Karli Cunningham, LCSW
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
University of Denver
Graduate School of Social Work
September 2011-present
-Liaison for Foundation Students and Concentration Year Students
-Provide MSW supervision for students placed in an internship without MSW on staff
University of Denver
Graduate School of Social Work
January 2007-March 2007
January 2008-March 2008
Taught Intake and Family Based Services: Assessment and Intervention
University of Denver
Butler Institute for Families
Graduate School of Social Work
Child Welfare Trainer
November 2005-June 2011
-Train new child welfare workers for the state of Colorado. Training included the Intake and Assessment Process
and ongoing child protection including Family Centered Practice.
-Train Assuring Safety and Building Parental Capacity throughout the state for child protection workers and
supervisors.
-Liaison for stipend MSW students; all students placed in county departments with child welfare as their focus.
Denver Department of Human Services
Social work supervisor
October 1994 –November 2005
-Supervise professional casework staff for Family and Children’s Division.
-Assign daily tasks and provide guidance and consultation to workers, including when to remove
children from or return children to their homes, file a court case, or open a case for voluntary services.
-Accountable for the work performed by the unit including the use of community services, Team
Decision Making, safety plans and treatment plans.
-Collaborate with community agencies regarding service provision for families.
-Co ordinate student intern program through Metropolitan State College, University of Denver and
Colorado State University.
-Provide back up support to night call staff.
Denver Department of Human Services
Senior Social Caseworker (Child Protection)
January 1992-October 1994
January 1986-October 1989
April 1976-July 1984
-Provided child protection services to families experiencing temporary or long term dysfunction.
-Performed thorough psychosocial assessments and created therapeutic treatment plans for families.
-Provided crisis intervention and counseling to families at high risk for abuse and neglect. Developed
safety plans with families.
-Determined the need for out of home placement when appropriate.
-Advocated for families in court and the community.
-Testified as an expert witness in Denver Juvenile Court and presented court reports to the Court.
-Directed the Denver Family Crisis Center from October 1987 through May 1989 when it was a short
term residential child care facility providing shelter services.
The Children’s Hospital
Denver, Co. 80218
Social Worker for Special Care Nursery and
NICU
December 1990-December 1991
-Provided crisis intervention and supportive services for families with medically fragile infants.
-Provided training for medical staff about family dynamics and the impact of sick children on families.
-Organized and attended regular staffings for families and medical staff for each patient on a monthly
basis.
-Responsible for on call after hours social work every 8th week (for one week)
Families First, Inc.
Aurora, Co.
Executive Director
November 1989-November 1990
-Directed 24 hour residential child care facility for children ages 3-12 who had been removed from their
homes for abuse and neglect.
-Participated in assessment of families and children admitted to the facility.
-Provided treatment for children and families when appropriate.
-Coordinated treatment and other services with collateral agencies.
-Recruited and hired staff. Responsible for personnel evaluations.
-Organized and provided on going training of staff and volunteers.
-General administrative functions included grant writing, fundraising and programming.
Education
2000: LCSW (Colorado)
1989: MSW from the University of Denver