Justine Rafferty

Dynamic permanency worker and school counselor with over ten years of professional experience executing case management in the department of children and families. Proven track record of excellent work ethic, unparalleled attention to detail, and high-performing case management skills. Experienced in spearheading positive case management experiences for clients, timely documentation, and reunification goal successes.

Contributed substantially to DCF's department's annual goals and involved in over 400 training hours including CPR and Wellness.

Certified Social Worker at Legacy Treatment Services at Mary Dobbins School (2023-07 – Present)

• Creating a plan to help students function in a school environment
• Planning and running group sessions
• Creating IEP's
• Doing one on one check in sessions with students to maintain emotional struggles
• Working closely with school staff, health professionals and other community agencies
• Maintaining accurate case files and reports to track students' issues and progress
• Facilitating communication between students, parents, teachers, and administrators

Social Worker at Garfield Park Academy (2023-02 – 2023-06)

• Plan, implement, coordinate, and manage programs to help clients deal with difficulties and overcome challenges
• Interview users to understand their current state, needs, wants, strengths and weaknesses
• Set up measurable goals for each client or case
• Monitor, oversee and evaluate clients' progress
• Change and adjust activities as needed
• Serve as an adviser to clients and suggest solutions to problems
• Visit case conferences and attend court
• Assign clients to community services when needed

Permanency Worker - Adolescent Unit, LGBTQIA Unit Liaison at Child Protective Services DPP&P (2016-11 – 2023-02)

LGBTQIA Unit Liaison- Informing, supporting, and finding resources for the area office

• Investigate and intervene in cases of child abuse or neglect
• Respond to complaints from law enforcement agencies, schools, day care etc.
• Work with parents and other social service agencies to keep children safe
• Counseling and educating parents, and designing remedial plans
• Case planning
• Timely documentation

Intern for practicum hours via Our Lady of the Lake University at Crisis Text Line (2021-09 – 2022-12)

• Providing critical resources and support to individuals in crisis
• Collecting data and using it to make informed decisions regarding individuals
• Coordinating legal intervention, outreach, referrals, services, and more
• Assessing patients to determine their needs

Behavior Assistant at Greater Counseling of NJ (2017-02 – 2019-03)

• Responsible for providing support and capacity in behavioral and clinical services for youth
• Addressing behavior management safety needs
• Supporting emotional and social needs
• Giving academic support
• Implementing behavioral improvement plans

Wellness Counselor at Berlin Partial Care Oaks Integrated Services (2016-02 – 2016-11)

• Developing treatment plans
• Maintaining accurate and timely documentation
• Group counseling
• Collaboration with a clinical team

Member at AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps NCCC (2015-02 – 2015-12)

Served and lived with a team of 8 for a duration of 10 months working at different nonprofits across the Midwest

• Des Moines Science Center – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Habitat for Humanity of Des Moines- Des Moines, Iowa
• Franklinton Gardens- Franklinton, Ohio
• Taltree Arboretum- Valparaiso, Indiana
• All Hands- Detroit, Michigan
• Forest Preserves of Cook County- Oak Forest & Palatine, Illinois
• Volunteering during the duration of the NCCC program consisted of teaching, construction, painting, invasive species removal, and gardening

Foster Advocate at Twin Oaks Community Services (2013-10 – 2015-02)

• Worked with mental and behavioral health children/adults 0-21 years old
• Providing children and family services
• Obtained a positive relationship with Social Workers in regards to the clients
• Held weekly mentoring days
• Tutored
• Transported
• Held weekly activities
• Organized holiday events
• Assessed Weekly paperwork to the State
• Volunteered with children at the Camden Ronald McDonald House

Intern for Guidance Counselor at Howard R. Yocum Elementary School (2013-09 – 2014-01)

• Worked hand in hand with Carol Gyhsens (Counselor)
• Assisted in students counseling sessions
• Talked and kept composure of students needing guidance
• Held student counseling sessions
• Went to parent student meetings
• Prepared and took statistics, surveys, and information for Senior thesis "Be Smart, Don't Start" a bullying prevention program

Assistant in the Financial Office at Arcadia University (2012-08 – 2013-05)

• Organizing brochures and packets
• Calling students and potential applicants
• Mailing and delivering confidential information to other offices for Arcadia

Master's Degree in Social Work – Our Lady of the Lake University (2022-05)

Bachelor's Degree in Social Science – Arcadia University (2014-05)

Studied in Psychology – Burlington County College (2009-08 – 2012-12)

High School Diploma – Maple Shade High School (2009-06)