Tara Nelson
Bronx,NY
Summary
Motivated Social Worker with comprehensive knowledge of social justice issues and systems affecting marginalized communities. Expertise in adult mental health. Collaborative and analytical advocate builds strategic partnerships, advocate for clients, and advance change for communities in need.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Worker
Montefiore Medical Group
09.2018 - Current
- Provide short term psychotherapy to patients who have various psychosocial stressors such as chronic mental health illness and severe medical conditions
- Screen patients for social service interventions, make psychological assessments, ensure continuity of care through development
- Provide psychosocial education regarding mental health diagnosis and provide clinical interventions ( CBT, DBT and PST)
- Participate in weekly clinical meetings
- Incorporate into sessions various stress-reducing techniques such as breath focus, guided imagery , and mindfulness
- Provide and administer measures such as PHQ-9, Safe T, GAD 7 AMSR, PLC-C and ASSIST
- Demonstrate proactive advocacy, mediating negotiating skills with patients
Social Worker (independent Contractor)
Black Men Heal
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Provide telehealth psychotherapy sessions to Black men who suffer from various stressors such as childhood trauma, marital issues, and mental health
- Implemented various modalities such as CBT, PST and DBT
- Participating in monthly case conferences
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Monitored clients' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
- Helped clients with recognizing and managing mental health concerns through evidence-based interventions.
Social Work Consultant
Lorio Forensic
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Provided social work forensic consultation services in civil and criminal court matters in a multidisciplinary company with active cases in every region of the country
- Participated in weekly supervision and monthly case conferences to discuss criminal and civil cases
- Participated in learning activities and trainings related to landmark cases
- Trained on the basic principles of the legal system, mental health case law, and forensic mental health evaluation
- Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate research and how it applies to forensic practice
Social Work Supervisor
Care for the Homeless
01.2016 - 09.2018
- Enhanced staff performance through regular supervision, training, and professional development opportunities
- Recruited trained and retained high-quality clinical staff to meet the growing demand for services in the community
- Supported women experiencing crisis situations by facilitating wrap-around services tailored specifically to each unique situation
- Initiated multidisciplinary team collaboration, resulting in comprehensive care for clients with complex needs
- Improved client outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices and individualized care plans
- Championed diversity and inclusion within the team, fostering an environment that celebrated differences and promoted cultural competence
- Led crisis interventions, providing critical support to clients during their most vulnerable moments
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while adhering to ethical guidelines in all aspects of practice
- Developed strong community partnerships to enhance available resources and support for clients
- Facilitate groups that will address the needs of the clients
- Promoted a strengths-based approach to empower clients and foster resilience in overcoming challenges
Medical Social Worker (Per-Diem)
Montefiore Medical Group
09.2015 - 12.2015
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing emotional support and counseling to patients and their families
- Increased patient satisfaction ratings through consistent delivery of empathetic, comprehensive social work services tailored to individual needs
- Collaborated with medical professionals to advocate for the unique psychosocial needs of each patient within a holistic care approach
- Documented case notes daily and coordinated follow-up for seamless case management
- Coordinated individualized discharge plans to manage safe transition back into community and home environments
- Worked with medical teams, patients and families to implement effective treatment plans
Case Manager
Sanctuary for Families
09.2010 - 07.2012
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely
- Promoted a safe environment for vulnerable populations by reporting suspected abuse or neglect
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times
- Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information
Case Manager
Care for the Homeless
06.2008 - 09.2010
- Conducted psychosocial assessments for each client to establish intervention plans
- Maintained documentation in case records weekly
- Provided talk therapy to 40 clients weekly
- Assisted clients in applying for SSI/SSDI entitlements along with 2010E housing applications
- Provided monthly ILP treatment plans with clients to work on short and long term goals
- Lead educational and mental health support groups for women within the shelter that addressed independent living skills, problem solving and self-esteem
- Provided assists in securing HRA benefits within the community
Education
Ph.D. - Social Work
Yeshiva University
New York, NY05.2024
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Fordham University
New York, NY05.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Merchandising
Howard University
Washington, DC05.1999
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Attention to detail
- Client confidentiality
- Assessment skills
- Compassionate
- Risk assessment
- Conflict resolution
- Empathy building
- Solution-based interventions
- Analytical thinking
- Multicultural competence
- Client advocacy
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Motivational interviewing
Affiliations
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
- Member of Scholars Network on Masculinity and the Well-Being of African American Men - University of Michigan
- Society For Social Work & Research
Timeline
Social Worker (independent Contractor)
Black Men Heal
05.2024 - 09.2024
Social Work Consultant
Lorio Forensic
01.2022 - 01.2023
Social Worker
Montefiore Medical Group
09.2018 - Current
Social Work Supervisor
Care for the Homeless
01.2016 - 09.2018
Medical Social Worker (Per-Diem)
Montefiore Medical Group
09.2015 - 12.2015
Case Manager
Sanctuary for Families
09.2010 - 07.2012
Case Manager
Care for the Homeless
06.2008 - 09.2010
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Fordham University
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Merchandising
Howard University
Ph.D. - Social Work
Yeshiva University
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