Lisa M. Kapacziewski
Worcester,MA
Summary
Dynamic Protective Service Worker/Crisis Intervention Specialist with proven expertise at Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc., skilled in de-escalation and advocacy. Successfully assesses and treats individuals facing mental health and substance abuse challenges, while enhancing outreach to underserved populations. Investigates allegations of abuse and neglect in older adults, taking appropriate action to alleviate abuse if substantiated. Advocates for and participates in court processes to aid and assist clients in navigating the eviction process to prevent homelessness. Recognized for effectively coordinating multidisciplinary teams to deliver holistic support and ensure client safety. Develops and leads training programs and professional development sessions on crisis intervention tactics to various community agencies and workers.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Protective Services Worker/Crisis Intervention Worker
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
11.2025 - Current
- Receives reports on older adults suffering from abuse/exploitation/neglect/self-neglect.
- Conducts investigations in the home/community setting to determine if allegations of abuse/neglect can be substantiated.
- Evaluates older adults’ current situations, their capacity to consent, continually assessing the older adults level of risk.
- Develops and implements service plans to alleviate substantiated abuse/neglect/self-neglect.
- Determines need for legal involvement and use of court interventions; referring situations of serious abuse/neglect to the District Attorney’s office.
- Provides Protective Services Unit after hours 24/7 coverage on a rotating basis.
- Collaborates with existing Elder Services staff and outside agencies when needed.
- Conducted assessments to identify client needs and risks.
- Developed safety plans in collaboration with clients and families.
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
02.2002 - Current
- Conducts training and presentations on crisis intervention, safety and hoarding at The Central Massachusetts Crisis Intervention Technical Assistance Center, the Worcester Police Academy and Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
- Mentors new Protective Services Workers.
- Conducts outreach efforts to increase awareness of available crisis resources and services. Thus, educating and improving the community’s understanding of self-neglect, abuse, mental illness, substance abuse and homelessness.
- Manages a caseload of on average 35 clients all experiencing some stage of crisis that requires immediate intervention, safety planning and resolution.
- Reviews Protective Services and Crisis reports and conducts assessments to evaluate client conditions and develop personalized intervention plans to address specific needs and challenges.
- Assesses clients' immediate emotional, mental, and physical states during crisis situations.
- Working in community outreach and in home settings, establishes rapport quickly with diverse client populations, including individuals with varying cultural backgrounds or mental health diagnoses.
- Implements de-escalation techniques with agitated or distressed clients during high-stress situations. Conducts on-site risk assessments determining potential of self-harm or harm towards others while establishing a swift plan of action to safely alleviate and resolve immediate risk.
- Maintains detailed case notes and records for all client interactions as directed by the Central Mass Area Aging on Aging and Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
- Modifies treatment plans according to changes in client status. Evaluates effectiveness of intervention strategies used with clients through on-going case management support.
- Provides 24/7 crisis hotline support for geriatric protective services, assisting elderly individuals in crisis, assessing risk, and coordinating emergency interventions.
- Maintains detailed case notes and records of client interactions for future reference and follow-up care.
- Ensures confidentiality of all client information according to legal guidelines and ethical standards within the field of social work.
- Participates in interdisciplinary casework and management with all departments within Elder Services. Including but not limited to such as Home Care, Geriatric Support Services, Personal Care Attendant Programs, Options Counseling, Financial Management, and other varied programs.
- Communicate regularly with supervisors regarding challenging cases or concerns about client welfare.
- Participates in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best crisis intervention and social work practices. Such training includes continuing education programs to maintain License in Social Work, the Boston University Cader Continuing Education Behavior Health in Aging Certificate Program, Crisis Intervention Training conducted by the Massachusetts Crisis Intervention Team and Technical Assistance Center.
Presenter
Open Skys Central MA CIT-TTAC (Crisis Intervention Team Training & Technical Assistance Center)
10.2024 - Current
- Partners with the Worcester Police Department and Department of Mental Health
- Trains first responders in de-escalation, behavioral health, and empathy
- Fosters a safer, more compassionate response to mental health crises.
Patient Reunification/Mass Casualty Event Responder
Riverside Community Care
12.2025 - Current
- Provides compassionate telephonic support during Mass Casualty Incidents (MCI’s).
- Assists individuals locate loved ones in the hospital system during mass casualty events.
- Connects individuals and families with resources after a disaster.
- Participates in extensive disaster training and psychological first aid
- Practices cultural humility
- Demonstrates strong communication skills to manage high stress calls and situations.
Information & Referral Specialist
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
05.1999 - 02.2002
- Trained new staff members in proper procedures and best practices related to information and referral services.
- Identified and maintained an extensive database of community resources.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving abilities while navigating complex situations involving multiple parties.
- Coordinated outreach efforts to target underserved populations within community.
- Educated the public about available resources.
Case Manager
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
02.1995 - 05.1999
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic support.
- Assesses client needs establishing and implementing service plans that provided in home services to prevent and postpone long term nursing home placement, allowing elders to remain safely in their own homes.
- Provided crisis intervention as needed to ensure client safety.
- Assisted clients in navigating complex systems, including legal, medical, educational, and social services.
- Participated in the intake process by collecting, organizing and analyzing information about individuals to develop and implement most effective care plan.
Education
Master of Science (M.S.) - Criminal Justice
American International College
Springfield, MA05-2025
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology
American International College
Springfield, MA05-1993
Skills
- Crisis intervention, elder abuse, investigations, homeless outreach, substance abuse, mental health, de-escalation, safety planning, service planning, advocacy
- Dependable and responsible
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Calm under pressure
Certification
- Crisis Intervention Certification, Central Massachusetts CIT-TTAC, October 2024
- Boston University School of Social Work, Behavioral Health In Aging Certificate Program: Geriatrics, April 2022
- License in Social Work, April 2001 – current
Timeline
Patient Reunification/Mass Casualty Event Responder
Riverside Community Care
12.2025 - Current
Protective Services Worker/Crisis Intervention Worker
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
11.2025 - Current
Presenter
Open Skys Central MA CIT-TTAC (Crisis Intervention Team Training & Technical Assistance Center)
10.2024 - Current
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
02.2002 - Current
Information & Referral Specialist
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
05.1999 - 02.2002
Case Manager
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc.
02.1995 - 05.1999
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology
American International College
Master of Science (M.S.) - Criminal Justice
American International College
AWARDS
CIT Presenter of the Year Award, June 2025, Central Massachusetts CIT-TTAC
Crisis Intervention Team Presenter of the Year Award June 2025
Recipient of the 2025 CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Presenter of the Year Award. Award presented to those who dedicate their lives to the success and accomplishments of the CIT model.