Deborah Pitruzzello
Higganum
Summary
Dedicated Social Services professional with over 20 years experience in long term care management and
recent clinical training. Proven track record in case management, behavioral health, and crisis intervention across geriatric, clinical, and educational settings. Adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve client outcomes and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Social Services
Gladeview Health Care Center
Old Saybrook
05.2007 - Current
- Collaborate with case managers from community programs to access resources and entitlements.
Facilitated referrals for various support services within MFP, CCC, DMHAS, and DDS. - Nurture partnership with community providers, including VNA, senior centers, hospice providers, assisted living facilities, DME providers, and rest homes
- Manage social services for a 132-bed facility, ensuring accurate documentation(MDS, progress notes, psychosocial assessments)
- Collaborate with medical director APRN and interdisciplinary team to assess requirements access resources
- Coordinate discharge planning and census management in collaboration with Rehabilitation and Admissions departments
- Facilitate annual memorial service coordination with hospice providers while providing counseling and end-of-life planning assistance to residents and families.
- Oversee departmental compliance, including PASSR reporting, grievance logging, monthly communication with the Ombudsman and the Veterans Association
- Supervise part-time staff, ensuring operational efficiency and policy compliance.
Delegate tasks based on departmental requirements. - Facilitate monthly staff in-services and participate in Quality Assurance (QA) and weekly Medicare and Risk management meetings
Clinical Social Worker Intern
Community Health Center
New London
08.2024 - 04.2025
- Managed active caseload, delivering individual therapy and co-facilitating group sessions to support patient recovery
- Implemented measurement-based care to develop and track personalized treatment goals and objectives
- Conducted behavioral evaluations in-person and via telehealth, utilizing validated screening tools to inform treatment planning
- Provided integrated behavioral health services in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with primary care, psychiatry, and dental teams.
School Social Work Intern
Aces Whitney Academy
Hamden
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Supported a special education student population (ages 13-22) under the supervision of a licensed LCSW
- Participated in Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings, family conferences, and staff clinical meetings
- Engaged in direct student support through social skills groups and proactive crisis intervention
- Collaborated with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to support student social-emotional development
Education
Master of Social Work - SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE PROGRAM
SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY
Bridgeport, CT05-2025
B.A. - PSYCHOLOGY, SPECIAL EDUCATION
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
New Britain, CT08-1993
Skills
- Advocacy and support
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Strong work ethic
- Empathy and compassion
- Case management expertise
- Supervisory skills
- Organizational skills
- Time management proficiency
- Trained in ECW and PointClickCare
- MDS and PHQ-9 assessments
- MMSE and BIMS administration
References
Available upon request
Certification
- Licensed Master of Social Work- State of Connecticut (Active)
Timeline
Clinical Social Worker Intern
Community Health Center
08.2024 - 04.2025
School Social Work Intern
Aces Whitney Academy
09.2023 - 06.2024
Director of Social Services
Gladeview Health Care Center
05.2007 - Current
Master of Social Work - SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATE PROGRAM
SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY
B.A. - PSYCHOLOGY, SPECIAL EDUCATION
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY