Kristopher Vite
Oviedo,FL
Summary
Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida. Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker | License Number: SW18700 | Expiration Date: 3/31/2027. Qualified Supervisor in Clinical Social Work. Supervised soldiers in the military as a team leader using qualities of adaptability, flexibility, mental and physical resilience, competence, and most importantly character. Chosen for 2025 VISN 8 Competency Development for Leaders Course as 1 of 58 selected in VISN. Veterans Affairs VISN 8 Whole Health Mind Body Skills Facilitator. Veterans Affairs VISN 8 Guided Imagery Certified. Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists. Completed 27-hour Clinical Hypnosis Basic Skills and 25 hour Intermediate Clinical Hypnosis course. Whole Health Virtual Reality Champion for Lake Baldwin and the Integrated Wellness Center. Working knowledge of community resources (employment, homeless programs, social services centers, SSYF, Aspire, GPD), how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and able to coordinate services with Veterans to address psychosocial factors and concerns. Known for fulfilling ethical duties to Veterans, colleagues, and VA staff in accordance with the Code of Ethics, VHA policies, local ethics, and laws and regulations regarding confidentiality (HIPAA), the release of information (ROI), and protecting Veterans’ personal identifying information. Set priorities and determine resource requirements for short or long-term goals and strategies for the better of the VA and program evaluation. Skilled in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions for a wide variety of individuals from diverse populations and backgrounds. Extensive knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures, including acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries, physical injuries, common medications, and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology to aid in formulating a treatment plan. Developing, scheduling, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating, and managing projects with community partners which resulted in increased housing options for an additional 100+ homeless Veterans. Recognized by leadership for delivering world-class customer service as a “solid resource.” Proven ability to work in a culturally diverse environment, both independently and with a multidisciplinary team using clinical skills. Flexible: can easily adapt to new situations and settings and tolerate change well in a work or social environment—such as the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic protocols. Adaptable: able to shift directions and change gears on a moment’s notice based to contribute to department or agency needs to remain competitive in today’s dynamic workforce. Innovative decision-making skills. Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills. Adept at analyzing and resolving problems. High level of performance in organizational and time management. Results oriented, highly motivated to succeed as evidenced by successful results in federal service. Sound professional attitude with pride in personal performance. Problem Solving attitude to better serve Veterans and the Organization as a whole. Trained 20+ new employees within the homeless program in Orlando. Highly decorated, honorably discharged, retired Army Military Police Veteran.
Diligent [Desired Position] with solid background in providing comprehensive support to diverse client populations. Successfully managed complex cases and facilitated impactful community programs. Demonstrated effective crisis intervention and counseling skills.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Integrated Wellness Clinical Senior Social Worker (GS-12, Full Time, 40 Hrs./wk.)
Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
11.2023 - Current
- Enhanced Veterans' well-being through individual Virtual Reality sessions for pain management.
- Facilitated Mind-Body Medicine groups, teaching evidence-based healing techniques to Veterans.
- Implemented Guided Imagery sessions, empowering Veterans to manage chronic pain effectively.
- Coordinated high-quality case management and advocacy for Veterans with complex needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, ensuring effective services at the Integrative Wellness Center.
- Conducted psychotherapy and advanced case management for Veterans with serious mental health disorders.
Social Work Bachelor’s and Master’s Adjunct Professor (part time, 10 hrs./wk.)
University of Central Florida
08.2022 - Current
- Cultivated a welcoming classroom environment, ensuring student comfort and engagement.
- Enhanced understanding by integrating real-world examples into theoretical lectures.
- Facilitated critical discussions, promoting deeper student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Incorporated current trends in social work into relevant course content.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments, offering constructive feedback for improvement.
- Provided clear instructional materials aligned with the syllabus for all students.
HUD/VASH Outreach Social Worker / Housing Specialist (GS-11, full time, 40 hrs./wk.)
Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
10.2021 - 11.2023
- Achieved 86% voucher issuance within 14 days for HUD-VASH Veterans.
- Established outreach services and community provider network for homeless Veterans.
- Coordinated services benefiting over 1,200 Veterans across Central Florida.
- Cultivated relationships with 45 social workers and 35 community partners.
- Engaged 100+ Veterans and community leaders, focusing on outreach and VA goals.
- Documented psychosocial assessments and treatment plans in CPRS and HOMES.
Operation Safeguard / (GS-11, part time, 30 hrs./wk.)
Orlando Veterans Affairs Health Care System
08.2021 - 10.2021
- Enhanced Veteran discharge processes, improving hospital bed availability for care.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary team collaboration to expedite Veteran transitions from hospital.
- Coordinated resources and documents for streamlined discharge center operations and referrals.
- Managed transportation resources, ensuring quick access for Veteran discharges and needs.
HUD/VASH Social Work Associate / Housing Specialist (GS-8, full time, 40 hrs./wk.)
Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
06.2019 - 10.2021
- Developed initiative boosting patient care by creating YouTube platform for housing resources.
- Enhanced veteran housing success through new business relationships with local landlords.
- Promoted virtual care by training colleagues on the Veteran Video Connect platform.
- Strengthened VA staff onboarding by mentoring new personnel in the Buddy System Program.
- Facilitated housing orientations for up to 10 veterans, detailing next steps for success.
- Established effective communication with public housing authorities, landlords, and VA providers.
HUD/VASH Lease Up Team Social Worker (GS-9, full time, 40 hrs./wk.)
Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
06.2016 - 06.2019
- Enhanced Veterans' independence by providing clinical services to at-risk individuals.
- Facilitated staff consultations on Veterans' psychosocial needs and treatment adherence.
- Utilized therapy skills to assist Veterans and families with psychiatric challenges.
- Secured new landlords to expand independent housing options for Veterans.
- Led Lease Up Team in organizing holiday gifts for needy families.
Victim Advocate / Visitation Monitor
Safehouse of Seminole County
06.2014 - 06.2016
- Strengthened client resilience by providing emotional support during crisis hotline calls.
- Facilitated family reintegration following critical crisis events for improved stability.
- Led weekly group sessions for children impacted by domestic violence.
- Assisted clients in identifying advocacy needs and creating tailored service plans.
- Collaborated with emergency response teams during critical situations to ensure client safety.
Education
Master of Social Work - Clinical, Advanced Standing
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL01.2016
Bachelor of Social Work - Undergraduate
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL01.2015
Skills
- Programs / Software / Databases
- Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), Talent Management System (TMS), Government Time and Attendance (GovTA), VistA Scheduling, Record Review Assistant (RRA), Homeless Operations Management Evaluation System (HOMES), and Homeless Management Information System Client Track (HMIS Client Track)
- Microsoft Office Suites: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and TEAMS
- Veteran Video Connect (VVC), World Wide Web/Internet (research/resources)
- Adobe Acrobat PDF
- Suicide risk assessment
- Clinical assessment
- Compassionate
- Risk assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Crisis assessment
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Safety planning
- Clinical supervision
- Biopsychosocial assessments
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Qualified Supervisor SW18700, State of Florida
- VA VISN 8 Competency Development for Leaders Graduate 2025
- VA Yellow Belt Certified 2025
- Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists 2024
- Mindful and Intuitive Eating Facilitator, Veterans Health Administration 2024
- Certified Mind Body Medicine Facilitator, Center for Mind Body Medicine 2023
- VHA Certified Guided Imagery, Veterans Health Administration 2023
Timeline
Integrated Wellness Clinical Senior Social Worker (GS-12, Full Time, 40 Hrs./wk.)
Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
11.2023 - Current
Social Work Bachelor’s and Master’s Adjunct Professor (part time, 10 hrs./wk.)
University of Central Florida
08.2022 - Current
HUD/VASH Outreach Social Worker / Housing Specialist (GS-11, full time, 40 hrs./wk.)
Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
10.2021 - 11.2023
Operation Safeguard / (GS-11, part time, 30 hrs./wk.)
Orlando Veterans Affairs Health Care System
08.2021 - 10.2021
HUD/VASH Social Work Associate / Housing Specialist (GS-8, full time, 40 hrs./wk.)
Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
06.2019 - 10.2021
HUD/VASH Lease Up Team Social Worker (GS-9, full time, 40 hrs./wk.)
Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
06.2016 - 06.2019
Victim Advocate / Visitation Monitor
Safehouse of Seminole County
06.2014 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Social Work - Undergraduate
University of Central Florida
Master of Social Work - Clinical, Advanced Standing
University of Central Florida
MILITARY SERVICE
- United States Army – Fort Stewart, GA & Iraq 1/2009 – 12/2014 Military Police Officer
- Supervised soldiers as a team leader
- Deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
- Rendered aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
- Provided empathic skills to individuals in a crisis to help them overcome adversities.
- Awards & Decorations: Iraq Campaign Medal w/ 2 Campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon
INTERNSHIPS
- Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 8/2015 – 5/2016 Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM) / Grant and Per Diem Social Work Intern
- Provided intensive case management services and contributed to the goals of MHICM in aiding Veterans and their significant others.
- Participated in team staffing (including meetings) regarding Veteran selection, determination of treatment plans and goals, progress evaluation, discharge planning, and aftercare.
- Seminole County Public Schools – Sanford, FL 1/2015 – 5/2015 School Social Work Intern
- Served as a liaison between families and interdisciplinary teams.
- Provided case management to families by referring them to appropriate agencies depending on their individual needs.
COMMITTEES / PRESENTATIONS / ADDITIONAL DUTIES
- Social Work Service – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 8/2023 – Present VA Social Work Student Intern Supervisor
- Whole Health – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 1/2023 – Present VA Employee Whole Health Committee Member
- Whole Health – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 8/2022 – Present Facilitator: Mind Body Skills
- Social Work Service – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 3/2019 – Present Facility Mentor: Buddy Program
- Social Work Students – University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL 11/2016 – Present Presentation: Social Work Practice and Loss of Life’s Transitions
- Orlando Specialty Programs – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 10/2024 Facilitated Whole Health Presentation and overview of services available relevant to their Veterans
- Veteran Employee Outreach – United States Postal Service – Orlando, FL 10/2024 Facilitated Whole Health Presentation/Outreach and overview of services available
- Orlando Primary Care – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 8/2024 Facilitated Whole Health Presentation and overview of services available
- TBI and Polytrauma IDT – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 4/2024 Facilitated Whole Health Presentation and overview of services available relevant to their Veterans
- Social Work Service – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 3/2024 Co-Facilitated Social Work Podcast with Chief of Social Work regarding Generational Differences in Social Work Practice
- Veteran Homeless Community – Seminole County Sheriff’s Office – Sanford, FL 5/2021 – 1/2024 VA Outreach Support Team: Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST)
- HCHV – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 1/2019 – 1/2024 Screener: HUD-VASH Screening Team
- HCHV – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 9/2023 Represent the Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as the homeless program representative for a round table event with Marion McFadden, Housing Urban Development (HUD) Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development and Larry Hayes, Director of Community Planning and Development Jacksonville Housing Urban Development Field Office
- HCHV – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 6/2023 Represented the Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as Lead Speaker at Press Event Central Florida leaders announce new campaign to help homeless veterans (clickorlando.com) Central Florida network gets nearly $7 million to house homeless veterans (orlandosentinel.com)
- HUD/VASH – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 1/2023 Lead National News Broadcast: Helping Homeless Veterans Kristopher Vite, LCSW helping homeless veterans in Orlando Morning in America show
- HUD/VASH – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 12/2022 Lead Local News Broadcast: National Challenge to House 38,000 Homeless Veterans Kristopher Vite, LCSW and VA want homes for 100 homeless Orlando veterans in ‘Home for the Holidays’
- Care Giver Support – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 5/2022 Whole Health Presentation: Mind Body Wellness, Power of the Mind
- Social Work Service – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 2/2022 Whole Health Presentation: Mind Body Wellness, Power of the Mind
- Care Giver Support – Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System – Orlando, FL 1/2022 – 2/2022 Wellness Contacts: For the Veteran and Caregiver
GOAL
- Health System Specialist Detail – Department of Veterans Affairs
- “Kris builds rapport easily…provides great customer service to patients, peers, and community partners…well respected by staff and veterans. He collaborates very effectively with his assigned team…he is mission focused.” – Jina T., LCSW, HCHV Coordinator
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION / AWARDS / PERFORMANCE
Outstanding Performance Appraisal 10/2024, Rated "Outstanding" in 2024 annual performance highlighting exceptional professional responsibilities such as assisting with cross-department collaboration, where I act as a liaison between departments, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and helping break down silos while encouraging a holistic approach to Veteran care. Also, highlighting leadership and supervisor skills as the primary student field instructor providing supervision to a MSW student intern which shows my consistent and ongoing contribution to the SW profession and SW Service. During this performance period I have also been recognized for implementing a Spark, Seed, Spread initiative by completing training to teach mindful and intuitive eating groups which in result has allowed Veterans to transform their relationship with food by understanding the principles of mindful eating, listening to their body’s hunger and fullness cues, building a positive relationship with food, and utilizing practical strategies for everyday mindful eating. The Veterans gained the tools to cultivate self-awareness and self-compassion on their journey to living a healthier life., Excellent Performance Appraisal 10/2023, Recognized for excellent performance in the 2023 annual review, earning an "Excellent" rating for exceptional customer service and direct patient care, consistently proving as a vital asset to the organization. “Mr. Vite is highly skilled at engaging, and garnering respect and high regard from, internal and external stakeholders. He also demonstrates a high level of skill at and proclivity for public speaking and higher level media engagements. He has been recognized by other organizations, including media organizations and a local university, for his public engagement and passion for serving Veterans and sharing his experience.” – Stephanie M., LCSW, HUD VASH Supervisor, National Recognition in VA Article 2/2023, Recognized in National VA Article Assisting Homeless Veteran Obtain Housing Kristopher Vite, LCSW and VA Homeless programs a “Good Win” for Navy Veteran, Outstanding Performance Appraisal 10/2022, Rated "Outstanding" in 2022 annual performance highlighting exceptional customer service with Veterans and housing professionals such as apartment managers, landlords, and community officials. “Mr. Vite took the initiative to offer and coordinate and provide a virtual training to 11 community providers among 8 different agencies to provide education about the VA Enrollment process, VA housing resources and referral processes, and other VHA benefits. Mr. Vite continues to serve as a resource for these community partners as needs arise.” – Stephanie M., LCSW, HUD VASH Supervisor, VISN 8 Homeless Program Social Worker Spotlight 3/2022, Nominated and recognized to represent VISN 8 in honoring and celebrating the great work the homeless program Social Workers in the field have accomplished. Social Worker Spotlight: Kristopher Vite - VA Homeless Programs, National HeRO Award 11/2021, Demonstrated exemplary behaviors in High Reliability Organization Principles., Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System I CARE Certificate 11/2021, Proved I CARE values, exemplifying a commitment to service to Veterans during Operation Safeguard., Outstanding Performance Appraisal 10/2021, Rated "Outstanding" in 2021 annual performance: “Mr. Vite played a critical role in ensuring Veterans experiencing homelessness have rapid access to HUD-VASH vouchers and permanent housing. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, safety measures, and frequently changing guidance, Mr. Vite had to make multiple pivots between virtual care vs. in-person care and group modalities vs. individual settings. Because of Mr. Vite’s diligent work and creative problem-solving, each pivot was seamless, and team members were well-supported. Mr. Vite worked to establish virtual platforms for Veterans to be able to view properties when unable to report in-person, and he navigated additional challenges that Veterans experiencing homelessness have with virtual/telephonic care (due to often lacking access to a phone or computer) to ensure consistent communication between Veterans and potential landlords and Housing Authority staff.” – Stephanie M., LCSW, HUD VASH Supervisor