Amanda Barlow

Background

About Amanda Barlow

By earning a Master of Social Work degree from The University of Iowa and a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University in Child, Adult, and Family Services, I have developed strong organizational and time management skills. Currently, I serve as a Community School Coordinator for two schools within the Des Moines Public School district. As a Community School Coordinator, I work as the bridge between our school and the community with the all-encompassing goal of improving outcomes for student success. I do this by building relationships with community partners and by developing and leading out-of-school time activities and family engagement events that are recorded for data research in relation to long term student success. I serve as a mentor for students by focusing attention on providing resources for students and families, promoting student engagement both in and out of school, and breaking down barriers to food and housing insecurities. Prior to my current role, I was employed with Broadlawns Medical Center as a Social Worker on the Inpatient Behavioral Health unit. In this position, I worked in a culturally diverse environment in conjunction with psychiatrists, physicians, legal personnel, and community stakeholders to make decisions in the best interest of patients and families. I advocated for individuals with mental illness, provided group therapy in a fast-paced environment, worked with a team to problem solve patient care needs, and recorded appropriate oral and written documentation. These roles and my case management background through Eyerly Ball Community Mental Health Services demonstrate that I am adept in executing, planning, and promoting events, possess effective time management and decision-making skills, flexibility, and showcase my compassion for working with people of all populations.