INDIA S. HUGHES
Newark,NJ
Summary
Licensed social worker with a background in school-based counseling, IEP coordination, crisis intervention, and family advocacy. Partners with educators, families, and community providers to support student progress, strengthen behavioral interventions, and maintain compliant, student-centered services.
Overview
1
1
Certification
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
School Social Worker
Honor Ridge Academy
03.2017 - Current
- Leads the development and implementation of individualized counseling strategies and behavioral interventions that address students' social, emotional, psychological, and academic needs.
- Created and co-facilitates structured interventions for at-risk youth, contributing to a reported increase in positive student behaviors.
- Developed and facilitated targeted girls' support groups that enhanced emotional regulation, fostered healthy relationships, improved effective communication, and strengthened positive peer interactions.
- Analyzes psychological evaluations, behavioral data, and student progress to guide clinical decision-making, identify emerging needs, and refine intervention strategies.
- Coordinates multidisciplinary collaboration and facilitates IEP meetings to align student needs, educational objectives, and individualized support services.
- Applies expertise in IDEA and New Jersey special education regulations to support compliance, inform educational planning, and promote effective service delivery.
- Evaluates program effectiveness through student self-reports, teacher feedback, school-wide point systems, and behavioral incident reports to inform data-driven improvements.
- Provides consultative support to school personnel on behavioral challenges, crisis response, trauma-informed practices, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Fosters collaboration among families, educators, administrators, therapists, and community providers to address barriers to student success and strengthen coordinated support.
- Upholds ethical practice, student advocacy, confidentiality, and equitable access to services while promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive educational environment.
Program Director
Plainfield YMCA
02.2014 - 02.2017
- Directed program development and implementation in alignment with the YMCA's mission, organizational values, and strategic objectives.
- Managed program operations and staff to ensure accountability and effective service delivery aligned with organizational goals.
- Led multidisciplinary team, providing guidance and support to enhance collaboration across program functions.
- Evaluated community needs to enhance existing services, develop new initiatives, and expand program offerings to better serve children, youth, and families.
- Monitored participation statistics and program performance data to assess effectiveness, identify service gaps, and guide program improvements.
- Secured program funding through successful grant writing, strengthening program sustainability and expanding service capacity.
- Coordinated fundraising initiatives and identified funding opportunities to enhance program growth and foster community engagement.
- Supported youth development and community programming, including afterschool services, summer camp, and Raising Amazing People (RAP).
Family Preservation Therapist
Family Guidance Center
08.2012 - 01.2014
- Provided in-home therapeutic services to children and families experiencing emotional, behavioral, and family-related challenges to strengthen family functioning and prevent unnecessary out-of-home placements.
- Managed assigned cases by implementing individualized service plans, coordinating interventions, and monitoring progress toward established treatment goals.
- Conducted comprehensive family assessments to identify strengths, service needs, and barriers impacting home stability.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, DCPP, caregivers, and community providers to coordinate services, address family needs, and enhance child safety and permanency outcomes.
- Participated in case consultations and multidisciplinary team meetings to review family progress, discuss clinical concerns, coordinate interventions, and support informed treatment decisions.
- Responded to family crises, assessed home safety concerns, and reported identified risks in accordance with program protocols and child welfare requirements.
- Connected families with targeted community resources and support services to address needs and promote long-term stability.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation, monitored client progress, and evaluated treatment effectiveness while adhering to professional ethics, confidentiality requirements, and program standards.
Residential Advisor
Edison Job Corp
09.2011 - 08.2012
- Managed a caseload of 75+ students, promoting a safe, structured, and supportive residential environment conducive to personal growth and academic success.
- Delivered individual and group counseling to support students' personal, social, behavioral, and adjustment-related growth.
- Monitored student behavior, residential adjustment, and overall progress while reinforcing program expectations and promoting a positive living environment.
- Supported students in developing interpersonal skills, personal responsibility, conflict-resolution strategies, and independent living skills.
- Facilitated educational seminars and group sessions on life skills, career readiness, employment preparation, higher education planning, and healthy lifestyle choices to enhance student development.
- Collaborated with program staff to identify and address student needs, communicate concerns, and promote student retention and personal development.
- Maintained accurate physical and electronic student records, including dormitory documentation, individual files, and required administrative reports.
- Prepared weekly, biweekly, and monthly progress reports documenting student development, behavioral concerns, participation, and progress toward established goals.
Education
Master's - Social Work
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ05-2016
Bachelor's of Arts - Family and Child Studies
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ05-2011
Skills
- IEP coordination
- Crisis intervention
- Crisis intervention
- Program evaluation
- Community outreach
- Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Interpersonal communication
- Crisis intervention
Certification
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW) (2018-present)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Pending)
- School Social Worker Certification (SSW) (2017-present)
- Teen Mental Health First Aid Trainer (TMHFA) (2024-present)
Timeline
School Social Worker
Honor Ridge Academy
03.2017 - Current
Program Director
Plainfield YMCA
02.2014 - 02.2017
Family Preservation Therapist
Family Guidance Center
08.2012 - 01.2014
Residential Advisor
Edison Job Corp
09.2011 - 08.2012
Master's - Social Work
Rutgers University
Bachelor's of Arts - Family and Child Studies
Montclair State University