I am an enthusiastic and intuitive professional with over 15 years of experience in social services and education. I focus on delivering program objectives while incorporating comprehensive support services and educational opportunities. I am passionate about advocating for the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of individuals and about identifying and addressing the needs of vulnerable children, youth, and families. I strive to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, build strong community partnerships, and develop evidence-based programs that create sustainable positive impact for students and families.…

Valerie L. Roper

I am an enthusiastic and intuitive professional with over 15 years of experience in social services and education. I focus on delivering program objectives while incorporating comprehensive support services and educational opportunities. I am passionate about advocating for the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of individuals and about identifying and addressing the needs of vulnerable children, youth, and families. I strive to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, build strong community partnerships, and develop evidence-based programs that create sustainable positive impact for students and families.…

Available to hire

I am an enthusiastic and intuitive professional with over 15 years of experience in social services and education. I focus on delivering program objectives while incorporating comprehensive support services and educational opportunities. I am passionate about advocating for the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of individuals and about identifying and addressing the needs of vulnerable children, youth, and families.

I strive to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, build strong community partnerships, and develop evidence-based programs that create sustainable positive impact for students and families.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Community School Director (PS 34) at Center for Supportive Schools
May 1, 2025 - Present
Oversee day-to-day management of a community school strategy; cultivate relationships with administration, faculty, staff, students, and families; develop and troubleshoot action plans; monitor and analyze school data; support program evaluations; manage partnerships, schedule programs, and maintain the school budget; supervise social work interns and guide goal setting, case management, and treatment plans.
Middle School Social Worker at Brick Education Network (Gateway Academy Charter School)
September 1, 2023 - May 31, 2025
Provide one-on-one counseling for emotional, behavioral, or academic challenges; conduct group counseling on self-esteem, grief, and self-regulation; manage crises including suicidal ideation; deliver mental health workshops for parents; lead prevention initiatives; chair quarterly Safety Team meetings; facilitate restorative circles; act as Anti-bullying Specialist; connect families to external resources; train staff on harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) and SEL.
Senior Navigator at Center for Supportive Schools
September 1, 2023 - April 30, 2024
Provide person-centered case management for families, assess needs, and connect students with academic and social-emotional supports; maintain a caseload of 45-60 students and families; facilitate restorative circles and goal-setting meetings; support efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism through action planning.
Community School Director (PS 34) at Center for Supportive Schools
February 1, 2021 - September 1, 2023
Directed daily operations of a community school strategy; built and maintained relationships with school administration, faculty, students, and families; developed and implemented action plans; data collection and program evaluation; oversaw partnerships and budget; supervised social work interns.
SAIF Program Manager at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark
April 1, 2019 - February 1, 2021
Supervise a team of 5 case managers; conduct file evaluations and audits for compliance; allocate grant-funded program budget (~$90,000) for client programming and office operations; develop partnerships with community agencies; recruit and hire case managers; identify program initiatives and advocate for inclusive planning; prepare monthly case load assessments for state reporting.
SAIF Intensive Case Manager at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark
April 1, 2019 - June 1, 2020
Provide intensive case management to Work First NJ participants; deliver crisis intervention; conduct intakes, develop ISP, and coordinate service referrals with partner agencies; organize job assignments, coaching, and counseling; implement policies and procedures to support productivity and client outcomes.
Master of Social Work Intern (Phase 3 & 4) at Cranford Field Internship
November 1, 2019 - May 1, 2020
Engaged in practical applications of social work theories; collaborated with clients to set goals and develop plans of care; conducted psychosocial assessments and created individualized treatment plans.
Master of Social Work Intern (Phase 1 & 2) at Alliance Community Healthcare, Inc
August 1, 2018 - February 1, 2019
Conducted intake screenings, provided case management, observed therapy sessions with client consent; connected clients with community resources and support services.
Family Worker at Greater Bergen Community Action
August 1, 2016 - July 1, 2018
Managed a caseload of 60 families; provided early intervention referrals; supported daily attendance in collaboration with the Jersey City Board of Education; conducted home visits and monthly family workshops.
Program Support (Consultant) at Urban League of Essex County
November 1, 2015 - August 1, 2016
Scheduled client appointments; coordinated workforce training and high school diploma prep; advised and coordinated job interviews; supervised travel to work for 30 students daily; contributed to youth development training and curriculum development (Life Skills Instructor).
Paraprofessional at Newark Collegiate Academy
October 1, 2014 - November 1, 2015
1:1 aide providing academic support to students with learning disabilities; conducted individual and group sessions; tracked behavior and academic progress per IEP; integrated assistive technology to support learning.
Director of Community Services / Youth Coordinator (Volunteer) at Victory in the Light Ministries
May 1, 2004 - Present
Cultivated relationships with community resources to assist members with housing, employment, and social services; developed biblically based Sunday school and youth curricula; mentored youth; led events and liturgical dance; wrote church plays.
Community School Associate of Planning & Development (Part-time) at Center for Supportive Schools
October 1, 2018 - April 1, 2019
Hosted Parent Council meetings; developed a fine arts course for 7th–8th graders; managed the Community Closet; led mural arts committee; participated in Restorative Practice training.
Master of Social Work Intern (Phase 1 & 2) at Alliance Community Healthcare, Inc
August 1, 2018 - February 1, 2019
Completed fieldwork including intake screenings, case management, and observational therapy.

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW), Children & Families Concentration at Walden University
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2020
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at New Jersey City University
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2014
Associate of Arts in Education at Essex County Community College
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012

Qualifications

New Jersey Dept. of Education School Social Work Certification, ID: 01569628
January 11, 2030 - January 18, 2026
Pursuing Licensed Social Work Certification
January 11, 2030 - January 18, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Healthcare, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Other