Mental Health Counselor LMSW

• Jan 2023 - Present

Program Supervisor

• Aug 2019 - Jun 2021

• Supervised five supervisees, four Case Planners with 12+ cases each, and a Case Aide through task allocation, individual supervision, team meetings, quarterly and yearly performance evaluations • Oversaw 48 cases and casework activities, reviewed individualized service plans and referrals, approved case manager assessments, reviewed FASPS every six months, collaborated with stakeholders, and ensured that services and benefits were provided timely to families • Conducted coaching and supervision to Case Planners by assisting them in setting goals for families and resolving complex situations, minimizing case escalations, and ensuring compliance with the agency’s policies and procedures • Reviewed resumes and interviewed potential candidates alongside the Director to increase longevity and retention of employees and reach full staffing • Voluntarily engaged in professional development training to strengthen skills, learn new skills, and create knowledgeable staff to ensure adaptability and flexibility for up-to-date job changes Show less

Therapist

• Aug 2018 - Aug 2019

• Scheduled clients, completed biopsychosocial assessments and intake assessments over the telephone using a manual recordkeeping system, and consulted with an interdisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes and ensure direct care to all members • Counseled individuals and families (from adolescence to adulthood) on a scheduled basis on a mirid of topics, maintained contemporaneous notes, and manually inputted them on a template for review by the LCSW • Facilitated an open support group with six older adults for six months, using compassion, empathy, patience, and respect, to allow a safe space for them to discuss similar interests and concerns and partake in activities to maintain cognitive health Show less

Family Counselor

• Jun 2015 - Aug 2019

• Managed a caseload of 12+ families, working closely with stakeholders, various governments, and non-profit agencies, including The Administration of Children Services, local courts, school systems, the Department of Homeless Services, etc., to implement plans to prevent the removal of children and re-engagement with their families • Assessed the needs of the parents and children under 18 with timely home visits and conferences, made appropriate referrals, and followed through to case closure after most goals with agencies were met and they proved self-sufficient• Encouraged parental involvement in webinars and conferences by providing them fliers and engaging in conversations about opportunities for them to be a part of their children’s progress at the agency, schools, and therapeutic facilities• Engaged in professional development training inside and outside of the agency to enhance employee performance, strengthen skills and improve efficacy Show less

Disaster Case Manager

• May 2013 - Jun 2015

• Increased stability and security by securing $500,000+ to families affected by Hurricane Sandy, by presenting cases to the “roundtable,” advocating, and making referrals to other disaster-related organizations like Catholic Charities and Rebuilding Together• Completed needs assessments and developed service plans after meeting with families, being culturally competent, sensitive, listening actively, and collaborating with diverse groups to make all families feel included, safe, and comfortable as they worked toward termination• Ensured that all emergency needs were met for food, shelter, clothing, health, and mental health services by counseling families and referring to organizations offering rental assistance, temporary housing, counseling, gently used clothing, employment, vocational training, etc. Show less

Therapist

• Sep 2017 - Aug 2018

• Conducted therapeutic sessions in the milieu with young people (15-18 years old), managed crises within the group home, and utilized art, poetry, and music as a means to manage their stress, express their feelings and improve their communication during sessions • Screened and assessed the young people with Teen Intervene using motivational interviewing to allow them to identify what thoughts and feelings caused unhealthy behaviors to create change • Conducted therapeutic sessions in the milieu with young people (15-18 years old), managed crises within the group home, and utilized art, poetry, and music as a means to manage their stress, express their feelings and improve their communication during sessions • Screened and assessed the young people with Teen Intervene using motivational interviewing to allow them to identify what thoughts and feelings caused unhealthy behaviors to create change