About Roque Pizarro

Recently served as an Employees Assistance Counselor for 1199NBF/SEIU, one of the biggest international unions covering the health care industry. He is a retired Air Force Guard, and still serving in active duty, including the Air National Guards, a total of twenty-five (25) years. Pizarro also served over twenty (20) years in the social work field. He holds Masters in Human Resources Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Bachelors of Science degree in Labor Studies from New York State Empire State College, a program of the State University of New York. Pizarro has also been active in political and community advocacy work, serving on the boards of several community based organizations and agencies in the city of Buffalo and in New York City.

Professional Experience
1199SEIU BENEFIT & PENSION FUNDS (New York, NY)
2002 – 2009
Counseling Experience:

Conduct level of care assessments and referrals of members and insured dependents of the Home Care and Worker’s Union regarding mental health and substance abuse

Crisis intervention through in-person interviews and/or telephone intake

Short-term counseling services for individuals, couples and families

Responsible for the authorization of length of stay for both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse programs and mental health facilities, based on clinical criteria and benefits guideline

Monitor strong ongoing consultation with acute care facilities regarding progress of client and provide in-network referrals for aftercare plans

Function as a liaison between senior management, department heads, union representatives, health care professionals and treatment facilities

Ensure that clients are educated to the availability of public entitlements and community resources

SPECIAL CARE IMMUNOLOGY SERVICES
LUTHERAN MEDICAL CENTER (Brooklyn, NY)
1991 – 2002
Social Worker Assistant:

Bilingual Psychosocial assessment in the adult and pediatric HIV/AIDS outpatient clinic
Crisis intervention, long-term counseling to individual families, provided referrals for concrete services.
Served a diverse population and chemical dependence was often addressed
Leader of an HIV support group for men.

NEWBURGH ALCOHOL OUTPATIENT CLINIC (New York, NY)
1988 – 1991
Senior Caseworker:

Individual, group and couples therapy to clients with alcohol problems; and with dual Addiction problems
Assessed level of care needed for treatment and post-treatment care
Detailed assessment and treatment alternatives for court-mandated clients

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Bilingual (English/Spanish); Computer Literate; community projects with community-based organizations; writer; raised in foster care; listed with Nubian Speakers Bureau; worked with local elected officials; and received several awards and recognition for my community work and contribution.

EDUCATION
Adelphi University: Masters Degree in Social Work (2009)
Empire State College: Bachelor of Science, Labor Studies (1986)
Central Michigan University: MSA in Human Resources Administration (2002)
Certification: Certified HIV – Testing and Post Test Counseling
Certification: CTI – Understanding Domestic Violence: Essential & intersections