Tahani Shihadeh
New York
Summary
Compassionate Licensed Master Social Worker committed to empowering clients towards improved mental well-being. Expertise in conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and crisis intervention, ensuring effective resource allocation and a supportive environment.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Master Social Worker
NYC Health + Hospitals
Brooklyn
07.2024 - Current
- Conducts comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) assessments for adult and pediatric patients presenting with psychiatric and behavioral health emergencies.
- Performs mental status examinations, suicide and violence risk assessments, and formulates DSM-5 diagnoses based on clinical presentation, psychiatric history, and collateral information.
- Completes ongoing clinical re-evaluations to assess changes in psychiatric status, risk level, and treatment needs.
- Integrated collateral information from family members, outpatient providers, schools, shelters, law enforcement, and community supports to enhance clinical decision-making.
- Developed individualized safety plans and crisis intervention strategies to facilitate safe community discharge for patients.
- Coordinated disposition planning for inpatient psychiatric admissions, extended observation, discharge, and referrals to outpatient and community-based behavioral health services.
- Communicates and collaborates with external agencies, including Administration for Children's Services (ACS), Adult Protective Services (APS), foster care agencies, shelters, and mobile crisis teams.
- Utilizes PSYCKES and the electronic medical record to review psychiatric history, treatment utilization, and medication records to support clinical assessment and disposition planning.
- Completes timely, accurate, and legally compliant clinical documentation in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards.
Social Worker
Samaritan Day Top Village / Van Siclen Women's Shelter
03.2023 - 09.2023
- Conducted biopsychosocial assessments and mental health evaluations to determine the level of care required for each patient
- Provided individual counseling and facilitated mental health referrals in line with clients' treatment plans for appropriate care
- Offered crisis intervention until stabilization and participated in incident follow-ups
- Liaised with community agencies to build and maintain professional relationships, enhancing referral processes for clients
- Conducted case conferences with case managers and housing specialists to collaboratively implement client goals and coordinate care
- Managed caseload of 70-80 clients, ensuring accurate and timely documentation of case notes to support effective case management
ABA Therapist
Genius Therapy
12.2022 - 02.2023
- Delivered individualized home and community-based ABA therapy services to enhance client behavioral outcomes
- Provided one-on-one instruction in alignment with industry-leading ABA therapy principles and methodologies
- Collaborated with parents and caregivers to develop and implement targeted behavior modification strategies
- Collected and analyzed data to evaluate and optimize therapy program effectiveness.
Social Worker
Greenwich House
02.2022 - 07.2022
- Advocated for clients within public and private systems, ensuring access to essential resources and services
- Expertly facilitated applications and renewals for various benefits, including SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, and Access-a-Ride
- Assisted clients in securing referrals and connections to vital services, including legal support, medical care, mental health services, home care, and housing
- Conducted comprehensive client intake and assessments, meticulously evaluating individual needs and circumstances
- Maintained accurate and timely documentation of services provided and updated client records per DFTA and Greenwich House guidelines using online database system (STARS)
- Collaborated with my direct supervisor and undertook additional tasks and special projects.
Customer Service Representative
NYC
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Provided exceptional customer service to individuals seeking information about NYC city policies, enhancing overall caller satisfaction
- Offered comprehensive information to callers concerning city updates, demonstrating a deep understanding of municipal changes and services
- Collaborated closely with 911 operators to effectively relay critical information, facilitating prompt and accurate incident reporting
- Compiled and submitted reports to the Department of Sanitation New York (DSNY), supporting efficient city operations through accurate documentation.
Social Work Intern
International Rescue Committee
10.2020 - 05.2021
- Collaborated with diverse individuals, families, and groups of refugees and asylees to empower their journey toward self-sufficiency
- Facilitated clients' enrollment in benefits systems and connected them with essential mental, medical, physical, and legal resources to enhance their well-being.
- Conducted comprehensive enrollment assessments for new clients to capture their unique circumstances and inform tailored support
- Utilized a strength-based approach and various theoretical models for interventions, tailoring support to individual needs
- Employed conceptual frameworks to inform comprehensive assessments, interventions, and evaluation
- Implemented evidence-based strategies at all stages of clinical practice to drive positive outcomes
- Analyzed and assessed the impact of city, state, and federal social policies and programs, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery
Social Work Intern
P.S. M16
10.2019 - 06.2020
- Provided support to students with IEP classifications, focusing on Emotional & Behavioral Disorders and Autism, spanning from kindergarten to 8th grade
- Demonstrated proficiency in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and management techniques while working with students in grades Kindergarten through 5th
- Conducted group counseling sessions for 1 to 3 students and one-on-one sessions to support emotional and social development
- Applied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modalities, integrating problem-solving and mindfulness techniques to effectively meet student needs
- Collaborated with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in co-managing Restorative Justice Circles
- Provided counseling services to enhance social and coping skills while fostering community building among students
- Actively participated in school-wide initiatives, including the Department of Education's "Respect For All" program.
Family Caseworker/ Teachers Assistant
Head Start
10.2018 - 08.2019
- Conducted intake sessions to establish and review Family Partnership goals
- Assisted parents in identifying and accessing resources, enhancing their support in benefits, educational opportunities, and financial assistance.
- Collaborated with parents to provide guidance in educational matters, fostering stronger parent-child engagement.
- Delivered ongoing motivation and conducted monthly follow-ups on established objectives
- Managed essential documentation, including medical forms, case notes, and attendance records
- Co-led a dynamic preschool class comprised of 18 children, ensuring a safe and nurturing learning environment
- Skillfully facilitated engaging sensory group activities to promote sensory exploration and cognitive development
- Implemented effective behavioral modification techniques, providing valuable support to students
- Conducted behavior therapy by modeling and coaching students through both negative and positive reinforcement methods, fostering positive learning outcomes
- Maintained detailed records through daily anecdotes and observations, enabling data-driven decision-making
- Reinforced lessons and enhanced learning through interactive small group activities, promoting engagement and improving student math proficiency.
Mental Health Specialist
Haitian Centers Coalition
12.2023 - 2024
- Conducted biopsychosocial assessments to evaluate client needs and develop treatment plans.
- Administered therapeutic interventions, including behavior modification and stress management therapy.
- Utilized therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.
- Reviewed psychological evaluations to develop tailored client support strategies.
- Facilitated psychoeducational groups to enhance client skills in stress management, coping, and communication.
- Collaborated with psychiatrists to coordinate medication management for clients.
- Provided outreach advocacy and rehabilitative services to address ongoing case needs and manage crisis interventions.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College
Manhattan01-2021
Bachelor of Psychology -
Brooklyn College
Brooklyn01-2018
Skills
- Crisis Intervention
- Treatment planning
- Individual Counseling
- Mental Health Support
- Outreach services
- Coping Strategies
- Stress Reduction Techniques
- Collaborative teamwork
- Conflict resolution
- Cultural competence
- Empathetic listening
- Communication Skills Enhancement
Accomplishments
- Licensed Master Social Work New York 2022
- Crisis Prevention & Intervention (CPI)
- CPR/AED
Language
- English Native
- Arabic
Timeline
Licensed Master Social Worker
NYC Health + Hospitals
07.2024 - Current
Mental Health Specialist
Haitian Centers Coalition
12.2023 - 2024
Social Worker
Samaritan Day Top Village / Van Siclen Women's Shelter
03.2023 - 09.2023
ABA Therapist
Genius Therapy
12.2022 - 02.2023
Social Worker
Greenwich House
02.2022 - 07.2022
Customer Service Representative
NYC
01.2021 - 01.2022
Social Work Intern
International Rescue Committee
10.2020 - 05.2021
Social Work Intern
P.S. M16
10.2019 - 06.2020
Family Caseworker/ Teachers Assistant
Head Start
10.2018 - 08.2019
Master of Social Work -
Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College
Bachelor of Psychology -
Brooklyn College