Jay Koo

Jay Koo, MSW, has a diverse and extensive work experience spanning over a decade. Jay'smost recent position was as the Lead Employment Coordinator / Resource Developer at Henry Street Settlement, where they consistently exceeded annual placement goals by over 30%, placing over 1,200 participants into employment with thriving wages. During the NYC 2020 Pandemic, Jay connected and created a referral pipeline with Mutual Aid groups across the 5 boroughs, ensuring that all participants across NYC could access necessary resources. Jay also created structured coaching and safety planning initiatives to help job seekers navigate the challenges of the pandemic.

Prior to that, Jay served as the National AmeriCorps VISTA Program Leader (East) at Hunger Free America, where they played a significant role in addressing hunger issues across the country.

Jay has also held various leadership positions, including Interim Vice President at The New York Chinese Free Mason Athletic Club, where they initiated an emergency feeding program during Hurricane Sandy, and Vice President for Central Affairs at the Student Association at SUNY Plattsburgh, where they led grassroots efforts to engage unregistered voters and promoted diversity and social justice through various events.

Throughout their work experience, Jay has consistently demonstrated a commitment to social justice, advocacy, and supporting individuals and communities in need. Jay has received numerous awards and recognition for their exceptional work, including being the first Henry Street employee to receive the "Above and Beyond" award for four consecutive years.

Jay Koo obtained a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a Clinical Concentration from Hunter College's Silberman School of Social Work. They attended Hunter College from 2021 to 2023. Prior to that, Jay Koo earned a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, attending from 2006 to 2011.

Jay Koo has also obtained various certifications, including Mandated Reporter Training: Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment from the New York State Office of Children and Family Service, Resilience Informed Practices from Fordham University, Tier 1 Restorative Justice Practices: Community Building Training from the New York Peace Institute, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy Fundamentals and Application from Psychotherapy Networker. Other certifications include Ethics of Mandated Reporting through the Lens of Racial & Social Justice from NYU Silver School of Social Work, Foundations of Motivational Interviewing from Columbia University, HSR for Social and Behavioral Faculty, Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars from CITI Program, Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Safety and Health Institute, and VISTA Course: Grant Writing and Fundraising from AmeriCorps VISTA. Jay Koo also holds a certification in Mental Health First Aid from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The specific months of obtaining these certifications are not provided.