Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certificatesandtrainings
Achievementsandawards
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Melissa A. Itkin

New Rochelle,NY

Summary

Experienced social services professional prepared for impactful work. Demonstrates strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Skilled in case management, crisis intervention, and client advocacy. Reliable and adaptable to changing needs, with compassionate and client-focused approach.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Social Caseworker

Westchester County Department of Senior Programs
05.2020 - Current
  • Supported clients in achieving self-sufficiency through goal-setting, skill-building workshops, and ongoing follow-up meetings.
  • Ensured compliance with state regulations through accurate record-keeping and timely documentation.
  • Coordinated services for clients across multiple agencies, streamlining the process and reducing barriers to access.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients by demonstrating empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity during interactions.
  • Conducted home visits to assess living conditions and ensure safe environments for all family members involved in cases.
  • Assisted clients in navigating complex social service systems, advocating on their behalf when necessary.
  • Strengthened relationships between the agency and community partners through regular networking events, improving collaboration opportunities.
  • Assessed and evaluated clients' needs, determined eligibility for services, and developed individualized plans.
  • Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.

Probation Officer Trainee

Westchester County Department of Probation
05.2022 - 12.2023
  • Maintained compliance with all legal statutes, policies and procedures
  • Determined appropriate supervision levels by conducting risk and needs assessments.
  • Established productive relationships with local law enforcement agencies, enhancing information sharing and cooperation.
  • Collaborated with treatment providers to ensure seamless delivery of services for probationers, resulting in improved outcomes.
  • Provided guidance and support to probationers in securing employment, housing, and other essential resources for successful reintegration into society.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in the field of community corrections.
  • Served as a liaison between the courts, social service agencies, victims, witnesses, families of offenders and community organizations to streamline the probation process.

Social Caseworker

Westchester County Department of Social Services
05.2017 - 05.2020
  • Manage a full caseload of homeless families conducting intake interviews as well as ongoing reassessments to increase engagement
  • Conduct weekly visits to the Westchester County Department of Corrections to interview inmates for re-entry program and to assist in preparing temporary assistance applications for the appropriate district offices
  • Meet with clients to complete employability assessments and employment plans- determining self-identified short and long term goals
  • Appropriately refer clients to work activities, training programs, educational programs, physical and psychological evaluations as needed; and accurately track and record participation in work activities, substance abuse treatment, and employment
  • Determine if supportive services are needed and make appropriate referrals

Social Work Intern

Rising Ground
08.2018 - 08.2019
  • Complete weekly one-on-one counseling sessions with residents at a Residential Treatment Center in Yonkers, NY
  • Complete intake interviews with runaway/ homeless youth at Transitional Independent Living (TIL) facility in Bronx, NY
  • Complete counseling sessions with residents at TIL as needed and review Individual Service Plans to identify personal goals
  • Participate in monthly treatment team meetings to monitor progress of each resident and to connect youth to community resources
  • Partnered with the other social work intern to develop the TIL program handbook which outlined rules for the house and guidelines for behavior to provide the youth with much needed structure at home to foster independence, a sense of community, and accountability among peers. This extended to training staff on these values and principles, as well.

Engage Life Program Instructor

Atria on the Hudson
10.2016 - 05.2017
  • Led assigned programs that were of interest and meaning to residents in order to enhance their lives and exceed their active aging lifestyle expectations; greeted new residents by making a special effort to include and engage them in activities as well as introduce them to others in the community with similar interests and backgrounds

Fundraising/ Participant Outbound Call Specialist

American Cancer Society
09.2016 - 10.2016
  • Recruited and prospected for MSABC Team Leaders by phone within a Call Center environment; accurately tracked cultivation activities and fundraising progress using event database; Provided ongoing coaching, motivation and support to Team Leaders to ensure their needs and expectations are met; Provided Team leaders with logistical support and training on fundraising strategies and tools; Quickly building Rapport with MSABC Team Leaders

Office Assistant Intern

Casa Purchase
01.2015 - 05.2015
  • Updated the center’s website, blog, and social media accounts
  • Explored resources in the community, helped executive director organize events, and typing and filing as needed

Life Skills Volunteer Trainer

Port Chester Cares
01.2015 - 05.2015
  • Conducted lessons for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students from a research-validated substance abuse prevention program proven to reduce the risks of alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse, and violence

Education

Masters Degree - Social Work

Fordham University
Harrison, NY
08.2020

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Purchase College- State University of New York
Purchase, NY
05.2016

Skills

  • Case Management
  • Mental health knowledge
  • Substance abuse awareness
  • Active Listening
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Relationship Building
  • Records Management
  • Program Development
  • Interpersonal and written communication

Certificatesandtrainings

  • New York State’s Case Management Professional Training Program, Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research- Boston University School of Social Work
  • Mental Wellness and Resilience among Older Immigrants and Refugees, Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research- Boston University School of Social Work
  • Behavioral Health in Aging Certificate, Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research- Boston University School of Social Work
  • Ethics, Legal Principles, and Key Practice Areas Certificate, Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research- Boston University School of Social Work

Achievementsandawards

  • Triple 'C' Award [Commitment, Character, Courage]
  • Spellman Academic Achievement Award
  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude
  • Diversity Scholarship
  • Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society
  • Nominated to present at the Purchase Student Research Symposium

Certification

  • Licensed Master of Social Work

Timeline

Probation Officer Trainee

Westchester County Department of Probation
05.2022 - 12.2023

Senior Social Caseworker

Westchester County Department of Senior Programs
05.2020 - Current

Social Work Intern

Rising Ground
08.2018 - 08.2019

Social Caseworker

Westchester County Department of Social Services
05.2017 - 05.2020

Engage Life Program Instructor

Atria on the Hudson
10.2016 - 05.2017

Fundraising/ Participant Outbound Call Specialist

American Cancer Society
09.2016 - 10.2016

Office Assistant Intern

Casa Purchase
01.2015 - 05.2015

Life Skills Volunteer Trainer

Port Chester Cares
01.2015 - 05.2015

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Purchase College- State University of New York

Masters Degree - Social Work

Fordham University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Melissa A. Itkin