Karmelia Brown
Faunsdale,USA
Summary
Social work professional with extensive experience in child welfare and working with diverse client populations, including children and older adults with complex needs. Proven problem-solving abilities and strong skills in listening and interviewing. Expertise in addressing issues related to dual diagnoses and various mental health disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Recognized for being responsible, tactful, and dependable in all interactions.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Eligibility Specialist
Alabama Department of Mental Health
Tuscaloosa, AL
01.2023 - Current
- Review application documentation for appropriateness for ADMH Autism Services, referring to Third Party Reviewer as needed.
- Schedule and conduct initial Psychosocial, to include partial CANS assessment for level determination.
- Conduct Medicaid eligibility check monthly until recipient is referred to services or receives denial of services.
- Complete Prior Authorization request for TCM.
- Update electronic record with demographic and other collected information and complete notes to document interaction with individual and services conducted.
- Maintain timelines in accordance with ADMH Autism Services rules and manuals.
- Coordinate with appropriate parties in complex care situations that may involve DHR, divorce situations, and/or multiple individuals in one family seeking services.
- Supervise Intake Specialist.
- Sits on the Diagnostic & Health Subcommittee that consists of team members from different entities and professions to include discussions about diagnostics, insurances, and any other pressing topics decided on by the team.
Autism Services Intake Specialist
Alabama Department of Mental Health
Tuscaloosa, AL
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Served as the point of contact for entry into Autism Services for Alabama Department of Mental Health (67 counties).
- Responded to requests and inquiries for Autism Services so that information is provided regarding program requirements as evidenced by documenting into the electronic system.
- Communicated effectively with potential clients and assists them with gathering appropriate and required documentation from other agencies, collects application material, and perform initial review of reports from several agencies to include screening and assessments tools.
- Also, sits on the Diagnostic & Health Subcommittee that consists of team members from different entities and professions to include discussions about diagnostics, insurances, and any other pressing topics decided on by the team.
Access to Care Coordinator
West Alabama Mental Health Center
Demopolis, AL
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Screened requests for services to determine the problem, assess risk level and prioritize the needs of the individual.
- Provided crisis intervention and resolution, including symptomatic relief, des-escalation or resolution of the situation, and referrals to appropriate services when indicated.
- Scheduled intakes and readmits for mentally ill and substance abuse consumers in the M-10 catchment area (Hale, Marengo, Sumter, Choctaw, and Greene).
- Assisted with needed follow up services regarding consumer well-being.
- Supervised the Benefits Specialist.
- Acted as Standing Emergency Service Coordinator for two years where I created a schedule, provided feedback in emergency situations, and provided trainings to staff.
- Sat on the Performance Improvement Committee (PIC).
- Also, was the field placement supervisor for BSW and MSW interns through the Field Instructor Training program at the University of Alabama.
PRN Discharge Planner
Vaughn Regional Medical Center
Selma, AL
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Was responsible for the implementation of discharging patients’ home with needed services such as home health, rehab, hospice, waiver services or transportation.
- Worked closely with doctors in executing a plan to get the patient discharged home safely and with the needed service or equipment they needed.
- Also, evaluated those with serious mental health issues and coordinated transfers to inpatient psychiatric units for those entering the emergency department.
Case Manager
Dallas County Department of Human Resource
Selma, AL
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Primary duty was investigating child abuse and neglect cases but worked in different areas at the agency.
- Attended court on some of the cases if petitions and pick-up orders were filed.
- Conducted a home visit on each case.
- Assisted with financial assistance for others besides the clients I served that consisted of paying utility bills when FEMA and other funds became available.
- Assisted with back-up intake which entails taking a report on child abuse and neglect cases.
- When first employed with the agency worked in the foster care unit for about 7 months before being placed in the child abuse and neglect unit.
Patient First/Plan First Coordinator
Alabama Department of Public Health
Camden, AL
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Worked with teenagers and adults with full-Medicaid services.
- Worked in the Patient First Program and did back up for the Plan First Program.
- Provided counseling and resources as needed.
- Kept track of appointments for each patient and sent reminders.
- Scheduled needed medical appointments for patients on a needed basis.
- Advocated for patients on the behalf of services needed.
- Also, conducted home visits when necessary.
Social Worker/Case Manager
Jefferson County DHR
Birmingham, AL
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Investigated child abuse and neglect cases.
- Advocated for families to receive needed services.
- Conducted assessments on each case in a timely manner.
- Assisted other colleagues when needed.
- Attended court on cases with reports.
- Conducted home visits on each family.
Education
Master of Social Work Degree -
Alabama A& M University
Normal, Alabama05-2005
Bachelor of Social Work Degree -
Miles College
Birmingham, Alabama05-2004
Skills
- Social work expertise
- Supervision of staff
- Care coordination
- Prior authorization processing
- Crisis intervention
- Client advocacy
- Resource allocation
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Record keeping
- Time management
- Applicant engagement
- Eligibility procedures
- Confidentiality
- Telephone etiquette
- Interpersonal communication
- Resourcefulness
- Application assessments
- Critical thinking skills
- Eligibility review
Certification
Licensed Master Social Worker, 6256G
Affiliations
Serves as Vice President of Alpha Beta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where I oversee all chapter programs. January 2023-December 31, 2025.
Voted Chapter President Elect to serve term 2026-2028.
Voted Chapter President Elect to serve term 2026-2028.
Timeline
Eligibility Specialist
Alabama Department of Mental Health
01.2023 - Current
Autism Services Intake Specialist
Alabama Department of Mental Health
01.2019 - 01.2023
Access to Care Coordinator
West Alabama Mental Health Center
01.2015 - 01.2019
PRN Discharge Planner
Vaughn Regional Medical Center
01.2014 - 01.2016
Case Manager
Dallas County Department of Human Resource
01.2010 - 01.2014
Patient First/Plan First Coordinator
Alabama Department of Public Health
01.2008 - 01.2009
Social Worker/Case Manager
Jefferson County DHR
01.2005 - 01.2007
Master of Social Work Degree -
Alabama A& M University
Bachelor of Social Work Degree -
Miles College