Jessica Sojka-Ruiz
Queens,New York
Summary
Resourceful professional with a bachelor's degree in psychology and extensive experience as a case planner and program counselor. Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with children, families, and individuals in custody, fostering positive relationships. Highly skilled in developing and implementing individualized service plans, treatment programs, and behavior modification strategies. Works autonomously with minimal supervision and consistently achieves exceptional results. Exceptional interpersonal skills facilitate congenial relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Counselor
NYC Department of Correction
12.2021 - Current
- Implement rehabilitative and behavioral modification programs and services.
- Work within RESH, a 2-step level program that prepares individuals to transition back to general population
- Developed curriculums relating to CBT, DBT, and Anger Management.
- Prepare reports and documents of the person in custody’s treatment progress, group interaction, and positive behavior.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, maintaining open communication channels and trust throughout the counseling process.
MSW Student Intern
Department of Corrections
01.2024 - 03.2025
- Prepared treatment plans based on assessment findings and incorporated feedback from senior staff to optimize approaches.
- Counseled clients on life skills and coping mechanisms.
- Wrote notes, completed documentation for referrals and maintained case files.
- Planned discharge actions and identified resources within community for continued care.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to provide effective interventions for clients.
Case Planner
Little Sisters of the Assumption
04.2019 - 06.2020
- Delivered active functional support by assessing the strengths and needs of each individual child and family member while establishing and maintaining strong relationships to set goals and establish priorities
- Developed and implemented individualized service plans and treatment programs in line with child and family member needs
- Planned, coordinated, and conducted case contact visits at home and school and actively attended family team conferences and other meetings
- Updated and maintained immunization, and educational records for children on caseload
- Formulated and communicated key reports required by the city, state, and agency.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
Manager
Brooklyn Lookin’ Styles
06.2012 - 04.2019
- Helped with planning schedules and delegating assignments to meet coverage and service demands.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
- Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Calculated deductions and processed payroll for employees.
Paralegal
Sanders, Viener, & Grossman LLP
01.2010 - 09.2010
- Prepared legal briefs, motions, and pleadings.
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
Paralegal Intern
Legal Aid Society
06.2009 - 09.2009
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Aided legal crews by researching records and documents for case details.
- Adhered to privacy laws to avert possible information breaches and protect client data.
- Assigned file numbers and recorded case numbers to prepare master client list.
- Researched applicable laws and codes to analyze factual information and prepare summary reports.
Education
Master in Social Work -
Capella University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology -
Queens College
01.2018
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Berkeley College
01.2009
Skills
- Mental Health Support
- Individual Counseling
- Behavior Modification
- Client Records Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Marketing and Promotions
- Budgeting and finance
- Business development strategy
- Staff motivator
- Health and Safety Regulations
- Legal Research
- Document Preparation
Accomplishments
- Certificate of Achievement Ethical Leadership
- Certificate of Achievement Coach for Performance Improvement
- Certificate of Achievement Foundation of Success
- Emergency First Response Course
- Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
- COFCCA Nine Day Child Welfare COR Training
- Motivational Training: A Strength Based Approach
- Safety and Risk: Investigation, Synthesis and Assessment
Affiliations
- Member of National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
MSW Student Intern
Department of Corrections
01.2024 - 03.2025
Program Counselor
NYC Department of Correction
12.2021 - Current
Case Planner
Little Sisters of the Assumption
04.2019 - 06.2020
Manager
Brooklyn Lookin’ Styles
06.2012 - 04.2019
Paralegal
Sanders, Viener, & Grossman LLP
01.2010 - 09.2010
Paralegal Intern
Legal Aid Society
06.2009 - 09.2009
Master in Social Work -
Capella University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology -
Queens College
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Berkeley College
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