Carla Schweich
Hastings,MN
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience at MESH, excelling in policy development and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated expertise in orchestrating homelessness response systems while optimizing operational efficiency. Adept at training and mentoring teams, with strong skills in data management and strategic planning, driving impactful outcomes in community support initiatives.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Coordinated Entry Manager
MESH
Minneapolis, US
09.2022 - Current
- Manage the Homelessness Response System for the Suburban Metro Area Continuum of Care (SMAC), including the Coordinated Entry Priority List and vacancy requests, to ensure timely referrals to housing providers.
- Develop, implement, and revise policies and procedures for the effective operation of the Coordinated Entry System (CES), and related activities.
- Oversee daily operations of the program, providing regular reports to the governing board, committees, and county agencies to inform them of operations and progress.
- Assist with grant reporting processes, and respond to funders' data and reporting requests.
- Design and assess training needs for the Continuum of Care (CoC), create training plans, and manage and coordinate training events for CES assessors and housing providers.
- Monitor data integrity within the Homeless Data Management System (HMIS) to ensure that information remains current and accurate.
- Develop an effective CES overview and related training materials to enhance system effectiveness.
- Engage in new training initiatives aligned with strategic community directions, and manage funding requests/applications to support related activities.
- Collaborate in writing the Notice of Funding (NOFO) application for Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with CoC partners, including county staff, housing providers, assessing agencies, and non-profit organizations, to support the homeless population.
- Request HUD technical assistance as needed to enhance community support.
- Facilitate regular meetings for the Racial Equity Committee, CES Committee, and Case Consultation; actively participate in monthly heading-home meetings.
- Collaborate with communities during funding proposal processes, and work closely with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans to end veteran homelessness.
Employment Specialist
Express Employment Professionals
Red Wing, US
02.2022 - 09.2022
- Conducted interviews of our incoming clients looking for work assignments, while ensuring timely engagement, support, and matching.
- Implemented outreach strategies as part of initial engagement, maintaining contact with clients through monthly follow-ups during periods of inactivity.
- Demonstrated flexibility and understanding of varying client readiness levels, providing encouragement to those feeling uncertain about employment opportunities.
- Performed comprehensive written employment assessments to evaluate clients' rehabilitation goals, work history, interests, skills, and coping strategies.
- Collaborated with clients to explore job possibilities through site visits and informational interviews, fostering a proactive approach to job placement.
- Facilitated connections with employers aligned with clients' interests and skill levels by leveraging in-depth knowledge of client preferences.
- Engaged in individualized job development, discussing clients' capabilities and aspirations with potential employers, and utilizing extensive networking to identify job leads.
- Provided ongoing, individualized follow-along support, including crisis intervention, job coaching, and participation in job support groups, to ensure employment stability.
- Oversaw employee relations and managed regulatory compliance, including processing I-9 documentation, W-9 forms, and insurance enrollments.
- Administered various employee services, including payroll, training, and benefits, to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
- Conducted general sales calls and recruitment efforts to expand organizational outreach and create new partnership opportunities.
- Account manager for the 3M contract.
SMAC Director
Suburban Metro Area Continuum of Care (SMAC) Directors Council
South Saint Paul, US
10.2020 - 09.2022
- Collaborated with a diverse group of individuals with lived expertise in homelessness to influence and enhance Coordinated Entry System strategies.
- Actively participated in decision-making processes, including voting on members of the Governing Board, the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, and the Coordinated Entry Advisory.
- Contributed to the transformation of the housing system, ensuring that the complexities of housing are managed by the system rather than by individuals in crisis.
- Played a key role in the development of the Housing Access Line, aimed at simplifying initial help requests, and enhancing the accessibility of services for those in need.
- Advocated for person-centered, engaging, and comprehensive approaches to housing access within the SMAC region.
Transitional Housing Coordinator
Oak Tree Support Services
Newport, US
11.2021 - 01.2022
- Direct service with clients with CADI and waivered services.
- Identified and secured affordable housing options for applicants, working collaboratively with clients to support their individual goals and agendas.
- Guided clients in navigating the system to ensure program and subsidy eligibility, and assisted in completing the necessary documentation.
- Coordinated with the case management team to monitor capacity, access, and vacancies, striving to operate programs at full capacity.
- Facilitated smooth transitions from homelessness to housing for new clients, working in partnership with the case management team.
- Developed and maintained strong partnerships with property managers, enhancing the quality of housing options available to clients.
- Conducted outreach to realtors, landlords, housing developers, and other housing providers to expand and strengthen the inventory of housing opportunities.
- Provided landlord mediation support to resolve conflicts and establish positive relationships between clients and housing providers.
- Engaged with the community to raise awareness and promote the need for increased, affordable housing options for adults experiencing homelessness.
Community Outreach and Special Events Director
The Salvation Army
Maplewood, US
11.2019 - 11.2021
- Maintain a comprehensive calendar of outreach activities, including community events, workshops, and public appearances, to enhance community engagement and visibility.
- Develop and manage an annual budget for community outreach initiatives and special events, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Foster and cultivate relationships with both new and existing collaborative partners, and donors within the community, to strengthen outreach efforts.
- Schedule and lead regular outreach exhibitions and programming for senior adults, promoting participation and community involvement.
- Coordinate the Red Kettle Campaign fundraising, including meticulous record-keeping, marketing strategies, collaboration with partners, and the recruitment and management of seasonal staff and volunteers.
- Oversee a professional donor management system, maintaining accurate statistics to evaluate fundraising success and donor engagement.
- Handle the corps' bookkeeping and administrative duties to ensure smooth operational function.
- Plan, organize, and execute special events, including donor and volunteer appreciation events, to recognize contributions while driving additional fundraising efforts.
- Provide case management support for the Pathway of Hope initiative, helping individuals and families achieve their goals.
- Perform various office and administrative tasks to support the Corps Officer, and enhance operational efficiency.
Accountant/Accounts Payable
The Salvation Army
Roseville, US
10.2017 - 10.2019
- Executed full-cycle accounts payable functions including creating purchase orders, coding, matching purchase orders to invoices, and processing vendor payments.
- Maintained accuracy by ensuring correct entries in the accounting system using QuickBooks/SHELBY Accounting software.
- Prepared batch check runs for Director of Finance's approval, enhancing payment processing efficiency.
- Supported specialized clerical and bookkeeping tasks in invoice processing and receipting.
- Applied fundamental bookkeeping knowledge to various tasks, ensuring timely and complete financial record maintenance.
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail and organizational skills in managing financial documentation.
- Key Skills: Full-cycle accounts payable processing, Purchase order creation and management, Invoice coding and matching, QuickBooks proficiency, Financial record maintenance, Batch check preparation, Attention to detail, Strong organizational skills, Clerical and bookkeeping tasks, Vendor payment processing, Time management and multitasking
Warehouse Shift Lead
Midway Party Rental
Saint Paul, US
12.2010 - 06.2014
- Manage staff operations, ensuring efficient product routing and organization to maximize productivity.
- Conduct regular safety meetings and fire drills to promote workplace safety and emergency preparedness.
- Conduct daily audits to evaluate operational processes, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
- Oversee order picking and truck loading operations to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.
- Address and resolve customer complaints effectively, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Implement and monitor damaged goods control measures to maintain product integrity, and oversee inventory control.
- Serve as a certified forklift operator, executing material handling tasks with a focus on safety and efficiency.
- Train new team members, offering guidance and instruction to ensure preparedness and adherence to company protocols.
- Conduct application interviews to identify and select qualified candidates, aligned with company values and objectives.
ALA Operations Coordinator
Delta Airline Global Service
Bloomington, US
11.2005 - 09.2010
- Coordinated assignments for the ramp crew and baggage handlers to ensure efficient operations.
- Trained and managed employees on Delta's policies, terminology, and ALIS systems.
- Initiated flight releases, and configured weight and balance for various aircraft.
- Managed fuel manifests, towed aircraft, and cleaned cabins as part of pre-flight procedures.
- Updated code information as needed for weather conditions, delays, passenger changes, and maintenance activities.
- Communicated essential information between pilots, ground crew, flight schedulers, aircraft maintenance, and fuelers.
- Coordinated the transportation of shipments from MSP to various destinations.
- Arranged airline bookings, reviewed relevant documentation, and ensured compliance with government and carrier regulations.
Gas Station Attendant/Cashier
SUPERAMERICA speedway
Bloomington, US
04.2004 - 10.2005
- Greet and assist customers in a friendly manner, providing information on fuel types, convenience store products, and promotions.
- Operate cashier systems, accurately processing customer transactions, and managing cash drawers.
- Conduct regular inspections of fuel dispensers and convenience store areas to ensure cleanliness, safety, and functionality.
- Handle customer complaints professionally to ensure satisfaction and loyalty.
- Maintain inventory of merchandise, restocking shelves as needed, and reporting any discrepancies.
Education
Bachelor's degree - B.S. Communication
Walden University
Remote06.2017
High school diploma -
Eden Prairie Senior High School
Eden Prairie, MN06.2005
Skills
- Customer service and support
- Performance evaluations
- Policy and procedure development
- Coaching and mentoring
- Social work and case management
- Public speaking and presentation
- Google Docs and Suite
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Marketing and digital marketing
- Statistical analysis
- QuickBooks and bookkeeping
- Social listening and engagement
- Event planning and management
- Adobe Photoshop proficiency
- Public relations strategies
- Office management experience
- Social media marketing and management
- Computer networking skills
- Facebook advertising expertise
- Accounting principles
- Salesforce proficiency
- Fundraising initiatives
- Human resources management
- Project leadership skills
- Communication skills (verbal and written)
- Microsoft Word proficiency
- Warehouse supervision experience
- Google Analytics expertise
Certification
CPR Certification
Personal Information
Authorized To Work: US
Affiliations
- Volunteering at the church
- Event Planning
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Coordinated Entry Manager
MESH
09.2022 - Current
Employment Specialist
Express Employment Professionals
02.2022 - 09.2022
Transitional Housing Coordinator
Oak Tree Support Services
11.2021 - 01.2022
SMAC Director
Suburban Metro Area Continuum of Care (SMAC) Directors Council
10.2020 - 09.2022
Community Outreach and Special Events Director
The Salvation Army
11.2019 - 11.2021
Accountant/Accounts Payable
The Salvation Army
10.2017 - 10.2019
Warehouse Shift Lead
Midway Party Rental
12.2010 - 06.2014
ALA Operations Coordinator
Delta Airline Global Service
11.2005 - 09.2010
Gas Station Attendant/Cashier
SUPERAMERICA speedway
04.2004 - 10.2005
Bachelor's degree - B.S. Communication
Walden University
High school diploma -
Eden Prairie Senior High School