LORNA
VESSUP
*.********@*****.***
The Bronx, NY 10456
SKILLS
Teamwork
Active Listening
Responsibility
Motivation
Empathy
Patience
Dependability
Flexibility
Proficient in CARES, AWARDS
EDUCATION
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN • Expected in 01/2027
Ph.D.: Advanced Studies in Human Social Behavior
PhD Dissertation: A qualitative study aimed to answer
RQ1
How do social workers describe their experiences with vicarious trauma working in a homeless family shelter?
resources for vicarious trauma while collaborating with clients' trauma?
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY • 05/2010
Master of Arts: Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY • 05/2003
Bachelor of Science: Psychology/Criminal Justice
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY • 05/1999
Associate degree: Liberal Arts and Sciences
CERTIFICATIONS
Mindfulness Motivational Interviewing
Cultural Competency
Child Abuse Certificate
LGBTQ Competency
Mental Health First Aid USA
On the job Sexual Harassment
Understanding Substance Use and Its Impact on Shelter Residents
Naloxone Overdose Rescue Training
Safe Talk Harm Reduction
Reducing Job-Related Stress: The Role of Coping & Organizational Change
Understanding Reentry in NYC: From Incarceration to the Community
Understanding Homelessness & Professional Boundaries
Mandated Reporter
De-escalation training
Understanding Professional Boundaries
Workforce Planning and Development
Domestic Violence Intimate Partner 101
Women in Need Workforce Planning and Development
Certificate of Achievement Strengths-based Case Management
Non-Coercive Approaches to Conflict Management
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Compassionate Case manager, Team-oriented, experienced in family shelter environments. Strong communicator with a passion for helping others. Hardworking and dedicated to providing guidance, support, and assistance in addressing social issues to improve the quality of life in marginalized communities, by offering excellent problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication skills. And knowledge of community resources. Ready to help the team achieve company goals.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
BRC – Independent Living Specialist
2929 Third Ave Bronx, NY • 12/2023 - 10/2024
Supervisor Acanta Bennett (Job 646-***-****/C 646-***-****
Responsible for an assigned caseload of 23 single scattered site Program tenants in Bronx Locations
Conducted and screened client assessments
Focused on helping tenants maintain housing stability
Monthly visits to tenants’ residences to conduct wellness checks, medication regime, ensure safety, needed repairs, financial security, sobriety
Ensure clients attend 1 monthly office visit to update necessary documents progress notes, pay rent, update medical documents, and program compliance
Re-certification for entitlements
Update clients’ HMIS assessment profile, maintain active case file order, close discharged clients’ charts for alphabet agency Audits
Monitored ongoing migrant cases closely, to see if there were any changes to gaining housing due to the NYC 30-day shelter Policy
Services for the UnderServed – Housing Specialist
240 E 178 Street Bronx, NY 10457 • 03/2022 –12/28/2023
Employed at the agency's HASA/HIV Residency, from March 2022 to September 28, 2023, when services were discontinued and the owner decided to close the building
Maintain accurate records of client interactions, ensuring confidentiality and efficient case management.
Explained rental and housing regulations to clients and helped each other discover the best options for housing.
Reviewed documentation and input data into a computer system to complete the eligibility process, re-certifications, and tenant move-outs
September 2022 to December 2023 Transferred SUS Anchor Site
Explained rental and housing regulations to clients and helped each other discover the best options for housing.
Assist applicants in filling out housing applications and verifying assets.
Actively participate in staff meetings and share best practices with colleagues by ensuring the success of housing placements by finding permanent housing, assisting with Housing Connect applications, NYCHA applications, HHA CAPS Supportive Housing applications, CityFheps eligibility, and Section 8 EHV vouchers.
Reviewed documentation and input data into a computer system to complete the eligibility process, re-certifications, and tenant move-outs
Coordinated with local agencies to successfully provide housing and prevent homelessness, decreasing homelessness by placement goal of 9 clients monthly
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Assisted clients in setting achievable goals while providing ongoing encouragement and support throughout the process of reaching those objectives.
Women In Need - Case Manager
325 E 104 Street NY, NY • 03/2013 - 06/2021
Supervisor Denise Hendrix 347-***-****)
Managed caseload of 20-26 homeless families (married/single), women with children, LGTBQ partners
Facilitate intake assessments and developed individual living plans and housing strategies for each client
Conduct case file audits, and maintain uniform client charts as per Department of Homeless Services (DHS), Office of Addiction Services and Support (OASS), and Office of Mental Health(OMH) audits
Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and HIPPA confidentiality requirements.
Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients
Familiarize clients with multiple housing programs HHA applications Program, LINC I-VI, HPD, NYCHA Section 8, Supportive Housing, NY II & III, and CityFHEPS,
Escort clients to apartment viewings, lease signing, HRA, and medical appointments
Report to DHS daily with projected voucher move-outs
SCO Family of Services Crotona Inn, New York, N. Y - Senior Case Manager
Bronx, NY 10456 • 10/2011 - 03/2013
Mentored approximately five case managers, and three housing specialists, effectively managed phone calls, and emails per day from other vendors while working with the Program Director to create a positive, productive atmosphere.
Conducted thorough assessments of clients’ situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions. Conducted QA to ensure accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements. Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs. Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates, group sessionsProvided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely. Improved client satisfaction by efficiently addressing concerns or grievances promptly
Contributed actively to team discussions and case conferences, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies. Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services, and public benefits to gain access to valuable resourcesSCO Family of Services Crotona Inn, Bronx, NY - Senior Shift Supervisor
Bronx, NY • 11/2008 - 10/2011
Supervised overnight staff of four Social Service Residential Aides, and six Security Residential Aides to ensure facility safety and curfew complacency policy such as signing bed sheets, and documenting clients who broke curfew to be sent to Vacancy Control at HERO.
Facilitated communication between shifts, ensuring smooth handovers and continuity in daily operations.
Maintained high safety standards by conducting routine inspections and implementing corrective actions.
Evaluated employee performance and coached and trained to improve weak areas.
Achieved results by collaborating with staff to meet established targets. Created successful work schedules for each team member to maintain deadlines and fully staff shifts, during holidays and weekends.
Developed strong relationships with clients, ensuring customer satisfaction through timely resolution of issues or concerns.
Managed inventory control, optimizing stock levels for seamless operations and reduced waste.
Resolved conflicts within the team diplomatically, maintaining a harmonious work atmosphere.
Strengthened team cohesion, fostering a positive work environment through regular feedback sessions and team-building activities.
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