Mental Health Assistant

SAMARA PALLO

*** ****** ****** ***. **, Hoboken, NJ 07030 • 551-***-**** (c) • ******@***.***

EDUCATION

New York University, Silver School of Social Work, New York, NY

Master of Social Work, May 2014, GPA 3.648

Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY

Bachelors of Arts, Psychology, May 2011

Minor in American Studies with a concentration in gender and sexual minorities, GPA 3.36

EXPERIENCE

Childcare Provider for 7 yr-old boy diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome Hoboken, NJ

Independent childcare, 15 hrs per week, September 2012-present

•Apply clinical knowledge to organize daily, social skills learning through ABA therapy

•Assume responsibilities such as after school pick-up, supervised homework, coordination of playdates,

participation in age-appropriate games, preparation of meals, and transportation to local activities

•Attend parent-teacher conferences to explore the child’s academic and social experiences in the classroom

•Foster psychoeducation for the family by highlighting recent literature

Mount Carmel Guild Behavioral Health System Community Mental Health, Union City, NJ

Interned, 21 hrs per week, in the Outpatient and Partial Care Departments, September 2013-May 2014

•Assisted in the agency’s PC psychotherapy groups emphasizing topics such as symptom management, relapse

prevention, healthy living skills, and vocational training

•Conducted weekly/biweekly individual therapy based on the models of CBT and psychodynamic theory

•Co-facilitated a weekly triage group aimed towards client empowerment and development of healthy, concrete

coping skills

Christ Hospital Inpatient Voluntary Unit for Mental Health & Alcohol Detox: 5 East, Jersey City, NJ

Interned 18 hrs per week, September 2012 – May 2013

•Conducted initial assessments and discharge planning for admitted patients, followed by family reach-out

when necessary to discuss continuing treatment options within the community

•Co-facilitated a weekly goal-setting group encouraging members to identify their strengths while creating

individual objectives

•Participated in daily treatment rounds with the clinical team to address patients’ progress in conjunction with

attending on-site student workshops to build therapeutic knowledge and skills

West Bergen Mental Healthcare Asperger’s Related Services Department, Ramsey, NJ

Senior Counselor, Assistant Counselor, Group Aide and Volunteer, May 2009 - May 2012

•Supervised children and adolescents diagnosed with Asperger’s and other neurodevelopmental disorders

•Assumed a leadership role in SOAR, utilizing CBT to reinforce socially appropriate behaviors

•Completed clinical summaries and case notes for children with Individualized Educational Programs (IEPS)

HONORS

Recipient of the “ Senior Psychology Faculty Award” and Dean’s List, Hobart and William Smith

CERTIFICATIONS

Passed the Masters ASWB Examination on 8/8/14, NJ License Pending

Mandated Reporter Training: Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment, May 2014

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