Tyra Taff
Richland,WA
Summary
I am a compassion-driven clinical social worker with a focus in grief and loss, life stage transitions, trauma, parenting high-needs children, faith transition, living with chronic illness, neurodivergence and end-of-life and hospice work. My background includes counseling and victim advocacy with children and families in the criminal justice system and crisis intervention. I am looking to work with individuals in a clinical therapy setting to support clients in growth and navigating challenging life experiences. My preferred practice modalities include mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and compassion focused therapy.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Investigator
Washington Dept. of Children, Youth & Families
06.2007 - 02.2008
- Conducted forensic interviews with suspected child victims of abuse.
- Documented findings and prepared detailed reports.
- Conducted face-to-face interviews with families, neighbors, teachers, and parents, and documented investigative findings.
- Provided resources and referrals to families in crisis to support parents.
Counselor
Kings County District Attorney's Office
09.2003 - 10.2006
- Provided counseling and support services to victims of crimes and their families.
- Advocated for the client as a member of a multidisciplinary team including prosecuting attorneys, child protective services, and law enforcement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and support.
- Helped clients navigate criminal court process including initial intake and forensic interview, preparation for witness testimony in court and ongoing understanding of sentencing and notification of release of perpetrator.
- Provided ongoing counseling for adult, adolescent and child clients once the criminal justice case had concluded.
- Supervised social work interns in developing skills used in counseling and advocating for victims of crimes.
Master of Social Work Intern
YAI Gramercy Preschool
09.2002 - 08.2003
- Developed strong rapport with students and their families, fostering trust and open communication.
- Provided play therapy to pre-school students.
- Facilitated supportive group therapy for parents of children with disabilities.
- Advocated for students' parents in obtaining necessary services to support family stability.
- Utilized cultural competency when working with diverse populations, demonstrating sensitivity and understanding of differing backgrounds or viewpoints.
Social Work Intern
Utah Division of Child and Family Services
01.2002 - 06.2002
- Assisted supervising social worker in child abuse investigations.
- Offered community resource guidance to clients to meet family needs for assistance.
- Conducted forensic interviews with reported victims of child abuse and worked with supervisor to close reported cases.
- Coordinated with investigative team including law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys.
- Supported families in addressing parenting challenges through education and resource connection.
Residential Staff
Heritage School
09.2001 - 04.2002
- Worked with clients on thought disorder unit to manage tasks of daily living and work individualized therapy program.
- Reduced conflicts among residents with effective mediation strategies during challenging situations.
- Maintained up-to-date shift notes for unit residents.
- Supervised and supported unit residents on off-campus activities.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Columbia University
New York, NY10.2003
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah08.2002
Skills
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Grief counseling
- Learning disability awareness
- ASPAC Child Forensic Interview Training
Certification
Licensed Associate Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington State
Timeline
Investigator
Washington Dept. of Children, Youth & Families
06.2007 - 02.2008
Counselor
Kings County District Attorney's Office
09.2003 - 10.2006
Master of Social Work Intern
YAI Gramercy Preschool
09.2002 - 08.2003
Social Work Intern
Utah Division of Child and Family Services
01.2002 - 06.2002
Residential Staff
Heritage School
09.2001 - 04.2002
Licensed Associate Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington State
Master of Science - Social Work
Columbia University
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Brigham Young University
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