Melissa Blake
Finksburg,MD
Summary
Dynamic social work professional seeking to broaden expertise and embrace greater responsibilities within the field. Committed to fostering positive change and advocating for vulnerable populations through effective communication and empathetic support. Eager to leverage a strong foundation in social services to drive impactful initiatives and enhance community well-being. Passionate about continuous learning and professional development to better serve clients and contribute to organizational success.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Therapist
University of Maryland / Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC)
Catonsville, MD
01.2012 - Current
- Maintains a caseload of chronic mentally ill (CMI) clients.
- Participate as a primary and co-therapist in 6 groups.
- Facilitate required paperwork for caseload (i.e contact notes, Care plans, annual assessments).
- Provide case management services to clients as needed.
Research Project Coordinator
MPRC
Catonsville, MD
09.2005 - 01.2012
- Coordinate patient participation in studies.
- Recruit/screen patients for various studies.
- Conduct clinical ratings relevant for research protocols.
- Travel to various clinics to meet with patients.
- Function as a liaison for outpatient mental health clinics in the community.
Social Work Intern
University of Maryland /MPRC
Catonsville, MD
09.2010 - 07.2011
- Maintained a caseload of 4-5 CMI clients.
- Documented ITP’s and tracked progress of clients.
- Meet weekly with clients on caseload.
- Actively participated as a therapist in two groups.
- Did psychosocial assessments on clients as part of clinic screening process.
- Attended clinical rounds weekly.
Social Work Intern
Springfield Hospital Center
Sykesville, MD
09.2008 - 04.2009
- Maintained a caseload of 3-4 chronic mentally ill clients.
- Assisted clients with transferring out in the community.
- Met weekly with clients on caseload.
- Lead a group and co-lead another group.
Care Supervisor/Program Coordinator
Mosaic Community Services
Catonsville, MD
12.2001 - 08.2005
- Supervise and advise staff/clients in program.
- Coordinate activities daily for chronic mental health patients.
- Document yearly care plans and monitor client’s progress.
- Ensure efficient operation of program, corrective action when necessary.
- Recognized as the Manager of the Year for 2005.
- Medical Day
Case Manager
ReVisions Behavioral Health Systems
Catonsville, MD
01.2001 - 11.2001
- Advocated for clients on my caseload (i.e. entitlements and housing linkage).
- Facilitated transport and scheduled client’s medical/psychiatric appointments.
- Coordinated treatment team meetings as needed.
Education
AA - Psychology
Carroll Community College
Westminster, MD01-1996
LCSW-C - undefined
Board of Social Work Examiners of State of Maryland
Baltimore, MD01-2016
MSW - undefined
University of Maryland, School of Social Work
Baltimore, MD01-2011
B.A. - Psychology
U.M.B.C.
Baltimore, MD01-2000
Skills
- Treatment Planning
- Building rapport
- Crisis intervention
- One-on-one sessions
Experience and Training Obtained
- Interned at the Shriver Center for the Choice program at UMBC. This entailed tutoring disadvantaged children, which was a very challenging as well as rewarding experience.
- Worked as a Resource Specialist at Morningside Senior Apartments (Sept. 2004-May2005).
- Social Work Intern at Spring Grove Hospital Center (2008-2009).
- Social Work Intern at MPRC in the Outpatient Research Program (September 2010 - July 2011).
- Training and experience in Clinical Ratings (BPRS, SCID, SANS, Calgary, CGI, PANSS, etc.) from Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (September 05 - Present).
- Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST/Eric Granholm, PhD) August 2013/Experience in facilitating CBSST groups as a leader (starting May 2014-April 2016).
Timeline
Therapist
University of Maryland / Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC)
01.2012 - Current
Social Work Intern
University of Maryland /MPRC
09.2010 - 07.2011
Social Work Intern
Springfield Hospital Center
09.2008 - 04.2009
Research Project Coordinator
MPRC
09.2005 - 01.2012
Care Supervisor/Program Coordinator
Mosaic Community Services
12.2001 - 08.2005
Case Manager
ReVisions Behavioral Health Systems
01.2001 - 11.2001
LCSW-C - undefined
Board of Social Work Examiners of State of Maryland
MSW - undefined
University of Maryland, School of Social Work
B.A. - Psychology
U.M.B.C.
AA - Psychology
Carroll Community College