Nathifa Gooden
Summary
Dedicated Social Worker with 5 years of experience in educational and mental health settings. Expertise in providing individual and group counseling, conducting psychosocial assessments, and developing intervention strategies to support student well-being. Proven leadership in managing a team of professionals and
collaborating with educators to create supportive learning environments. Committed to enhancing student outcomes through effective communication and community resource coordination.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counselor/ School Social Worker
Imagine Charter School
Weston
08.2025 - Current
- Provides individual and group counseling to help students manage stress, build social skills, and develop resilience.
- Conduct Student Risk Assessments (SRAs) to evaluate student safety and mental health concerns
- Mediated peer conflicts and implemented positive behavioral intervention strategies, enhancing student relationships and boosting classroom engagement.
- Facilitated SEL classroom lessons on bullying prevention, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills, promoting a safer school environment.
- Working with classroom teams to support student adjustment and provide in-service education to staff on mental health topics.
- Participated in IEP/504 meetings and multidisciplinary team discussions to support student needs
- Collaborated with parents/guardians to provide updates and resources, strengthening strategies that support student success.
- Supported school-wide initiatives such as attendance improvement, student recognition programs, and school events
Mental Health Private Practice Office Manager
Enrichment Support Services, LLC
Broward
04.2015 - Current
- Reviewed medical records for accuracy and completeness, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing patient care.
- Handled and processed confidential patient information.
- Managed service desk, greeting visitors and responding to telephone and in-person requests for information to enhance patient experience.
- Established efficient workflow processes, monitored daily productivity, and implemented modifications to improve overall effectiveness of personnel and activities.
- Led a team of seven professionals to ensure effective collaboration and productivity.
- Provided administrative support for organizational foundation management and staff, facilitating smooth operations.
School Counselor
Dade County Public Schools
Miami Dade
02.2025 - 08.2025
- Delivered individual and group counseling to students, improving academic performance and addressing social and emotional challenges.
- Collaborated with teachers and staff to create supportive classroom environments conducive to learning.
- Educated students on personal development topics including conflict resolution, self-esteem, and coping strategies.
- Coordinated communication between students, parents, and external agencies like Child Protective Services, ensuring student needs are effectively met.
- Maintained accurate records of student interactions and progress while ensuring confidentiality.
- Contributed to school meetings and helped develop programs promoting student well-being, enhancing overall school climate.
Mental Health Therapist
Harmony Development Center
Cooper City
10.2024 - 02.2025
- Facilitated individual, group, and family therapy sessions utilizing CBT, TF-CBT, SFBT, and MI techniques to enhance client coping skills and promote mental well-being.
- Conducted psychosocial assessments and developed treatment and safety plans to address client needs and ensure effective intervention.
- Provided emotional support and counseling interventions to children aged 9-17 and their families in a therapeutic setting.
School Social Worker Intern
Broward County Public Schools
Broward
01.2023 - 04.2024
- Conducted short-term crisis counseling, provided staff support, and facilitated parent education activities to enhance student well-being.
- Conducting Psychosocial assessments and creating individualized intervention plans.
- Developed and implemented social work plans to understand desired project goals and properly align social work activities.
- Coordinated home and school interventions to improve student attendance and engagement.
- Engaged with team to develop effective intervention strategies for students.
- Prepared curriculum and facilitated social skills groups for adolescent males.
- Consulted with parents, teachers, and school personnel to identify underlying issues contributing to truancy and behavior, implementing targeted solutions.
- Provide client/school/community needs and develop practice models.
- Collaborating with middle and high school students in grades (6-12)
Child Protective Investigator
Department of Children and Families
Broward
03.2023 - 01.2024
- Investigated cases of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment to ensure child safety and well-being, leading to timely interventions.
- Conducted initial and ongoing assessments of dangers to children, facilitating informed decision-making for their protection.
- Reported indications of abuse, neglect, and abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
- Connected families to relevant agencies and community resources for support.
Mental Health Facilitator Intern
South Florida Cares Mentoring Movement
Miami
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Engaged clients in conversations to assess mental states and document observations.
- Guided participants in identifying personal goals and objectives for improved well-being.
- Facilitated wellness mentoring circles for youth Ages (15-18)
- Consulted with other staff members regarding treatment plans.
- Participated in community outreach events to connect with local residents and resources.
- Provided support to youths aging out of foster care system, facilitating their transition to independence.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton05-2024
Bachelor of Social Work -
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton12-2021
Skills
Individual and group counseling
- (CBT, TF-CBT, SFBT, Motivational Interviewing)
- Crisis intervention and suicide risk assessment
- Psychosocial and biopsychosocial assessments
- Treatment planning and progress monitoring
- Treatment planning
Student behavior support and coping strategy development
- Response to Intervention
- Behavior support
- Community mental health knowledge
Case management documentation
- Case management
- Clinical documentation
- Caseload management
Certification
- RCSWI) Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern- #ISW21359
CPR/AED American Red Cross
Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (DCF)
Trauma-informed interventions
References
References are available upon request
Timeline
School Counselor/ School Social Worker
Imagine Charter School
08.2025 - Current
School Counselor
Dade County Public Schools
02.2025 - 08.2025
Mental Health Therapist
Harmony Development Center
10.2024 - 02.2025
Child Protective Investigator
Department of Children and Families
03.2023 - 01.2024
School Social Worker Intern
Broward County Public Schools
01.2023 - 04.2024
Mental Health Facilitator Intern
South Florida Cares Mentoring Movement
05.2021 - 08.2021
Mental Health Private Practice Office Manager
Enrichment Support Services, LLC
04.2015 - Current
Master of Social Work -
Florida Atlantic University
Bachelor of Social Work -
Florida Atlantic University