Chelsea Fisher
Ocean Gate
Summary
Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15+ years of experience in program development, implementation science, and supervision within community mental health and public sector systems Demonstrates expertise in applying evidence-based frameworks to guide strategic planning, implementation efforts, organizational development, and systems-level change Proven ability to lead multifaceted projects, translate complex concepts into actionable strategies that improve service delivery and outcomes across diverse populations, while building staff capacity Skilled in stakeholder engagement and cross-sector collaboration
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
SUPERVISING SENIOR IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALIST
NJ Department of Children and Families - Office of Strategic Development
12.2025 - Current
- Contribute to strategic planning efforts for high-priority projects addressing complex and sensitive social/human services program issues; develop actionable recommendations for program development, implementation, and enhancement
- Partner with program and operational offices to conduct needs assessments, identify gaps, and develop targeted improvement strategies; monitor implementation to ensure successful execution of departmental enhancement efforts
- Demonstrate subject matter expertise in DCF Implementation approaches and frameworks, including but not limited to, NIRN’s Active Implementation Formula and Stages of Implementation to support high-quality programming
- Oversee a portfolio of cross-functional projects spanning program development, implementation, and organizational change initiatives
- Provide strategic direction and mentorship to project leads to ensure alignment with Departmental priorities and successful delivery of project outcomes; Oversees program activities by establishing priorities and deadlines
- Facilitate organizational development efforts including capacity building, process improvement, and change management to enhance departmental effectiveness and service delivery
- Facilitate exploration and analysis of evidence-based programs by conducting model scans of evidence-based clearinghouses to identify potential programming to address social and human service program needs
- Synthesize model exploration and assessment findings into presentations for program partners; design and prepare proposals for either the selection of new evidence-based programs or modification of existing programs
- Utilize hexagon assessment tool to analyze and evaluate program components for a specified client population
- Utilize hexagon tool findings to develop targeted recommendations that address social and human service program needs
- Develop and prepare proposals for funding programs; lead review teams to assess funding proposals for eligibility, completeness, and technical content; make funding recommendations to support selection of contracted service providers and achievement of department goals
- Coordinate engagement of technical experts (i.e., model developers, manual and training developers, etc.) to identify and co-develop solutions to resolve implementation gaps and/or areas for improvement in DCF processes
- Conduct Implementation Assessments to identify gaps and determine the necessary methods to achieve project goals and objectives
- Prepare and recommend modifications to operations and procedures manuals including but not limited to; logic models, practice profiles, service delivery flow charts, and job descriptions to ensure well-defined program and/or office operations to assist in operating more efficiently and effectively
- Monitor initial implementation of new program models to ensure they operate as intended; review evaluation findings to determine whether program designs under demonstration accurately represent recommended program models
- Collect data through focus groups, feedback loops, surveys, and stakeholder engagement to identify implementation barriers and facilitators; develop recommendations to improve implementation and achieve program outcomes
- Monitoring ongoing program performance to identify deficiencies and develop corrective action strategies that support established service delivery objectives
- Conducted interviews and provided recommendations for hiring new staff; addressed staff performance concerns and managed employee issues.
- Plan, organize, and delegate work to supervisees based on DCF needs and priorities
- Provide regular supervision to supervisory and non-supervisory staff
- Evaluate employee performance and conduct for subordinate staff; prepare official performance evaluations that include performance development plans to support professional growth
- Supervises the maintenance of essential records and files
SENIOR IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALIST
NJ Department of Children and Families - Office of Strategic Development
04.2022 - 12.2025
- Applied NIRN’s Active Implementation and Stages of Implementation frameworks to guide program and organizational development efforts
- Reviewed and monitor specific program activities administered by the agency and makes appropriate recommendations to ensure that standards and procedures are followed, and that the quality of the program meets acceptable standards.
- Led strategic initiatives ensuring alignment with defined scopes of work; facilitate meetings and collaborate with project managers to meet deadlines and quality standards
- Led complex program and/or organizational development projects
- Coordinated procurement and management of external consultants and technical experts to align with strategic priorities
- Coordinated and established complex, multi-level teaming structures with various stakeholders (model developers, contracted service providers, DCF staff, community members, and/or external stakeholders to plan, implement, and sustain programs or interventions
- Synthesized research and evidence-based data to evaluate and recommend innovative programs aligned with agency priorities
- Co-developed data tracking systems, implementation supports including logic models, practice profiles, service delivery flows, program manuals, and training curriculums/tools
- Identified problems in the delivery, administration, implementation, or integration of program activities; co-create mitigation strategies to ensure successful project execution
- Acted as a liaison between the agency and other public and/or private organizations.
- Assisted in the development of interagency and division policies and procedures
- Maintained organized documentation and knowledge systems ensuring accessibility and compliance
- Conducted interviews and provide recommendations for hiring new staff; address staff performance concerns and manage employee issues as needed
- Supervised implementation staff with a strength-based, capacity-building approach and conduct biannual performance reviews
- Trained, modeled, and coached staff to enhance competencies in implementation science best practices
- Evaluated employee performance and conduct for subordinate staff; prepared official performance evaluations that include performance development plans to support professional growth
KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Bright Harbor Healthcare (formerly Ocean Mental Health Services)
04.2018 - 04.2022
- Led initial implementation of the Keeping Families Together Program Model; partner with program staff to identify implementation barriers and develop recommendations to support achievement of program outcomes
- Provided administrative and clinical oversight for a program serving forty enrolled families; monitor program performance, identify deficiencies, and implement corrective action strategies to ensure effective service delivery and achievement of outcomes
- Managed budget and allocate resources in alignment with funding source contract requirements to ensure fiscal compliance and effective use of program funds
- Monitors Federal and State policies, regulations, laws, rules and administrative orders for changes and compliance.
- Developed and maintained collaborative relationships with governing and regulatory agencies, community providers, local landlords, and other stakeholders to support program goals
- Acted as a liaison between the agency and other public and/or private organizations
- Led quality improvement initiatives and managed data collection to identify gaps and challenges
- Identified strategies aimed to resolve problems in the delivery, administration, implementation or integration of program activities.
- Administered the Strengthening Families Program ensuring fidelity to the model
- Participated in the KFT Model Design Team to support the development of the program's Logic Model and Practice Profile contributing to the development of a well-defined practice
- Collaborated with regulatory agency to identify eligible families for admission into program
- Explained eligibility criteria for program services; determined initial or continuing eligibility for clients for specific assistance program(s).
- Reviewed and evaluated personal or financial data to determine client eligibility.
- Provided regular supervision to staff, conducted performance evaluations, developed performance improvement plans
- Coached staff in maintaining fidelity to the program model
- Planned, organized, and assigned work to subordinates
- Evaluated employee performance and conduct, develops professional development plans to support professional growth
- Exercised personnel management authority including leading hiring processes, conducting interviews, making employment decisions, and implementing disciplinary actions up to and including termination in alignment with agency policies
- Supervised the maintenance of essential records and files, including client files
Independent Private Practice
05.2014 - 04.2022
- Provided individual and family therapy services to diverse client population including adults, adolescents, and children presenting with various mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral disorders, and relationship issues
- Utilized evidence-based treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other therapeutic interventions tailored to client needs and treatment goals
- Maintained comprehensive clinical records including treatment plans, progress notes, and assessment documentation in compliance with ethical standards, HIPAA regulations, and professional practice requirements
- Coordinated care and made appropriate referrals to psychiatrists, medical providers, community resources, and specialized services to ensure a holistic treatment approach and continuity of care for clients
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary professionals for clinical consultation to enhance treatment planning and outcomes
- Provided clinical consultation to colleagues on complex cases and evidence-based intervention strategies
CRISIS WORKER - PER DIEM
Meridian Health, Southern Ocean County Hospital
03.2013 - 05.2018
- Conducted comprehensive psychiatric assessments and screenings for patients presenting to the emergency department to determine appropriateness for inpatient psychiatric admission versus community-based treatment
- Assessed risk of harm to self and others, evaluate safety concerns, and conduct clinical interviews to gather relevant psychiatric history, symptoms, and functional status to inform treatment recommendations
- Developed detailed assessment reports documenting clinical findings, risk factors, mental status examination results, and evidence-based recommendations for continuation of care including discharge planning or inpatient psychiatric hospitalization
- Coordinated care transitions by making appropriate referrals to outpatient mental health services, crisis programs, substance use treatment, and community resources to ensure continuity of care and support patient stabilization
- Collaborated with nursing staff, physicians, and multidisciplinary team members to ensure patient safety, communicate risk assessment findings, and facilitate appropriate placement decisions and treatment interventions
CRISIS DIVERSION PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
Bright Harbor Healthcare
01.2011 - 04.2018
- Oversaw day-to-day operations of the Crisis Diversion Program; monitored program performance to ensure services operate as intended and support achievement of program outcomes and client stabilization goals
- Participated in agency administrative meetings and task forces to contribute to strategic planning efforts, organizational development initiatives, and cross-departmental coordination
- Analyzed program data and performance indicators monthly to support continuous quality improvement efforts; identify gaps and deficiencies and develop corrective action strategies to enhance service delivery
- Conducted annual SWOT analysis to assess program strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; provided evidence-based recommendations for program improvement and strategic planning
- Provided crisis intervention and in-vivo counseling services to maintain psychiatric stability and divert hospitalization; deliver evidence-based clinical interventions to support client stabilization and community tenure
- Empowered individuals to identify and access community resources that support mental health stability, recovery goals, and successful community integration
- Provided supervision and performance oversight for program staff and interns; evaluated employee performance and conduct, and support professional development to ensure achievement of service delivery objectives
- Exercised personnel management authority including leading hiring processes, conducting interviews, making employment decisions, and implementing disciplinary actions up to and including termination in alignment with agency policies
Education
MASTERS IN SOCIAL WORK -
Fordham University
New York, NY05-2011
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL WORK
The Richard Stockton College of NJ
Galloway, NJ05-2010
Skills
- Implementation science
- Program development
- Implementation support
- Needs assessment
- Stakeholder engagement
- Strategic planning
- Supervision and coaching
- Facilitation skills
- Team collaboration
- Coordination strategies
- Organizational skills
- Problem solving
- Communication skills
- Documentation practices
- Leadership
- Team collaboration
Personal Information
Title: SUPERVISING SENIOR IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALIST
Timeline
SUPERVISING SENIOR IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALIST
NJ Department of Children and Families - Office of Strategic Development
12.2025 - Current
SENIOR IMPLEMENTATION SPECIALIST
NJ Department of Children and Families - Office of Strategic Development
04.2022 - 12.2025
KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Bright Harbor Healthcare (formerly Ocean Mental Health Services)
04.2018 - 04.2022
Independent Private Practice
05.2014 - 04.2022
CRISIS WORKER - PER DIEM
Meridian Health, Southern Ocean County Hospital
03.2013 - 05.2018
CRISIS DIVERSION PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
Bright Harbor Healthcare
01.2011 - 04.2018
MASTERS IN SOCIAL WORK -
Fordham University
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - SOCIAL WORK
The Richard Stockton College of NJ