Francine Peláez
Queens
Summary
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a proven track record in delivering comprehensive behavioral health services in school-based and primary care settings. Committed to enhancing access to quality mental health care for marginalized and underserved populations, serving a diverse clientele from adolescents to older adults. Expertise in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and evidence-based interventions, supported by strong clinical judgment and adaptability in high-demand environments. Actively pursuing clinical licensure while refining advanced therapeutic skills and empowering individuals to achieve personal and mental health goals.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Social Worker
Democracy Prep Charter Middle School
Harlem, NY
08.2025 - 06.2026
- Developed individualized intervention plans to support emotional and social needs for a caseload of 20 students with mandated counseling services listed in their IEPs.
- Partnered with educators and administrators to foster inclusive learning environments for all students.
- Designed and implemented restorative programming aimed at promoting conflict resolution skills, contributing to a decrease in bullying and aggressive behaviors.
- Conducted comprehensive research to design and apply targeted strategies to support positive behavior and social-emotional development.
- Cultivated supportive and trusting relationships with at-risk youth through regular check-ins and goal-setting activities.
- Engaged with families and community partners through consistent outreach efforts, aiming to collaboratively address social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
Behavioral Health Specialist Fellow
Oak Street Health
Burnside Ave, Bronx
01.2024 - 08.2025
- A 12-month paid training program focused on integrating behavioral health services into primary care at a clinic serving primarily BIPOC-immigrant older adults on Medicare in Bronx, NY.
- Delivered a 45-minute capstone presentation to the BH department heads on utilizing the Collaborative Care Model to mitigate the effects of political distress in BIPOC immigrant communities, ultimately contributing to company-wide continuing education units (CEUs) for licensed social workers.
- Provided culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health care to a diverse aging population facing systemic barriers to care.
- Conducted comprehensive patient assessments to identify behavioral health needs and substance use concerns in older adult patients under clinical supervision to develop tailored treatment plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated care and improve patient outcomes.
Community Health Worker
Oak Street Health
Soundview, Bronx
10.2023 - 01.2024
- Serve as a bridge between individuals, communities, and healthcare services to improve access, quality, and cultural responsiveness of care.
- Build relationships with patients and caregivers to support preventive care, reduce emergency visits, and lower avoidable hospital admissions.
- Conduct home wellness checks and coordinate communication among family, caregivers, providers, and community organizations.
- Assist patients in accessing government benefits, collaborate with care teams and external resources to assess needs, and develop patient-centered care plans.
- Ensure HIPAA compliance and confidentiality of protected health information.
Bilingual Social Work Intern
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, Teen Center Program at ISLA
Kingsbridge Heights, Bronx
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Conduct goal setting, screening, assessment, crisis intervention, and supportive counseling with a 15-client caseload of middle and high school age youth throughout the year.
- Lead group counseling with 6 middle school students with IEPs during day school.
- Organize and facilitate two groups during School's Out New York City (SONYC) after school program with middle school students: Real Talk with co-ed 6th graders and Therapy through Arts where creative art activities are integrated to explore social-emotional learning themes and topics.
Bilingual Social Work Intern
Center for Adults Living Well (CALW) at the YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood
Washington Heights, Manhattan
10.2021 - 05.2022
- Collaborated with the Social Services Department to assist and advocate for CALW members applying for governmental benefits & entitlements.
- Implemented group classes and activities for CALW members.
- Facilitated and organized a 6-week Spanish reminiscence discussion group ranging of 10-15 women.
- Provided weekly individual supportive counseling to a small caseload, as well as conducting home visits.
Substitute Teacher
Klein Independent School District
Klein, TX
11.2020 - 05.2021
- Performed instructional lessons and classroom management to foster a welcoming, positive, and engaging learning environment for grades ranging from 1st to 12th.
- Displayed developmentally appropriate disciplinary techniques.
Education
Master of Science - Human Development and Family Sciences
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX05-2020
Bachelor of Arts & Science - Human Development and Family Sciences
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX05-2020
Skills
- Therapeutic crisis intervention
- Small group facilitation
- Motivational Interviewing
- Client advocacy
- Restorative practices
- Psychoeducation
- Case management
- Trauma-informed care
Certification
- Adult Mental Health First Aid National Council for Mental Wellbeing Issued Oct. 2024
- Diabetes Education 101 for the Behavioral Health Professional American Diabetes Association Issued Sept. 2024
- Licensed Master Social Worker New York State Education Department Issued Dec. 2023
Timeline
School Social Worker
Democracy Prep Charter Middle School
08.2025 - 06.2026
Behavioral Health Specialist Fellow
Oak Street Health
01.2024 - 08.2025
Community Health Worker
Oak Street Health
10.2023 - 01.2024
Bilingual Social Work Intern
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, Teen Center Program at ISLA
08.2022 - 05.2023
Bilingual Social Work Intern
Center for Adults Living Well (CALW) at the YM&YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood
10.2021 - 05.2022
Substitute Teacher
Klein Independent School District
11.2020 - 05.2021
Master of Science - Human Development and Family Sciences
University of Texas At Austin
Bachelor of Arts & Science - Human Development and Family Sciences
University of Texas At Austin