JENNIFER BANKS
The Bronx,NY
Summary
Motivated and compassionate professional with experience providing culturally competent services to diverse populations. A strong advocate for social justice with expertise in assessment, prevention counseling, crisis intervention and Trauma Informed Care. Accustomed to handling sensitive, confidential records and working both independently and within interdisciplinary teams.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION SPECIALIST (SAPIS)
Esperanza Preparatory Magnet School
05.2024 - Current
- Deliver classroom presentations on life skills, substance abuse prevention, and social-emotional development for middle and high school students.
- Provide individual and group counseling sessions using various modalities, including Motivational Intervention, Dialectical Behavior therapy, and CBT.
- Collaborate with school staff and community organizations to implement prevention programs and student support services.
- Develop and facilitate workshops to promote healthy decision-making and resilience among adolescents and parents.
- Member of Crisis Intervention Team, SEL Team, and Restorative Justice Circle Facilitator.
- Conduct assessment, prevention counseling, and crisis intervention.
CHILD PROTECTIVE SPECIALIST
NYC Administration for Children Services
11.2019 - 05.2024
- Investigate reports of child abuse and neglect to assess the safety of the home.
- Highly experienced in risk/safety assessment by interviewing children, family members, potential resources, and any collateral person to collect and analyze information to develop a logical conclusion.
- Prevent disruptions in placement by providing service recommendations/referrals and identifying family strengths to use as support, preventing future maltreatment of children.
- Consult with leadership and conduct emergency removal of children, as needed.
- Attend and testify in court hearings as required, recommending extension, transfer, or return of custody and parental rights as appropriate.
- Facilitate school meetings, family team meetings, and other meetings to address concerns.
- Maintain current documentation on caseloads in a timely fashion.
- Work with a multi-disciplinary team of social service, law enforcement, medical, educational programs, and legal experts who collaborate to address the needs of children and their families.
SAFE CARE PREVENTIVE CASE PLANNER
The New York Foundling
04.2019 - 11.2019
- Implemented evidence-based Safe Care parenting training in the homes of parents with children aged 0-5 reported for child abuse or neglect.
- Conducted weekly home visits for parent training, dedicating 60-90 minutes per family to ensure personalized and meaningful engagement.
- Received training in Parent and child/infant interaction, health, and Home Safety modules, emphasizing family well-being.
CASE PLANNER
The New York Foundling
03.2017 - 04.2019
- Attended all court proceedings in a timely manner with prepared court reports and permanency reports. Testified when required.
- Participated in weekly team meetings, consultations, and supervision sessions, prioritizing family-centered approaches.
- Conduct home visits to the homes of foster parents and birth parents/discharge resources.
- Document reports, progress notes, FASP, and plan amendments via connections within the required time frames.
- Worked collaboratively in coordinating and providing service with agency/community clinicians, ACS, educational providers, collateral agencies, and co-workers.
- Coordinated and facilitated family and sibling visitation/meetings. Supervise as required by the service plan and the evidence-based model.
- Implemented evidence-based models with foster parents, birth parents/discharge resources, and youth. This includes running groups and supervising family visits using an evidence-based approach.
- Ensured the child(ren) safety during foster care, trial discharge, and final discharge.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
City College of The City of New York, CUNY
01.2017
Master’s - Social work
Hunter College of The City of New York, CUNY
06.2025
Skills
- Experience using Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Licensed Social worker New York and New jersey
- Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills
- Fluent Bilingual (English & Spanish)
- Have demonstrated the ability of handling tense interpersonal situations with the highest degree of professionalism, respect, and efficiency
Timeline
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION SPECIALIST (SAPIS)
Esperanza Preparatory Magnet School
05.2024 - Current
CHILD PROTECTIVE SPECIALIST
NYC Administration for Children Services
11.2019 - 05.2024
SAFE CARE PREVENTIVE CASE PLANNER
The New York Foundling
04.2019 - 11.2019
CASE PLANNER
The New York Foundling
03.2017 - 04.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
City College of The City of New York, CUNY
Master’s - Social work
Hunter College of The City of New York, CUNY
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