Lori Makridakis
Clifton,New Jersey
Summary
Licensed Social Worker with 20 years of experience supporting children and families impacted by trauma, behavioral challenges, and family instability. Extensive background collaborating with schools, Child Study Teams, mental health providers, and community systems to assess needs, respond to crises, and develop effective case plans. Skilled in psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, family engagement, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Proven leader with experience training and consulting with professionals to improve outcomes for children and families.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Case Practice Specialist, Concurrent Planning Specialist
Division of Child Protection and Permanency
05.2006 - Current
- Lead 10-month litigation conferences to develop permanency goals for children in care, ensuring timely and effective resolutions.
- Supervise Internal Placement Reviewers to ensure high-quality assessment and recommendations.
- Provide expert education and consultation on Adoption and Kinship Legal Guardianship (KLG), facilitating informed decision making for staff and families.
- Monitor and train staff across three local offices, improving adherence to CP&P case practice protocols and ensuring consistent service delivery.
- Contribute to Race Equity committees, working to eliminate disparities in the child welfare system.
- Developed training materials to enhance staff knowledge on child protection policies and procedures.
Supervising Family Service Specialist II, Intake Unit
Division of Child Protection and Permanency
03.2018 - 07.2022
- Led and mentored a team of 5 investigators, overseeing a high-volume caseload of 70-80 monthly investigations, ensuring compliance with child welfare policies and timely case resolution.
- Guided staff in collaborating with schools and community providers to address attendance, behavior, and safety concerns.
- Provided weekly supervision focused on assessment, engagement, crisis response, and decision-making.
- Improved timeliness and accountability through structured coaching and performance monitoring.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Kean University
Union, New Jersey05.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Montclair State University
Montclair, New Jersey05.2003
Skills
- Psychosocial evaluation
- Social emotional and behavioral support planning
- Multidisciplinary team participation (CST, community partners)
- Trauma informed practice
- Individual and family counselingt
- Behavior focused interventions
- Leadership and Collaboration
- Staff supervision, coaching, and training
- Consultation with educators, clinicians, and administrators
- Data informed case practice
Accomplishments
- Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
Certification
- New Jersey Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Certificate Program in Adoption – Specialized training in adoption practices and legal procedures.
- Forensic Interviewing, Finding Words – Trained in a child forensic interview protocol.
- School Social Work Certification
Timeline
Supervising Family Service Specialist II, Intake Unit
Division of Child Protection and Permanency
03.2018 - 07.2022
Case Practice Specialist, Concurrent Planning Specialist
Division of Child Protection and Permanency
05.2006 - Current
Master of Social Work -
Kean University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Montclair State University