Brittany Lally
Hilliard
Summary
Skilled professional licensed social worker dedicated to strong client communication and resource management in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment. Skilled in problem solving, building rapport, de-escalation, motivational interviewing, and conflict resolution. Pro-active and goal-oriented individual experienced in meeting the client where they are and collaborating with them to identify their needs and reach a solution independently. Successful at time management and navigating complex situations; proven track record of maintaining strong working relationships, adapting to dynamic environments, and displaying the capacity to learn and apply new skills. Seeking to leverage transferrable skills to drive growth and reach professional goals.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Humane Agent, MSW, LSW
Columbus Humane
03.2023 - Current
- Promote public safety and community health by investigating reports of animal cruelty and neglect, promptly addressing health issues and standards of care concerns, coordinating with veterinarians for treatment, and taking appropriate legal action when necessary
- Empower a diverse case load of clients towards independence and self-sufficiency through goal-setting and motivational interviewing techniques, connecting them to appropriate financial, housing, medical, and educational services
- Handle emergency situations calmly and effectively, using trauma-informed principles while adhering to established safety protocols, providing culturally-competent crisis intervention support for pet owners facing challenges such as domestic violence, homelessness, substance abuse, and severe mental health diagnoses
- Improve client outcomes by developing and implementing individualized domestic violence safety plans involving pets, assisting in the navigation of high risk situations and complex legal processes involving animal cruelty; facilitate successful reunification of owner and animal by working collaboratively with clients, advocates, and legal representatives
- Ensure positive outcomes in difficult situations by using conflict resolution skills when interacting with uncooperative individuals during field operations, decreasing the number of repeat offenses by providing guidance to pet owners on proper care and legal requirements
- Evaluate program effectiveness regularly, implementing improvements based on animal outcomes, client feedback, and emerging best practices in the field of veterinary social work in order to adapt and address unique challenges
- Develop comprehensive and accurate case files for each investigation, including accurate records of client communications and other relevant documentation, ensuring successful legal outcomes and maintaining seamless operations between staff members
- Conduct educational trainings related to the human-animal bond for community partners, building partnerships and educating the public on topics related to victim advocacy, domestic violence, humane education, responsible pet ownership, mandated reporting, local animal laws, and staff wellness
- Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities by attending conferences and workshops, enhancing knowledge base related to best practices in the field of social work and animal welfare, providing leadership, guidance and support to staff and sharing knowledge with leadership and fellow team members
- Develop working relationships with law enforcement and social services agencies, veterinarians, rescue organizations, community stakeholders, and other humane agents to share resources, expertise, and foster a supportive community
- Mentor new social workers entering the field by sharing knowledge of best practices in case management and service coordination, and providing opportunities for client interaction and constructive feedback
- Promote optimal animal welfare standards by advocating for enrichment activities, addressing behavioral concerns, facilitating socialization opportunities, and employing appropriate restraint techniques for various species while prioritizing public safety
- Assess community needs and identify resources needed to address services gaps, specifically related to those with pets who are low-income; coordinate partnerships with community members to expand access and develop new strategies for implementation of successful, evidence-based programming
- Participate in community events to promote services and engage with the public to increase awareness and funding for services
Animal Care & Community Programs Coordinator
Columbus Humane
08.2018 - Current
- Ensured a high quality of life and a clean, safe, and healthy living environment for animals in the care of Columbus Humane, while also monitoring behavior and health conditions to ensure the best care possible
- Participated in the planning and opening of a new program in domestic violence shelter LSS Choices, providing program management and basic care for traumatized animals while also developing rapport with survivors & pet owners
- Optimized pet food pantry operation and efficiency by evaluating program effectiveness, implementing changes, and maintaining inventory management
- Played key role in implementation of new distribution programs, improving client satisfaction and enhancing community outreach and relationships by organizing regular pet food drives, low-cost vaccine clinics, and educational events and materials for appropriate pet ownership and responsibilities
- Supervised a team of dedicated volunteers who assisted in the day-to-day operations of the pantry, ensuring tasks were completed efficiently while providing trauma-informed techniques of communication
- Conducted regular assessments of client needs, adjusting available resources accordingly to meet changing demands within the community effectively
- Provided emotional support and referrals when needed, ensuring that clients felt respected, heard, and valued during their time at the food pantry
Intern - Animal Cruelty Investigations
Columbus Humane
05.2017 - Current
- Participate in the investigation and documentation of complaints of animal abuse, neglect, and abandonment; assist in court proceedings and the pursuit of criminal charges
- Maintain high levels of professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive and high risk situation, ensuring fair treatment under the law while upholding the organization's and client's integrity
- Safely remove animals from dangerous or abusive situations, using a fear-free approach when possible
- Hired on as a staff member after internship completion to dispatch and route agents while prioritizing emergency complaints and maintaining agent safety in the field
MSW Intern - Clinical & Supportive Services
LSS Choices for Victims of Domestic Violence
08.2019 - 04.2020
- Gained experience in case management, crisis counseling, group counseling, shelter advocacy, childcare coordination, transitional housing, legal advocacy, and community advocacy, which assisted clients in the community that require ongoing case management services
- Developed educational materials for clients, staff, and law enforcement; promoting awareness of domestic violence dynamics, warning signs, and healthy relationships, specifically with pets
MSW Intern - Community Support Network
Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare
01.2019 - 06.2019
- Forensic monitoring of individuals with severe mental health diagnoses found to be Not Guilty by Reasons of Insanity (NGRI) and on conditional release or in the state hospital
- Observed court proceedings; participated in sessions with case managers and interdisciplinary treatment team meetings; led group counseling sessions with clinical counselors; directly engaged with clients with severe mental health diagnoses
Research Assistant
Transition Studios
04.2016 - 09.2016
- Researched legal precedent of various drug crimes for the documentary film called "White Boy"
- Observed an interview of a convicted murderer to document his motivation and history of crime
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH05-2020
Skills
- Problem-Solver
- Critical Thinker
- Solution and Goal Oriented
- Empathetic Communicator
- Conflict Resolution
- Crisis Intervention
- Situational Awareness
- Motivational Attitude
- Dedication to Implementing Best Practices
- Documentation and Organization
- Fear-Free Animal Handling & Restraint
Certification
- License of Social Work (LSW)
- In Process: License of Independent Social Work (LISW)
- Humane Agent (Franklin County, OH)
- Fear-Free Certified
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Defensive Tactics
- Impact Weapons
- OC/CS Individual Chemical Aerosol
- Euthanasia by Injection
- CPR/AED Certification
- First Aid Certification
- Ohio Driver's License
- Forklift Certification
Timeline
Humane Agent, MSW, LSW
Columbus Humane
03.2023 - Current
MSW Intern - Clinical & Supportive Services
LSS Choices for Victims of Domestic Violence
08.2019 - 04.2020
MSW Intern - Community Support Network
Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare
01.2019 - 06.2019
Animal Care & Community Programs Coordinator
Columbus Humane
08.2018 - Current
Intern - Animal Cruelty Investigations
Columbus Humane
05.2017 - Current
Research Assistant
Transition Studios
04.2016 - 09.2016
- License of Social Work (LSW)
- In Process: License of Independent Social Work (LISW)
- Humane Agent (Franklin County, OH)
- Fear-Free Certified
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Defensive Tactics
- Impact Weapons
- OC/CS Individual Chemical Aerosol
- Euthanasia by Injection
- CPR/AED Certification
- First Aid Certification
- Ohio Driver's License
- Forklift Certification
Master of Science - Social Work
The Ohio State University
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