Jessica Smith

Jessica Smith, MSW, CAPSW is the Director and Co-Founder of the Center for Inclusive Transition, Education and Employment

Jess is a macro practice-focused social worker with over 15 years of experience working within systems to enhance access and improve the quality of community life, and work, for people with disabilities. Over the past eight years, she has served as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on projects totaling more than $32 million in funding. As a leader at CITEE, Jess oversees numerous statewide grant initiatives, including long-term collaborations with Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services, Department of Workforce Development, and Department of Public Instruction. Her work spans areas such as workforce development, program design, implementation, and evaluation.

Jess’s professional interests include youth and young adult development, youth and family transitions, systems of care, behavioral health workforce development, and disability inclusion. She is also passionate about community-based participatory research. Additionally, Jess completed the MCH Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and other Disabilities (MCH LEND) program, with an autism enhancement, at the Waisman Center, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, during her graduate studies.

Education:

MSW, Social Work – Health, Aging, and Disability, University of Wisconsin-Madison
B.S., Human Development and Family Studies, Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Professional Affiliations:

National Association of Social Workers – Wisconsin Chapter
Wisconsin Licensed - Advanced Practice Social Worker (CAPSW)