Melissa Atwell
Austin,TX
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate human services worker experienced in case management, situational assessments, conflict resolution and advocacy. Effective in working with clients and families who may be in crisis. Compassionate case manager experienced in high-pressure environments, dedicated to achieving desired case outcomes.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager
Family Eldercare
Austin, TX
09.2023 - Current
- Develop and monitor clients Housing Stability Plan to promote long-term housing stability
- Ensure client’s basic needs are met with his/her benefits by managing, developing a budget and issuing payments as needed
- Assist clients with completing rental applications, payment of utilities, purchasing furniture, and coordinate client moves
- Collaborate with program staff to provide services and supports necessary.
- Coordinate essential services for clients, resulting in improved overall well-being and self-sufficiency.
- Monitor clients' progress and track client services to provide crisis interventions.
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager
LifeWorks
Austin, TX
05.2021 - 06.2023
- Assisted youths 18-24 years old transition into housing and work towards ending homelessness
- Assisted clients with completing rental applications, utilities, furniture, and coordinating move in dates
- Developed client-driven goals with client’s working to reaching financial stability and self- sufficiency.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Monitored clients' progress and track client services to provide crisis interventions.
Parole Officer
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
Austin, TX
10.2018 - 04.2020
- Obtained information and prepare documentation related to offenders and parole supervision activities
- Preparation of hearing packets and represent TDCJ Parole Department at hearings
- Conducted thorough pre-release investigations, ensuring seamless transition from incarceration to community reintegration.
- Connected clients with appropriate social service providers based on individual needs assessments.
- Conducted regular field visits to verify compliance with curfew restrictions and other court-ordered conditions.
Youth Care Worker
The Safe Alliance
Austin, TX
08.2017 - 10.2018
- Provided positive reinforcement and support to youth
- Applied approved behavior modification techniques to de-escalate inappropriate behavior.
- Provided a safe and nurturing environment for at-risk youth through consistent supervision and positive reinforcement.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to foster positive growth and change in troubled youths.
- Assisted with daily living skills training, supporting self-sufficiency among program participants.
School Social Worker
Ministry Of Education
Trinidad And Tobago
10.2015 - 02.2017
- Enhanced student well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions addressing various social, emotional, and behavioral issues.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of students'' social-emotional functioning to inform interventions and service planning.
- Served as a liaison between the school, family, and community agencies to ensure effective communication and collaboration around student needs.
- Supported students, teachers and families during crisis situations.
- Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions.
Residential Home Social Worker
St. Jude's School For Girls
Trinidad & Tobago
10.2014 - 10.2015
- Provided behavioral client reports for Magistrates and accompanied residents to court proceedings.
- Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- Developed and facilitated support groups, promoting healthy coping skills and fostering peer connections among participants.
- Facilitated successful client transitions from residential facilities to independent living situations with appropriate supports in place.
Psychiatric Social Worker Intern
The Child Guidance Clinic
Trinidad & Tobago
09.2013 - 04.2014
- Provided individual assessments, treatment planning and psychotherapy services to children diagnosed with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders
- Collaborated with a team of social workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists to develop individualized treatment plans for clients
- Provided individualized social work services for children and adolescents, including pregnant teens, foster-home residents, and those meeting court-mandated criteria
- Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.
Social Welfare Intern
Ministry Of Social Development
Trinidad & Tobago
10.2012 - 05.2013
- Prepared forms and documents for Welfare Officers
- ·Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Provided pension and grant information to clients and processed client grant applications
- Accompanied senior social workers on home visits.
- Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations.
Travel Mentor Project Officer
Transport For London
London, United Kingdom
09.2005 - 11.2010
- Enhanced mentee performance by providing personalized guidance and support.
- Developed trust-based relationships with mentees through active listening and empathetic communication.
- Assisted mentees in setting achievable goals and creating realistic action plans for personal and professional growth.
- Organized workshops and events that catered to the specific needs of the mentoring program participants.
- Provided guidance on stress management and grounding techniques to reduce overwhelm to mentees.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University of The West Indies
Trinidad & Tobago01.2014
Associate of Science - Social Work
University of The West Indies Open Campus
Trinidad & Tobago01.2004
Skills
- Sound critical thinking skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Experience in goal setting, life skills, treatment plans and program development
- Client Advocacy
- Community Outreach
- Case Management
- Organization and Multitasking
- Progress Evaluations
- Conflict Resolution
- Interpersonal Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Reliability
Timeline
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager
Family Eldercare
09.2023 - Current
Rapid Rehousing Case Manager
LifeWorks
05.2021 - 06.2023
Parole Officer
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
10.2018 - 04.2020
Youth Care Worker
The Safe Alliance
08.2017 - 10.2018
School Social Worker
Ministry Of Education
10.2015 - 02.2017
Residential Home Social Worker
St. Jude's School For Girls
10.2014 - 10.2015
Psychiatric Social Worker Intern
The Child Guidance Clinic
09.2013 - 04.2014
Social Welfare Intern
Ministry Of Social Development
10.2012 - 05.2013
Travel Mentor Project Officer
Transport For London
09.2005 - 11.2010
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University of The West Indies
Associate of Science - Social Work
University of The West Indies Open Campus
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