Amanda Benton Beschonet, Lmsw Email & Phone Number

San Antonio, Tx, Us

Leadership & Development: Supervised and coached a team of up to 14 Crisis Workers, focusing on performance evaluation, goal-setting, and professional growth. Conducted bi-weekly 1:1 meetings, performance reviews at 90 days and annually, and provided ongoing feedback to ensure high-quality service delivery.Trauma-Informed & Crisis Intervention: Implemented trauma-informed principles to create a supportive environment for crisis intervention. Trained staff on trauma-responsive practices… Show more Leadership & Development: Supervised and coached a team of up to 14 Crisis Workers, focusing on performance evaluation, goal-setting, and professional growth. Conducted bi-weekly 1:1 meetings, performance reviews at 90 days and annually, and provided ongoing feedback to ensure high-quality service delivery.Trauma-Informed & Crisis Intervention: Implemented trauma-informed principles to create a supportive environment for crisis intervention. Trained staff on trauma-responsive practices and ensured sensitive handling of complex issues such as suicidality, violent intent, self-harm, sexual assault, psychosis, drug and alcohol use, domestic violence, and child abuse. Supported counselors in managing these issues via text and chat-based services, providing real-time guidance and resources as needed.Text and Chat-Based Services: Managed the nuances of text and chat-based crisis intervention, ensuring clarity and empathy in written communication. Navigated real-time responses effectively, supporting counselors in de-escalating and assisting individuals within a digital environment.Team & Performance Management: Led weekly team meetings to provide updates, foster communication, and build team cohesion. Monitored performance through reviews of reports and quality evaluations, setting expectations for productivity and service quality. Conducted case studies with the team to refine crisis intervention practices.Supervision & Support: Provided on-shift supervision to ensure adherence to service standards and protocols. Maintained oversight of service needs and collaborated with managers to address areas for improvement. Served as a field supervisor for social work graduate students, offering mentorship, guidance, and evaluations. Show less

---Manages and implements City of San Antonio grant, which focuses on girl's empowerment and high school completion in 5 school districts.---Facilitated 130 psycho-educational groups around topics like: self-esteem, positive affirmations, body image, breaking gender norms, anti-racism, understanding neurodiversity, setting goals, college readiness, assertive communication, and managing mental health (October 2020-June 2022).---Manages and mentors a case load of 150 middle and high… Show more ---Manages and implements City of San Antonio grant, which focuses on girl's empowerment and high school completion in 5 school districts.---Facilitated 130 psycho-educational groups around topics like: self-esteem, positive affirmations, body image, breaking gender norms, anti-racism, understanding neurodiversity, setting goals, college readiness, assertive communication, and managing mental health (October 2020-June 2022).---Manages and mentors a case load of 150 middle and high school girls, during a school year.---Developed, maintained and analyzed program data for reporting and evaluation purposes.---Has supervised 4 graduate-level practicum social work students from UTSA since starting position.---Developed pilot program (Teens Taking Action) that focuses on anti-racism and increasing young people's voice around social justice.---Created and implemented a month-long psycho-educational intervention group that focused on mental wellness, self-care, and social isolation for local teens.---Worked collaboratively with community stakeholders and agencies to promote the program and increase awareness. Show less

---Developed intake assessment form with emphasis on sexual health, history and motivations.---Conducted assessments, created individual treatment plans, and evaluated effectiveness of counseling modality among case load.---Facilitated focus group of commercial sex workers to better inform service delivery and outreach methods.---Worked with case managers to implement tele-health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Outreach & Testing Coordinator for UNIFY within the HIV Services department. This is a SAMHSA capacity building intervention program for LGBT and vulnerable youth, at-risk for HIV, Hep C, and substance use. Provides free HIV testing, risk assessments, sexual health education, and linkage to case management and community resources. Oversees the development and implementation of evidence based interventions, for the population of focus. Chair of community advisory committee which… Show more Community Outreach & Testing Coordinator for UNIFY within the HIV Services department. This is a SAMHSA capacity building intervention program for LGBT and vulnerable youth, at-risk for HIV, Hep C, and substance use. Provides free HIV testing, risk assessments, sexual health education, and linkage to case management and community resources. Oversees the development and implementation of evidence based interventions, for the population of focus. Chair of community advisory committee which guides UNIFY's mission of lowering the transmission of HIV among LGBT youth. Conducts quarterly reports and develops culturally appropriate outreach activities and events.Events of interest: San Antonio's first LGBT Career Fair at Our Lady of the Lake University, "Glitter Lab" at Pride Festival which brings in more than 1,000 visitors to targeted sexual health messaging booth, 1st annual Latino Pride Festival at Market Square, World AIDS Day (multiple), National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Sexual Health Field Day with LGBT youth 12-17 years old.*Roundtable Presenter at the National Sexual Health Conference in Denver, Colorado, July 2017 Show less

Project Hot

*Conducts outreach in community setting in order to engage the community including health fairs, festivals, LGBT events, bars or nightclubs, residential areas, as well as non-traditional settings such as parks and bath houses. Also provides outreach through mobile apps, websites, blogs, and chat rooms.*Engages targeted individuals in conversations surrounding sexual and substance-using behaviors in a non-judgmental manner.*Ensures educational resources, prevention and collateral… Show more *Conducts outreach in community setting in order to engage the community including health fairs, festivals, LGBT events, bars or nightclubs, residential areas, as well as non-traditional settings such as parks and bath houses. Also provides outreach through mobile apps, websites, blogs, and chat rooms.*Engages targeted individuals in conversations surrounding sexual and substance-using behaviors in a non-judgmental manner.*Ensures educational resources, prevention and collateral supplies are available to targeted outreach individuals and venues.*Conducts HIV Pre/Post INSTI test counseling services, including risk reduction sessions.*Conducts HIV and Syphilis prevention-related marketing activities including social media and mass media.*Maintains documentation in accordance with State contract standards.*Demonstrates developing knowledge of the MSM/LGBT community, and HIV/STIs and their transmission.*Mobilizes LGBT college groups to become Peer Advocates on their campuses.*Facilitates "Condom Pack-a-Thons", and other volunteer opportunities.*Conducts evidence-based practices targeting high-risk individuals, as well as those recently diagnosed with HIV, to prevent new infections and link to care. Show less

• Monitors the Game Room which provides free games and equipment to the estimated 1,000 students it serves every semester• Supervises the collection of IDs for the use of equipment and games, and completing all necessary paper work- Assists in First Time in College Orientations for incoming freshmen. Answers registration, Banner/ACES, financial aid, and general questions during workshops.

• Planned and executed activities for residents living in low income apartment complexes• Provided courses on Financial Literacy, G.E.D. Preparation, Interview Skills, Nutrition, Scholastic Tutoring, Budgeting, English as a Second Language, and Computer Skills• Coordinated with local social service agencies to plan events and provide assistance to residents• Attained over 100 donated backpacks and school supplies for “Back to School Bash”• Established an Emergency Food and… Show more • Planned and executed activities for residents living in low income apartment complexes• Provided courses on Financial Literacy, G.E.D. Preparation, Interview Skills, Nutrition, Scholastic Tutoring, Budgeting, English as a Second Language, and Computer Skills• Coordinated with local social service agencies to plan events and provide assistance to residents• Attained over 100 donated backpacks and school supplies for “Back to School Bash”• Established an Emergency Food and Toiletry Pantry for residents• Organized petition for VIA to create a new bus stop near the center Show less

Sueltenfuss Library

---Responsible to oversee the circulation of library materials between members and perform record keeping of these transactions. ---Arrange the library books in an orderly manner. Ensure books are kept under the correct category. ---Update the library card of the member. Make note of the return date of the library materials on the card for member's convenience. ---Check the library materials such as books, CDs, etc. once returned by members for any damage. Levy compensations or… Show more ---Responsible to oversee the circulation of library materials between members and perform record keeping of these transactions. ---Arrange the library books in an orderly manner. Ensure books are kept under the correct category. ---Update the library card of the member. Make note of the return date of the library materials on the card for member's convenience. ---Check the library materials such as books, CDs, etc. once returned by members for any damage. Levy compensations or fine, in case of damages on the member. Show less

---Developing and implementing community organized actions by holding governments and businesses accountable for discriminatory policies and practices against the LGBTQ community. ---Working collaboratively with a network of concerned activists to manage grassroots protests and rallies, online action alerts, canvassing, creating petitions and letter writing campaigns.---Identifying and cultivating allies among local religious, social justice and political organizations for coalition… Show more ---Developing and implementing community organized actions by holding governments and businesses accountable for discriminatory policies and practices against the LGBTQ community. ---Working collaboratively with a network of concerned activists to manage grassroots protests and rallies, online action alerts, canvassing, creating petitions and letter writing campaigns.---Identifying and cultivating allies among local religious, social justice and political organizations for coalition building and to increase awareness of DANSA's mission.---Plan and direct major actions, including the Kiss for Marriage Equality Photo Shoot, Rally for Resignation of Dan Ramos, and the Building a Movement Flash Mob.---Identifying, recruiting and training new activists to become powerful future leaders.---Developing outreach and visibility events designed to engage local activists and increase membership.---Working with co-organizers to ensure meaningful and creative actions that are likely to lead to sustained commitment, community buy-in, and leadership among activists. Show less

• Coordinated field testing and informal enforcement when discriminatory rental or housing practices were detected, based on race, national origin, disability, or familial status• Conducted between 50+ phone calls a day gathering initial data for field tester volunteers, and then updating the national database with the findings

---"Straight to Equality" monthly columnist on a straight ally's perspective on the LGBT community in San Antonio and nationally.---Readership is 2,000+.

• Identified, recruited, and established new volunteer sites in Bexar county• Managed over 200 active volunteers, and over 20 site coordinators • Implemented recruitment efforts through community outreach and public awareness activities• Facilitated weekly volunteer orientations with individuals and organizations• Established sustainable community linkages and corporate partnerships • Maintained volunteer data and schedules for delivery• Recruited over 500 volunteers for… Show more • Identified, recruited, and established new volunteer sites in Bexar county• Managed over 200 active volunteers, and over 20 site coordinators • Implemented recruitment efforts through community outreach and public awareness activities• Facilitated weekly volunteer orientations with individuals and organizations• Established sustainable community linkages and corporate partnerships • Maintained volunteer data and schedules for delivery• Recruited over 500 volunteers for the “Schools Spring to Deliver Meals”, through the March for Meals Initiative Show less

---Completed 1,700+ volunteer hours in 10 months.---Received over 170 hours of leadership development provided by Public Allies management over topics including Results Based Accountability, Asset Based Community Development, Conflict Resolution, Group Facilitation, Social Media, Volunteer Coordination, and Time Management.---Challenged to further grow professionally and personally through an Individual Development Plan.---Represented Public Allies at various venues, including the… Show more ---Completed 1,700+ volunteer hours in 10 months.---Received over 170 hours of leadership development provided by Public Allies management over topics including Results Based Accountability, Asset Based Community Development, Conflict Resolution, Group Facilitation, Social Media, Volunteer Coordination, and Time Management.---Challenged to further grow professionally and personally through an Individual Development Plan.---Represented Public Allies at various venues, including the MLK and Cesar Chavez March, to spread awareness of the program in San Antonio.---Developed and facilitated a comprehensive, all inclusive Presentation of Learning for the graduating class. Show less

---Co-organized the 2nd Annual West End Art Festival at the Frank Garrett Community Center to engage families and children in District 5 in artistic expression and interactive art.---Collaborated and networked with several community organizations such as San Antonio Food Bank, Centro Fitness, and Family Service Association, to gain sponsorships, vendors, mentors, artists and volunteers. ---Raised funds for Urban Connection-San Antonio's After-School Art Academy by acquiring donated art… Show more ---Co-organized the 2nd Annual West End Art Festival at the Frank Garrett Community Center to engage families and children in District 5 in artistic expression and interactive art.---Collaborated and networked with several community organizations such as San Antonio Food Bank, Centro Fitness, and Family Service Association, to gain sponsorships, vendors, mentors, artists and volunteers. ---Raised funds for Urban Connection-San Antonio's After-School Art Academy by acquiring donated art from local artists and created a sustainable mentorship program. ---Created unique family friendly activities to showcase different styles of art including architecture, dance, music, poetry, and sculpture. ---Advertised the festival by passing out flyers, creating dialogue within the community and gaining radio and television interviews. Show less

Master Of Social Work - Msw, Social Work

Bsw, Social Work

President (2012-2013), Public Relations/Social Media Coordinator, The Alliance at Our Lady of the Lake University, 2012-2014 • Established.

Social Work

Activities and Societies: President of GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association) 2010.