (2023-12 – 2023-06)

Providing services to disabled adults who are at an assisted level of care, that wish to continue living in their own personal living arrangement. Assisting clients who receive assistance and Rep-payee services. This entails budgeting bills and making sure their personal spending money is spent appropriately to meet the needs to live as independent as possible. Conducting monthly telephone calls, along with quarterly and annual visits.

• Provide services to disabled adults who are at an assisted level of care, that wish to continue living in their own personal living arrangement.
• Assist clients who receive assistance and Rep-payee services.
• Budget bills and ensure personal spending money is spent appropriately to meet the needs to live as independent as possible.
• Conduct monthly telephone calls, along with quarterly and annual visits.

YOUTH SPECIALIST/INTERN at HIGHTS INC (2022-09 – 2024-08)

• Work with vulnerable populations through individual time and afterschool groups by planning, organizing, facilitating, and promoting inclusive recreational programs.
• Supervise groups of children between ages ten and seventeen.
• Support clients' social, physical, and emotional needs to help integrate them into the local community.
• Work part time after internship.

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK in BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS' SCHOLAR – WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVESTIY (2024-05)

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK in MINOR OF PSYCHOLOGY – WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVESTIY (2022-12)

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA – MITCHELL HIGH SCHOOL (2017)