Jessica Shirk
Baton Rouge
Summary
Compassionate and dependable social work professional with experience providing advocacy, support, and essential resources to individuals and families. MSW graduate skilled in client-centered care planning using a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach.
Well-versed in therapeutic communication, assessment, and rapport-building across diverse mental health settings. Adept at guiding clients through complex challenges, coordinating services, and promoting empowerment and safety while upholding evidence-based and ethical practice.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
MST Therapist
Foundation X
Baton Rouge, LA
01.2026 - Current
- Provided crisis intervention services, assisting families in navigating acute emotional distress situations.
- Promoted healthy family dynamics by facilitating group therapy sessions.
- Improved family communication by utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
Psychiatric Social Work Intern
Apollo Behavioral Health Hospital
Baton Rouge, LA
05.2025 - 10.2025
- Led individual and group therapy sessions to support mental health recovery.
- Conducted psychosocial assessments to identify client needs and guide treatment.
- Documented patient progress and maintained compliant case records.
Community Support Specialist
START Corp
Baton Rouge, LA
08.2024 - 02.2025
- Guided clients to housing, employment, and community resources while providing compassionate emotional support.
- Conducted home visits to assess family needs and develop appropriate support plans.
- Maintained clear, accurate documentation of interventions, services, and outcomes per agency standards.
Disaster Case Manager
Catholic Charities Diocese of Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, US
07.2023 - 10.2024
- Conducted community outreach to raise awareness of services for disaster survivors.
- Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to survivors.
- Researched funding sources and wrote grant applications for additional resources.
Education
Associate in Social Science -
Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge, LA08-2019
Bachelor of Social Work -
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA08-2022
Master of Social Work -
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN11-2025
Skills
- Psychosocial Assessments
- Treatment Planning
- Crisis intervention
Certification
Certified Social Worker (CSW) – Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners
Currently preparing for the ASWB Master’s (LMSW) licensing exam
Timeline
MST Therapist
Foundation X
01.2026 - Current
Psychiatric Social Work Intern
Apollo Behavioral Health Hospital
05.2025 - 10.2025
Community Support Specialist
START Corp
08.2024 - 02.2025
Disaster Case Manager
Catholic Charities Diocese of Baton Rouge
07.2023 - 10.2024
Master of Social Work -
Walden University
Associate in Social Science -
Baton Rouge Community College
Bachelor of Social Work -
Louisiana State University