Nitja Morrow-Allen
Toledo,OH
Summary
Dedicated Child Welfare and Development Professional with 20+ years of experience in program management, advocacy, and leadership. Expertise in guardianships, investigations, juvenile justice, Young Adult Foster Care, and ongoing prevention services. Proven track record in managing multimillion-dollar budgets, building strong community partnerships, and securing resources for vulnerable populations. Committed to delivering high-quality services that foster systemic change and compliance with state standards.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child Welfare Specialist
Monroe Department of Health and Human Services
07.2015 - Current
- Delivered casework services to over 50 dependent, neglected, abused, and delinquent children annually, including economically disadvantaged adults
- Supported foster youth aged 18–21 in transitioning to independent living by creating and implementing customized plans addressing housing, education, employment, and life skills
- Advocated for resources to address barriers, helping over 75 families access housing, counseling, and employment opportunities annually
- Managed a caseload of young adults, conducting regular assessments to ensure access to necessary services and resources
- Prepared over 150 legal documents and presented cases in court, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines
- Secured housing and job training opportunities for foster youth, increasing successful transitions to independence by 25%
- Conducted guardianship assessments for over 100 children and adults, ensuring their safety and well-being
- Supervised juvenile justice cases, reducing recidivism rates among youth by 20%
- Monitored private agency cases for 100% compliance with state standards
- Success work in meeting all 100% SOP’s
- Successful work in MISACAWIS, SIGMA, Book of Business
- Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
- Promoted positive youth development by implementing evidence-based programs targeting behavioral issues, mental health concerns, or educational needs.
- Assisted in the placement of children into safe, nurturing foster homes by conducting comprehensive home studies.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed for clients experiencing urgent challenges related to child protection concerns or family dynamics issues.
District Child Development Director
YMCA/JCC Metro Child Development Office
06.2010 - 07.2015
- Directed 2 preschools and 5 before/afterschool sites, serving over 500 children annually (125% licensing capacity)
- Managed $1.5M+ budgets for 7 sites, achieving fiscal accountability and operational excellence
- Hired, trained, and developed 52 staff members, reducing turnover by 15%
- Achieved and maintained Star 3 ratings for programs and obtained Step Up to Quality ratings for 4 additional sites
- Secured over $200K in grants and donations for community events like One Village, fostering 30% stronger community partnerships
- Ensured compliance with CACFP and referred over 200 families to essential services
- Cultivated relationships with community, business and local civic leaders in order to draw attention to YMCA of Greater Toledo and bring in new donors and volunteers.
- Researched possible grants and created proposals to submit along with grant applications.
Family Program Director
YMCA of Greater Toledo-Summit YMCA/JCC
06.2007 - 06.2010
- Increased enrollment at childcare centers by 20% through recruitment and community outreach
- Managed budgets totaling $500K, achieving a 10% year-over-year surplus
- Secured $100K in grants and in-kind donations for building a playground and community events
- Directed a team of 13 staff, achieving a Star 2 rating through Step Up to Quality initiatives
Family Service Worker Intern
E.O.P.A Toledo Head Start
08.2006 - 06.2007
- Facilitated recruitment, registration, and placement for over 50 children based on federal and state eligibility guidelines
- Managed a caseload of 15 families, conducting assessments, case notes, and follow-ups to ensure tailored support
- Cultivated new recruitment sources within the district, increasing enrollment by 15%
Social Work Intern
South Toledo Latino Community and Juvenile Court
05.2006 - 05.2007
- Conducted a needs assessment for 250 individuals in the Latino community, guiding future program development
- Supervised eight court-referred youth, reducing recidivism rates among first-time offenders by 20%
- Organized and fundraised $10,000 for SQACC’s Dia de Los Muertos Annual Event
- Contributed to grant writing initiatives, securing critical funding for community projects
Information Specialist
YMCA of Greater Toledo-Youth Opportunities Program (YOP)
05.2003 - 05.2007
- Recruited over 145 at-risk teens for the Youth Opportunities Program, increasing participation by 40%
- Provided comprehensive college and financial aid assistance to over 75 disadvantaged youth annually
- Ensured program compliance through four consecutive successful state audits
- Maintained the SCOTI System
- Maintained accurate payroll records for 145 program participants, ensuring timely and error-free payments
Secretary
YMCA of Greater Toledo Metro Office
01.2000 - 05.2003
- Managed conference room bookings for corporate and branch meetings, ensuring seamless scheduling operations
- Oversaw inventory and procurement of office supplies, maintaining optimal stock levels
- Solicited donors and secured funding for the Annual Scholarship Campaign, benefiting hundreds of needy families
Education
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Toledo
Toledo, OH05.2007
Associate of Arts - Social Service Technology
Toledo, OH12.2003
Skills
- Trauma-informed care
- Teamwork
- Collaborative teamwork
- Analytical problem-solving
- Detail-oriented analysis
- Skilled at juggling competing priorities
- Team collaboration
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Decision-making
- Analytical thinking
- Flexibility in changing environments
Certification
- Licensed Social Worker, Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and MFT Board, 2015-Current
- Leadership Development
- Women in Leadership I & II, 2024
- Completion of Executive Leadership Program, 2013
- Trauma-Informed Care & Systemic Issues
- Protective Factors Framework, 2025
- Annual Trainings on ACE’s, trauma, diversity, equity, inclusion, and domestic violence, 2015-Present
- Hip Hop Heals Trauma-Informed Prevention Model, 2019
- Understanding and Analyzing Systemic Racism, 2019
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health
- Addiction Counseling Competencies, 2019
- Understanding Addiction and Criminal Behavior, 2019
- Mental Health First Aid, 2019
- Child Welfare and Family Support
- Parenting and Child Development & Parental Resilience, 2025
- Concrete Support for Families, 2025
- SOAR Program, 2023-Present
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Governor’s Task Force Training, 2021-2022
- Legal & Ethical Issues for Social Workers and Therapists, 2006-2024
- Bridges Out of Poverty Training, 2006
- Emergency Preparedness
- CPR/First Aid Certification, 2009-2014
- Child Abuse and Communicable Disease Recognition, 2009-2014
- Program Development & Community Engagement
- Supervision Module, YMCA of USA, 2008
- High School Challenge Days, 2005-2006
- Connection Between Bullying and School Violence, 2013
- Annual Scholarship Campaigns, raising over $2.1 million, 2000-2014
- Organized community events like Dia de Los Muertos Fundraisers, $10,000+
- Community Needs Assessment
Board Committee Affiliations
- Onboarding and Mentoring committees, 2020-Current
- Aspire Early Childhood network Committee, 2014-2016
- Financial accountability committee (YMCA of Greater Toledo), 2014-2015
- YMCA of Greater Toledo Executive Summit YMCA Board meeting, 2014-2015
Timeline
Child Welfare Specialist
Monroe Department of Health and Human Services
07.2015 - Current
District Child Development Director
YMCA/JCC Metro Child Development Office
06.2010 - 07.2015
Family Program Director
YMCA of Greater Toledo-Summit YMCA/JCC
06.2007 - 06.2010
Family Service Worker Intern
E.O.P.A Toledo Head Start
08.2006 - 06.2007
Social Work Intern
South Toledo Latino Community and Juvenile Court
05.2006 - 05.2007
Information Specialist
YMCA of Greater Toledo-Youth Opportunities Program (YOP)
05.2003 - 05.2007
Secretary
YMCA of Greater Toledo Metro Office
01.2000 - 05.2003
Associate of Arts - Social Service Technology
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Toledo
Similar Profiles
Omar RiveraOmar Rivera
Supervising Examiner at Monroe County Department of Human ServicesSupervising Examiner at Monroe County Department of Human Services
Derrick FraiserDerrick Fraiser
Supervising Youth Detention Worker at Monroe County Department of Human ServicesSupervising Youth Detention Worker at Monroe County Department of Human Services
Ashley LofthouseAshley Lofthouse
Foster Parent Mentor at Monroe County Department of Human ServicesFoster Parent Mentor at Monroe County Department of Human Services