Vanessa M. Barreto
White Plains,NY
Summary
Dedicated Social Worker with eight years of experience in crisis intervention, psychosocial assessment, and patient advocacy. Skilled in coordinating care across hospital, legal, and community settings. Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to support individuals facing trauma and complex social needs while delivering culturally responsive, client-centered care.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Work Intern
The Legal Aid Society
Bronx, NY
09.2025 - 05.2026
- Executed detailed biopsychosocial assessments and engaged in biweekly client interviews via in-person and virtual sessions across Rikers Island, other detention facilities, and community environments
- Formulated treatment plans, mitigation materials, bail packages, pre-sentencing reports, and sentencing reports to advocate for pretrial release by integrating clinical insights and life-history information.
- Compiled collateral information through interviews with family, friends, teachers, and community members, and examination of medical, educational, and psychiatric records to strengthen legal arguments.
- Coordinated with attorneys, mitigation specialists, and investigators to develop trauma-informed, culturally sensitive narratives that advance client-centered strategic mitigation efforts.
PDSA Coordinator
Columbia University
New York, NY
06.2025 - 05.2026
- Orchestrated creation and refinement of professional development and self-awareness (pdsa) curriculum aimed at fostering inclusive learning environments and reinforcing accountability within incoming student cohorts.
- Developed and modified programming addressing systems of injustice, fostering dialogue around identity and lived experience while aligning with social work values.
- Recruited, interviewed, trained, and guided facilitators to implement PDSA programming emphasizing cultural humility, trauma-informed practices, and anti-oppressive frameworks.
- Led and oversaw regular events and workshops throughout the academic year to advance student development beyond orientation and cultivate a culture of inclusion, reflection, and personal growth.
Program Facilitator
White Plains Youth Bureau
White Plains, NY
10.2024 - 05.2026
- Developed and executed youth-centered workshops on college readiness, life skills, and identity development, empowering minority young women through shared lived experiences and leadership.
- Coordinated college exposure trips across the tri-state area, facilitating discussions on systemic barriers, intimate partner violence, healthy relationships, and personal strengths to support youth development.
- Collaborated with local nonprofits to enhance community engagement through volunteer initiatives, including food drives, clothing donations, and care package assembly for youth and families.
Social Work Intern
White Plains Youth Bureau
White Plains, NY
09.2024 - 05.2025
- Conducted comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for clients referred by probation law enforcement and district attorney's office, gathering sensitive information ethically while utilizing trauma-informed care to cultivate trust and resilience.
- Delivered tailored counseling sessions to court-sanctioned clients, de-escalating crises and fostering accountability to prevent recidivism through cultural competency and client-centered approaches.
- Implemented restorative justice practices in youth court, engaging young participants referred through justice system to tackle root causes of behavior while fostering personal growth and adherence to legal outcomes.
- Facilitated support group for high school seniors, guiding discussions on transitions and goal-setting while assisting participants in navigating challenges within diverse social and cultural contexts.
- Adopted therapeutic methods targeting diverse psychosocial needs, incorporating evidence-based practices to ensure effective interventions for justice-involved clients.
Bilingual Domestic Violence Advocate/Counselor
My Sisters' Place
White Plains, NY
02.2021 - 08.2024
- Integrated survivors into resource networks including shelters, legal aid, healthcare, and mental health services, ensuring customized support aligned with client needs.
- Advocated for survivors within medical, legal, and social systems, facilitating navigation of complex institutional processes to uphold their rights.
- Conducted domestic violence education and prevention presentations for community organizations, enhancing awareness and fortifying support networks.
- Monitored and ensured grant deliverables by maintaining accurate program data and adhering to funder requirements for service delivery.
Victim Advocate/Rape Crisis Counselor
Westchester Medical Center
Valhalla, NY
05.2019 - 02.2021
- Delivered immediate crisis intervention in emergency departments, offering emotional support and referrals to essential services such as shelter, mental health treatment, transportation, and medical care.
- Guided clients in navigating compensation processes with NYS Office of Victim Services (OVS), covering emergency HIV prophylaxis and reimbursements for pertinent medical and safety expenditures.
- Supported countywide implementation of lethality assessment program (LAP) to enhance early intervention and coordinated response to high-risk domestic violence cases.
- Forged partnerships with community agencies and monitored legal advancements to provide accurate information and ensure comprehensive client-centered advocacy.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
School of Social Work, Columbia University
New York City, NY05-2026
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Applied Psychology and Human Relations, Criminal Justice
Pace University, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences
Pleasantville, NY12-2019
Skills
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Clinical Interviewing
- Cultural Humility
- Program Evaluation
- Strategic Planning
- Case Management
- Conflict Resolution Techniques
- Referrals
- Diversity Awareness
- Networking
Leadership Experience
- Appointed Member, Community Development Citizens Advisory Committee for the City of White Plains, NY (9/01/25-Present)
- Board Member, Emerging Leaders Board, 914Cares (1/01/24-Present)
- President, Theta Omicron Graduate/Professional Chapter, Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. (6/01/22-Present)
- Staff Liaison, Survivor Inspiring Actions (SIA), My Sisters' Place (5/01/21-5/01/23)
- NYS Rape Crisis Counselor, WestCOP/Victim Assistance Services (1/01/21-5/01/23)
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Full Professional
Certification
- Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Timeline
Social Work Intern
The Legal Aid Society
09.2025 - 05.2026
PDSA Coordinator
Columbia University
06.2025 - 05.2026
Program Facilitator
White Plains Youth Bureau
10.2024 - 05.2026
Social Work Intern
White Plains Youth Bureau
09.2024 - 05.2025
Bilingual Domestic Violence Advocate/Counselor
My Sisters' Place
02.2021 - 08.2024
Victim Advocate/Rape Crisis Counselor
Westchester Medical Center
05.2019 - 02.2021
Master of Science - Social Work
School of Social Work, Columbia University
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Applied Psychology and Human Relations, Criminal Justice
Pace University, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences