Mishonda James, LMSW
Bridgeport
Summary
Dynamic social worker with extensive experience at Yale New Haven Health System, specializing in crisis intervention and psychosocial assessment. Proven ability to enhance patient outcomes through culturally competent care and effective discharge planning. Adept at fostering trust and engagement, leading to improved recovery rates in diverse populations.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Social Worker
Griffin Hospital
Derby
12.2025 - Current
- Facilitated support groups to promote community engagement and healing.
- Conducted assessments of client needs, strengths, and resources to develop treatment plans.
- Coordinated referrals to outside agencies for additional services such as substance abuse programs or vocational training.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress and interactions according to agency standards.
- Educated clients about the impact of trauma on mental health and well-being.
Counselor
Liberations Program
Bridgeport
05.2025 - 12.2025
- Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions, empowering clients to confront and manage addiction challenges.
- Delivered tailored counseling to individuals experiencing addiction, fostering resilience and promoting recovery strategies.
- Developed personalized treatment plans based on client assessments and needs.
- Provided crisis intervention support to clients in urgent situations or emergencies.
- Educated clients and families about addiction recovery resources and support systems.
- Documented client progress and treatment outcomes, ensuring compliance with agency standards and aiding in effective treatment planning.
- Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss client progress and coordinate interdisciplinary care plans.
- Maintained accurate client records according to agency policies while ensuring confidentiality of all information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Medical Social Worker
Yale New Haven Health System
Bridgeport
09.2022 - 01.2025
- Delivered crisis intervention services for urgent mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence, ensuring timely support.
- Coordinated individualized discharge plans to ensure safe transitions back to community environments.
- Conducted psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments for diverse patient populations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement comprehensive patient support and care plans.
- Connected patients to community resources, enhancing access to housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.
- Educated patients on coping strategies and healthcare options to promote informed decision-making.
- Documented patient interactions and care plans in electronic health records for continuity of care.
- Developed cultural competence through professional development opportunities to enhance service delivery.
Dialysis Social Worker
DaVita
05.2020 - 05.2022
- Collaborated with medical professionals to address the physical, emotional, and social needs of dialysis patients, ensuring holistic care.
- Implemented psychosocial care strategies for patients experiencing comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
- Implemented evidence-based practices in clinical interventions with dialysis population, fostering improved coping mechanisms among patients.
- Delivered culturally sensitive counseling services for diverse patient populations, addressing psychosocial needs while respecting unique values and beliefs.
- Advocated for patients'' rights and preferences, promoting self-determination within the context of treatment goals.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary team communication by conducting regular case conferences, improving information sharing on patient progress.
- Contributed to improved quality of care by participating in continuous professional development opportunities in the field of nephrology social work.
- Supported family members through the stages of grief and loss, providing compassionate counseling services during challenging times.
Outpatient Clinician
CT Counseling Center
03.2018 - 05.2019
- Implemented evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, to help clients overcome personal barriers to recovery.
- Conducted thorough assessments to accurately diagnose individuals struggling with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Developed customized aftercare plans for discharged clients, ensuring they had access to ongoing support services upon completion of formal treatment programs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients, addressing physical, emotional, and mental health needs.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting open communication among participants and fostering a supportive environment.
- Assisted clients in identifying triggers and developing personalized coping mechanisms, reducing the risk of relapse.
- Increased client retention by delivering empathetic support and guidance throughout recovery process.
- Built strong rapport with clients through active listening and empathy, fostering a healing environment.
- Enhanced patient recovery by developing and implementing tailored treatment plans for each individual's variety of therapeutic needs for their individual stage of recovery.
- Maintained accurate documentation for all clinical activities, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standardsMaintained organized files for client records and treatment plans.
- Enhanced patient recovery by developing and implementing tailored treatment plans for each individual's variety of therapeutic needs for their individual stage of recovery. .
Developmental Services Worker
State of CT-Dept Developmental Services
09.2017 - 12.2017
- Led customized day programs for developmentally disabled adults to promote engagement and skill development.
- Enhanced client independence by implementing personalized support plans and life skills training.
- Assisted clients with daily living activities to promote self-sufficiency and personal growth.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals and educators to ensure comprehensive support for clients' needs.
- Maintained up-to-date client records to support compliance with state regulations and enhance service delivery.
Treatment Coordinator
St. Vincent's Medical Center
10.2011 - 04.2017
- Assessed client progress with standardized tools, refining treatment plans to align with evolving needs and improve client outcomes.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, deescalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
- Cultivated a safe environment for clients to discuss thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly, fostering trust and encouraging honest communication.
- Developed self-care practices for personal wellbeing and modeled healthy coping strategies, empowering clients to adopt similar approaches in their lives.
Social Worker - Child and Youth
State of CT-Dept Children & Families
03.1996 - 02.2014
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
- De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
- Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics, providing guidance on effective communication strategies and conflict resolution techniques.
- Enhanced client engagement in treatment plans by fostering trusting relationships through empathetic listening and consistent support.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions for clients struggling with mental health challenges or behavioral concerns.
- Facilitated client transitions from residential facilities to independent living situations, ensuring appropriate supports were in place.
- Collaborated with schools to address students'' social-emotional needs, working closely with teachers and administrators to create supportive learning environments.
- Supported family reunification and stability by conducting assessments and delivering tailored family support services.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Fordham University
West Harrison, NY05-2010
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Springfield College
Springfield, MA05-1995
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Trauma care
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Mental health support
- Bereavement counseling
- Grief support
- Discharge planning
- Psychosocial evaluation
- Addiction recovery
- Group therapy
- Multicultural competence
Certification
LMSW-Licensed Master Social Worker
Affiliations
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member since 1998
Timeline
Social Worker
Griffin Hospital
12.2025 - Current
Counselor
Liberations Program
05.2025 - 12.2025
Medical Social Worker
Yale New Haven Health System
09.2022 - 01.2025
Dialysis Social Worker
DaVita
05.2020 - 05.2022
Outpatient Clinician
CT Counseling Center
03.2018 - 05.2019
Developmental Services Worker
State of CT-Dept Developmental Services
09.2017 - 12.2017
Treatment Coordinator
St. Vincent's Medical Center
10.2011 - 04.2017
Social Worker - Child and Youth
State of CT-Dept Children & Families
03.1996 - 02.2014
Master of Science - Social Work
Fordham University
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Springfield College