Melanie Mcelhiney
Social Worker
Nashville,TN
Summary
To utilize my skills and abilities in order to aid others in reaching their full life potential. Bring twenty two years of advocacy experience in domestic violence and with families in the school system who are unhoused. Creative, enthusiastic and passionate about building trust and rapport with families through non-judgmental approach, patient demeanor and compassionate interpersonal skills. Skillful in accessing needs, referring or working with school staff or other agencies to meet those needs.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
HERO Program Assistant
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
03.2006 - Current
- Advocate for and defend the rights of families in transition in the Metro School system
- Aid parents in unconventional ways in meeting the educational needs of their children despite their living situation
- Listen to, encourage and reassure parents in desperate situations
- Collaborate with schools, other programs in the school system and outside agencies to link parents to support systems
- Work with the Transportation Department to arrange transportation for students in transition and follow up with them to solve any issues until it begins.
- Served as a liaison between the school, family, and community agencies to ensure effective communication and collaboration around student needs.
- Connected families with community resources to address needs such as housing, healthcare, and financial assistance.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Trained and guided teachers on how to identify and support students.
- Supported students, teachers and families during crisis situations.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Children’s Advocate at the YW Domestic Violence
YWCA of Nashville
10.2001 - 04.2005
- Offered individual and group support to victims of domestic violence and their children by addressing the effects and dynamics of family violence
- Answered the crisis line and aided victims in getting into shelter and safety planning
- Attended to immediate needs of women and families living in shelter.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Lead individualized and group counseling sessions with children and families.
- Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
Youth Alive & Free Counselor
The Alcohol and Drug Council of Middle Tennessee
01.1993 - 01.2001
- Offered individual and group support to students in local middle and high schools dealing with multiple life issues including their own use of alcohol and drugs or that of a family member
- Collaborated with school staff to support students in crisis situations
- Provided educational opportunities for prevention.
Physical Education Assistant and Substitute Teacher
Davidson County Schools
01.1992 - 01.1993
- Taught physical education to students in elementary school
- Taught children in the classroom in elementary and middle school
- Worked with staff from multiple schools.
Education
B.S. - Social Work
David Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN 01.1986 - 05.1991
Timeline
HERO Program Assistant
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
03.2006 - Current
Children’s Advocate at the YW Domestic Violence
YWCA of Nashville
10.2001 - 04.2005
Youth Alive & Free Counselor
The Alcohol and Drug Council of Middle Tennessee
01.1993 - 01.2001
Physical Education Assistant and Substitute Teacher
Davidson County Schools
01.1992 - 01.1993
B.S. - Social Work
David Lipscomb University
01.1986 - 05.1991