Melissa Ace
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School-Based Counselor / Licensed Social Worker
The Lincoln Center for Family & Youth
09.2024 - Current
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans and building necessary skills, while monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Advocated for clients' needs, connecting them with community resources to support their well-being, and provided education on mental health topics.
- Created a safe space for clients experiencing crises by providing immediate support and appropriate referrals.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop intervention strategies for students in need of additional support.
- Maintained compliance with standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment and reporting.
- Established supportive relationships with at-risk youth through regular check-ins, goal-setting activities, and consistent followup.
Special Education School Social Worker/ Mental Health Specialist
Riverview Intermediate Unit #6
07.2023 - Current
- Providing individual and group therapy to a wide range of diverse learners.
- Maintained compliance with standards relating to child protection, client confidentiality, risk assessment and reporting.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop intervention strategies for students in need of additional support.
- Created a safe space for students experiencing crises by providing immediate support and appropriate referrals.
Summer Program Job Coach
Wolfe's YES Program
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Assist transition-age adolescents and young adults to build a positive work ethic and other skills needed to acquire sustainable employment in adulthood.
- Cultivated strong relationships with community organizations and resources to provide additional support services for clients when needed.
- Monitored client progress and adjusted job coaching strategies to meet needs and navigate challenges.
Special Education Paraeducator/Job Coach
Riverview Intermediate Unit #6
08.2014 - 07.2023
- Supports the needs of special education students with one-on-one guidance in overcoming issues negatively impacting educational and vocational success
- Offers advanced support to students in classroom and work environments to encourage full participation
- Supports individuals with emotional and behavioral concerns in developing effective social skills by implementing individualized behavior plans, using positive reinforcement and effective modeling strategies
- Collaborates with staff to develop, monitor, and resolve skills training, vocational, or behavioral issues
- Monitors and records participant progress to measure the achievement of goals and objectives
- Educates individuals on improving vocational skills through effective job searching, sound resumes, and practical interviewing skills.
- Maintained a positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
Master of Social Work Intern
Hope Center for Counseling and Mental Wellness
06.2022 - 04.2023
- Assessed children for signs of abuse, neglect, or maltreatment.
- Worked with clients of all ages to understand needs and coordinate necessary services.
- Conducted professional assessments to evaluate mental and physical conditions of clients.
- Assisted site supervisor in counseling clients through difficult times, improving coping skills, accessing medical care or substance abuse issues while monitoring client progress throughout treatment processes to evaluate progress.
- Developed strong rapport with clients and their families, fostering trust and open communication.
Interim Vocational Coordinator
Riverview Intermediate Unit #6
10.2021 - 02.2022
- Processing referrals to facilitate vocational services for clients.
- Created a supportive environment for clients to explore various career options, boosting their confidence in making informed decisions.
- Collaborated with local employers to identify job opportunities for clients.
- Streamlined communication between school staff, families, and outside agencies by serving as the primary point of contact for all transition-related matters.
- Identified barriers to employment and recommended strategies to overcome issues such as inflexible schedules and transportation problems
Education
Masters of Social Work -
Simmons University
Boston, MA08.2023
B.S Liberal Studies: Liberal Studies, History -
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, PA07.2000
Skills
- Special Education Knowledge
- Life Skills Development
- Risk Assessments
- Problem-Solving
- Student Advocacy
- Team Collaboration
- Analytical Thinking
- Verbal and written communication
- Family Support
- Emotional Support
- Trauma Informed Care Framework
- Individual and family counseling
Certification
Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Pennsylvania, 09/01/23
Affiliations
- National Association of Social Workers, Student Member, 2022, Present
- Pennsylvania State Educators Association, 2015, Present
Volunteer Experience
- Clarion County Career Center, Clarion, PA, Fall 2019 to Fall 2024, Perkins Grant Committee
- Knox Public Library, Knox, PA, 05/01/20 to 05/18/25, Board of Directors
- Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Clarion, PA, 2008 to 2014, Church Community Renewal Committee, Eucharistic Minister Team, Adult Confirmation Instructor
- Camo Cares, Clarion County, PA, 06/01/24, Present, Event Staff
- Clarion County Youth Field Day, Clarion County, PA, 06/01/24, Present, Event Staff
Training
- PAES Practical Assessment Exploration System Training/Certification (2022 - 2023)
- CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training /Certification (2015-2024)
- Mandated Reporter Training (2015-Current)
- PA K-12 Threat Assessment Training Program / Certification (Jan 2025)
- Gaslighting: Help Clients Escape and Rebuild from a Narcissist's Emotional Abuse (Online Course- Nov 2022) - Pennsylvania Social Workers - Completed Professional 6.25 Cr. hrs.
- The Mental Health Professional's Guide to Psychopharmacology: Blending Psychotherapy Interventions with Medication Management (Online Course- Dec 2022) - Pennsylvania Social Workers - Completed Professional 8 Part / 24.75 Cr. Hr.
Timeline
School-Based Counselor / Licensed Social Worker
The Lincoln Center for Family & Youth
09.2024 - Current
Summer Program Job Coach
Wolfe's YES Program
06.2024 - 08.2024
Special Education School Social Worker/ Mental Health Specialist
Riverview Intermediate Unit #6
07.2023 - Current
Master of Social Work Intern
Hope Center for Counseling and Mental Wellness
06.2022 - 04.2023
Interim Vocational Coordinator
Riverview Intermediate Unit #6
10.2021 - 02.2022
Special Education Paraeducator/Job Coach
Riverview Intermediate Unit #6
08.2014 - 07.2023
B.S Liberal Studies: Liberal Studies, History -
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Masters of Social Work -
Simmons University
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