Marissa Allen
Austin,TX
Summary
Social worker with over ten years of experience in delivering essential support and creating effective strategies for diverse client groups. Expertise in assessing individual needs, designing customized intervention plans, and connecting clients with community resources. Achievements include significant improvements in client well-being and increased access to social services. Proven ability to advocate for client rights and achieve positive outcomes in challenging situations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Medical Social Worker (PRN)
Ascension
03.2026 - Current
- Lead the design and execution of personalized care plans, ensuring every step from admission to discharge reflects the patient's unique values and recovery goals.
- Advocated for patients by identifying and resolving social or financial barriers to care, securing resources for long-term health.
- Supported families through complex psychosocial challenges, providing guidance during crises, substance abuse recovery, or significant life adjustments.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary care team to refine treatment strategies, enhancing communication and ensuring accurate medical documentation.
Therapist
Austin Trauma Therapy Center, BPOQe, Headway
Austin, TX
09.2021 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to evaluate client needs and create personalized therapeutic goals.
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on client objectives, progress, and ongoing evaluations.
- Delivered one-on-one counseling addressing emotional, behavioral, and psychological concerns for diverse populations, including pediatrics.
- Offer immediate crisis intervention for clients experiencing acute emotional distress or emergencies.
- Applied evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), to improve treatment effectiveness.
- Maintain precise and up-to-date documentation of client sessions, treatment plans, progress notes, and other related records.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to integrate care and enhance client outcomes.
- Assessed treatment effectiveness and modified therapeutic approaches to accommodate evolving client needs.
- Provide specialized care to clients ranging in age, adjusting therapeutic interventions to support developmental and emotional growth.
Re-Entry Case Manager
American Youthworks
Austin, TX
11.2018 - 08.2024
- Managed a caseload of justice-involved participants aged 16-24, tailoring services to individual needs.
- Developed and implemented individualized service plans, ensuring regular participant engagement through weekly or monthly check-ins.
- Delivered crisis intervention, court-related assistance, problem-solving support, and comprehensive follow-up services.
- Conducted home visits to assess and address participants' needs within their living environments.
- Facilitated Restorative Justice circles, addressing conflicts and promoting resolution within participant community, enhancing interpersonal relationships.
- Co-led life skills and emotional support groups, fostering personal development and resilience, contributing to participants' overall growth.
- Collaborated with academic and vocational teams to ensure holistic support and progress for participants.
- Participated in transitional planning meetings to support participants transitioning out of programs or graduating.
- Maintained detailed documentation of support services and prepared program measure reports for quarterly evaluations, ensuring accountability and program effectiveness.
Counselor/Case Manager
Gary Job Corps
San Marcos, TX
05.2017 - 11.2018
- Conducted psychosocial and spiritual assessments during intake to identify student needs and develop tailored intervention strategies.
- Managed a caseload of up to 80 students, conducting monthly check-ins and evaluations to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
- Provided individualized and group counseling for personal, social, and adjustment challenges using evidence-based therapeutic modalities.
- Coordinated transitional services, facilitating seamless progression from program to independent living or further education.
- Collaborated with academic and trade instructors to devise strategies addressing barriers faced by students, facilitating resolutions during panel meetings.
- Evaluated center services, recommending modifications that enhanced student outcomes.
- Facilitated development of employability and social skills, promoting career readiness and overall personal development.
- Responded to critical incidents, providing immediate support for students experiencing crises such as suicidal ideation or sexual assault.
- Trained and mentored new counselors to ensure consistency in service delivery and adherence to best practices.
MSSW Intern
American Youthworks
Austin, TX
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Conducted comprehensive intake assessments for students upon arrival.
- Provided individual counseling to adolescents aged 16-24 using crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapy.
- Co-facilitated life skills enrichment groups, preparing students for workforce readiness.
- Collaborated with students to execute diverse community service projects.
- Referred students to in-house community resources based on identified needs.
- Advocated for students' well-being and progress in multidisciplinary staff meetings.
- Completed administrative duties, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with organizational policies.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
09.2016 - 05.2017
- Conducted research on police-involved fatalities for 2015 and 2016, employing qualitative and quantitative methods to enhance understanding of the issue.
- Compiled and organized extensive datasets with SPSS software, facilitating thorough statistical analysis to support research conclusions.
- Analyzed peer-reviewed literature on police decision-making processes and behavioral frameworks.
- Evaluated policy initiatives and reform efforts implemented by the Obama administration concerning prison systems.
- S synthesized research findings into actionable insights to contribute to scholarly discussions and policy development.
Mental Health Associate
San Marcos Treatment Center
San Marcos, TX
01.2016 - 11.2016
- Monitored and documented client behavior, treatment interventions, and progress to enhance care for patients aged 6-17.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
- Facilitated and supervised educational and recreational activities, fostering patient engagement and participation.
- Provided assistance with therapeutic activities, critical thinking exercises, and problem-solving techniques.
- Supported clients with hygiene needs and daily living activities, ensuring comfort and dignity under guidance of nursing and medical staff.
BSW Intern
Communities In Schools
Kyle, TX
08.2015 - 12.2015
- Managed a caseload of 10 students, providing comprehensive case management services.
- Conducted intake assessments to identify and prioritize students' needs and challenges.
- Developed individualized intervention plans based on assessment findings and clients' immediate needs.
- Evaluated and adjusted intervention plans in collaboration with clients to ensure effectiveness.
- Provided emotional support to students experiencing challenges at home or school, including both CIS and non-CIS students.
- Conducted suicide risk assessments in response to student outcries, ensuring timely intervention.
- Co-facilitated transition group for 6th graders and leadership group for 8th graders, promoting personal development and skill-building.
- Connected students to appropriate community resources based on assessed needs and priorities.
- Organized and implemented anti-bullying and suicide awareness event in partnership with No Place for Hate, raising awareness and support for students.
- Collaborated with Child Protective Services to report and address cases of neglect, ensuring student safety and wellbeing.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
The University of Texas
Austin, TX05-2017
Bachelor - Social Work
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX12-2015
Skills
- Customer relationship management
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Student engagement
- Community Resource Navigation
- CRM software
- Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- HIPAA compliance
- Crisis Intervention
- Case Management
- Microsoft Office
- Customer Service
- Leadership and Training
- Mental Health Counseling
- Biopsychosocial assessment
- Care planning
- Evidence-based methods
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Problem solving
- Treatment planning
- Discharge planning
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Timeline
Medical Social Worker (PRN)
Ascension
03.2026 - Current
Therapist
Austin Trauma Therapy Center, BPOQe, Headway
09.2021 - Current
Re-Entry Case Manager
American Youthworks
11.2018 - 08.2024
Counselor/Case Manager
Gary Job Corps
05.2017 - 11.2018
MSSW Intern
American Youthworks
01.2017 - 05.2017
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Texas at Austin
09.2016 - 05.2017
Mental Health Associate
San Marcos Treatment Center
01.2016 - 11.2016
BSW Intern
Communities In Schools
08.2015 - 12.2015
Master of Science - Social Work
The University of Texas
Bachelor - Social Work
Texas State University