Shalamar Smith
Virginia Department of Social Services
Richmond,VA
1
Certification
6
years of professional experience
Dedicated and compassionate MSW social work professional with experience in behavioral health, crisis intervention, case management, care coordination, family support, and community-based services. Skilled in psychosocial assessment, individualized service planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, crisis response, and connecting individuals and families with appropriate resources and support systems. Experienced working with vulnerable populations in fast-paced environments, navigating complex social service systems, advocating for client needs, and maintaining accurate documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
Work History
QMHP (IIH & Mental Health Skill Building Specialist)
8 Months- Provide intensive in-home behavioral health services to youth experiencing behavioral, emotional, and functional challenges.
- Conduct psychosocial assessments to identify client strengths, needs, barriers to care, safety concerns, and available support systems.
- Develop and implement individualized service plans addressing client goals, functional needs, coping skills, and community stability.
- Coordinate care with clients, families, healthcare providers, schools, and community agencies to promote continuity of services and address barriers to care.
- Connect clients and families with appropriate community resources and supportive services based on identified needs.
- Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, safety planning, and stabilization support during behavioral health crises.
- Engage families in treatment planning and provide education regarding services, resources, and ongoing support needs.
- Monitor client progress and collaborate with involved providers to adjust services based on changing needs.
- Maintain timely, accurate, and Medicaid-compliant clinical documentation in accordance with agency standards.
- Part-Time
Support Enforcement Specialist
3 Years 11 Months- Manage a complex family-centered caseload involving assessment, case monitoring, problem-solving, and coordination of services.
- Engage individuals and families to identify needs, address barriers, and facilitate access to appropriate resources and services.
- Coordinate with legal professionals, community partners, and other agencies to support family needs and case outcomes.
- Provide education and guidance regarding available services, requirements, resources, and case-related processes.
- Maintain detailed and accurate case documentation while ensuring compliance with state and agency requirements.
- Navigate sensitive and potentially high-conflict situations using effective communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
- Participate in legal proceedings and collaborate with multiple stakeholders regarding family support matters.
- Division of Child Support Enforcement
Intensive In-Home (IIH) Intern
7 Months- Provided in-home counseling and psychosocial support to youth and families experiencing behavioral and emotional challenges.
- Assisted with clinical assessments and individualized treatment planning under supervision.
- Supported the development and implementation of individualized service plans based on client and family needs.
- Participated in crisis intervention and stabilization efforts for clients experiencing acute behavioral health concerns.
- Collaborated with families, interdisciplinary providers, and community supports to promote continuity of care and progress toward treatment goals.
- Participated in SAIOP and peer recovery support services, gaining exposure to substance use treatment and recovery resources.
- Maintained appropriate documentation and supported coordination of services in accordance with agency requirements.
Mental Health & Community Stabilization Specialist
1 Year 8 Months- Provided community-based behavioral health and crisis stabilization services to individuals with complex behavioral, emotional, and support needs.
- Conducted ongoing assessments of client needs, risks, strengths, and available support systems to promote stability and successful community functioning.
- Developed safety plans and coordinated interventions to reduce risk of hospitalization and support client stability.
- Coordinated referrals and connected clients with community resources addressing social, behavioral, and support needs.
- Collaborated with clients, families, providers, and community partners to support continuity of care and progress toward identified goals.
- Utilized effective communication, de-escalation, and problem-solving skills when responding to challenging or high-risk situations.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation in accordance with agency requirements.
- Part-Time
Social Services Intern
2 Months- Conducted client assessments and eligibility screenings for public assistance programs.
- Assisted individuals with accessing Medicaid and community-based services.
- Provided information and education regarding available resources and support programs.
- Assisted with case-related administrative activities and client service coordination.
- Maintained accurate client documentation in accordance with agency requirements.
Human Services Specialist
1 Year- Assisted individuals and families with applications and eligibility processes for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and other public assistance programs.
- Conducted client interviews and screenings to identify needs and determine eligibility for available benefits and services.
- Educated clients regarding public assistance programs, community resources, and available support services.
- Assisted clients in navigating complex social service systems and accessing appropriate resources.
- Provided client-centered assistance while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality when working with sensitive information.
- Maintained accurate client records and documentation in accordance with agency and program requirements.
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Skills
Psychosocial Assessment & Screening
Case Management & Care Coordination
Behavioral Health Services
Crisis Intervention & Stabilization
Safety Planning & Risk Assessment
Individualized Service & Treatment Planning
Family Engagement & Support
Client Advocacy
Community Resource Navigation
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Trauma-Informed Care
Conflict Resolution & De-escalation
Medicaid & Benefits Navigation
Continuity of Care
Documentation & Compliance
Certification
Qualified Mental Health Professional – Trainee (QMHP-T), Mobile Crisis Response (MRC) Certification – Youth & Adults, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS), Currently pursuing supervised clinical experience toward Virginia LCSW licensure, CPR Certified
Timeline
QMHP (IIH & Mental Health Skill Building Specialist)
Leaders for Life
01.2026 - CurrentRead More
Intensive In-Home (IIH) Intern
True Counseling Services
04.2025 - 11.2025Read More
Mental Health & Community Stabilization Specialist
Changing Faces
07.2023 - 03.2025Read More
Social Services Intern
New Kent County Department of Social Services
01.2023 - 03.2023Read More
Support Enforcement Specialist
Virginia Department of Social Services
10.2022 - CurrentRead More
Human Services Specialist
Henrico County Department of Social Services
01.2021 - 01.2022Read More
Grand Canyon University
Master of Social Work (MSW)
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Mary Baldwin University
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
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