Melissa Ortiz
The Bronx
Summary
Dedicated criminal justice professional with extensive experience in parole supervision, violation investigation, and community resource coordination. Proven ability to assess compliance, prepare detailed reports, and present clear, evidence-based findings in administrative hearings. Skilled at balancing public safety with rehabilitative goals through fair and impartial decision-making. Adept at collaborating with law enforcement, legal counsel, and community agencies to ensure due process and uphold the integrity of supervision conditions. Recognized for strong analytical skills, concise documentation, and a solutions-focused approach to complex cases.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Parole Officer
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
Bronx
06.2017 - Current
- Managed mental health caseload, implementing tailored rehabilitation strategies to reduce recidivism.
- Facilitated successful community transitions for releasees as a re-entry parole officer.
- Enhanced client engagement and compliance using motivational interviewing techniques.
- Conducted thorough investigations into parole violations, employing evidence-gathering methods.
- Maintained accurate records and provided testimony during parole hearings.
- Served as a Spanish-speaking parole officer to improve communication with Spanish-speaking releasees.
Child Protective Specialist
New York City Children's Services
Bronx
07.2007 - 06.2017
- Conducted investigations into allegations of neglect and abuse, documenting comprehensive findings.
- Prepared official records by thoroughly documenting observations and assessments.
- Gathered detailed social, functional, mental, and physical health information for case evaluations.
- Testified in court while providing recommendations in protective cases.
- Counseled parents and children during high-stress situations to facilitate support.
- Initiated actions to protect children in critical cases while ensuring compliance with legal protocols.
- Supported families facing mental health, substance abuse, and social challenges through targeted interventions.
Office Aide
New York Public Library
New York
09.1998 - 07.2007
- Streamlined office file organization for efficient information retrieval.
- Addressed inquiries effectively by managing a high volume of incoming calls.
- Facilitated scheduling and assistance for classes offered by community organizations in library space.
- Assisted patrons with website navigation, catalog searches, and document printing needs.
- Developed workshops that connected patrons to essential local resources like immigration support.
- Executed engaging community events such as story hours and literacy programs.
Caterer
Rockleigh Country Club
Rockleigh
03.2000 - 03.2004
- Orchestrated event setups, including table arrangements and décor enhancements.
- Welcomed and directed guests with professionalism and warmth.
- Trained new servers on company policies and standards of guest service.
- Delivered exceptional hospitality and customer service to all diners.
Education
Masters of Social Work - Social Work
Hunter College
New York, NY06-2025
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Criminal Justice
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY06.2006
Skills
- Courtroom testimony
- Conflict resolution
- Community engagement
- Warrant execution
- Criminal investigation
- Motivational interviewing
- Case management
- Behavior modification
- Effective communication
- Crisis intervention
- Legal documentation
- De-escalation techniques
- Expert interviewing
- Interpersonal communication
- Mental health assessment
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Accomplishments
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude, with an honors degree,
- Recipient, $15,000 Scholarship for Excellence in the Field of Social Work
- Awarded the “Excellence in the Field of Social Work” award by SOMOS Community Care upon completion of internship, May 2025, for outstanding performance and professional growth.
- Community Leadership Honor, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, NYC, for 20 years of youth retreat leadership, community workshops, and connecting residents with essential services, in 2020.
Affiliations
- Served as a youth minister for over two decades at Our Lady Queen of martyrs church & St. Peter's church in Yonkers, New York.
- Completed 450 hours of supervised clinical training, including shadowing, client assessment, and treatment planning
- Administered and interpreted standardized mental health assessments, including PHQ-9 and PHQ-7, to evaluate client symptoms and progress
- Practiced evidence-based interventions under supervision, contributing to individual and group therapy sessions,
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support client care and connect clients to community resources
- Developed case documentation and treatment notes in compliance with professional and ethical standards
Certification
- Motivational Interviewing certification
- Trauma-Informed Care certification
- Mandated Reporter Certification
- License of Master's in Social Work pending, expected 12/2025
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Parole Officer
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
06.2017 - Current
Child Protective Specialist
New York City Children's Services
07.2007 - 06.2017
Caterer
Rockleigh Country Club
03.2000 - 03.2004
Office Aide
New York Public Library
09.1998 - 07.2007
Masters of Social Work - Social Work
Hunter College
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Criminal Justice
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
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