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
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