KALISTA NICOLE DECKER

kalista.decker@live.longwood.edu | (434) 319-2149

EDUCATION            

Longwood University                                                                                   Farmville, VA       

Bachelor of Science in Social Work                                                                     May 2023

Radford University                                                                                           Radford, VA

Master’s of Social Work                                                                                   Summer 2024

WORK EXPERIENCE

Appomattox Department of Social Services                         Appomattox, VA

Intern                                                                                               January 2023- May 2023

• Experience interacting and intervening with a diverse variety of clients and families in the office, in their homes, at schools, and on the phone, etc
• Able to remain professional, confidential, unbiased, and empathetic in high intensity crisis situations
• Developed and implemented service plans, safety plans, etc. 
• Ability to analyze and evaluate clients, their case, and the service plan to provide appropriate services through visits and meetings (FAPT, FPM, etc.)
• Competent and efficient in programs used by the department and office responsibilities (Oasis, Spider, copying, faxing, scanning, mailing, filing, etc), and operating motor vehicles utilized by the department
• Familiar with home visits, court hearings, intake (CPS and APS), school visits, jail visits, etc. 
• Worked on projects and research based on child welfare 
• Collaborated with and referred to local community resources and partners (schools, law enforcement, etc.) and serves as a fellow resource to clients
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to unfamiliar environments and situations while being a quick, critical thinker and learner 
• Ability to reflect and consult the NASW Code of Ethics values and principles
• Responded to CPS and foster care situations/emergencies after operational hours
• Competent in policy and regulations determined by the VDSS and LDSS regarding CPS, FC, APS, Prevention, front desk, and Benefits procedures
• Competent in theories utilized in the field of social work (human behavior, systems, strengths, cognitive behavior, social learning, etc)

Collaborating with Lancers for Academic Success Program   Farmville, VA

Intern                                                                                              January 2021- May 2021

• Experience mentoring and acting as a resource for college students with diverse backgrounds, including minority, transfer, and first generation students
• Conducted research on student’s academic and social success in college
• Collaborated on and co-facilitated academic sessions and support groups

Residential and Commuter Life                                                             Farmville, VA

Head Resident Assistant                                              August 2019- December 2021

• Conflict resolution and problem solving skills between multiple parties in a controlled manner
• Competent in safety protocol and enforcing regulations efficiently
• Scheduling a variety of events for 40+ individuals of different backgrounds to insure diversity and inclusivity
• Influence a positive representation of citizen leadership

Longwood Speech, Hearing, & Learning Services                                               Farmville, VA

Student Assistant                                                                September 2020- April 2021

• Greet individuals in a professional and friendly manner
• Experience using Covid-19 Screening and guidelines
• Efficiently adaptable to new environments and completing tasks 

Caterpillar Clubhouse                                                                               Lynchburg, VA

Teacher’s Aide                                                                                                April 2020- May 2022

• Collaboration with co-workers in ability to teach and care for infants-thirteen year olds by adapting to their needs depending on age and individual needs

EXTRACURRICULAR EXPERIENCE 

Alpha Sigma Tau                                                                                              Farmville, VA

VP of Growth                                                                     August 2020- December 2021

• Collaborate with charities and volunteer to help raise awareness for social issues
• Support other sororities within Longwood University and chapters around the country
• Communicate with 30+ sisters as well the sororities headquarters
• Create and participate in events to represent and recruit

Alpha Phi Omega                                                                                            Farmville, VA

Member                                                                                 March 2021- December 2021

• Volunteer for local charities and businesses

Lancer Productions                                                                                       Farmville, VA

VP of Membership                                                                              August 2018- November 2020

• Construct a template to organize and manage all members of the organization, their attendance and participation while integrating innovative recruitment methods to build upon the organization
• Independently or through collaboration with other organizations to produce events for 100+ individuals

SKILLS

Certifications:

• CPR and First Aid: certified in infants, children, and adults
• Upcoming in April: Narcan and ACE’s

REFERENCES

*Available upon request*