Jacquelyn Bender, LSW
360 Republic Street  Pittsburgh, PA 15211  814-244-2348  benderj@upmc.edu  jab141@yahoo.com
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PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Over two years of professional experience in public health and mental health based on a foundation of a
Masters in Social Work, PA state licensure and certification. Specific skills set with health and wellness promotion,
motivational interviewing, exercise education, behavior modification, the DSM-IV-TR and clinical research.
Experience providing individual, group and family therapy. Committed to the highest level of excellence through
achievement. Driven to expand professional knowledge and thrive in a fulfilling career. Excellent decision-making and
problem-solving skills developed while meeting the challenge of the constantly changing public and mental health
fields. With my experience in eating disorders, research, health promotion and therapy, I bring a unique and specific
skill set that will contribute to the success of ABS.
EDUCATION
University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, PA
Masters of Social Work
 Concentration: Direct Practice
 Achieved: Mental Health Certificate
 Achieved: Pennsylvania State Licensure from ASWB
University of Pittsburgh; Johnstown, PA
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
April 2012
GPA: 3.8/4.0
May 2010
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic (UPMC); Pittsburgh, PA
May 2011- Present
Research Specialist – CAMELS STUDY
 Certified User of: Anxiety Disorder Interview Schedule (ADIS)
 Independent evaluator for the Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Extended Long-Term Study (CAMELS)
 Conduct semi-annual clinical interviews with participants and their guardians on measures of
psychopathology, psychosocial and physical functioning, academic and occupational functioning and
service utilization
 Actively maintain rapport and engage families through communication to increase motivation for
continued participation (birthday cards, holiday cards, and phone calls)
 Complete diagnostic evaluations and summaries using the ADIS and DSM-IV-TR and various computer
programs
 Present client cases on conference calls with satellite sites and to the doctor on a weekly basis
 Assess participants for treatment needs and make necessary referrals to UPMC and the community
Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic (UPMC); Pittsburgh, PA
August 2011- May 2012
Social Worker Extern-Center for Overcoming Problem Eating Clinic - Partial Hospitalization Program/IOP
 Provided psycho-education to individuals and families
 Conducted individual and family therapy sessions with patients
 Led group therapy sessions, specifically exposure therapy and relaxation therapy
 Utilized and enhanced skills with evidence based treatments such as:
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavior Modification
 Engaged patients using motivational interviewing techniques and a guided communication style in order to
increase adherence and commitment to change
 Collaborated with the dieticians and physicians to educate patients and their families on the function of
eating disorders, medications, nutrition and weight control management
Jacquelyn Bender, LSW
360 Republic Street  Pittsburgh, PA 15211  814-244-2348  benderj@upmc.edu  jab141@yahoo.com
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Educated and motivated patients and families on improving overall health and wellness. This included
various exercise practices, changing negative behaviors (eg: smoking, use of alcohol), nutrition education
and various stress relieving activities
Problem solved obstacles with patients and families and designed relapse prevention plans
Coordinated services and planned aftercare for discharge
Presented patient cases and consulted colleagues during treatment team meetings
Advised patients concerning their academic plans, progress, academic schedule or other academic activities
while they were participating in treatment to ensure their completion of requirements and/or graduation
Community Psychiatric Center; Pittsburgh, PA
July 2010- June 2011
Therapeutic Staff Support
 Provided services to children and families struggling with psychiatric illness in academic and home settings
 Collected data and implemented actions based upon progression and regression of patients’ behaviors
 Encouraged and coached children to enhance and improve skills as recommended in their treatment plans
 Communicated between the agency, schools, and families effectively to ensure patient success and
continuity of care
 Motivated parents and teachers to become actively involved in the patient treatment plans
 Transferred skills to the parents and teachers to safeguard the continuance of improved behaviors
Hill House Association- Out of School Youth Program; Pittsburgh, PA
January 2011- May 2011
Student Advisor/ Counselor
 Counseled students encountering academic problems or other barriers to the student's individual
educational success
 Created and organized an educational and motivational program for students in search of employment that
included daily classes and guest presentations by local employers
 Created an incentive program for students to increase their motivation, participation and attendance
 Taught classes focused on building students’ skills in communication, interviewing, computer use, resume
building, and business ethics
 Incorporated prevention classes in the program which included a broad range of educational information
on the dangers of engaging in risk behaviors such as smoking, consuming alcohol, unprotected sex and
using substances. This class included health promotion information and activities for students and their
families
 Counseled and problem solved with students facing stress, family issues, financial issues and housing
problems in order to maintain stability and safety in their environment
ACTIVITIES
Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority; Johnstown, PA
Sister since 2007
Sister (alumni)
 Coordinated a scholarship fund for the active sisters in March 2012 in order to motivate and encourage
academic success
 Served as an academic advisor to the sorority’s active sisters struggling to maintain the required GPA of
their major through tutoring, problem solving and motivational enhancement
 Organized a celebratory event in March 2012 for the 25th Anniversary that accommodated 150 sisters
 Planned and organized exercise and nutrition groups with fellow sisters to enhance and promote the
importance of practicing healthy habits
 Conducted prevention and educational classes and presentations for the sorority, specific to sexually
transmitted diseases, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, certain diseases, stress-management, coping skills,
and more.
 Participated in and organized numerous philanthropic community events including Special Olympics
opening & closing ceremonies for four years.
Jacquelyn Bender, LSW
360 Republic Street  Pittsburgh, PA 15211  814-244-2348  benderj@upmc.edu  jab141@yahoo.com
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