Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
Generic

Marlys O'Connell

Granite Falls,MN

Summary

Experienced and proactive Social Worker enthusiastic and passionate about helping those in need and taking on new challenges. Successful at collaborating with community resources to provide healthy and safe conditions to individuals facing life challenges. Strategic planner and clear communicator with an adaptable approach. In-depth understanding of implementing Federal and State regulated systems.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Rehabilitation Representative

State of MN/DEED
St Paul, MN
05.2023 - 05.2025
  • Provide an orientation to interested applicants regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program. Conduct preliminary diagnostic interview with applicants so that individuals can make an informed choice regarding applying for services.
  • Determine eligibility and priority for services by substantiating the applicant's needs for specialized services beyond what is available to the general public.
  • Complete an assessment of vocational rehabilitation needs through a review of medical, psychological, and therapy documentation to develop an appropriate job goal consistent with the individual's unique strengths, resources, priorities, abilities, capabilities, and career interests.
  • Provide guidance toward formulating an appropriate vocational goal and the development of an individual employment plan.
  • Assist participants with the implementation and follow through of their Individual Plan of Employment.
  • Identify pre-employment transition services necessary for youth to move forward with their individualized employment goals.
  • Provide effective case management, including building a safe and healthy repour with individual and family members, timely case notes, collaboration with providers, and connection to outside resources.
  • Present and collaborate with schools and county agencies to provide Vocational Rehabilitation information, E1MN updates and information along with presentations to students regarding Vocational Rehabilitation Services and opportunities.

Developmental Disabilities Program Manager

Southeast Human Service Center/State of ND
Fargo, ND
08.2009 - 01.2023
  • Case management of 60+ individuals (ages 16 and up) with developmental disabilities/mental illness serving individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Connect individuals to appropriate supports and services including residential (home and community based; ICF; MSP-PC) and vocational services and/or family support services as well as other community related resources and services.
  • Monitor, promote and advocate for standards of quality and goals of individuals
  • Develop, monitor and evaluate implementation of individual Person Centered plans in a timely manner to ensure Federal and State compliance.
  • Collaboration and oversight of vocational entities and work sites to ensure employment goals and opportunities are met.
  • Quarterly individual site visits along with guardian contact to review and ensure services remain appropriate.
  • Referral and collaboration with specialized services (Psychiatry, psychology, behavioral analyst, etc) to ensure health and safety is being met.
  • Complete intakes, assessments and documentation.
  • Documentation, assessments, pre authorizations and verify payment systems are in place through Therap and MMIS.

Vocational Case Manager/Activity Therapist

Southeast Human Service Center/ State of ND
Fargo, ND
08.2007 - 07.2009
  • Vocational Case management of individuals (ages 16 and up) with developmental disabilities/mental illness serving individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Performed assessments to determine individual interests, strengths and limitations.
  • Connected individuals with relevant community resources and coordinated referrals.
  • Identified strengths and needs for prevocational training objectives and job placement opportunities.
  • Assisted clients with enhancing skills in areas such as job searching, interviewing and business and personal etiquette.
  • Established long and short-term goals for vocational services to encourage individual progress.
  • Collaborated with various providers, psychiatrists, and behavioral professionals to plan rehabilitation programs.
  • Collaborated with community businesses for employment opportunities.
  • Completion of required ND State DD Modules.

Cognitive Rehab Social Worker

Unlimited Care Inc
Brewster, NY
01.2005 - 06.2007
  • Developed and coordinated the Individual/Revised Service Plan individualized to the diversity of each client, at times, including cultural methods into the plan.
  • Monitored, assessed and kept meticulous records of patient treatment plans.
  • Collaborated with community specialists (psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, doctors, PT/OT, etc) for continued restorative services.
  • Assisted individuals with eligibility for available benefits.
  • Conducted regular home visits to review and monitor care plans based on clients' needs and program requirements.
  • Connected clients to services in need of therapy for trauma awareness and resilience building.
  • Networked with NY Dept of Health to access appropriate funding and ensure the regulation of all State and Federal guidelines.
  • Hired, trained and supervised TBI support staff.

Child Protection Specialist

Clay County Social Services
Moorhead, MN
07.2003 - 10.2004
  • Participated in the screening of Child protection reports to determine if an investigation was warranted according to MN statutes of child abuse/neglect or child welfare.
  • Developed and analyzed client needs and service plans, conducted assessments using proven tools and helped families set goals for improvement.
  • Identified appropriate community resources and provided referrals for services.
  • Worked with court system and child welfare agencies to coordinate support services.
  • Supervised visits between children and parents at various sites by setting up age-appropriate activities and maintaining safety of participants.
  • Wrote court petitions and emergency orders of custody for children in need of protection.
  • Evaluated and monitored foster families to ensure a safe and healthy placement.
  • Participated in 24 hour "on call" process entailing receiving and responding to law enforcement or other agencies regarding Child Protection/Child Welfare issues.

MFIP Social Worker

Clay County Social Services
Moorhead, MN
02.2002 - 07.2003
  • Accessed barriers preventing self sufficiency from government funding and programs
  • Implemented social service interventions to achieve treatment goals and address client needs.
  • Made appropriate referrals within the community for housing, mental health, domestic violence and other needed resources.
  • Educated clients on community resources, benefits and coverage.
  • Identified and addressed financial and emotional barriers to self sufficiency
  • Assisted clients with the Social Security Application process
  • Developed individual plan towards self sufficiency and success.
  • Coordinated and facilitated face to face meetings
  • Networked with necessary community outreach programs

Financial Worker

Clay County Social Services
Moorhead, MN
02.2000 - 02.2002
  • Assessed and determined potential financial/medical benefits.
  • Advocated for the needs of clients
  • Networked with necessary agencies
  • Ongoing case management and yearly redetermination of benefits.

Case Coordinator/Supervisor

Access Inc
Moorhead, MN
04.1998 - 01.1999
  • Coordinated and provided behavioral services for children with special needs.
  • Developed and Implemented Behavioral Modification Therapy.
  • Provided case management services.
  • Conducted "wrap around" services with parents and service providers.
  • Trained and supervised case aides.
  • Successfully wrote grants.

Education

Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work

Moorhead State University
Moorhead MN
12.1998

Associate of Arts -

Ulster County Community College
Stone Ridge, NY
05.1993

Timeline

Rehabilitation Representative

State of MN/DEED
05.2023 - 05.2025

Developmental Disabilities Program Manager

Southeast Human Service Center/State of ND
08.2009 - 01.2023

Vocational Case Manager/Activity Therapist

Southeast Human Service Center/ State of ND
08.2007 - 07.2009

Cognitive Rehab Social Worker

Unlimited Care Inc
01.2005 - 06.2007

Child Protection Specialist

Clay County Social Services
07.2003 - 10.2004

MFIP Social Worker

Clay County Social Services
02.2002 - 07.2003

Financial Worker

Clay County Social Services
02.2000 - 02.2002

Case Coordinator/Supervisor

Access Inc
04.1998 - 01.1999

Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work

Moorhead State University

Associate of Arts -

Ulster County Community College

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