MELISA MO CLEVELAND
Eugene,OR
Summary
Dynamic and analytical policy professional with extensive experience in reviewing regulations, legislation, and policies. Expertise in crafting well-reasoned and detailed opinions for key initiatives, complemented by exceptional writing, presentation, and public speaking skills that effectively communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences. A keen appreciation for varying levels of comprehension ensures strategic stakeholders remain engaged and informed about policy changes and revisions. Committed to driving positive change through strategic advocacy and informed decision-making that is human-centered, culturally responsive, and inclusive, with a strong investment in the mission of the Oregon Health Authority to create an equity-focused health system for all Oregonians.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations and Policy Analyst 3
Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC)
07.2023 - Current
- Examines and evaluates policy, rule, and data to determine appropriate child care performance measures.
- Evaluates multi-sourced data to identify gaps in available child care options, availability, quality of care, and accessibility, including accessibility by underserved, diverse populations.
- Develops and recommends modifications or new policy and rules used to help close those gaps and integrate best practices throughout the Early Learning Division, including implementation strategies that reduce risk.
- Serves as the lead for developing and applying new data analysis methodologies to understand the impact of existing, proposed, and new statutes, rules, policies and procedures on the current child care system.
- Develop new data analysis methodologies and detailed plans, goals, and objectives to understand progress made in achieving short-term, intermediate, and long-term goals and outcomes of the administration of OCC and related ELD programs.
- Evaluate existing child care program guidelines and operational processes to identify internal and external service delivery issues. Develops remedies, such as ensuring appropriate staffing and oversight is in place to meet demands, or successful operational practices are recommended and implemented.
- Evaluate findings and recommend policy and operational changes
- Develop collaborative relationships with various workgroups to understand the origin of their data, the consequences of measurements, and what / how particular data collection can help improve quality and performance.
- Using data analysis, report on findings and trends to appropriate internal and external workgroups and facilitate discussions to develop next steps.
- Lead and facilitate planning meetings with cross -functional and interdisciplinary teams to arrive at organizational improvements.
- Guide managers in methods of formulating performance measures and evaluating data not already identified through data development processes.
Operations and Policy Analyst 3
Oregon Department of Human Service (ODHS)
06.2021 - 07.2023
- Examines and evaluates policy, rule, and data to determine appropriate child care performance measures.
- Evaluates multi-sourced data to identify gaps in available child care options, availability, quality of care, and accessibility, including accessibility by underserved, diverse populations.
- Develops and recommends modifications or new policy and rules used to help close those gaps and integrate best practices throughout the Early Learning Division, including implementation strategies that reduce risk.
- Serves as the lead for developing and applying new data analysis methodologies to understand the impact of existing, proposed, and new statutes, rules, policies and procedures on the current child care system.
- Evaluate existing child care program guidelines and operational processes to identify internal and external service delivery issues. Develops remedies, such as ensuring appropriate staffing and oversight is in place to meet demands, or successful operational practices are recommended and implemented.
- Develop collaborative relationships with various workgroups to understand the origin of their data, the consequences of measurements, and what / how particular data collection can help improve quality and performance.
- Using data analysis, report on findings and trends to appropriate internal and external workgroups and facilitate discussions to develop next steps.
- Lead and facilitate planning meetings with cross -functional and interdisciplinary teams to arrive at organizational improvements.
- Guide managers in methods of formulating performance measures and evaluating data not already identified through data development processes.
Training and Development Specialist 1
Oregon Department of Human Services Self Sufficiency Training Unit
09.2019 - 06.2021
- Integrated ONE system trainer in all program areas: SNAP, ERDC, TANF, TA-DVS, Magi and NON-MAGI
- Assist in developing complex instructional training objectives.
- Design simple or participate with higher-level specialists to design complex training materials, handouts, lesson plans and audiovisual presentation materials.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of training curriculum. Adapt pre-designed training to meet instructional objectives.
- Deliver training to State employees or community partners. Coach and give constructive comments and advice to trainees on skill performance.
- Conduct workshops on the job or provide work-site training for employees, community partners, and other governmental jurisdictions.
- Plan scheduling of training courses and arrange for training rooms and equipment. Improve instructional materials, lesson plans, handouts, or demonstrations.
- Deliver training designed or approved by regulatory and accreditation agencies. Prepare materials based on clearly defined regulatory guidelines.
- Write basic curriculum training objectives or program training. Assist in the design of job training and core skill-building programs.
- Evaluate trainee achievement of learning objectives.
- Evaluate curriculum for improvements or determine whether there is a need for new training. Based on evaluation, improve training materials or delivery methods.
- Analyze results of training.
- Evaluate training effectiveness by monitoring job performance or soliciting input from managers on employee training-related job performance.
Human Services Specialist 3-Eligibility Worker
Oregon Department of Human Services
Portland, Oregon
11.2013 - 09.2019
- Interviews applicants to obtain information to determine eligibility for Self Sufficiency benefits, i.e., Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), TANF, and Employment Related Day Care. Provide referrals to community resources as needed. Discuss and reinforce the agency's mission, emphasizing that agency services are intended to be a temporary solution to stabilize families while working toward individual self-sufficiency.
- Review application and supporting documents. Inquiries of individuals and families to elicit information to verify and/or support application. Clarifies incomplete or unclear information/documentation. Explains rules, regulations, procedures, and responsibilities to individuals and families. Informs applicant of additional documentation needed, where appropriate. Contacts collateral sources as needed to confirm information.
- Applies guidelines to decide eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), TANF, ERDC, and other DHS programs. Computes amount of benefits and completes narratives and documents necessary to issue benefits to explain reasons for eligibility. Writes narrative report summarizing interview with family and collateral sources, and reasons for case actions.
- Requests documentation from clients to recertify eligibility as mandated by program rules and ensures timely issuance of benefits.
- Provides assistance in obtaining child support through client interviewing, collection of child support information, and referral to Division of Child Support.
- Provides benefit transfer services in out-stationed settings, such as schools and community-based organizations, if assigned.
- Consistently treats families served, stakeholders, partners, and co-workers with dignity and respect.
- Represents the agency, if assigned, in court actions requiring testimony about participants involved in legal actions.
- Models a positive attitude regarding diversity. Communicates the importance of diversity to the public when appropriate.
- Maintains up-to-date information on-line to provide cash payments, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), OFSET information, and medical identification cards on a timely manner.
Escrow Support Associate
First American Title
Portland, Oregon
12.2012 - 10.2013
- Created and utilized multiple excel spreadsheets for file tracking
- Researched and reviewed files and implemented appropriate corrective action
- Maintained and developed internal and external customer contact
- Edited, created and recorded reconveyance documents per Oregon state statutes
- Follow complex titling procedures pertaining to close of escrow and title
- Prepare Reconveyance, Release Reconveyance, Satisfaction of Mortgage
- Prepare Appointment and Indemnity documents
- Weekly fee deposits
- Developed new and repeat business with banks, brokers and agents
- Managed fee transfers to assure proper department crediting
- Developed new business processes to address changing departmental needs
- Performed departmental duties under very strict time restraints, often changing tasks frequently
- Processed high volume paperwork/data entry
- Maintained regulatory, internal and customer service standards
Education
Associate of General Studies -
Portland Community College
Portland, Oregon06.2012
Skills
- Numerical assessment
- Policy analysis
- Qualitative evaluation
- Legislative analysis skills
- Cross-functional partnership development and inter-agency collaboration
- Contract management across diverse funding sources, managing inter agency agreements and contract compliance analysis
- Compliance management
Timeline
Operations and Policy Analyst 3
Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC)
07.2023 - Current
Operations and Policy Analyst 3
Oregon Department of Human Service (ODHS)
06.2021 - 07.2023
Training and Development Specialist 1
Oregon Department of Human Services Self Sufficiency Training Unit
09.2019 - 06.2021
Human Services Specialist 3-Eligibility Worker
Oregon Department of Human Services
11.2013 - 09.2019
Escrow Support Associate
First American Title
12.2012 - 10.2013
Associate of General Studies -
Portland Community College