Marzieh Joy Yousefian, JD, LMSW

I work with families who are seeking guardianship and/or conservatorship for family members with special needs. This work requires that I draw on both my social work skills and legal training. it is very satisfying and rewarding to be able to serve in this way.

Provided strengths-based, attachment theory, trauma-informed and solution-focused counseling to students based on individual needs. Connected students to services and resources available to them. Developed and supported housing and food insecurity action plan for the University.

Catawba Indian Nation Title VI Needs Assessment Conducted interviews with Catawba Indian elders in their homes and at the Catawba Nation Senior Center. Learned to administer the 72-question survey using warmth and cultural sensitivity. Developed positive relationships with the General Council, Senior Center staff, and elders.

Conducted research in the areas of poverty, child welfare services, and professional well-being for Dr. Kori Bloomquist, Professor, Social Work Department.

Learned and participated in all aspects of client services, including residential case management, emergency services intake, food pantry, and childcare services. Conducted Point in Time Count surveys.

Conducted family law mediations including child support, child custody and visitation, property division, spousal support, and all other issues surrounding divorce and parenting decisions.

Managed rural medical practice through a transition from hospital affiliation to independent ownership.

Provided services ranging from diversity and sexual harassment consulting to general human resource and employment law consulting. Implemented a collaborative approach to address client needs as well as a highly independent style to assure original and creative thinking. Applied mediation and facilitation skills to resolve conflict with a focus on the future, either in the context of a continuing relationship or as a way to close a relationship honorably. Developed relationship-building, organizational, project management, analysis, writing, and research skills in a variety of contexts.

Consulted on issues pertaining to employers’ pension and welfare benefit plans as regulated by Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code. Audited employer administration practices to determine plan compliance with ERISA, the Code and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Conducted human resource audits and diversity management assessments. Facilitated focus groups to determine employee perceptions of organizational culture and benefit programs.