Hi Bay Area Social Workers,

My name is Jennifer Merrill and I have just completed my MSW degree this past
May at New York University. I completed my BSW at New York University in May of
2008.

I am originally from the Bay Area, and plan on moving back on June 29 to begin
working in the field. Since I am a new professional, I want to actively seek out
seminars, educational opportunities, peer groups and training to further enhance
my knowledge of the field. I believe the social work profession is one in which
a person must constantly grow and learn in order to provide clients with the
best services possible.

Seeing as all of my educational training and field placements were in New York,
all of my professors, supervisors, contacts, and peers are in the New York area.
I now hope to establish a new network of social workers in the Bay Area.

My first field placement was at Bellevue with MICA clients in a Therapeutic
Community. I worked as a primary therapist in individual, group, and family
therapy settings. My responsibilities also included conducting intakes and
assessments, developing treatment plans, keeping detailed notes, and co-leading
a Music Expressions Group. While at Bellevue I gained experience working as part
of a multidisciplinary treatment team, with other social workers, psychiatrists,
medical specialists and nurses.

My second placement was with New Alternatives for Children (NAC) where I
provided casework and clinical service to children and families in NAC's Foster
Care and Adoption program. NAC specifically serves children with special
medical needs and developmental disabilities and their families. Again I worked
as part as a multidisciplinary team, and also received experience in working
with the court and school systems. Although I loved the health sector, and
sharpened my casework management skills, I did miss individual sessions.

I am very interested in health, but my main interest of practice remains in
psych and mental health. My ultimate goal is to gain my LCSW and have the
ability to work in both agency, hospital and government settings as well as have
a private practice.

I am open to any opportunity that presents itself, because I believe that all
areas of social work are invaluable and help hone and refine different skills
that are needed in the profession. I also look forward to becoming an active
participant, not only in this group, but in the field. Thank you all!

Jennifer Merrill