Nicholas Aguilar, ASW
San Jose
Summary
Compassionate Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) specializing in trauma-informed psychotherapy for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders and complex trauma. Skilled in conducting assessments, crisis intervention, and developing tailored treatment plans. Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver culturally responsive services that enhance outcomes for diverse populations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Therapist I – Asian American Recovery Services Program
HealthRIGHT 360
01.2026 - Current
- Provide individual, group, and family therapy for adults experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and evidence-based practices.
- Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, ASAM evaluations, DSM-5 diagnoses, treatment planning, and ongoing clinical documentation in accordance with Medi-Cal, agency, and regulatory standards.
- Utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Seeking Safety, relapse prevention, and harm reduction approaches.
- Facilitated psychoeducational and process groups enhancing relapse prevention, emotional regulation, coping skills, recovery maintenance, and life skills.
- Provided crisis intervention, conducted suicide risk assessments, developed safety and discharge plans, and coordinated care with psychiatrists, medical providers, probation, child welfare, and community partners.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary treatment teams to coordinate care and facilitate successful transitions to community-based services.
- Maintain timely and accurate documentation including progress notes, treatment plans, discharge summaries, and utilization review documentation.
- Connect clients with housing, employment, benefits, recovery support services, and other community resources.
Clinical Therapist (ASW)
Silicon Valley Recovery
02.2025 - 01.2026
- Provided individual, group, and family therapy to clients experiencing substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, behavioral addictions, family conflict, and self-esteem concerns.
- Established therapeutic relationships through trauma-informed and person-centered approaches, enhancing client engagement and trust.
- Delivered crisis intervention and supported clients experiencing acute emotional, behavioral, and family crises.
- Conducted biopsychosocial assessments and developed individualized treatment and discharge plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary treatment teams to coordinate client care.
- Coordinated care among families, legal partners, and referral sources to ensure comprehensive support for clients.
- Assessed client progress and tailored treatment interventions to meet evolving clinical needs.
Therapeutic Foster Parent (ISFC Plus)
Pacific Clinics
08.2024 - 07.2025
- Provided 24-hour trauma-informed care for children with complex emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs involved in the child welfare system.
- Implemented individualized behavioral intervention, treatment, and safety plans in collaboration with county social workers, therapists, psychiatrists, educators, and healthcare providers.
- Utilized therapeutic parenting, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and positive behavior support strategies to promote emotional regulation and placement stability.
- Participated in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings, educational planning, treatment planning, and multidisciplinary case conferences.
- Advocated for children's educational, medical, developmental, and behavioral health needs while coordinating services across child welfare, healthcare, and school systems.
- Maintained documentation of behavioral observations, critical incidents, medication administration, appointments, and progress toward treatment goals.
- Fostered resilience, healthy attachment, social-emotional development, and independent living skills using strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches.
- Partnered with biological families, county social workers, caregivers, and community providers to ensure continuity of care and successful transitions.
Lead CASA Specialist / LGBTQ+ Program Lead
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley
09.2019 - 03.2024
- Developed and launched the organization's LGBTQ+ Program, including educational workshops, support groups, and community events.
- Led and supervised a team of four CASA Specialists supporting volunteer advocates serving children in the dependency system.
- Recruited, interviewed, trained, and coached CASA volunteers while ensuring program quality and court compliance.
- Facilitated volunteer onboarding, continuing education, and leadership development workshops to enhance volunteer skills and program effectiveness.
- Liaised between volunteers, dependency attorneys, county social workers, and court personnel to ensure effective communication and support for case management.
- Ensured timely documentation, data collection, and compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
- Partnered with executive leadership to implement strategic initiatives and improve program outcomes.
Community Relations Specialist
Premier Healthcare Services
07.2018 - 09.2019
- Led marketing and community engagement efforts that increased organizational visibility and strengthened community ties.
- Developed strategic partnerships with regional centers, healthcare providers, and community organizations in the Bay Area to enhance community support.
- Coordinated educational events, outreach initiatives, and resource fairs to inform and engage community members.
- Served as liaison between clients, families, community partners, and internal leadership.
- Conducted site visits and collaborated with regional center case managers.
- Managed CRM documentation and marketing activities.
Lead Program Coordinator / Recreation Leader
City of San Jose
01.2013 - 07.2018
- Managed recreation and youth development programs for diverse age groups and abilities, fostering inclusive community engagement.
- Developed community partnerships and coordinated special events, enhancing program visibility and participant involvement.
- Supervised daily program operations, staff, volunteers, and recreational activities.
- Ensured participant safety and emergency response readiness, maintaining program compliance and promoting a secure environment.
- Managed program records, reports, calendars, newsletters, and outreach materials.
Office Manager
Spring Dale Kennels
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Managed front office operations, including appointment scheduling, billing, and client communications, to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Maintained patient records and financial documentation.
- Collaborated on operational improvements to enhance efficiency. and customer service initiatives.
Education
Master of Public Administration (MPA) - Public Sector Leadership And Management
California State University, Northridge
08-2027
Master of Social Work (MSW) - Social Change and Innovation
University of Southern California
12-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
San José State University
12-2022
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Evergreen Valley College
Veterinary Assistant Certificate -
Central County Occupational Center
Skills
- Substance use disorder treatment
- Family therapy
- Crisis intervention
- Motivational interviewing
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Relapse prevention
- Clinical assessments
- DSM-5 diagnosis and ASAM criteria
- Discharge planning
- Clinical documentation
- Care coordination
- Therapeutic interventions
- Cultural responsiveness
Credentials
Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker
Leadership And Community Service
- Chair, Disproportionality Committee, Santa Clara County Child Abuse Prevention Council, 05/01/24 -Present
- Board Member, Concrete Rose Coalition, 06/01/23 - Present
- Housing Workgroup Member, City of San Jose Children's & Youth Services Master Plan, 06/01/24 - 07/01/25
- Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, 01/01/18, 12/31/24
Timeline
Clinical Therapist I – Asian American Recovery Services Program
HealthRIGHT 360
01.2026 - Current
Clinical Therapist (ASW)
Silicon Valley Recovery
02.2025 - 01.2026
Therapeutic Foster Parent (ISFC Plus)
Pacific Clinics
08.2024 - 07.2025
Lead CASA Specialist / LGBTQ+ Program Lead
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley
09.2019 - 03.2024
Community Relations Specialist
Premier Healthcare Services
07.2018 - 09.2019
Lead Program Coordinator / Recreation Leader
City of San Jose
01.2013 - 07.2018
Office Manager
Spring Dale Kennels
01.2012 - 12.2012
Master of Public Administration (MPA) - Public Sector Leadership And Management
California State University, Northridge
Master of Social Work (MSW) - Social Change and Innovation
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
San José State University
Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
Evergreen Valley College
Veterinary Assistant Certificate -
Central County Occupational Center