Open to opportunities

Nicole DiStefano

@nicoledistefano

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Licensed clinical social worker specializing in behavioral supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a clinical leadership role in a person-centered organization where I can apply PBS, mentor staff, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and improve outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with extensive experience delivering person-centered behavioral supports, clinical supervision, and program leadership across residential and community settings. I specialize in working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and complex behavioral needs.

My work includes developing and implementing evidence-based positive behavioral support (PBS) plans, conducting functional behavioral assessments, training staff, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and state agencies to ensure regulatory compliance and high-quality care. I have led committees, supervised interns, and represented programs at local and state-level initiatives.

I am committed to advocacy, dignity, and individualized care—leveraging crisis intervention experience, data-driven monitoring, and community outreach to improve outcomes for individuals and families while promoting staff development and system improvements.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Clinical Social Worker

Current

Aspire Developmental Inc.

Jun 2025 - Present (4 months)

Provide Early Intervention services to infants, toddlers, and families, develop individualized service plans reflecting family priorities, and ensure compliance with IDEA Part C and state EI guidelines while representing the program in local and state initiatives.

Early Intervention IDEA Part C Case Management & Compliance Stakeholder Engagement

Clinical Social Worker, LICSW

Northeast Arc

Apr 2021 - May 2025 (4 years 1 month)

Provided clinical guidance and behavioral supports for residential clients, conducted functional behavioral assessments, developed evidence-based behavior support plans, led PBS Leadership Committee, and supervised interns to improve outcomes and compliance with state regulations.

Behavioral Support Plans Functional Behavioral Assessments Staff Training Crisis Intervention Supervision Data Collection

LPHA Clinician

Vinfen

Aug 2020 - Apr 2021 (8 months)

Assessed needs for Medicaid rehabilitation services, created treatment plans, supervised delivery of community interventions, provided crisis intervention, and trained staff in evidence-based clinical practices for supported independent living.

Treatment Planning Medicaid Rehab Community Based Support Crisis Intervention Staff Training CBT Care Coordination Clinical Documentation

Residential Program Director

Northeast Arc

Jul 2015 - Aug 2020 (5 years 1 month)

Managed residential programs serving individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities, led interdisciplinary teams, ensured regulatory compliance (DDS/DPH), managed staffing and payroll, and tracked progress toward ISP goals.

Program Management Regulatory Compliance Staff Supervision ISP Payroll Progress Monitoring Advocacy Residential Services

Clinical Intern

Northeast Arc

May 2019 - May 2020 (1 year)

Provided 1:1 clinical support for individuals with ASD and serious mental health conditions, coordinated continuity of care and medication management, and produced monthly clinical reports and termination recommendations.

Individual Therapy Crisis Intervention Medication Management

Recreation/Life Skills Coordinator

Anchor to Windward

Sep 2015 - May 2016 (8 months)

Planned and delivered life skills and vocational coaching, taught financial and community skills, and documented progress and emergency information for program participants.

Vocational Training

Assistant Program Director

Northeast Arc

Feb 2014 - Jul 2015 (1 year 5 months)

Oversaw direct care and staffing for residents with intellectual and physical disabilities, managed finances and documentation, facilitated staff training, and developed individual support plans with monthly progress tracking.

Direct Care Documentation Staff Training

House Manager

Northeast Arc

Oct 2012 - Feb 2014 (1 year 4 months)

Provided direct care in end-of-life transition settings, assisted with daily living activities, maintained confidentiality and human rights standards, and contributed to ISP development and monthly progress notes.

Direct Care Medication Assistance Confidentiality Progress Notes