JAY BELSITO
Minneapolis
Summary
LGSW with experience in trauma-informed clinical practice, child protection investigations, community organizing, and youth development. Skilled in crisis intervention, assessment, safety planning, advocacy, facilitation, and coalition-building. Known for building trust across diverse communities and navigating complex systems with empathy, clarity, and accountability.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Reserve Teacher
Minneapolis Public Schools
Minneapolis
09.2019 - Current
- Fostered inclusive and supportive learning environments, prioritizing trauma-sensitive approaches to address student well-being and promote academic success.
- Implemented lesson plans across grade levels and subjects, adapting to diverse student needs and classroom environments to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.
- Delivered engaging lessons to diverse student groups across various subjects.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
Clinical Therapist
Domestic Abuse Project
Minneapolis
08.2023 - 06.2025
- Delivered trauma-informed individual and group therapy to empower survivors of domestic and interpersonal violence.
- Conducted biopsychosocial assessments, treatment planning, safety planning, and clinical documentation in compliance with agency and state standards.
- Applied evidence-based modalities (e.g., CBT, trauma-focused interventions) and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to improve client outcomes.
- Facilitated crisis response and coordinated with community agencies to assist clients in navigating legal, housing, and family court systems.
Policy Organizer
Gender Justice & UnRestrict Minnesota
10.2022 - 02.2025
- Executed advocacy and organizing strategies to advance gender equity, LGBTQ+, and reproductive justice priorities.
- Built and maintained relationships with coalition partners, legislators, grassroots leaders, and community organizations.
- Recruited and trained advocates while gathering community stories to strengthen policy and legal campaigns.
- Coordinated outreach and community engagement initiatives throughout Minnesota.
Investigator, Child Protective Services
Hennepin County
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Conducted child safety assessments, home visits, forensic interviews, and risk evaluations to ensure child protection in cases of abuse and neglect.
- Developed safety plans, coordinated emergency services, and made recommendations regarding placement, reunification, and ongoing case management.
- Collaborated with law enforcement, schools, medical providers, and community partners to support family stabilization and child wellbeing.
- Maintained comprehensive, timely documentation and court-ready reports to support legal proceedings in a high-volume, high-stakes environment.
Special Education Teacher
Minneapolis Public Schools
Minneapolis
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Completed IEP documentation, conducted functional behavioral assessments, and developed progress monitoring reports to track student growth and inform instructional strategies.
- Supported students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders by delivering individualized instruction, implementing behavior interventions, and managing classroom dynamics to enhance student engagement.
- Collaborated with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to align academic and behavioral strategies, ensuring comprehensive support for student success.
Program Developer
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Conducted prospecting for funding opportunities and supported proposal development, enhancing the organization's funding strategies.
- Managed grants and contracts to ensure compliance with reporting and funder requirements, facilitating successful funding outcomes.
- Managed data systems, including Agiloft and Raiser’s Edge, streamlining processes to improve organizational effectiveness.
- Built internal and external partnerships to advance community programs.
Field lead
Ilhan Omar for U.S. Congress (MN-05)
05.2018 - 11.2018
- Recruited and led volunteers, delegates, and supporters while managing daily campaign operations to ensure effective execution.
- Strengthened community relationships by fostering collaboration across diverse neighborhoods and populations.
- Engaged under-represented and highly mobile voters through targeted, culturally responsive outreach initiatives.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Augsburg University
Minneapolis, MN01-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Metropolitan State University
Minneapolis, MN01-2019
Skills
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation
- Individual and group counseling
- Motivational interviewing
- Trauma-informed care and practice
- Clinical assessments and treatment planning
- Safety planning
- Case management
- Community outreach and advocacy
- Youth engagement
- Coalition building
- Data collection and management
- Grant and contract management
- Policy advocacy
Leadership And Community Involvement
- Board Member, YouthLink MN, 01/2023, Present
- Classroom Facilitator, Project SHINE, 01/2018, 12/2019, Taught and supported adult refugees preparing for U.S. citizenship.
- Lead Organizer, Trayvon Martin “One Million Hoodies” Rally, 03/2012
Timeline
Clinical Therapist
Domestic Abuse Project
08.2023 - 06.2025
Investigator, Child Protective Services
Hennepin County
08.2023 - 06.2024
Policy Organizer
Gender Justice & UnRestrict Minnesota
10.2022 - 02.2025
Special Education Teacher
Minneapolis Public Schools
09.2021 - 05.2022
Program Developer
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
08.2020 - 08.2021
Reserve Teacher
Minneapolis Public Schools
09.2019 - Current
Field lead
Ilhan Omar for U.S. Congress (MN-05)
05.2018 - 11.2018
Master of Social Work -
Augsburg University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Metropolitan State University