Jess Hernandez, LCSW
Westfield,MA
Summary
Motivated Social Worker with comprehensive knowledge of social justice issues and systems affecting marginalized communities. Passionate about developing and facilitating programs to support clients and staff. Collaborative critical-thinker building strategic partnerships, advocating for clients and staff, and advocating for decolonization of mental health treatment. Prioritizes person-centered, trauma-informed care.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Clinician
Mental Health Association, Inc.
08.2023 - Current
- Maintain compliance with industry regulations through regular audits of clinical records and practices.
- Enhance client care by implementing evidence-based practices and treatment modalities.
- Ensure programmatic compliance of the Community Support Program (CSP).
- Mentor junior clinicians, case managers, and interns, providing guidance in best practices and professional development opportunities.
- Assist in hiring and training of new clinicians, clinical interns, and CSP workers.
- Lead clinical team meetings to review case progress and discuss strategies for improved outcomes.
- Increase staff retention by promoting a positive work culture focused on collaboration and continuous learning.
- Establish effective communication channels among team members to promote knowledge sharing and collaborative problem solving.
Outpatient Clinician
Mental Health Association, Inc.
09.2021 - 08.2023
- Improved client outcomes by implementing person-centered, evidence-based therapeutic practices in individual, group, and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults.
- Conducted assessments to identify client strengths, challenges, and appropriate treatment interventions.
- Enhanced client satisfaction personalized treatment plans and empathetic communication.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans addressing physical, mental, and emotional needs.
- Facilitated psychoeducational workshops for court-ordered clients to promote understanding of mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and coping strategies.
- Maintained accurate documentation for all clinical activities, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Advocated for client needs within the larger healthcare system to ensure access to necessary resources and support services.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current with advances in outpatient therapy methodologies.
- Provided supervision for one clinical intern completing their practicum requirements at the outpatient facility.
ACCS Clinician
CHD
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Delivered high-quality client care by conducting thorough assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing clinical support.
- Served as a mentor to outreach workers, providing direction to outreach workers regarding implementation of treatment interventions.
- Reduced hospital readmissions with comprehensive discharge planning and follow-up care coordination.
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies when needed, ensuring immediate safety measures were in place for at-risk clients.
- Reviewed outcome measures data regularly to identify trends and modify treatment approaches accordingly for improved clinical results.
- Participated in case reviews with multidisciplinary teams to discuss complex cases and develop collaborative solutions for individualized care plans.
Director of Community Support Programs
YWCA Of Western Massachusetts
10.2019 - 05.2021
- Managed grant-funded domestic and sexual violence programs, including SAFEPLAN, counseling and advocacy services, and 24-hour hotline.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt resolution of issues.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Developed a 40-hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Training Program in compliance with DPH training regulations
- Secured key partnerships that contributed to growth of agency and effective client advocacy
- Assisted in drafting grant proposals to ensure continued funding for programs.
Mental Health Clinician
South Bay Community Services
05.2019 - 10.2019
- Enhanced client well-being by implementing evidence-based, solution-focused outreach therapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
- Conducted thorough assessments to diagnose mental health disorders and develop appropriate treatment plans.
- Strengthened client coping skills by providing psychoeducation on stress management techniques and self-care strategies.
- Streamlined clinical documentation, maintaining accuracy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Clinical Intern
YWCA Of Western Massachusetts
09.2018 - 05.2019
- Enhanced child and adolescent emotional well-being by implementing trauma-informed individualized therapeutic interventions, combining aspects of play therapy, DBT, and TF-CBT.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for middle school students targeting specific challenges such as anxiety management, social skills development, and grief processing.
- Optimized therapeutic environment by creating an additional play therapy space for client use.
Ending The Game© Group Facilitator
YWCA Of Western Massachusetts
09.2018 - 05.2019
- Prepared and led weekly psychoeducational intervention groups for incarcerated and recently-released adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation.
- Managed sensitive information responsibly, maintaining strict confidentiality regarding participant backgrounds or issues discussed within the group context.
- Created a supportive environment by fostering trust, empathy, and mutual respect among participants.
- Advanced leadership skills among survivors by offering opportunities for co-facilitation
Domestic Violence Counselor
YWCA Of Western Massachusetts
11.2015 - 05.2019
- Enhanced survivor safety, emotional health, and self-efficacy via short-term supportive counseling for adults experiencing domestic violence.
- Increased survivor safety by conducting thorough risk assessments and creating personalized safety plans.
- Utilized empathetic listening skills during individual counseling sessions, allowing survivors to feel heard and validated in their experiences.
- Provided advocacy services to survivors within several systems, including court, medical, educational, employment, child protection, and others.
- Empowered clients to make informed decisions by providing comprehensive information on available resources and options.
- Fostered a supportive group environment through facilitating weekly domestic violence support groups.
- Assisted survivors in navigating the legal system, resulting in increased access to protection orders and other legal remedies.
- Collaborated effectively with law enforcement personnel when necessary to ensure client safety or report suspected abuse incidents as mandated reporters.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing domestic violence, ensuring immediate safety and connecting them with appropriate resources.
- Assisted survivors in developing strong coping skills and healthy boundaries, fostering increased resilience against future abuse.
- Developed educational materials for survivors, promoting awareness of domestic violence dynamics, warning signs, and healthy relationships.
- Facilitated weekly psychoeducational classes for survivors with active DCF cases.
- Conducted outreach presentations within the community to raise awareness about domestic violence issues and available support services.
MSW Intern
Western Massachusetts Women's Correctional Center
08.2017 - 04.2018
- Provided case management and release planning assistance to incarcerated women during pre-trial
- Enhanced inmate rehabilitation by conducting thorough psychosocial assessments developing comprehensive case management plans tailored to individual needs.
- Served as a liaison between inmates, families, legal representatives, probation officers, mental health professionals, educators, employers, housing providers on matters concerning inmate welfare during incarceration or post-release planning.
- Counseled inmates either individually or group settings to bring problems to light and implement potential solutions.
- Facilitated weekly psychoeducation group on domestic violence
- Maintained thorough documentation of case management activities, facilitating efficient information sharing among stakeholders.
- Coordinated resources and referrals for inmates re-entering society, supporting successful community integration upon release.
- Researched community supports available to victims of sexual exploitation and compiled resource database for use both correctional staff and incarcerated individuals.
- Delivered research-based training to correctional case management and counseling staff on the topic of sex trafficking.
Shelter Advocate and Hotline Worker
YWCA Of Western Massachusetts
10.2014 - 11.2015
- Provided emotional support to clients in crisis situations, utilizing active listening skills and empathetic communication techniques.
- Greeted and welcomed new shelter residents, assisting with orientation of programming schedule, rules, and initial safety planning.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and confidentiality guidelines.
- Enhanced safety for shelter residents through consistent monitoring of facility access and adherence to established protocols.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for efficient meal service delivery.
- Facilitated conflict resolution within the shelter environment using effective mediation techniques when disputes arose among residents.
- Enhanced caller well-being by providing empathetic and supportive counseling services on the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline.
- Maintained accurate call records, enabling efficient follow-up and continuity of care for clients.
- Provided crisis intervention services, helping callers de-escalate emotional distress and develop coping strategies.
- Assisted in training new hotline workers, sharing best practices and ensuring high-quality service delivery for all callers.
- Completed referrals for callers to shelter, counseling, and advocacy services.
- Processed hotline calls requesting medical advocacy for victims of sexual violence and dispatched rape crisis advocates to local emergency departments for quick response.
CAC Advocate- AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program
Greater Lakes Child Advocacy Center
09.2012 - 08.2014
- Provided support to children and families during emotionally challenging situations, offering empathy while maintaining professionalism.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, providing personalized service when booking, rescheduling, or canceling appointments.
- Assisted multidisciplinary team during child forensic interviews by managing video recording device, taking notes, and facilitating communication between team members via radio communication.
- Organized community outreach programs, increasing public awareness about issues of family violence and child sexual abuse.
Education
Master's in Social Work -
Springfield College
Springfield, MA05.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Musicology And Ethnomusicology
Wheaton College
Norton, MA01.2012
Skills
- Individual, Group, and Family Therapy
- Clinical Supervision
- Mental Health and Substance Use Evaluation
- Training and mentoring
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Creative Problem Solving
- Compassion and Empathy
- Program Development and Management
Certification
- Massachusetts Social Work License - LCSW, 10/2019, 08/2024, 225440
- Anticipated MA LICSW licensure- Feb. 2024
- CPR & First Aid, Exp. Sept. 2025
Additional Information - Npi Number
1851854285
Timeline
Lead Clinician
Mental Health Association, Inc.
08.2023 - Current
Outpatient Clinician
Mental Health Association, Inc.
09.2021 - 08.2023
ACCS Clinician
CHD
06.2021 - 08.2021
Director of Community Support Programs
YWCA Of Western Massachusetts
10.2019 - 05.2021
Mental Health Clinician
South Bay Community Services
05.2019 - 10.2019
Clinical Intern
YWCA Of Western Massachusetts
09.2018 - 05.2019
Ending The Game© Group Facilitator
YWCA Of Western Massachusetts
09.2018 - 05.2019
MSW Intern
Western Massachusetts Women's Correctional Center
08.2017 - 04.2018
Domestic Violence Counselor
YWCA Of Western Massachusetts
11.2015 - 05.2019
Shelter Advocate and Hotline Worker
YWCA Of Western Massachusetts
10.2014 - 11.2015
CAC Advocate- AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program
Greater Lakes Child Advocacy Center
09.2012 - 08.2014
Master's in Social Work -
Springfield College
Bachelor of Arts - Musicology And Ethnomusicology
Wheaton College
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