Social Work

LaShawnda Leslie

Skills and Knowledge:

Optimistic and rapid learner. Creative. Energetic. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Extensive computer literacy. Various case management experiences with developmental disabilities, mental health, medically fragile, aged populations, infants and toddlers, preschool, adolescents and teenagers, young adults, substance abuse, parenting, education, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, vocational, probation and/or parole, housing, foster care, adult protective services, child protective services, runaways, immigration, early intervention, benefits, community outreach and advocacy. Knowledge of SPSS and research guidelines. Experience working in a collaborative effort with many agencies on behalf of clients. Excellent engagement skills. Experience in crisis management, individual and group counseling. Successful group facilitation. Supervision of staff and activities. Coursework geared towards Children and Families, Client Centered Management (Clinical/Administrative), Grief, Trauma and CBT, Cultural Competency, Psychology and Development, Sociology, Family Dynamics, Child/Human Welfare, Assessment and Diagnosis, and Research. Extensive knowledge of office management such as telephones, emails, messages, appointments, customer service, filing, mailing, copying, faxing, and switchboard. Various other employment titles include, Teaching Assistant, Group Leader, Camp Counselor, Family Library Specialist, Office Assistant/Manager, and Receptionist.

Experience:

2010-2011 The Fountains at Rivervue Tuckahoe, NY

Program Director

• Supervision of Care management team.

• Conduct regular assessments of prospective residents and current residents.

• Management of department budget and scheduling.

• Staff, resident and family crisis intervention.

2009-2010 Child Abuse Prevention Center White Plains, NY

Master’s Level Social Work Intern

• Weekly in home visits with mandated and self referred families to discuss parenting skills.

• Administrative tasks such as taking referrals, grant writing, research, and fundraising.

• Developing parenting psycho-educational and support groups.

• Creating Junior Volunteer Core-ages 11-20.

• Involvement in local Network Meetings around Westchester County.

• Collaboration with Westchester County Child Protective Services and Preventative Services and other community based organizations.

2008-2009 Cerebral Palsy of Westchester White Plains, NY

Master’s Level Social Work Intern

• Completed intake process for preschool parents into Therapeutic Preschool Program/Daycare Center.

• Facilitated Parent-Teacher Conferences and School District Conferences and presentations.

• Facilitated play groups and observations.

• Completed administrative tasks in accordance to various supervising agencies.

2007-2010 Cerebral Palsy of Westchester Rye Brook, NY

Medicaid Service Coordinator

• Reviewing eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability, Food Stamps and other benefits for consumers ages 4-65 and their families.

• Conducting monthly face to face visits with consumers and their families to ensure delivery of desired/needed resources and promotion of self advocacy in areas such as housing, transportation, education, medical, and vocational services.

• Developing Individual Service Plans through Person Centered Approach.

2005-2007 WestHELP Greenburgh White Plains, NY

Senior Case Manager

• Conducted weekly meetings and unit inspections with clients and their children.

• Created service plans with clients to obtain onsite and community based supportive services, and to obtain goal of successful permanent housing.

• Coordinated facility groups around self-advocacy, housing, parenting, education, health, employment and special events.

• Provided supervision of case managers in basic social work skills and contacts for local resources for clients and their children.

2004–2005 Lexington Center for Recovery Valhalla, NY

Senior Field Placement

• Increased monthly home-visits to each client.

• Managed 48 clients and their families within the agency.

• Implemented Case Management Plans to promote self-advocacy.

• Implemented new filing system for easier client file access.

2004 School Based Adolescent Parenting Program White Plains, NY

Junior Field Placement

• Increased client participation for group and individual sessions.

• Expanded program awareness throughout local school district.

• Expanded use of outside agencies for supportive services and resources.

Education:

The College of New Rochelle New Rochelle, NY

B.S., Social Work and Psychology GPA 3.2

Fordham University West Harrison, NY

M.S., Social Work GPA 3.3

• Leadership and Macro Practice: Client Centered Management

• Specialization: Children and Families

Activities/Memberships: National Association of Social Workers; National Association of Black Social Workers, Fordham University Chapter Vice President; Notary Public, Westchester County, NY; White Plains Public Schools PTA; Psi Chi (Psychology National Honor Society); CPR/First Aide Certified; Parent Representative White Plains Public Schools Committee on (Pre-School) Special Education

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