MEGAN KALIFF
Berlin,CT
Summary
Licensed clinical social worker with strong work ethic and adaptability looking to take on a new role. Experience in crisis management, therapeutic relationship-building, and delivering effective mental health treatment and support to diverse populations.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Consultant
YALE UNIVERSITY
Per-Diem
06.2022 - Current
- Conduct biopsychosocial evaluations and risk assessments for pre-adjudicated youth at Hartford and Bridgeport juvenile detention centers.
- Implement evidence-based interventions to assist youth in managing mental health and substance use symptoms.
- Provide crisis intervention, assessment, and safety planning.
- Teach coping skills to prepare youth for court and support community reintegration.
- Collaborate with healthcare, detention, and judicial teams to ensure coordinated care delivery.
- Maintain accurate documentation in electronic medical records to facilitate compliance and care coordination.
Owner and Therapist
MAKING SPACE COUNSELING, LLC
04.2022 - Current
- Conduct diagnostic evaluations and develop targeted treatment plans for youth and young adults.
- Deliver trauma and attachment-focused treatments to adolescents and young adults addressing complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use.
- Collaborate with family systems to reinforce systemic healing processes in clients.
- Design tailored safety plans for high-risk patients to ensure well-being.
- Maintain accurate documentation within agency systems to support compliance and continuity of care.
- Manage operational, financial, and marketing aspects of practice to ensure sustainability.
- Cultivate referral pipelines and partnerships with local pediatricians, psychiatrists, schools, and community providers.
Early Childhood Behavioral Health Clinician, Mental Health Evaluator
THE VILLAGE FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
03.2024 - 01.2026
- Conducted diagnostic evaluations and created treatment plans for children and families addressing mental health challenges.
- Provided individual and family therapy to children ages three to six utilizing evidence-based models.
- Performed multidisciplinary evaluations for children entering foster care, including comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, trauma, and developmental screenings.
- Authored detailed reports for the Department of Children and Families to support case management and decision-making.
- Coordinated with community providers to enhance treatment processes for families and children, ensuring comprehensive care.
- Maintained accurate documentation in agency systems to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Mental Health Consultant
HARVEST HEALTHCARE
04.2025 - 05.2025
- Conducted diagnostic evaluations, created treatment plans, provided individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and cognitive assessments using evidence-based interventions for adults in skilled nursing facilities, enhancing their ability to manage mental health and behavioral challenges.
- Collaborated with facility social workers and staff to provide integrated support for residents' mental health needs.
- Documented client interactions and treatment progress in agency documentation system to ensure compliance and continuity of care.
Victim of Crime Assistance (VOCA) Clinician
COMMUNITY CHILD GUIDANCE CLINIC
07.2019 - 04.2022
- Conducted diagnostic evaluations to inform treatment plans for children and families who have been victims of a crime.
- Provided individual and family therapy, including crisis intervention for affected children and families.
- Advocated for victims during emergency medical care and law enforcement interviews, ensuring their rights and needs were prioritized.
- Facilitated referrals to community services, enhancing access to comprehensive support for victims and their families.
- Assisted families with compensation claims while navigating criminal and civil justice systems.
- Collaborated with police departments, courts, and community agencies to assess service needs.
- Delivered training and mentoring to staff on trauma, crime assistance, and legal processes, strengthening team capacity to support victims effectively.
Outreach Therapist - Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT)
COMMUNITY HEALTH RESOURCES
02.2019 - 07.2019
- Conducted assessments and evaluations, provided individual and family therapy using MDFT model, and delivered crisis intervention for adolescents and families facing substance use, behavioral issues, and familial challenges to foster healthier dynamics.
- Developed discharge plans with clients, integrating natural supports to enhance ongoing recovery.
- Documented client progress and outcomes in agency documentation system.
Social Worker
STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
05.2015 - 02.2019
- Conducted assessments of families' home conditions to ensure children's safety and implemented preventative measures to enhance family well-being and advocate for child preservation.
- Coordinated and facilitated permanency meetings with families and service providers, focusing on strategies to ensure stable and permanent placements for children.
- Partnered with families to prepare service agreements, safety plans, and case plans.
- Scheduled and facilitated weekly supervised visits, evaluating safety and parent-child interactions.
- Collaborated with providers to support families and advocate for their needs.
- Coordinated resources and referrals for families seeking support and assistance for treatment and basic needs.
- Completed and submitted legal documents for family court and attended court sessions and trials.
Intern
PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDREN
08.2016 - 04.2017
- Developed and implemented social emotional, life skills, and after school program in high school in East Harlem, NY, enhancing student well-being and engagement.
- Conducted assessments, biopsychosocial evaluations, treatment plans, and individual and group therapy for students referred to and/or seeking counseling services and utilized clinical interventions to support students in improving academic outcomes.
- Facilitated meetings with parents, school staff, and administration to deliver socioemotional education and enhance attendance consistency
- Participated in student/teacher conferences, PPT meetings, and school events to collaborate with school staff.
- Documented student interactions and progress within agency documentation system.
Intern - Stipend Program
STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
07.2014 - 04.2015
- Facilitated licensing process for relative and nonrelative families for foster care and adoption, supporting family reunification and child welfare.
- Conducted home visits and collaborated with families to create, write, and finalize home studies for foster care licensure, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Assisted caseworkers in managing client files and documentation.
- Coordinated resources for family support services and community outreach.
AmeriCorps Member
JUMPSTART
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Coordinated with AmeriCorps team to design and implement early childhood curriculum for preschoolers at YWCA, fostering early literacy development.
- Delivered training and educational tools to staff and families, promoting adult support in learning environments to enhance children's literacy outcomes.
- Completed intensive training in early childhood theory, language, literacy, and leadership skills to enhance program effectiveness.
Education
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK -
Fordham University
New York, NY05-2017
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK -
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT05-2015
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Trauma-informed care
- Culturally responsive practices
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
- Collaboration and autonomy
- Organizational skills and communication
- Detail-oriented writing
- Microsoft Office proficiency
Professional Development
- Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional (CAIMHP)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 Trained
- Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) Trained
- Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Certified
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
2021-now
Affiliations
- Board Member - Secretary - A Series of Accessible Events - 2024-now
Timeline
Mental Health Consultant
HARVEST HEALTHCARE
04.2025 - 05.2025
Early Childhood Behavioral Health Clinician, Mental Health Evaluator
THE VILLAGE FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
03.2024 - 01.2026
Mental Health Consultant
YALE UNIVERSITY
06.2022 - Current
Owner and Therapist
MAKING SPACE COUNSELING, LLC
04.2022 - Current
Victim of Crime Assistance (VOCA) Clinician
COMMUNITY CHILD GUIDANCE CLINIC
07.2019 - 04.2022
Outreach Therapist - Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT)
COMMUNITY HEALTH RESOURCES
02.2019 - 07.2019
Intern
PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDREN
08.2016 - 04.2017
Social Worker
STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
05.2015 - 02.2019
Intern - Stipend Program
STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
07.2014 - 04.2015
AmeriCorps Member
JUMPSTART
08.2013 - 05.2014
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK -
Fordham University
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK -
Central Connecticut State University