Andrea Van der Merwe

I am currently enrolled in the 2-year Masters in Social Work program at Kings University. 
 

I am also employed at Atlohsa as a Housing Support Worker, where I support Indigenous individuals facing barriers by assisting them with securing housing and maintaining housing stability while also engaging in case management. 
 

I am especially passionate about working with vulnerable populations such as those with disabilities, youth, racialized peoples and the unhoused community. My approach is both trauma-informed and harm-reductionist in nature, as well as culturally appropriate for each individual whom I work with. 

Atlohsa Family Healing Services
Housing Support Worker. April 2023 – August 2024
● Communicate with other partnering agencies to provide wrap-around care for clients.
● Engage in case management and advocacy to secure housing and facilitate housing stability.
● Navigate social assistance programs in a manner compliant with client confidentiality.
● Support clients with accessing mental health and addictions resources in a harm-reductionist manner.

Ark Aid Street Mission
Program Support Worker December 2022 – April 2023
● Facilitate access to community resources to meet participants health, hygiene, and housing needs.
● Maintain health and safety in program areas and ensured participants remain in designated areas.
● Effectively respond to emergency situations and communicate with first responders.

Crouch Neighborhood Resource Centre
Child & Youth Neighbourhood Worker May 2022 – September 2022
● Involvement in program planning by researching and preparing activities for after-school program.
● Effectively engage in conflict resolution with children using trauma-informed techniques.
● Consult with fellow staff members to resolve behavioural issues and provide accommodations.

Private Childcare 
Nanny May 2021 – September 2021
● Provided nanny services involving preparing food, cleaning, and other general household tasks.
● Faced the challenges associated with a lively toddler and performed expected childcare duties.
● Assisted with daily care, nurturing and play as well as coordinated daily activities and scheduling.

The University of Western Ontario
Bachelor of Arts Honours, Faculty of Social Science
Major in Democratic Governance
Major in Criminology
Awards: The Western Scholarship of Distinction, Deans Honors List, Gold Medal