LMSW
Brenda Wine-Cooks
Social Work
Bronx,NY
Summary
Compassionate Human Services professional focused on empowering individuals to overcome personal challenges and strengthen relationships. Skilled in providing support and guidance to enhance well-being and resilience. Committed to continuous growth in the social services field while making a positive impact on clients' lives.
Overview
1
1
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Promotion -Director of Shelters
VIP Community Services
Bronx, NY
01.2021 - Current
- Portfolio Growth: Expanded VIP Community Services' portfolio to four single-adult and two family shelters in 2022, growing to six single-adult shelters by 2026 while supporting future expansion.
- Executive Leadership: Directed regional shelter operations, strategic planning, program performance, service delivery, and organizational objectives.
- Multi-Site Management: Oversaw daily operations, resident care, facility maintenance, capacity management, and operational efficiency across multiple shelter programs.
- Staff Development: Supervised, mentored, and evaluated Program Directors and management teams, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensured adherence to DHS, HPD, state, municipal, and organizational requirements through inspections, audits, corrective action plans, and quality assurance.
- Financial Oversight: Managed departmental budgets, expense tracking, resource allocation, and financial forecasting to ensure fiscal accountability.
- Risk Management: Oversaw resident safety, emergency preparedness, incident response, facility compliance, and risk mitigation.
- Program Development: Strengthened case management, housing placement initiatives, clinical coordination, and resident-centered services to improve outcomes.
- Executive Collaboration: Partnered with executive leadership, government agencies, and community stakeholders to advance organizational priorities and program expansion.
- Performance Improvement: Established operational standards, monitored outcomes, strengthened leadership accountability, and implemented strategies to improve service quality.
Shelter Program Director
VIP Community Services
10.2017 - 01.2021
- Facility Operations: Directed daily shelter operations, facility maintenance, sanitation, safety, and service delivery to maintain safe, efficient environments.
- Capacity Management: Oversaw bed utilization, client intake, census reporting, database accuracy, and program capacity to ensure operational accountability.
- Crisis Management: Provided 24/7 emergency leadership, coordinating critical incident responses, crisis intervention, and resident safety.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensured compliance with federal, state, and municipal health, building, safety, and shelter regulations.
- Staff Leadership: Managed recruitment, training, scheduling, supervision, and performance evaluations for clinical, operations, and support staff.
- Clinical Oversight: Supported trauma-informed care, case conferences, staff coaching, secondary trauma awareness, and effective client interventions.
- Financial Management: Developed and monitored operating budgets, expenditures, financial reporting, and resource allocation.
- Grants & Funding: Supported grant development, contract compliance, fundraising, donor relations, and resource development initiatives.
- Program Development: Enhanced case management, housing placement, employment assistance, healthcare access, and supportive services to improve client outcomes.
- Community Partnerships: Cultivated relationships with government agencies, community boards, service providers, volunteers, and stakeholders.
- Public Relations: Represented the organization through public speaking, community advocacy, media communications, and external engagements.
- Quality Improvement: Developed operational procedures, strengthened documentation practices, monitored program performance, and improved service delivery workflows.
Transitional & Supportive Housing Program Director
VIP Community Services
Bronx, NY
03.2012 - 09.2017
- Program Leadership: Directed daily operations across three transitional and supportive housing facilities, ensuring effective service delivery, resident safety, and alignment with organizational objectives.
- Contract & Regulatory Compliance: Maintained compliance with OASAS, HUD, NYC CoC, DHS, DOHMH, HRA, OTDA, and government-funded program requirements.
- Operational Management: Oversaw admissions, discharges, staff scheduling, program coordination, and administrative processes to strengthen operational efficiency.
- Crisis & Incident Management: Led crisis interventions, Priority 1 incident responses, investigations, and required notifications to internal leadership and regulatory agencies.
- Facility Oversight: Ensured inspection readiness and compliance with DHS RSRI, OTDA walkthroughs, Building Inspection Unit standards, and applicable Part 491 requirements.
- CAPS Administration: Improved CAPS case resolution through interagency collaboration, dispute mediation, compliance monitoring, and timely escalation.
- Quality Assurance & Reporting: Directed weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting, incident reviews, corrective action plans, and audit preparation.
- Staff Leadership & Development: Supervised and coached multidisciplinary teams, strengthening accountability, professional development, and client-centered services.
- Clinical Training: Facilitated OASAS-approved training on co-occurring disorders, cultural competency, and special populations; served on VIP's CASAC Training Committee.
- Fiscal & Contract Oversight: Managed program budgets, funding requirements, expenditures, and contractual obligations to maintain fiscal accountability.
- Professional Recognition: Recognized as an Agency Super User and HRA CAPS Program Administrator for expertise in program systems and compliance.
Licensed Clinical Coordinator
Bowery Residents’ Committee
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Clinical Leadership: Supervised, mentored, and evaluated two Clinical Supervisors and one Nurse Administrator, ensuring effective clinical oversight, staff accountability, and quality service delivery.
- Supportive Housing Management: Provided clinical and operational leadership for a congregate supportive housing program serving formerly homeless individuals and clients transitioning from state psychiatric facilities.
- Specialized Populations: Oversaw coordinated services for individuals with serious mental illness, HIV/AIDS, substance use disorders, and complex medical and behavioral health needs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensured adherence to OMH Part 595 regulations, government-funded contracts, organizational policies, and clinical documentation standards.
- Treatment Coordination: Directed interdisciplinary care planning, medical and behavioral health referrals, treatment follow-ups, and continuity of services.
- Clinical Quality Assurance: Conducted utilization reviews, monitored treatment plans, evaluated clinical documentation, and implemented corrective measures to strengthen program outcomes.
- Electronic Records Management: Administered staff access to the AWARDS database, provided system training, and monitored accurate clinical documentation and reporting.
- Staff Development: Facilitated weekly clinical meetings, provided supervisory guidance, and strengthened staff competencies in crisis intervention and person-centered care.
- Incident & Risk Management: Participated in monthly incident reviews with the Deputy Director, assessed clinical concerns, and supported preventive interventions.
- Program Administration: Prepared weekly, monthly, and annual reports, monitored service delivery requirements, and supported operational planning.
- Acting Program Director: Assumed Program Director responsibilities during leadership absences, maintaining operational continuity, regulatory compliance, and staff supervision.
Clinical Supervisor
Bowery Residents’ Committee
Brooklyn, NY
09.2008 - 06.2010
- Clinical Leadership: Supervised mental health technicians and clinical staff, providing daily guidance and oversight of behavioral health and case management services.
- Treatment Planning: Oversaw client assessments, individualized service plans, treatment coordination, and referrals addressing mental health, substance use, housing, and recovery needs.
- Quality Assurance: Conducted chart audits, reviewed progress notes, and monitored electronic records to ensure documentation accuracy and continuity of care.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Participated in multidisciplinary meetings and case conferences to address complex client needs and improve treatment outcomes.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensured adherence to government-funded contracts, agency policies, clinical standards, and reporting requirements alongside the Deputy Director.
- Crisis Intervention: Provided clinical guidance during behavioral health crises, supported risk assessments, and coordinated interventions to protect client safety.
- Staff Development: Evaluated performance, identified training needs, reinforced professional boundaries, and promoted trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.
- Incident Management: Participated in monthly incident reviews, identified clinical service gaps, and recommended corrective actions to prevent recurring incidents.
- Program Improvement: Enhanced clinical workflows, service coordination, documentation practices, and accountability to strengthen service delivery.
- Client Advocacy: Collaborated with healthcare providers, housing agencies, and community partners to connect clients with treatment, recovery, and supportive services.
Social Work Intern for Bronx Lebanon Hospital
Fordham University
09.2007 - 01.2009
- Client Assessment: Assisted with psychosocial assessments, identifying clients' behavioral health, housing, medical, and social service needs under clinical supervision.
- Case Management: Supported individualized service planning, monitored client progress, and coordinated referrals to appropriate community resources.
- Client Advocacy: Assisted individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and socioeconomic barriers in accessing essential services.
- Clinical Support: Participated in interdisciplinary meetings, case conferences, and treatment planning discussions to promote continuity of care.
- Crisis Intervention: Observed and assisted with crisis assessments, de-escalation strategies, and safety planning under the guidance of licensed professionals.
- Community Engagement: Established connections with housing providers, healthcare organizations, and social service agencies to strengthen referral networks.
- Documentation & Compliance: Maintained accurate case notes, assessment records, and service documentation in accordance with agency policies and confidentiality standards.
- Program Operations: Supported daily program activities, client engagement initiatives, and administrative coordination to improve service accessibility.
- Professional Development: Participated in clinical supervision, staff training, and professional development focused on ethical practice, cultural competency, and trauma-informed care.
- Service Evaluation: Assisted with monitoring client outcomes, identifying service gaps, and recommending improvements to strengthen program effectiveness.
Case Aide Intern
Public Service Corps- City College
Manhattan, NY
09.2002 - 05.2004
- Managed budgets by updating data sheets for facility purchases, allocating resources to support priority services and initiatives.
- Collaborated with leadership to implement process improvements across programs for incarcerated youth.
- Reviewed prepared reports for stakeholders, summarizing outcomes, needs, and program performance.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
Education
Masters - Clinical Social Work
Fordham University
NYC02-2010
Bachelors - Psychology /Substance Abuse
City College / C.U.N.Y.
NYC06-2006
Associate - Human Services
LaGuardia Community College / C.U.N.Y.
NYC06-2002
Skills
- Cultural competency
- Regulatory compliance
- Comprehensive service development planning
- Service development planning
- Crisis intervention
- Dependency counseling expertise
- Addiction counseling
- Ethical boundary setting
- Conflict resolution
Accomplishments
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Supervised team of 6 Program Directors, and oversight of 6 Single Adult Shelters
Certification
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) – New York State
- Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) Certified
- American Red Cross – CPR/AED Certified
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) – Food Protection Certificate
- Mandated Reporter Trainer – Certified
- FDNY F-80 Certificate of Fitness – Coordinator of Fire Safety and Alarm Systems in Homeless Shelters
- FDNY F-02 Certificate of Fitness – Fire Guard for Shelters
Timeline
Promotion -Director of Shelters
VIP Community Services
01.2021 - Current
Shelter Program Director
VIP Community Services
10.2017 - 01.2021
Transitional & Supportive Housing Program Director
VIP Community Services
03.2012 - 09.2017
Licensed Clinical Coordinator
Bowery Residents’ Committee
01.2011 - 01.2012
Clinical Supervisor
Bowery Residents’ Committee
09.2008 - 06.2010
Social Work Intern for Bronx Lebanon Hospital
Fordham University
09.2007 - 01.2009
Case Aide Intern
Public Service Corps- City College
09.2002 - 05.2004
Masters - Clinical Social Work
Fordham University
Bachelors - Psychology /Substance Abuse
City College / C.U.N.Y.
Associate - Human Services
LaGuardia Community College / C.U.N.Y.