Malaika Ainka Small, LMSW
Maplewood,NJ
Summary
Compassionate Mental Health Clinician with 4+ years of Experience counseling and advocating for clients in non-profit agencies and private practice. Experience My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy and cultural sensitivity. Each person's journey is unique, and I tailor my therapeutic interventions to meet the specific needs of my clients. My goal is to empower individuals to find their inner strength, resilience, and healing by helping individuals break free from the patterns that have been passed down through generations and empower them to lead more fulfilling lives. I believe that by understanding and embracing your individuality, you can unlock your true potential and lead a fulfilling life. Together, we'll embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and healing.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Social Worker
Ronald Lawrence, LLC
11.2023 - Current
- Deliver clinical interventions consistent with the needs of individuals, families, and couples, safely and ethically that promote mental health stability
- Evaluate clients and assess psychological conditions with a diagnosis and assist clients with developing adaptive coping strategies to cope with life stressors or change behavior using DBT, EMDR, and CBT
- Provide patients and families with information and resources to help them understand their condition and treatment plan and collaborate with the client’s interdisciplinary team to enhance the environment of care
- Maintain clinical records and client caseload of 10+ and documenting services provided for each patient using Simple Practice
- Understand the continuum of mental health services, referring clients to an appropriate level of care in coordination with the clinical supervisor (such as substance abuse services and/or IOP/PHP/In-Patient).
Mental Health Therapist
Healing Springs Wellness Center
12.2022 - Current
- Provide high quality culturally competent, compassionate and ethical mental health therapy to clients as scheduled
- Provide trauma-focused and integrative counseling to children, adults, families and groups and assist clients set and reach their therapeutic goals
- Create comprehensive treatment plans on intake and perform treatment reviews every 90 days
- Maintain case files and a caseload of 30+ clients within electronic health record (Therapy Notes)
- Apply varied interventions with individuals and families in crisis using EMDR, DBT, and CBT.
Social Work Intern
Bronx Community Solutions
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Worked closely with the Deputy Director of Community Engagement to develop a plan and vision for community-centered work within BCS existing ATI (alternatives to incarceration) programs
- Performed general Counseling/Case Management duties, including weekly individual sessions with clients, referrals to community-based resources, developing client schedules, and client-centered treatment plans
- Screened eligible misdemeanor, non-violent felony, and violent felony defendants to determine program eligibility
- Monitored and reported on meaningful engagement in treatment and worked to bring non-engaged program participants into treatment compliance, as needed
- Maintained appropriate client information in electronic databases and hard files, including the program screening tool, court assessment, screening, and outcome information.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions to address diverse client needs including mental health, addiction, trauma, and family dynamics.
Social Work Intern
Urban Justice Center: Mental Health Project
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Advocated for MHP’s clients entering or in the shelter system, searching for housing, or in need of income and conducted crisis management and suicidal ideation assessments
- Provided income maintenance through Food Stamps, Public Assistance, Social Security, and/or other government benefits for which clients are eligible
- Connected clients to mental health treatment providers and care management services via Health Homes and preserved the rights of psychiatrically admitted clients by advocating for a safe discharge from the hospital
- Prevented eviction or stabilized new housing through rental assistance and applying for supportive housing using the HRA 2010E application
- Assisted with advocacy for the #HALTSolitary Campaign and the NYC Jails Action Coalition to improve conditions, specifically to abolish the practice of solitary confinement in NYC jails and NY state prisons
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Silberman School of Social Work At Hunter College
New York, NY05.2024
Master of Science - Educational Administration and Policy Studies
University At Albany, State University of New York
Albany, NY05.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Rhetoric and Communication
University At Albany, State University of New York
Albany, NY05.1997
Skills
- Crisis Intervention
- CBT
- Case Management
- Therapeutic Skills
- Client Advocacy
- EMDR Trained
- C-PTSD
- ADHD
- Couples Counseling
- Life Transitions
- Supporting Adults With ADHD: Skills, Meaning-Making, And Resources
- Psychoeducation
- Suicide Risk Assessment
- Trauma-informed care
- Evidence-based practices
Accomplishments
2021 Amy Watkins Scholarship Recipient
Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College
Affiliations & Memberships
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Bronx Alumnae Chapter, Active Member since 2001
- Social Action Committee, Bronx Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
- Information & Committee Communication, Bronx Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
- Renaissance Church, New York, NY Hospitality & Events Team, Women’s Ministry
Timeline
Clinical Social Worker
Ronald Lawrence, LLC
11.2023 - Current
Mental Health Therapist
Healing Springs Wellness Center
12.2022 - Current
Social Work Intern
Bronx Community Solutions
09.2021 - 05.2022
Social Work Intern
Urban Justice Center: Mental Health Project
09.2020 - 05.2021
Master of Science - Social Work
Silberman School of Social Work At Hunter College
Master of Science - Educational Administration and Policy Studies
University At Albany, State University of New York
Bachelor of Arts - Rhetoric and Communication
University At Albany, State University of New York
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