MFSAC is focused on the prevention and awareness of substance abuse and works to bring resources to those who need it most through a comprehensive approach including education, awareness, and community action. The mission was to bring recognition and resources to address substance abuse and its effects on Norwalk, Weston, Wilton, and Westport communities through collaborations, education and awareness, and community attentiveness.DUTIES: - Met contractual and other requirements of funder including but not limited to conducting regular coalition meetings, increasing coalition membership, developing committees, planning, organizing and facilitating forums/workshops/trainings to educate and raise awareness within the community. - Applied strategic prevention framework to practice of community-based, public health prevention initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD). - Collected and analyzed community and school based data in an effort to create data-driven strategies that worked. - Lead efforts at community partner engagement, coalition recruitment and retention efforts, marketing/public relations, and fiscal sustainability.- Exercised leadership in the region on substance abuse issues with promotion of mental health and suicide prevention. - Developed and conducted needs assessments on incidence and prevalence of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and on community resources available to address those issues and identify gaps along the continuum of services. - Solicited funds from private and public sources. - Developed and presented educational and informational materials. - Facilitated, coordinated, planned, implemented and oversaw community training in use of Naloxone (Narcan) to reverse an opiate overdose and providing outreach to those at risk for opioid overdose.

LSI’s are responsible for teaching basic daily living and social skills to clients living in Chapel Haven’s residential facility. Duties Included: - Taught clients healthy nutritional habits and related skills; meal and menu planning, sanitary and safe food storage practices, preparing meals (including following multiple-step recipes and cooking), and safety in the kitchen while learning to utilize kitchen equipment; e.g. stove, broiler and George Forman Grill.- Taught personal hygiene and grooming skills, personal functions such as showering, shaving, combing hair, brushing teeth, making appointments for haircuts, manicures, etc. - Taught apartment maintenance skills, maintaining a clean, neat living environment (use of cleaning products and equipment). - Taught laundry skills as outlined in laundry task analysis and laundry checklist.- Taught problem solving and relationship building skills, instruct residents regarding appropriate social behaviors.- Attended small group meetings with other agency personnel, bi-monthly staff meetings, academic and staff meetings.- Completed Case Notes and checklists daily as directed by Supervisor.- Participated in staff development activities, including in servicing, inside and out side of Chapel Haven.- Maintained medical files as determined by agency nurse.- Provided transportation of residents as needed, use of Chapel Haven’s vehicle or my own vehicle.

In completing my Masters degree in Social Work I had to complete 600 hours of field internship. I was assigned to Bridgeport Board of Education as a School Social Worker. While at Jettie S. Tisdale and Roosevelt School; I was a School Social Worker and a Community Coordinator under the Safe Schools Healthy Schools Initiative (SSHS).

Interviewed and investigated applicants and recipients to determine eligibility for use of social programs and agency resources. Duties included: -Verified and evaluated statements given by clients and other factors to ensure compliance with program eligibility.-Entered and modified all relevant case eligibility information in the Eligibility Management System (EMS) database.-Provided periodic cycle of eligibility; re-determination services to ensure correct client benefits level.-Assisted clients with application and receipt of various federal, state and municipal social services benefits.- Acted as a liaison with Local, State and Federal Agencies regarding determination and coordination of client eligibility and awards.-Provided information regarding State public assistance programs to clients, social service agencies, attorneys, and the public.- Prepared detailed summaries and acted as Agency representative in the Fair Hearing process.

I completed 400 hours of field work while earning my Bachelors in Social Work at Southern CT State University. I was a caseworker who assisted individuals with disabilities, managed groups and facilitated employee meetings.

Assists nurses in observing and monitoring behavior and physical condition of patients. Performs basic patient care tasks including assisting patients with personal hygiene and other daily living activities. Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients and encourages their participation in recreational and other therapeutic activities. Assists in maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment. Continuous observations of the patients. Document patient’s behaviors in a communication book. Work in a team oriented environment with doctors and treatment managers. Help patients with coping skills and crisis intervention.