Larissa Diaz

Managed a Level 2 Post-Release Services caseload for children and caregivers through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), conducting comprehensive assessments to evaluate placement safety, identify risk factors, and develop individualized service plans. Connected families with community-based resources in education, healthcare, mental health, legal assistance, and vocational services while monitoring client well-being through in-person, virtual, and telephone contact. Maintained accurate, confidential documentation in compliance with ORR and CPLC policies and fulfilled mandated reporter responsibilities by identifying and reporting suspected abuse or neglect to protect child safety and well-being.

PRS Caseworker, Level 2 - Chicanos por la Causa (CPLC)

(2025-01 - 2026-09)

Managed a Level 2 Post-Release Services caseload for children and caregivers through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), conducting comprehensive assessments to evaluate placement safety, identify risk factors, and develop individualized service plans. Connected families with community-based resources in education, healthcare, mental health, legal assistance, and vocational services while monitoring client well-being through in-person, virtual, and telephone contact. Maintained accurate, confidential documentation in compliance with ORR and CPLC policies and fulfilled mandated reporter responsibilities by identifying and reporting suspected abuse or neglect to protect child safety and well-being.

Clinician - Compass Connections, formerly BCFS

(2021-08 - 2024-10)

Provided trauma-informed counseling and therapeutic support to unaccompanied children in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), promoting mental health, safety, emotional well-being, and adjustment while adhering to applicable state and federal standards. Conducted intake interviews and psychosocial assessments to identify emotional, behavioral, and social needs, risk factors, and appropriate supportive interventions. Facilitated weekly individual, group, and family counseling sessions in English and Spanish, addressing adjustment, emotional regulation, trauma-related concerns, and other identified needs.

Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support individualized service planning and continuity of care, participated in on-call rotations and team meetings, and maintained timely documentation and compliance with ORR requirements related to the care and reunification of unaccompanied children.

Counseling – Intern - Centro Ríos de Dios - Carolina, PR

(2020-06 - 2020-08)

Completed a supervised counseling internship, providing counseling services and client consultations under the guidance of a licensed counselor. Assisted with group presentations, client interviews, and preparation of interview transcripts and supporting documentation while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and adherence to established counseling practices.

Crisis Manager – Intern - ASSMCA – Línea PAS - San Juan, PR

(2020-01 - 2020-03)

Completed a supervised counseling internship providing crisis support and emotional assistance to individuals experiencing anxiety, emotional distress, domestic violence, and other acute concerns through a crisis hotline. Assisted with crisis interventions, coordinated psychiatric and psychological evaluations, and followed established protocols when responding to suicidal ideation and other safety concerns. Provided information regarding Puerto Rico Laws No. 67 and 408 and maintained accurate daily reports and statistical documentation to support program monitoring and service delivery.

Employment and Small Business Specialist - CDE Development, Inc - San Juan, PR

(2018-10 - 2020-08)

Supported participants in achieving employment and economic self-sufficiency by providing job search assistance, resume development, cover letter preparation, and transportation to employment agencies and community resources. Conducted outreach to local businesses, identified employment opportunities, and maintained consistent follow-up with participants through phone calls and in-person visits. Coordinated appointments with government agencies and workforce development workshops, assisted participants with employment-related applications and permits, and provided guidance in establishing and maintaining self-sustaining businesses.

Long Term Disability Claims Specialist - MetLife - San Juan, PR

(2016-08 - 2018-09)

Managed a high-volume caseload of approximately 104 Long-Term Disability (LTD) claims for MetLife clients, conducting claimant interviews and comprehensive reviews of medical records, diagnoses, treatment histories, and supporting documentation to facilitate accurate and timely adjudication. Identified inconsistencies, gaps in treatment, and discrepancies in reported disability onset, and prepared detailed written analyses documenting case findings and eligibility determinations. Collaborated with nurses and vocational rehabilitation consultants to discuss claim findings, functional limitations, treatment information, and vocational considerations.

Assessed

Leave of Absence (LOA) requests for eligibility and compliance with corporate policies, applicable state laws, and federal requirements. Reviewed and evaluated confidential medical and clinical records, calculated applicable disability benefits, and communicated claim-related information to clients. Concurrently served in a specially designated Call Center role, providing client support and responding to inquiries regarding claims and benefits.

Disability Determination Examiner IV/III/II/I - Disability Determination Services (DDS)

(2007-07 - 2016-08)

Progressed from entry-level to senior Disability Determination Examiner within the division responsible for disability determinations under the Social Security Administration (SSA), managing a high-volume caseload of 110–180 cases per month, including initial claims, reconsiderations, and Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs). Conducted comprehensive claimant interviews and obtained, reviewed, and evaluated medical, psychological, and vocational evidence to substantiate disability claims. Validated diagnoses and treatment histories, identified inconsistencies in alleged disability onset and gaps in verifiable medical records, and determined the need for additional medical testing, evaluations, or consultative examinations.

Analyzed medical and functional evidence against complex SSA impairment criteria and standards, and prepared detailed written determinations integrating medical, psychological, and vocational findings to support accurate and timely adjudication, including consideration of alternative employment options when applicable.

Child Care Permit Emissions Officer - Department of the Family

(2003-07 - 2007-07)

Conducted daily inspections of childcare facilities in the San Juan and Guaynabo regions to assess compliance with state licensing and safety requirements. Evaluated child-to-staff ratios, staff qualifications and training, health and safety standards, emergency preparedness, immunization records, nutrition programs, and required permits from Health and Fire Departments. Prepared findings to support initial licensing and renewal determinations.

MA - Rehabilitation Counseling - CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF BAYAMÓN (2020)

BA - Modern Languages - UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO, Río Piedras Campus (2001)