Licensed Social Worker (LSW) - Child & Family Services Specialist
Resume:
Melissa M. Cote
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
Telephone- 508-***-****
E-mail- ***********@*****.***
Licensed Social Worker in the state of Massachusetts with patience, compassion, empathy, and excellent people and communication skills; ability to help determine problems using a strength-based approach and building positive relationships.
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Summary
• Strong verbal and written communication • A natural ability to understand people’s points of view • Detail-driven research skills • Effective listening • High emotional intelligence and sensitivity • Meticulous organizational skills • Critical thinking and problem-solving • Inner strength and perseverance • Crisis intervention strategies
Strong verbal and written communication
A natural ability to understand people’s points of view
Detail-driven research skills
Effective listening
High emotional intelligence and sensitivity
Organizational skills
Cultural Awareness
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Inner strength and perseverance
Crisis intervention strategies
Clinical assessment skills
Work experience
Massachusetts Department of Children and Family Services - New Bedford, Mass
Ongoing Social Worker, LSW
2022-present
Assess, evaluate, conduct initial and ongoing case management of children/family services, and needs.
Develop, review, update and ensure implementation of strength-based service plans for each child in care or custody including risk assessment, safety plans and goals.
Complete all documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
Attend home and foster care visits; transport children to health, social services or other agency-related appointments as required.
Maintain ongoing communication with DCF staff and other constituencies, initiate court action when necessary.
51A reports and necessary steps to ensure child welfare safety
Empower families to make stable commitments to children by providing counseling and coordinating visits with biological parents and/or guardians and other relatives; develop a helping relationship and ensure needed supports and services are provided.
Assess the safety risk and needs of each individual child to ensure safety.
Kennedy-Donovan Center, Inc. - New Bedford, Mass
Social worker- 2016-2022
September 2019-2022 prompted to supervisor.
Provide the designated hours of collaborating with families weekly per assigned participant.
Oversea case managers and family partners to ensure effective case management and quality of service to the families served.
Complete Employees on-going assessment and evaluations.
Working effectively as a collaborative team with the contracted services the Department of Children and Families.
Monitor all necessary documentation and files ensuring documentation is up to date, submitted in a timely manner, and organized to company standards.
Engage in strategic planning among the companies CEO and higher management to ensure development growth is being fostered.
Develop and conduct on-going development growth trainings to staff members.
Help staff support with 51A reports and necessary steps to ensure child welfare safety.
Establishes and maintains relationships with other agencies and organizations in the community toward meeting community needs and services.
Ensures compliance and adherence to the Kennedy-Donovan Center and the Department of Children and Families philosophy and mission statements.
Assess parenting needs and develop safe and helping relationships with assigned individuals.
Participate in the development of treatment plans.
Provide advocacy for individuals as needed.
Collaborate with internal and external resources and community providers to ensure timely, safe, and appropriate placement services.
Participate in all team meetings
Comply with all KDC and DCF documentation requirements
Provide transportation to identified appointments.
Perform other job -related responsibilities as assigned.
Program Supervisor- Family Partners Support and Stabilization Unit contracted through the Department of Children and Families of Massachusetts
Kennedy-Donovan Center, Inc. - New Bedford, MA
2016 to September 2022
The program supervisor manages staff directly, provides leadership initiatives, and provides direct weekly supervision with all staff members.
Provide one-one support to all staff members to evaluate crises and interventions in regard to the families we serve.
Provide the designated hours of collaborating with families weekly per assigned participant.
Rotation emergency on-call support once a month.
Establishes and maintains relationships with other agencies and organizations in the community toward meeting community needs and services.
Ensures compliance and adherence to the Kennedy-Donovan Center and the Department of Children and Families philosophy and mission statements.
Assess parenting needs and develop safe and helping relationships with assigned individuals and staff members.
Participate in the development of treatment plans on the Department of Children and Families gateway.
Provide advocacy for individuals as needed.
Collaborate with internal and external resources and community providers to ensure timely, safe, and appropriate placement services.
Participate in all team meetings and outside provider meetings.
Comply with all KDC and DCF documentation requirements.
Perform other job= related responsibilities as assigned.
NorthStar Learning Centers, Inc. - New Bedford, Mass
Lead Teacher -2015 to April 2017
pre-school lead teacher is responsible for the early education of children in their care.
established and enforce rules of behavior for children in their classrooms.
Provide basic needs for children throughout the day.
Provide tools and resources for children to use and explore during learning and play activities through guided discovery.
follow all ECC requirements and guidelines.
Provide one-one parent/teacher conferences to support the child's education and provide additional resources if needed.
Fellowship Health Resources, Inc. - Fall River, MA
Residential Counselor for Mental Health 2013 -2014
Provide elderly residents with advocacy, referrals, crisis intervention, and supportive counseling. Assist in the development and implementation of appropriate service plans with residents. Ensure residents are following the guidelines and expectations of the program; giving consequences or discharging when appropriate.
Assisting residents with their daily personal tasks.
Ensuring that residents abide by our rules and policies.
Organizing and facilitating group activities.
Supervising residents and ensuring their safety.
Providing residents with community resources.
Fulfilling any reasonable requests made by residences.
Working as a team to ensure residents receive the best quality of life possible.
Updating and maintaining reports on each resident.
West end day nursery - New Bedford, MA
Lead Teacher 2005 -2013
As a preschool teacher I was responsible for the early education of children in their care. I established and enforce rules of behavior for children in their classrooms.
Provide basic needs for children.
Provide tools and resources for children to use and explore during learning and play activities.
followed EEC requirements
Parent/ Teacher meetings
Little People's College - New Bedford, MA
Teacher Aid 2002 -2005
Dedicated, caring, and responsible education professional deeply committed to supporting teachers and students within the classrooms. Patient, upbeat and creative in tailoring instruction to meet individual student needs and learning styles.
Followed instructions by Lead Teacher.
Promoted a healthy and safe environment for all children
Assessed lead teacher completing evaluations and assessments for all children.
Created lesson daily plans required by ECC.
New Bedford Prevention Partnership/ PACCA - New Bedford, Mass
Youth Mentor for children at risk -1999 - 2002
To develop a relationship with the youth with the aim of providing support and guidance, friendship, positive interaction, exposure to positive activities, opportunities to learn life skills, and positive problem skills.
Establishing youth court
Developing Silence Hurts campaign to promote the stop of bullying.
Provide one-one support to children in need of positive role models and relationships in their life.
Creator of Youth Court
Developer of Silence Hurts Campaign promoting healthy relationships and the stop to bullying among children and teens.
Establish positive relationships and networking within communities to help children develop a positive self-image and self-esteem.
Promote the " Say No to Drugs" campaign within the local housing communities for inner-city children.
Volunteer Work
Suicide Prevention Hotline Worker
Active Day Adult Daycare for Elderly
Education
Master's Degree in Psychology of Mental Health (complete in May of 2027)
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice (completed 7 classes)
Bachelors in Human Services and Counseling
Associate in Science in Human Services
EEC LEAD Teacher Certification
Infant Toddler Certification
Fisher College - Boston, Mass
2011-Present
Skills
Case Management
CPR
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Autism Experience
Crisis Intervention
Crisis Management
Mental Health Counseling
Behavioral Therapy
Curriculum Development
Child Protective Services
Behavioral Health
Intake Experience
Mentoring
Behavior Management
Alzheimer’s awareness
Awards
Spirit Award in Leadership
September 2019
Demonstrating the following qualities,
Shows true passion about KDC and what the agency represents
Displays an upbeat, positive attitude even when faced with challenges in the course of the day
consistently motivates and encourages others to do their best
promotes positive morale in their work environment through their own behavior as well as by fostering an environment of inclusiveness.
Certifications and licenses
LSWA Social Work License in Massachusetts
LSWA Social Work License in Massachusetts
Additional information
Specialized Training: • Attachment disorders and Trauma. • Identifying and preventing child abuse. • Leader as Motivator • Positive Behavior Support. • Leadership and Frontline Supervision. • Child Welfare Credential Level 1 and 2 • Practical Strategies for Engaging Families and Children • The Impact of Parental Substance Abuse • Calming Children in Crisis • Crisis Intervention • Understanding Bloodborne Pathogens • Narcan • Cultural Responsiveness in Clinical Practice. • Essentials of HIPPA/ Ethics and Corporate Compliance • Home Visits Safety Course. • On-going Trauma related courses.
Specialized Training:
Attachment disorders and Trauma.
Identifying and preventing child abuse.
Leader as Motivator
Defining Child Abuse Bruises
Psychiatric Disorders
Positive Behavior Support
Deescalation skills
Leadership and Frontline Supervision.
Child Welfare Credential Level 1 and 2
Practical Strategies for Engaging Families and Children
The Impact of Parental Substance Abuse
Calming Children in Crisis
Crisis Intervention
Understanding Bloodborne Pathogens
Narcan
Cultural Responsiveness in Clinical Practice.
Essentials of HIPPA/ Ethics and Corporate Compliance
Home Visits Safety Course.
On-going Trauma related courses.
First Aid
CPR
Children Advocacy on Child Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Contact this candidate