La Kia Smith
Washington,United States
Summary
Experienced licensed clinical social worker specializing in crisis intervention and tailored treatment planning. Proven track record of improving team performance through effective collaboration and case management. Expertise in providing training and promoting professional development to maintain high standards of client care in difficult settings.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Social Worker -Emergency Department
Veterans Administration Medical Center
Washington, DC
06.2025 - Current
- Triage veterans in emergency department for mental health evaluations and psychosocial needs.
- Conduct biopsychosocial assessments with interdisciplinary treatment teams and family members.
- Perform outreach to identify and screen veterans for psychosocial and mental health needs.
- Complete comprehensive suicide and homicidal risk assessments, developing safety plans per established policies.
- Identify patient risk levels while providing interim case management services for continuity of care.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for consultations on treatment and patient disposition in ED.
- Provide crisis intervention services by coordinating family conferences and liaising with family members.
- Educate veterans and caregivers on available services, assisting with appropriate referrals based on preferences.
Therapist
Independent Contractor Therapist
Oxon Hill, MD
11.2024 - 03.2025
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans for clients, incorporating evidence-based interventions and strategies
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses to coordinate comprehensive care for clients
- Provided clinical supervision and guidance to mental health clinicians, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and best practices for enhanced client care
- Delivered crisis intervention support to clinicians and clients
- Managed caseloads by strategically assigning cases based on clinician expertise and workload distribution, optimizing team effectiveness
- Facilitated staff development workshops on trauma-informed care, crisis intervention techniques, and self-care strategies, fostering professional growth among mental health professionals
Clinical Director
Samaritan Inns
Washington, DC
10.2023 - 08.2024
- Provide Clinical Supervision to Qualified Practitioners weekly
- Directed clinical services and delivered day-to-day clinical support to clients of the program.
- Crisis Intervention; provide effective crisis intervention in de-escalatory manner.
- Manage high-risk situations, clients, staff; resolve grievances.
- Complete Assessments and Plans of Care.
- Oversee client transfer to transitional housing programs, step-downs to outpatient, and connection to core service agencies.
- Provide comprehensive clinical care to clients by linking them to health, medical, legal, and social services that aid in their addiction recovery process.
- Individual and Group Counseling; facilitate group and individual counseling weekly.
- Led staff meetings to align team objectives and enhance communication among all staff, including monitors.
- Participated in monitor meetings to ensure alignment on client care strategies.
- Conducted and engaged in agency training to improve team competency and service delivery.
- Hired and fired staff, conducted interviews, and onboarded new employees.
- Oversaw scheduling of on-call aides and management of timesheets to ensure smooth operational flow.
- Complete quality documentation in EHR in a timely manner for all services provided.
- Provide internship experiences for aspiring addiction counselors
- Communicate with parole/probation officers, CSOSA.
- Managed client discharges and coordinated onboarding processes for new staff to facilitate seamless transitions.
- Maintain and build relationships between departments, partnerships with treatment/recovery agencies and establish affiliation agreements that increase the quality of services provided to clients.
Director Case Management
Coalition for the Homeless
Washington, DC
11.2021 - 09.2023
- Provide overall management, guidance, and direction of case management services to individuals and families residing in emergency or transitional housing facilities.
- Provide regular feedback to case managers and social services staff on various job functions and issues that arise daily.
- Directly provides supervision, administrative guidance, and support to one or more designated agency program sites for the homeless (i.e., hiring of staff, supervising Program Directors, provision of shelter, supportive social services, meals, etc.)
- Provides oversight for the intake and assessment process of all new program participants.
- Conducted periodic quality assurance reviews and random site visits to ensure compliance with agency standards and contract goals.
- Ensures implementation of resident orientation by Program Directors and staff in order to facilitate the program participants' successful integration into the programs.
- Provides oversight for employment development services to program participants to include educational and vocational assessments, job readiness, job search, job referrals and training referrals; post-placement interviews with employees and 30-60-90-120 days follow-up with clients after program discharge.
- Monitor and enforce case management teams' 30-60-90-120 days follow-up with clients after program discharge.
- Coordinates annual Job Fair to assist program participant to secure employment.
- Provides oversight for permanent housing placement assistance to program participants.
- Monitor and assess case management team performance and complete\review annual evaluations for case management and social services staff.
- Provides oversight for program participants for individual and group counseling to identified substance abuse needs.
- Utilizes the Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) to monitor case management goals, action steps, case notes and maintain client information.
- Generated reports to evaluate effectiveness of case management and track client outcomes.
- Identifies and coordinates resource development activities with Executive Director, Director of Operations and Development Manager.
- Developed and coordinated in-service training and staff orientation for case management and social services staff on documentation, client goals, and case notes.
- Develops annual social services staff development plan.
- Prepares monthly and quarterly program management reports, and other reports as requested.
- Provides staff support to the Program Committee of the Board of Directors.
- Develop and maintains relationships with community and civic organizations as part of the agency's public information efforts.
- Reviews all requests for program participant termination/transfers from the programs submitted by the program sites' directors.
- Serves as the Reasonable Accommodations liaison for program participants requesting reasonable accommodations at the program sites.
- Maintains and monitors the agency's staff training logs to ensure compliance with the various service contracts (i.e., Community Partnership and the District government).
- Develops, maintains, and updates policies and procedures information and manuals related to the provision of case management and supportive social services for the agency.
- Reviews ALL Program Rules to ensure they are updated and approved by TCP/DHS.
- Provides assistance to the Director of Operations with client grievance procedures.
- Assist Executive Director and Director of Operations with internal human resources investigations.
- Prepares for internal/external monitoring, surveys, and audits.
- Attends Coalition Board Meetings
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Contractor)
Clinical and Forensics Associates LLC
Washington, DC
10.2021 - 03.2022
- Facilitated sex offender treatment group, supporting participants in their rehabilitation process.
- Completed all clinical documentation for assigned cases, including treatment progress notes, group progress notes, and comprehensive monthly progress reports for probation officers.
- Maintained regular contact with probation agents supervising clients, utilizing ERS system and phone communication.
- Follow all case management procedures with respect to the forms used by the clinic as well as to complete daily billing and collection sheets accurately.
CRRC Senior Social Worker/REACH VET Coordinator
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC
01.2017 - 02.2022
- Incorporates complex multiple causation in differential diagnosis and treatment of veteran patients, including making psychosocial and psychiatric diagnoses.
- Oversaw REACH VET program, providing providers with insights on veterans' statistical risks and actionable next steps.
- Notifies providers about veterans identified by REACH VET program.
- Coordinated care for high-risk veterans to facilitate access to enhanced treatment options.
- Provides triage services, psychiatric assessment, referrals and support for homeless Veterans.
- Assists with crisis intervention, advocacy, and coordination/ linkage to other appropriate VA or community service providers and agencies.
- Developed and modified clinical programs to enhance service effectiveness and address patient needs.
- Engages special patient populations with highly complex health or mental health problems.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (Team Leader)
Department of Behavioral Health - Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program
Washington, DC
07.2015 - 02.2021
- Provided crisis intervention for mentally ill homeless individuals in the District of Columbia, addressing immediate mental health needs.
- Visits homeless shelters weekly to assist staff with assessments and evaluations of homeless adult psychiatric patient.
- Recommends treatment and provides intervention services essential to resolving the presenting problems.
- Functions as a member of the clinical interdisciplinary treatment team, presenting results of any interventions, as well as proposing therapeutic strategies and recommendations of care.
- Consulted and collaborated with community organizations, hospitals, and governmental agencies to meet patient needs and facilitate a seamless continuum of care.
- Serves as training instructor, provides seminars, and consultation for students and other healthcare staff regarding the psychosocial components of mental illness among homeless individuals.
- Supervised and evaluated social work students and interns on their field practicum performance progress in collaboration with university personnel.
- Prepared and presented case presentations to resolve complex issues and enhance professional skills and techniques among staff.
Clinical Supervisor
DC Coalition For The Homeless/ La Casa TRP
Washington, DC
03.2014 - 09.2015
- Provided supervision to substance abuse counselors, social workers and case managers in their delivery of case management services, crisis intervention and treatment at assigned program site.
- Implemented case management model with Social Workers which includes development of case assessment, case plans and documentation.
- Conducted quality assurance by reviewing treatment/service plans and court reports to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
- Resolved issues or identified problems with participants, documents, evaluates and recommends the necessary services to be provided.
- Participated as part of treatment team to discuss progress of participants in the employment services program.
- Developed resources that enhanced delivery of client services, improving access to essential support.
- Identified and communicated specialized groups for participants, facilitating access to domestic violence, abuse, and abandonment services.
- Collaborated with other team members to ensure comprehensive care.
- Convened and facilitated team meetings when appropriate; actively participate as a member of the team on other cases.
- Acted as a liaison between the participants and the available community service; maintained network with other social services and resources.
- Provided weekly counseling sessions for each participant on caseload to address their needs.
Consultant School Social Worker
Preparatory School of DC
Washington, DC
08.2013 - 06.2014
- Interviewed students and parents to discuss issues related to non-attendance and develop a plan of action.
- Provided individual and/or group counseling in response to school-wide crisis.
- Conducted home visits to engage families and gather insights in response to school referrals.
- Developed and delivered professional development training for educational staff and parents, enhancing understanding of student needs.
- Analyzed information from record reviews and interviews to identify environmental impacts and resource needs for student support.
- Integrated gained information into a written report and oral presentation.
- Assisted with various tasks to support team objectives.
Social Worker
Child and Family Services Agency
Washington, DC
08.2011 - 06.2013
- Created and executed case assessments and intervention plans to address and prevent child abuse and neglect.
- Delivered comprehensive child welfare casework services to assess and address family situations effectively.
- Responded to crisis situations and intervened to resolve immediate problems.
- Conducted home visits to assess strengths and needs of families.
- Identified the needs and strengths of children and the families as they relate to the overall treatment plan.
- Utilized various counseling and therapeutic techniques in an attempt to address social, environmental, emotional and medical problems.
- Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to present detailed case analyses on the psychosocial implications affecting children and families.
- Attended administrative reviews and court hearings to provide status information regarding the child's and/or the families' psychosocial condition and CFSA compliance with recommendations contained in the case plan.
- Prepared a variety of reports; represented the CFSA at administrative reviews, court hearings and other meetings.
Social Work Intern
Walter Reed Substance Abuse Program
Washington, DC
08.2010 - 05.2011
- Conducted comprehensive substance abuse and psychosocial evaluations for patients to support garrison Army Substance Abuse Program.
- Completed evaluations of Soldiers, family members, retirees, and eligible Federal civilian employees referred for consultation.
- Counseled patients on primary illnesses, integrating information clearly to prepare precise diagnostic impressions that meet Joint Commission standards.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans.
- Developed methods and procedures to meet program requirements and effectively address patients' needs.
- Performed ongoing review of patient progress.
Social Work Intern
DaVita Dialysis Center
Washington, DC
09.2009 - 05.2010
- Performed comprehensive psychosocial assessments.
- Coordinated patient case management to enhance implementation of treatment plans.
- Created monthly patient care plans to address individual needs and support recovery.
- Facilitated patients' completion of insurance claims, ensuring access to necessary services.
- Interviewed new patients.
Office Assistant
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta
Augusta, GA
08.2006 - 05.2007
- Managed telephone inquiries to assist visitors and clients.
- Organized and maintained supplies for efficient operations in the house and office.
- Checked in families and coordinated activities to enhance their experience.
- Received donations and crafted personalized thank you letters to acknowledge support.
Histology Assistant
Shady Grove Adventist Hospital
Rockville, MD
09.2000 - 09.2001
- Assisted pathologist in cutting frozen sections and performing fine needle aspirates in operating room, ensuring timely specimen preparation.
- Prepared histology and cytology smears for staining.
- Performed cytology processing which included preparing cell blocks and cytospins.
- Embedded and cut fixed tissue for immunology controls and disposed of tissue and formalin.
- Maintained proper documentation of specimens.
- Oversaw morgue operations and tracked supply inventory.
- Facilitated onboarding and skills training for new staff, enhancing team readiness and knowledge transfer.
Medical Lab Technician
United States Army
Honolulu, HI
12.1996 - 12.1999
- Delivered technical medical support for hematological tests and exams, including coagulation and automated differentials, contributing to accurate diagnostics.
- Reviewed and analyzed abnormal test results to identify potential health issues.
- Performed venipuncture, bleeding time testing and capillary sticks.
- Performed various blood draws on hospital wards.
- Trained three to five phlebotomy students weekly in techniques and equipment use for specimen collection, enhancing their practical skills and knowledge.
- Set up and monitored daily, monthly and yearly quality controls.
- Managed front desk operations at outpatient lab, logging over 500 patients and specimens daily to ensure efficient workflow.
Autopsy Assistant
United States Army
Honolulu, HI
10.1996 - 12.1999
- Assisted pathologist with gross dictation and autopsies, contributing to thorough examinations and documentation.
- Prepared complete and proper documentation which must be acquired prior to postmortem exam and release of any remains.
- Supplied and maintained surgical pathology grossing room and morgue with essential equipment, fluids, and stains to facilitate efficient workflows.
- Delivered technical support in cytology and histology processing to ensure accurate diagnostic results.
Education
Master - Social Work
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC01-2011
Bachelor - Sociology
Paine College
Augusta, GA01-2007
Certificate of Completion - Medical Laboratory
United States Army Academy of Health Sciences
San Antonio, TX01-1997
Health and Laboratory Sciences
George Washington University
George, WA01-1997
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Individualized treatment planning
- Case management
- Documentation review
- Therapeutic software
- Communication skills collaboration
- Behavioral health
- Crisis intervention
Certification
- LCSW-C (Maryland), 11/01/22, Present
- LCSW (Virginia), 08/01/22, Present
- LICSW (DC), 07/01/13, Present
- Officer Agent, 08/01/15, 08/01/17, Officer Agent certification provides mental health professionals in the District of Columbia the ability to initiate an application for emergency hospitalization of individual experiencing a psychiatric emergency or crisis.
- BLS Certification
- Social Work License
- Driver's License
- CPR Certification
- LMSW-CC
Languages
English
Additional Information
DC-Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Virginia- Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Maryland- Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical
Personal Information
- Title: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Military Service
Army, United States, Corporal, 11/01/95, 12/01/99
Timeline
Senior Social Worker -Emergency Department
Veterans Administration Medical Center
06.2025 - Current
Therapist
Independent Contractor Therapist
11.2024 - 03.2025
Clinical Director
Samaritan Inns
10.2023 - 08.2024
Director Case Management
Coalition for the Homeless
11.2021 - 09.2023
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Contractor)
Clinical and Forensics Associates LLC
10.2021 - 03.2022
CRRC Senior Social Worker/REACH VET Coordinator
Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2017 - 02.2022
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (Team Leader)
Department of Behavioral Health - Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program
07.2015 - 02.2021
Clinical Supervisor
DC Coalition For The Homeless/ La Casa TRP
03.2014 - 09.2015
Consultant School Social Worker
Preparatory School of DC
08.2013 - 06.2014
Social Worker
Child and Family Services Agency
08.2011 - 06.2013
Social Work Intern
Walter Reed Substance Abuse Program
08.2010 - 05.2011
Social Work Intern
DaVita Dialysis Center
09.2009 - 05.2010
Office Assistant
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta
08.2006 - 05.2007
Histology Assistant
Shady Grove Adventist Hospital
09.2000 - 09.2001
Medical Lab Technician
United States Army
12.1996 - 12.1999
Autopsy Assistant
United States Army
10.1996 - 12.1999
Master - Social Work
The Catholic University of America
Bachelor - Sociology
Paine College
Certificate of Completion - Medical Laboratory
United States Army Academy of Health Sciences
Health and Laboratory Sciences
George Washington University