Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
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Melissa Bennett, LCSW

Portland

Summary

With a proven track record at Maine Health, I excel in multicultural competence and case management, enhancing client well-being through tailored care plans and crisis intervention. Known for excellent collaboration with teams and achieving impactful outcomes, displaying adaptability and reliability in dynamic environments. My expertise in social services and problem-solving abilities has significantly increased community engagement, showcasing my ability to deliver compassionate, effective support.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Social Work Care Manager

Maine Health
12.2016 - Current
  • Enhanced client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments, developing tailored care plans and making connections to appropriate resources and social activities.
  • Promoted self-advocacy skills among clients by providing information, tools, and encouragement to make informed decisions.
  • Mitigated crisis situations through active listening, de-escalation techniques, and timely intervention where needed.
  • Ensured timely access to services by effectively coordinating care with interdisciplinary teams and collaboration to ensure optimal physical health outcomes for clients in need of medical attention.
  • Advanced cultural competence within organization through training and consultation on diversity issues.
  • Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.

Bilingual Community Integration Worker

Catholic Charities Maine
10.2000 - 12.2016
  • Established strong working relationships with clients through excellent communication skills, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust.
  • Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes, monitored progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
  • Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
  • De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions and provided crisis intervention services for clients experiencing acute mental health or substance abuse issues.
  • Assisted clients with navigating and accessing social services such as housing, benefits, community resources and medical care.
  • Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.

Housing Support Worker-per Diem

Preble Street Resource Center
03.2010 - 09.2013
  • Developed strong rapport with clients by consistently demonstrating respect, understanding, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, effectively de-escalating challenging situations while maintaining client safety.
  • Assisted in creating safe and supportive environment for clients, fostering sense of security and belonging.

Education

Master of Social Work -

University of New England
Biddeford, ME

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Merrimack College
North Andover, MA

Skills

  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Attention to detail
  • Case management
  • Social services
  • Behavioral health
  • Disability support
  • Multicultural competence

Accomplishments

  • Collaborated with members of Maine Health Interpreter & Cross-Cultural Services and invested care team members in the development of the Interpreter Connection resource, allowing for Limited English Proficient patients to access interpreters for Maine Health services.
  • Maine Health DEI Ambassador

Certification

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Maine
  • Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)

Languages

Spanish
Professional Working

Timeline

Social Work Care Manager

Maine Health
12.2016 - Current

Housing Support Worker-per Diem

Preble Street Resource Center
03.2010 - 09.2013

Bilingual Community Integration Worker

Catholic Charities Maine
10.2000 - 12.2016
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Maine
  • Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)

Master of Social Work -

University of New England

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Merrimack College
Melissa Bennett, LCSW