MELISSA ANDERSON
FORT WAYNE,IN
Summary
Compassionate and results‑driven Behavior Consultant and Social Worker with 14+ years of combined experience in school‑based support, medical and hospice case management, career counseling, and addictions peer recovery services. Skilled in conducting behavioral assessments, developing individualized intervention plans, and coordinating comprehensive care across interdisciplinary teams. Adept at recognizing student and family needs, implementing evidence‑based behavior strategies, and fostering positive communication between schools, families, and community partners. Demonstrates a strong understanding of social work ethics, trauma‑informed practices, and culturally sensitive support. Passionate about building student resilience, improving social‑emotional functioning, and connecting individuals to community and educational resources. Known for developing and facilitating programs that enhance overall mental health, behavioral stability, and academic success.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavior Consultant
Positive Expressions
Portsmouth, VA
12.2023 - Current
Behavioral Assessments
- Conducted comprehensive behavioral assessments including Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), Preference Assessments, and Skills Assessments to identify behavioral patterns and underlying functions.
- Utilized standardized tools such as Vineland‑3, ABLLS‑R, AFLS, and FAST to gather data on adaptive behavior, skill deficits, and support needs.
- Completed environmental assessments to evaluate sensory triggers, trauma‑related responses, and environmental factors impacting behavior.
- Analyzed quantitative and qualitative data to develop individualized behavior intervention plans tailored to client needs.
- Developed individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSP/BIP) focused on skill building, communication development, coping strategies, and reduction of maladaptive behaviors.
- Implemented evidence‑based interventions including ABA principles, CBT‑informed strategies, trauma‑informed care, and sensory‑based supports.
- Taught clients self‑regulation techniques such as grounding strategies, mindfulness exercises, and distress‑tolerance skills.
- Designed and monitored reinforcement systems, visual supports, and structured routines to promote independence and consistency.
- Provided crisis intervention and de‑escalation strategies using relationship‑based and least‑restrictive practices.
- Collaborated with school teams to support development and refinement of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Provided behavioral data, progress updates, and recommendations during case conferences and interdisciplinary meetings.
- Assisted teachers with classroom behavior management strategies, visual schedules, sensory supports, and modifications.
- Developed targeted social‑emotional and communication goals aligned with educational expectations and student abilities.
- Coordinated with community organizations to connect clients with therapeutic, educational, recreational, and vocational supports.
- Assisted families in navigating waiver services, agency supports, and state-funded resources to enhance quality of life.
- Partnered with community providers to create safe and successful transitions into public spaces, employment settings, and social environments.
- Facilitated training for caregivers, staff, and providers on client‑specific behavior strategies and best practices.
- Delivered family training sessions focused on reinforcing skills, managing challenging behaviors, and promoting positive communication.
- Provided parent coaching on implementing behavior strategies consistently across home and community settings.
- Collaborated with families to identify barriers to daily living skills and develop personalized routines and visual supports.
- Offered emotional support, education, and problem‑solving guidance to families navigating behavioral or developmental challenges.
- Encouraged family participation in goal‑setting to promote meaningful engagement and treatment success.
Hospice Social Service Coordinator
Transitions Hospice
Fort Wayne, IN
07.2022 - 03.2024
- Assisted clients in accessing services and benefits by providing education and information about community resources, successfully assisting over 75 clients in acquiring needed aid.
- Cultivated positive, trusting relationships with clients and community providers to promote effective coordination of resources.
- Gathered information from mental and physical health records.
- Conducted sociocultural and social emotional assessments to development individualized plans of care specific to patient's physical/mental health diagnosis and social needs.
- Provided group and individual grief and bereavement counseling to identify, discuss and address concerns.
- Coordinated with social, public and welfare agencies to obtain and provide client information.
- Visited homes and agencies to provide support and case management services to clients.
- Provided psychosocial services to terminally-ill patients and their families.
- Assisted interdisciplinary team members with the implementation of Plan of Care provisions to meet patient and family needs, to include: social service goals for alleviating problems, problem solving, community referrals for resources, community and team referrals for pre-bereavement and bereavement care.
- Provided advanced directives and end of life planning education to patients and families.
Clinical Practice
INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, MSW Student
05.2021 - 08.2022
- Followed school and classroom policies, regulations, dress codes and schedules
- Led group projects involving DSM-V case studies and class presentation
- Conducted mock mental status exams
- Utilized interdisciplinary collaboration techniques in assessing Depressive Disorder
- Conducted suicide risk assessments and created treatment and safety plans
- Studied applied Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and applied knowledge base in assessing trauma in clients
- Administered Clinical PTSD Assessments
- Studied and applied Trauma-informed care to clinical practice
- Conducted and scored Mini-cog and SLUMS assessments
- Studied Neurocognitive Disorders
- Studied Co-occurring and differential disorders and applied knowledge to various clinical case studies
- Researched, assessed, and applied various social work theories such as Social Learning, Systems, Psychosocial Development, Psychodynamic, Social Exchange, Rational Choice, Person-In-Environment, Trauma-informed, Relational, and Transpersonal theories
- Reviewed and applied various therapy models/approaches such as cognitive behavior, therapy, narrative therapy, crisis intervention model, problem-solving model, solution-focused model, and task-centered practice to clinical practice at individual and group levels
- Courses completed: Mental Health & Psychopathology, Advanced Interpersonal Practice, Advanced Practice with Families and Groups, Research Proposal I& II, Leadership, Administration, and Supervision, Advanced Field Placement & Seminar I, II, and & III.
Social Work Intern
PORTSMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS, MSW School
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Facilitated mental health skill building groups for preschool, middle, and high school students (over 50 sessions total)
- Maintained regular contact with clients by calling, holding video-conferences, and visiting clients' homes
- Designed assessment plans for students with specific needs to streamline IEP or behavioral plan processes
- Assisted in development of IEPs for students with special needs and advocated for comprehensive teaching methods
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs
- Identified at-risk students, created detailed plans for specialized education and behavioral skills and communicated plans with parents and school staff
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records
- Performed culturally responsive casework services with students and families to address student's behavioral, academic, mental health and social concerns negatively impacting academic or school success
- Conducted over sociocultural assessments with individuals and families to assess needs, gather background information, and provide informational resources
- Collaborated with community program leaders and advocates to make resources accessible to those in need
- Completed home welfare checks to align with state and program guidelines
- Reported child abuse in accordance with legal standards of mandatory reporters
- Participated in and presented sociocultural reports in over 50 Special Education Eligibility meetings to determine students' need for services
- Submitted and presented comprehensive socio-cultural assessment reports that address reason for referral and include appropriate recommendations
- Provided crisis intervention and outreach to students, parents, and school staff
- Served as liaison and fostered partnerships between student, home, school, private counseling facilities, and community resources such as social services, court services, and family service agencies that mutually supported advancement, success and well-being of students
- Developed career building activities for students and adult education clients
- Successfully completed over 550 clinical practicum hours
- Evaluated risk to client or others by gathering information and conducting assessments
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence
- Addressed behavioral and emotional needs of students through activities and interventions, increasing student socialization, interpersonal and social skills
- Completed intakes and assessments on clients to determine needs and eligibility for services and public benefits
- Provided case management for over 50 clients.
Bachelor of Social Work Intern
COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Offered community resource guidance to clients to meet family needs for assistance
- Conducted outreach to local referral sources to build strong partnerships for supportive services
- Performed client screenings and accurately recorded data in case files to facilitate clinical case coordination services and case management duties
- Completed client intake assessments to determine need and necessity under the supervision of a licensed social worker
- Organized and secured case records and reports to maintain confidentiality of client treatment
- Assisted clients with career training, resource applications and counseling programs to facilitate life enrichment
- Provided psycho-educational individual and group guidance and life skills training/support under direction of experienced staff
- Directed activities to promote growth in mental, emotional, and educational areas utilizing the whole-health approach
- Facilitated discharge planning for those in residential treatment programs
- Provided Substance Use Disorder training to staff and clients
- Developed and delivered training to clients and staff regarding Whole-health, Importance of Sleep, Building Healthy Relationships, Community Resources, Commuting Competencies, Emotional Awareness, Self-Care, Self-Worth, Housing, Parenting, Leisure Activities, Higher Education, and Recognizing signs of Adult and Child Abuse
- Conducted safety checks of patient belongings, observed breath checks and urine screens
- Assisted in the case management of over 75 clients.
Lead MSA/Advanced MSA
Hampton And Fort Wayne VA Medical Centers
05.2017 - 03.2019
- Coordinated care in the Community for all veterans that qualify for care in the community
- Established partnerships with community providers in effort to expand the availability of healthcare to veterans that receive care from the VA
- Responsible for the leadership of MSA, Advanced MSA, and Claim Assistants
- Provided detailed on-the-job training to newly reported staff to include MSA, AMSA, Claim Assistants, LPNs, and RNs
- Directly responsible for the leadership of 16 staff members and the secondary leader to an additional 14 staff members
- Organized work, delegated tasks, and set priorities to ensure all Office of Community Care deadlines are met
- Coordinated personnel assignments to ensure adequate coverage all of teams/assigned clinics
- Conducted ongoing review to ensure MSA/AMSA/Claim Assistants meet daily projected consult completion targets
- Resolved internal and external customer concerns
- Evaluated processes and consulted upper management on productivity and resource management concerns
- Served as acting Supervisory MSA
- Approved leave in emergency situations
- Verified veteran eligibility via VISTA and CPRS
- Reviewed the Privacy Act of 1974 and FOI Act statements with veterans
- Created authorizations via TriWest Portal and FBCS databases
- Contacted external vendors to schedule veteran appointments
- Screened forms and referrals for accuracy
- Maintained HIPAA compliance within the Office of Community Care
- Managed incoming consults for over 40 areas of care
- Provided oversight on approximately 4,100 veteran consults
- Troubleshot veteran concerns
- Scanned outside medical documentation into veteran charts
- Data Entry
- Requested medical documentation from outside facilities to ensure veterans are provided adequate, timely care
- Investigated and provided detailed feedback on Congressional complaints
- Responded to clinical reminders accordingly
- Completed alerts in CPRS
- Scheduled veteran appointments in VISTA scheduling GUI
- Completed Drag and Drop procedures for outside medical records into correct VA files, charts, and folders
- Advocated appeal analysis related to medical policy
- Provided case management and assisted dialysis and home health clients.
Hospital Corpsman
Navy
Portsmouth, VA
10.2006 - 08.2016
- Provided leadership, delegation and exceptional medical service in high-pressure situations
- Administered medical care for range of conditions and basic health concerns
- Provided emergency medical care and conducted physical exams and interviews to gain medical history and relevant health data
- Rendered emergency medical treatment and administered immunization programs
- Maintained operational organization by ensuring equipment functionality, inventory levels and employee medical training
- Served as Command Career Counselor and evaluated sailor performance, and administered drug, aptitude and personality assessments.
- Led workshops for job seekers to provide information on job searching, application completion and resume building
- Counseled clients one-on-one regarding current situation, desires, aptitudes, education and employment history
- Served as Sexual Assault Victim Advocate and Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner.
- Military Trauma Care Coordinator.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning
- Supported and assessed clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devised strategies based on client needs
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families
- Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments
Education
Master's of Social Work - Social Work-Advanced Clinical Practice
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN10.2022
Bachelors of Social Work - Social Work
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN12.2020
Certificate - Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Department of Behavioral Health/Developmental Serv
Richmond, VA12.2020
Associate of Applied Science - Health Sciences
American Public University SystemCharles Town
WV03-2012
Skills
- Program development
- Individual and Group Counseling
- Family Guidance
- Social Work Processes
- School Counseling
- Case Records Management
- Care Treatment Plans
- Client Guidance
- Case Planning and Management
- Treatment Recommendations
- Client Screening
- Document Coordination
- Mental Health Support
- Developmental Disorder
- Emotional Support
- Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP)
- Therapy and Counseling
- Domestic Violence Prevention
- Motivational Interviewing Skills
- Treatment Planning
- Risk Assessment
- Client Advocacy
- Crisis Intervention
- Case Needs Assessment
Accomplishments
- Peer Recovery Specialist
- Medical Secretary
- Medical Assistant
- Basic Life Support
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Privacy and HIPAA
- Whole Health Foundations
- Veteran and Community Partnerships
- Public Housing Agencies, Operating Procedures and Requirements-Focus on Project Based Vouchers
- Manipulative Behavior and Boundaries
- Recognizing Signs of Abuse
- Hospice and Palliative Care
- Veteran Caregiver Support Program
- Suicide Awareness
- Building Trauma Responsive Communities
- Child Abuse and Prevention
- Adult Abuse and Prevention
- Dyslexia Training
- Cultural Competence
- Spiritual Care
- VDOE Overview of Supplemental Guidance for Evaluation and Eligibility
- Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
- DBHS Mental Health Seminar
- Top 10 IEP & 504 Plan Problems
- Crisis Management
- Engaging in Culturally Inclusive Classroom Actions to Promote Student Mental Health
- Redefining Neglect
Timeline
Behavior Consultant
Positive Expressions
12.2023 - Current
Hospice Social Service Coordinator
Transitions Hospice
07.2022 - 03.2024
Social Work Intern
PORTSMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS, MSW School
01.2022 - 07.2022
Clinical Practice
INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, MSW Student
05.2021 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Social Work Intern
COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS
06.2020 - 12.2020
Lead MSA/Advanced MSA
Hampton And Fort Wayne VA Medical Centers
05.2017 - 03.2019
Hospital Corpsman
Navy
10.2006 - 08.2016
Bachelors of Social Work - Social Work
Indiana Wesleyan University
Certificate - Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Department of Behavioral Health/Developmental Serv
Master's of Social Work - Social Work-Advanced Clinical Practice
Indiana Wesleyan University
Associate of Applied Science - Health Sciences
American Public University SystemCharles Town