Donna Lyons
Berkley,MI
Summary
Clinical Social Worker and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) student with a passion for empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges and achieve holistic well-being. Skilled in providing compassionate therapeutic interventions,conducting assessments, and developing personalized treatment pans. Proficient in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and mental health counseling. Seeking to leverage academic training and clinical experience to make a meaningful impact in the field of social work.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Analyst IV (Supervisory Support)
The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department
Detroit, MI
10.2022 - Current
- Analyzing and interpreting statutory and regulatory requirements for affordable housing grant programs
- Oversee a wide range of activities and safeguard the public trust for PJs (participating jurisdictions) receiving: Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV), Emergency Solutions Grants CARES Act (ESG-CV), HOME Investment Partnerships Programs (HOME), and HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Programs (HOME-ARP)
- Review and evaluate Request for Proposals (RFP) and Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
- Responsible for reviews of applications and supporting documentation for Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV), Emergency Solutions Grants CARES Act (ESG-CV), HOME Investment Partnerships Programs (HOME), and HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Programs (HOME-ARP)
- Communicating and presenting analyses to management
- Providing grant related technical guidance to internal and external stakeholders
- Provide financial management advice and guidance to PJs regarding tracking, monitoring, and use of grant funds; application of financial statutory and regulatory mandates for grant administration; internal control systems; financial policies; and sound fiscal management practices
- Provide support and assistance to PJs in meeting their local community development, affordable housing, and homeless needs in a comprehensive, consolidated manner
- Facilitate subrecipient monthly provider training and quarterly technical assistance meetings
- Responsible for developing and analyzing program policies, reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of homelessness services policies and procedures, and direct participation in the mission to end homelessness, as well as the impact of pending legislation, regulations, or guidelines regarding assisted housing programs
- Researching new or proposed program policies that potentially impact assisted housing or homeless services policies
- Initiate and provide technical advice (technical assistance), guidance, and interpretation of policies and procedures on homelessness programs to staff, industry stakeholders, and members of the general public
- Responsible for the overall planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating of homeless subrecipients, including Homeless Veteran Shelter Programs and Non-Veteran programming, Homelessness Street Outreach, Rapid-Rehousing, and Prevention programming
- Performs grant monitoring in compliance with federal standards
- Works closely with leadership to ensure all staff are adequately trained
- Monitor grant workflow processes, forms, templates, reports, and data to ensure full compliance with internal controls and federal requirements
- Execution of grants management improvement processes, including development plans and timelines, staff communication, documentation, and training
- Collaborate with Team, Director, and Community Partners on special projects and strategic planning
- Monitor and analyze grantee financials and accomplishment reports in accordance with the grant award requirements to ensure funds are appropriately expended, and service expectations are delivered
- Collaborate with community partners to address issues and needs faced by populations experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness
- Answer citizen and stakeholder requests for services
- Performs coordination of multi-disciplines to facilities services for individuals experiencing homelessness to ensure streamlined communications to address civilian and veteran needs
- Supervision of staff in support of the Program Director
- Serves as team lead charged with producing department-specific deliverables and performing specific tasks on an ongoing basis Analyze the use of homelessness services programs among different geographies and populations, and develop, implement, and evaluate programmatic initiatives to meet the needs efficiently and effectively.
Clinical Director (Contractual)
Planned Care Solutions, Inc.
Royal Oak, MI
02.2022 - Current
- Responsible for clinical oversight of care coordination staff
- Provides clinical supervision to limited licensed social work staff
- Presentations, as requested, to potential partners and stakeholders.
Program Analyst III
The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department
Detroit, MI
02.2022 - 10.2022
- Initiated and provided technical advice, guidance, and interpretation of policies and procedures on homelessness programs to staff, industry stakeholders, and members of the public
- Responsible for developing and analyzing program policies, reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of homelessness services policies and procedures, and direct participation in the mission to end homelessness
- Performed grant monitoring in compliance with federal standards
- Worked closely with leadership to ensure all staff were adequately trained
- Monitored and documented grant monitoring workflow processes, forms, templates, reports, and data to ensure full compliance with internal controls and federal requirements
- Executed grant management improvements, including development plans and timelines, staff communication, documentation, and training
- Assisted with the improvement of the way staff capture, access, and use grant monitoring information to enhance programmatic and operational decision-making
- Collaborated with the Program Team, Director, Stakeholders, and Community Partners on special projects as needed
- Monitored and analyzed grantee financials and accomplishment reports in accordance with the requirements of the grant award to ensure funds were appropriately expended and services delivered
- Collaborated with community partners to address issues and needs faced by populations experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness
- Resolved citizen and stakeholder requests for services
- Facilitated subrecipient monthly provider meetings
- Reviewed and evaluate Request for Proposals and Notice of Funding Availability
- Performed coordination of multiple disciplines to facilitate services for individuals experiencing homelessness and ensure streamlined communications to address civilian and veteran needs
- Designed, analyzed, and executed policies or procedures for homelessness programs that benefit low- and moderate-income persons.
Program Analyst Supervisor (Temporary Administrative Special Services Position, TASS)
The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department
Detroit, MI
10.2021 - 02.2022
- Initiated and provided technical advice, guidance, and interpretation of policies and procedures on homelessness programs to staff, industry stakeholders, and members of the public
- Responsible for developing and analyzing program policies, reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of homelessness services policies and procedures, and direct participation in the mission to end homelessness
- Monitored and analyzed grantee financials and progress reports in accordance with the requirements of the grant award to ensure funds were appropriately expended
- Collaborated with community partners, including housing providers, medical services providers, behavioral health agencies, courts, emergency services providers, benefits resources, and other social service providers
- Established policies and procedures related to homeless services in Detroit
- Collaborate with community members and agencies to address systemic issues and needs faced by populations at risk of experiencing homelessness
- Resolved citizen and stakeholder requests for services
- Facilitated subrecipient monthly provider meetings
- Provided supervision of TASS and temporary staff personnel
- Served as team lead in charge of producing department-specific deliverables and performing specific tasks on an ongoing basis
- Designed, analyzed, and executed policies or procedures for homelessness programs that benefit low- and moderate-income persons.
Program Analyst Supervisor (Temporary Administrative Special Services Position, TASS)
The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department
Detroit, MI
10.2021 - 02.2022
- Initiated and provided technical advice, guidance, and interpretation of policies and procedures on homelessness programs to staff, industry stakeholders, and members of the public
- Responsible for developing and analyzing program policies, reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of homelessness services policies and procedures, and direct participation in the mission to end homelessness
- Monitored and analyzed grantee financials and progress reports in accordance with the requirements of the grant award to ensure funds were appropriately expended
- Collaborated with community partners, including housing providers, medical services providers, behavioral health agencies, courts, emergency services providers, benefits resources, and other social service providers
- Established policies and procedures related to homeless services in Detroit
- Collaborate with community members and agencies to address systemic issues and needs faced by populations at risk of experiencing homelessness
- Resolved citizen and stakeholder requests for services
- Facilitated subrecipient monthly provider meetings
- Provided supervision of TASS and temporary staff personnel
- Served as team lead in charge of producing department-specific deliverables and performing specific tasks on an ongoing basis
- Designed, analyzed, and executed policies or procedures for homelessness programs that benefit low- and moderate-income persons.
Director of Housing and Homeless Services
Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency
Wyandotte, MI
05.2021 - 10.2021
- Developed, implemented, and maintained systems to seek and secure housing, housing-related and supportive services for those experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness, and those marginally housed through direct service and linkage to the more extensive service system
- Programs include Rapid Rehousing, Homeless Prevention, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Housing Choice Vouchers, Emergency Housing Vouchers, Safe Haven, Domestic Violence Rapid Rehousing/ Transitional Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness, and shelter services
- Managed and evaluated outreach and recruitment activities designed to identify clients meeting program specifications and guidelines and to educate the public about services available to people without housing, those at risk of homelessness, and the marginally housed
- Provided oversight of the Out-Wayne Continuum of Care's Coordinated Entry process in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, including but not limited to Housing First and Equal Access
- Assess housing needs, available services, and gaps in the service delivery system
- Developed and maintained relationships with disparate service providers, cultivated opportunities for joint service ventures and identified potential sources of funding for programs, including Veteran Services
- Served as an active member of the Out-Wayne Continuum of Care (CoC) and other relevant organizations that work to implement a coordinated CoC approach to housing-related interventions and services
- Reviewed and monitored Out-Wayne CoC System Performance Measures to identify areas of opportunity and high performance and to develop strategies for improvement
- Remained abreast of funding opportunities and industry trends related to housing and supportive services on the local, state, and federal levels
- Work with agency planning staff to identify new opportunities to pursue in the interest of achieving the agency's mission
- Developed programs to address gaps in the service delivery system and better provide for the needs of low-income residents in the community
- Provided staff support to the Out-Wayne County CoC and other collaborative bodies through coordination of efforts
- Served as an advocate for those experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness, and the marginally housed
- Provided day-to-day supervision and direction to assigned staff, including but not limited to conferring with staff on their work and counseling staff on their selected approaches to accomplishing work goals; serving as a liaison to professional consultants and volunteers; evaluating staff performance; evaluating staff development needs and determining appropriate training or coaching; and resolving staff conflicts
- Worked closely with development staff, private landlords, and partnering agencies, including the Out-Wayne County CoC, in the design and implementation of housing development projects
- Provided property management-related support to Wayne Metro departments and contractual property management organizations
- Coordinated and managed sub-contractual agreements between Wayne-Metro and partner agencies
- Aids in developing contracts, monitoring each partner's performance in meeting objectives outlined in the agreements, having regular communication with partner agencies to ensure efficient program implementation, and recommending changes to such agreements when necessary
- Prepared statistical and narrative programmatic reports for internal agency use and external funding sources in a timely and accurate manner
- Managed the development and implementation of contracts and grants to include program goals, service methods, staffing patterns, implementation design, periodic reviews of activities and progress towards goals, modification of program plans, expenditure of grant funds, reporting to funding sources, and evaluation of activities
- Outlined a strategic restructuring model that was later implemented.
Director of Housing and Homeless Services
Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency
Wyandotte, MI
05.2021 - 10.2021
- Developed, implemented, and maintained systems to seek and secure housing, housing-related and supportive services for those experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness, and those marginally housed through direct service and linkage to the more extensive service system
- Programs include Rapid Rehousing, Homeless Prevention, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Housing Choice Vouchers, Emergency Housing Vouchers, Safe Haven, Domestic Violence Rapid Rehousing/ Transitional Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness, and shelter services
- Managed and evaluated outreach and recruitment activities designed to identify clients meeting program specifications and guidelines and to educate the public about services available to people without housing, those at risk of homelessness, and the marginally housed
- Provided oversight of the Out-Wayne Continuum of Care's Coordinated Entry process in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, including but not limited to Housing First and Equal Access
- Assess housing needs, available services, and gaps in the service delivery system
- Developed and maintained relationships with disparate service providers, cultivated opportunities for joint service ventures and identified potential sources of funding for programs, including Veteran Services
- Served as an active member of the Out-Wayne Continuum of Care (CoC) and other relevant organizations that work to implement a coordinated CoC approach to housing-related interventions and services
- Reviewed and monitored Out-Wayne CoC System Performance Measures to identify areas of opportunity and high performance and to develop strategies for improvement
- Remained abreast of funding opportunities and industry trends related to housing and supportive services on the local, state, and federal levels
- Work with agency planning staff to identify new opportunities to pursue in the interest of achieving the agency's mission
- Developed programs to address gaps in the service delivery system and better provide for the needs of low-income residents in the community
- Provided staff support to the Out-Wayne County CoC and other collaborative bodies through coordination of efforts
- Served as an advocate for those experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness, and the marginally housed
- Provided day-to-day supervision and direction to assigned staff, including but not limited to conferring with staff on their work and counseling staff on their selected approaches to accomplishing work goals; serving as a liaison to professional consultants and volunteers; evaluating staff performance; evaluating staff development needs and determining appropriate training or coaching; and resolving staff conflicts
- Worked closely with development staff, private landlords, and partnering agencies, including the Out-Wayne County CoC, in the design and implementation of housing development projects
- Provided property management-related support to Wayne Metro departments and contractual property management organizations
- Coordinated and managed sub-contractual agreements between Wayne-Metro and partner agencies
- Aids in developing contracts, monitoring each partner's performance in meeting objectives outlined in the agreements, having regular communication with partner agencies to ensure efficient program implementation, and recommending changes to such agreements when necessary
- Prepared statistical and narrative programmatic reports for internal agency use and external funding sources in a timely and accurate manner
- Managed the development and implementation of contracts and grants to include program goals, service methods, staffing patterns, implementation design, periodic reviews of activities and progress towards goals, modification of program plans, expenditure of grant funds, reporting to funding sources, and evaluation of activities
- Outlined a strategic restructuring model that was later implemented.
Director of Housing and Homeless Services
Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency
Wyandotte, MI
05.2021 - 10.2021
Program Analyst Supervisor (TASS)
The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department
Detroit, MI
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Initiated and provided technical advice, guidance, and interpretation of policies and procedures on homelessness programs to staff, industry stakeholders, and members of the general public
- Responded to and resolved citizen and stakeholder requests for coordination of street outreach services
- Reported to management on asset utilization and audit results and recommended changes in operations and financial activities
- Analyzed and evaluated the effectiveness of program operations in meeting established benchmarks and spending requirements for federal funds, including Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); programs such as Street Outreach, Shelter, and Day Center programming
- Reviewed, analyzed, and evaluated Request for Proposals
- Monitored and interpreted grantee financials and progress reports in accordance with the requirements of the grant award to ensure funds were adequately expended
- Facilitated care coordination meetings to ensure appropriate service delivery
- Collaborated closely with community partners, including housing providers, medical services providers, behavioral health agencies, courts, emergency services providers, benefits resources, and other social service providers
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills to set priorities and follow complex action plans to meet project goals
- Established policies and procedures related to homeless outreach programming
- Collaborated with community members and agencies to address systemic issues and needs faced by populations at risk of experiencing homelessness
- Designing, analyzing, or executing policies or procedures for homelessness programs that benefit low and moderate-income persons.
Program Analyst Supervisor (TASS)
The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department
Detroit, MI
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Initiated and provided technical advice, guidance, and interpretation of policies and procedures on homelessness programs to staff, industry stakeholders, and members of the general public
- Responded to and resolved citizen and stakeholder requests for coordination of street outreach services
- Reported to management on asset utilization and audit results and recommended changes in operations and financial activities
- Analyzed and evaluated the effectiveness of program operations in meeting established benchmarks and spending requirements for federal funds, including Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); programs such as Street Outreach, Shelter, and Day Center programming
- Reviewed, analyzed, and evaluated Request for Proposals
- Monitored and interpreted grantee financials and progress reports in accordance with the requirements of the grant award to ensure funds were adequately expended
- Facilitated care coordination meetings to ensure appropriate service delivery
- Collaborated closely with community partners, including housing providers, medical services providers, behavioral health agencies, courts, emergency services providers, benefits resources, and other social service providers
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills to set priorities and follow complex action plans to meet project goals
- Established policies and procedures related to homeless outreach programming
- Collaborated with community members and agencies to address systemic issues and needs faced by populations at risk of experiencing homelessness
- Designing, analyzing, or executing policies or procedures for homelessness programs that benefit low and moderate-income persons.
Education
Master of Social Work - Clinical Social Work
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI05-2017
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI05-2006
Doctor of Social Work - Clinical
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KYSkills
- Trauma Informed Care
- Strength-Based Approach
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Person-Centered Individualized Planning
- Assessment/Evaluations
- Crisis Intervention
Affiliations
- National Association of Social Workers
- Michigan Association of Social Workers
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Specialinitiativescommittees
- Detroit Taskforce on Homelessness (2018)
- Southwest Counseling Solutions Wellness Committee (2016 – 2018)
- Southwest Counseling Solutions Strategic Planning Committee (2013)
- Performance and Evaluation Data Committee (2022 to Present)
Clinicalstrengths
- Trauma Informed Care
- Strength-Based Approach
- Motivational Interviewing
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Person-Centered Individualized Planning
- Assessment/Evaluations
- Crisis Intervention
Presentations
- Grand Rounds, 11/04/22, Saginaw VA Medical Center, Saginaw, MI, “Health and Housing” Housing as a Social Determinant of Health, Central Michigan University – School of Medicine
- Mental Health Bootcamp, 05/2023 - Ongoing, Open to the community, Stress management, mind-body interventions, compassion/empathy fatigue, grief and loss, moral distress, burnout prevention, trauma-informed care, and positive psychology
- Reset- Wellness Sessions, 07/2023 - Ongoing, Open to the community, Emotional health and well-being concerns
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), State of Michigan, License Number 6801112064
Timeline
Program Analyst IV (Supervisory Support)
The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department
10.2022 - Current
Clinical Director (Contractual)
Planned Care Solutions, Inc.
02.2022 - Current
Program Analyst III
The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department
02.2022 - 10.2022
Program Analyst Supervisor (Temporary Administrative Special Services Position, TASS)
The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department
10.2021 - 02.2022
Program Analyst Supervisor (Temporary Administrative Special Services Position, TASS)
The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department
10.2021 - 02.2022
Director of Housing and Homeless Services
Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency
05.2021 - 10.2021
Director of Housing and Homeless Services
Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency
05.2021 - 10.2021
Director of Housing and Homeless Services
Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency
05.2021 - 10.2021
Program Analyst Supervisor (TASS)
The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department
09.2020 - 05.2021
Program Analyst Supervisor (TASS)
The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department
09.2020 - 05.2021
Master of Social Work - Clinical Social Work
Wayne State University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Wayne State University
Doctor of Social Work - Clinical
University of Kentucky
Similar Profiles
Nicole ToliverNicole Toliver
Outreach Worker – Homelessness Prevention Services at City of Detroit Housing and RevitalizationOutreach Worker – Homelessness Prevention Services at City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization
Amber TerryAmber Terry
Transportation Equipment Operator at City of Detroit Department of TransportationTransportation Equipment Operator at City of Detroit Department of Transportation
Tony R. GreenTony R. Green
Senior Transportation Service Inspector at City of Detroit – Department of Transportation (DDOT)Senior Transportation Service Inspector at City of Detroit – Department of Transportation (DDOT)
David BeuthinDavid Beuthin
Production Coordinator / Manager at The Crofoot PresentsProduction Coordinator / Manager at The Crofoot Presents
Christy AsheChristy Ashe
Administrative Assistant at Minute Man ServicesAdministrative Assistant at Minute Man Services