Vanessa M. Barreto
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
White Plains,NY
Summary
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with more than eight years of experience in behavioral health, victim advocacy, and community-based programming. Proven success leading initiatives, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and managing complex operations in fast-paced environments. Recognized for exceptional communication, relationship building, professionalism, and the ability to deliver compassionate, client-centered service while maintaining efficiency, discretion, and attention to detail.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Coordinator, Summer Career Academy
White Plains Youth Bureau
White Plains, NY
06.2026 - 08.2026
- Coordinated daily operations for six-week career readiness program, managing schedules, logistics, guest speakers, and program activities to enhance participant engagement and learning outcomes.
- Mentored cohort of students, creating safe and engaging atmosphere while addressing daily needs to support individual success and overall program effectiveness.
- Oversaw multiple priorities in fast-paced environment, illustrating outstanding organization, problem-solving capabilities, adaptability, and keen attention to detail while achieving seamless program delivery.
- Managed multiple priorities in fast-paced environment, demonstrating strong organization, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail, resulting in successful program execution.
- Completed bi-weekly payroll for 13 employees.
Social Work Intern
The Legal Aid Society
Bronx, NY
08.2025 - 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, enhancing client advocacy.
- Compiled collateral information through interviews with family, friends, teachers, and community members, and examination of medical, educational, and psychiatric records to strengthen legal arguments, supporting effective case strategies.
- Coordinated with attorneys, mitigation specialists, and investigators to develop trauma-informed, culturally sensitive narratives that advance client-centered strategic mitigation efforts, improving client representation.
PDSA Coordinator
Columbia University
New York City, NY
05.2025 - 05.2026
- Orchestrated creation and refinement of programs to foster inclusive learning environments and reinforce accountability within incoming student cohorts.
- Developed and modified programming to address systems of injustice, fostering dialogue around identity and lived experience in alignment with social work values.
- Recruited, interviewed, trained, and guided facilitators in implementing PDSA programming that emphasized cultural humility, trauma-informed practices, and anti-oppressive frameworks.
Social Work Intern
White Plains Youth Bureau
White Plains, NY
08.2024 - 04.2025
- Conducted comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for clients referred by probation and district attorney's office, gathering sensitive information ethically and utilizing trauma-informed care to build 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.
- Facilitated support group for high school seniors, guiding discussions on transitions and goal-setting and helping participants navigate challenges in diverse social and cultural contexts.
- 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.
Bilingual Domestic Violence Advocate/Counselor
My Sisters' Place
White Plains, NY
01.2021 - 07.2024
- Advocated for survivors within medical, legal, and social systems, facilitating navigation of complex institutional processes to uphold their rights.
- Advocated for survivors within medical, legal, and social systems, enabling effective navigation of complex processes to uphold their rights.
- Delivered domestic violence education and prevention presentations for community organizations, raising awareness and strengthening support networks.
- Ensured compliance with grant deliverables by accurately maintaining program data and meeting funder requirements for service delivery.
Victim Advocate/Rape Crisis Counselor
Westchester Medical Center
Valhalla, NY
04.2019 - 01.2021
- Provided immediate crisis intervention in emergency departments, delivering emotional support and essential service referrals, resulting in improved access to shelter, mental health treatment, transportation, and medical care.
- Assisted clients in navigating compensation processes with NYS Office of Victim Services (OVS), facilitating access to emergency HIV prophylaxis and reimbursements for critical medical and safety expenses.
- Forged partnerships with community agencies and monitored legal advancements to provide accurate information and ensure comprehensive client-centered advocacy.
- Established partnerships with community agencies and tracked legal developments to ensure accurate information and enhance client-centered advocacy.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
School of Social Work, Columbia University
New York City, NY05-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Psychology and Human Relations, Criminal Justice
Pace University, Dyson College of Arts And Sciences
Pleasantville, NY12-2019
Skills
- Trauma-informed care
- Clinical interviewing
- Case management
- Risk assessment
- Safety planning
- Strategic planning
- Program evaluation
- Crisis intervention
- Community outreach
- Referral coordination
- Motivational interviewing
- Case note documentation
- Lethality assessment
Certification
Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
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)
Timeline
Coordinator, Summer Career Academy
White Plains Youth Bureau
06.2026 - 08.2026
Social Work Intern
The Legal Aid Society
08.2025 - 05.2026
PDSA Coordinator
Columbia University
05.2025 - 05.2026
Social Work Intern
White Plains Youth Bureau
08.2024 - 04.2025
Bilingual Domestic Violence Advocate/Counselor
My Sisters' Place
01.2021 - 07.2024
Victim Advocate/Rape Crisis Counselor
Westchester Medical Center
04.2019 - 01.2021
Master of Science - Social Work
School of Social Work, Columbia University
Bachelor of Arts - Applied Psychology and Human Relations, Criminal Justice
Pace University, Dyson College of Arts And Sciences