Jessy Vargas
Hempstead,NY
Summary
An enthusiastic and results-oriented counselor with a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology and a passion for helping individuals and families overcome challenges. Skilled in applying brief systemic and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to address a variety of mental health concerns. Proven ability to identify underlying causes of issues and develop practical coping mechanisms for clients. Eager to leverage strong interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport and create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. Therapeutic professional with history of helping clients navigate emotional and psychological hurdles. Proven ability to foster supportive environment and collaborate effectively with team members. Reliable and adaptable, with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Therapist Intern
Amani Shalom Wellness
11.2024 - Current
- Contributed to a positive therapeutic environment through empathetic listening and non-judgmental support for clients' emotional experiences.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within mental health counseling.
- Maintained confidentiality and adhered to ethical guidelines, upholding the professional standards of the mental health field.
- Built trust and rapport with compassionate approach.
- Increased client self-awareness by employing reflective listening techniques and encouraging open dialogue.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams of professionals to ensure comprehensive care was provided for clients.
- Empowered individuals to make positive changes in their lives by identifying strengths, resources, and opportunities for growth.
- Supported clients in effectively developing coping mechanisms to manage stressors related to relationship issues or life transitions.
- Provided crisis intervention services, stabilizing clients during acute distress situations.
- Developed personalized treatment plans to address specific client needs and goals, maximizing therapeutic outcomes.
- Assisted couples in rebuilding trust and fostering emotional intimacy through guided exercises and constructive conversations.
- Adhered to ethical guidelines set forth by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy throughout all professional interactions with clients.
- I completed an approximately 100-hour internship.
Therapist Intern
Blackwell Counseling LLC
11.2024 - Current
- Increased client self-awareness by employing reflective listening techniques and encouraging open dialogue.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams of professionals to ensure comprehensive care was provided for clients.
- Improved family communication dynamics through targeted interventions and skill-building exercises.
- Promoted healthy boundaries within family systems by teaching assertiveness skills and conflict resolution strategies.
- Fostered personal growth amongst family members by guiding them towards increased empathy understanding each other''s perspectives.
- Enhanced client relationships by providing a safe and supportive environment for discussing sensitive personal issues.
- Completed 100-hour internship working.
Police Officer
New York Police Department
07.2015 - Current
- Initiative in problem-solving during multiple incidents
- Crisis management, taking leadership in communicating with complainants and perpetrators
- I worked with various community leaders to bridge the misunderstandings between the community and the department I represent
- Due to years of daily interaction with witnesses, victims, and the public, I have developed strong interpersonal skills, social perceptiveness, and listening skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze a situation and determine a course of action
- Strong investigative skills
- Serve subpoenas or other official papers
- Testimony for local, state, and federal court hearings and proceedings
- Collaborating with other units within the agency to conduct investigations and work in unison to stop criminal activities or apprehend any wanted individual
- Prepare reports that detail investigation findings
- Record evidence and documents using equipment such as cameras and photocopy machines
- Collect and record physical information about arrested suspects, including fingerprints, height and weight measurements, and photographs
- Identify, aggressively pursue, and arrest suspects who perpetrate criminal acts
- Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations
- Ability to adapt to various schedules, environments, and situations as it changes
- Ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations during assignments to proceed with the current task and work more effectively
- I personalized my interaction with every individual based on the situation and environment
- In area patrol, monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity
- Render aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries
- Investigate crimes by gathering evidence and interviewing victims, suspects, and witnesses
- Inform citizens of community services and recommend options to facilitate longer-term problem resolution
- Prepare and facilitate workshops for schools and other community facilities to inform and educate community youth about the law
Therapist Assistant
The Child Center of New York
06.2024 - 10.2024
- Collaborated closely with supervisors for guidance on challenging cases while maintaining confidentiality.
- Adhered to ethical guidelines set forth by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy throughout all professional interactions with clients.
- Improved family communication dynamics through targeted interventions and skill-building exercises.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting healing through shared experiences and peer support.
- Increased client self-awareness by employing reflective listening techniques and encouraging open dialogue.
- Fostered personal growth among family members by guiding them towards increased empathy and understanding of each other's perspectives.
- Completed approximately 300 hours of internship working with post and perinatal clients.
Child Protective Specialist
New York City Administration for Children Service
09.2013 - 07.2015
- Removal and transportation of children to/from home placement, hospital, court, and between multiple ACS locations when children are found to be in imminent danger
- Assess the risk of future abuse or neglect of children in the household
- Help families navigate government agencies and access entitlement benefits
- Timely scheduling for Family Team Meetings, Child Safety Conferences, and referrals for preventive services
- Responsible for monitoring and servicing approximately all families in Brooklyn
- Mediate during family crises and provide empathy and support while encouraging the need for change
- A strength-based approach with families assesses their individual and collective strengths and needs
- Testify before grand juries concerning child abuse and neglect
- Monitor, evaluate, or record training activities regarding family plans put in place
- Prepare reports that detail investigation findings
- Prepare court documents regarding the findings of the investigation
- File petitions and testify in family court and other legal proceedings as necessary
- Collaborate with sources of the report, such as medical/educational staff, NYPD, extended family, neighbors, or others
- Entering and maintaining accurate records of all case information in a computerized system
- Complete field visits to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect
- Coordinate a team of family members, staff, and service providers to evaluate safety and identify interventions that can reduce risks to children
- Obtain and verify evidence by interviewing and observing suspects and witnesses or analyzing records
- Using investigatory and social work skills, engaging, and connecting with families and community resources to ensure the safety and well-being of children throughout New York City
- Assess the risk of future abuse or neglect of children in the family
- Able to adapt to rapidly changing situations during current assignments to proceed with the current task on hand and effectively work better
- I personalized my interaction with every individual based on the situation and environment
- On call always in case of emergencies with family in current caseload or to assess a new report of abuse or neglect
- Remain with a child during removal until the child is placed in temporary care
- Review the history of newly assigned cases and investigate allegations of abuse/neglect
- Interview family members and assess child safety and the parent’s ability to protect
- Managed caseload in compliance with agency timeframe and mandates
- Maintained case records and legal documentation.
- Attended court proceedings, submitted documents and offered testimony.
Education
Advanced Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy
Long Island University
New York, NY01.2025
Master of Arts - Developmental Psychology
CUNY School of Professional Studies
New York, NY06.2022
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration and Planning with Juvenile Delinquency
John Jay College
New York, NY06.2011
Skills
- Strong work ethic with high integrity
- Superior verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of data with attention to detail and accuracy
- Native fluency in Spanish, including reading and writing
- Client goal setting
- Empathy development
- Self-care strategies
- Setting treatment goals
- Active listening
- Reliability
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Professionalism
- Adaptability
Training
- Police Academy, Manhattan, NY
- New York City Administration for Children Services Academy, Manhattan, NY
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Therapist Intern
Amani Shalom Wellness
11.2024 - Current
Therapist Intern
Blackwell Counseling LLC
11.2024 - Current
Therapist Assistant
The Child Center of New York
06.2024 - 10.2024
Police Officer
New York Police Department
07.2015 - Current
Child Protective Specialist
New York City Administration for Children Service
09.2013 - 07.2015
Advanced Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy
Long Island University
Master of Arts - Developmental Psychology
CUNY School of Professional Studies
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration and Planning with Juvenile Delinquency
John Jay College
Similar Profiles
Brianna AkinsBrianna Akins
Patient Care Coordinator at Shalom Mental Health and WellnessPatient Care Coordinator at Shalom Mental Health and Wellness
Ellie JonesEllie Jones
Volunteer at Amani Child Language LabVolunteer at Amani Child Language Lab
IAN KURIAIAN KURIA
Site Manager at Amani Construction and DevelopmentSite Manager at Amani Construction and Development