Melissa Brown
Lake Stevens,WA
Summary
I am a hard-working professional with extensive work history as a Program Manager for Non Profit Communities, Vocational Rehabilitation and Customer Service Support. I am an energetic and ambitious individual who takes a mature and responsible approach to any task I undertake. I am efficient in working with others to achieve a certain objective on time and with excellence. In my current position as Program Manager and Employment Support Specialist, I work exclusively with DVR, DDA and DSB Programs. I am involved in the Marketing, Contracts and Billing for the company, along with Development of Current Clients. I have developed leadership skills with my staff by communication, problem solving, and have the emotional intelligence and ability to inspire and motivate. I have worked on several Database platforms and have assisted in the development of my company's current database. I am proficient in Microsoft office skills and extensive report writing. I am also honored to have received Employee of the year in 2022.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
DVR Program Manager
Technology and Employment Connections
08.2017 - Current
- As a Program Manager, I work with DVR, DDA services and communities
- Observe the report writing of staff and continue to support them within their responsibilities and education
- Market with businesses who are interested and willing to accommodate and employ the clientele I work with
- Worked in all aspects of the company, (included but not limited to) Community Based Assessments, Job Placement, Retention Services, Long term Job Coaching, Independent Living Services along with Work Base Learning for high school students.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST
SHERWOOD VOCATIONAL SERVICES
03.2015 - 08.2017
- As an Employment Support Specialist, I worked exclusively with DVR, DDA and DSB Programs
- Assisted clients with completing job applications and submitting resumes to improve interview chances.
- Established strong relationships with local employers to match clients with suitable job opportunities.
- Provided ongoing support and guidance for clients during their job search, leading to increased confidence and motivation.
- Assisted clients in developing effective job search strategies that leveraged their unique skills, experience, and qualifications for targeted positions.
- Updated client records to reflect personal information, qualifications and career aspirations.
- Forged relationships with employers to gain insight into job openings and career opportunities.
- Tracked client progress through detailed case notes and regular follow-ups, ensuring efficient service delivery.
- Assessed individuals to identify skills, strengths and interests for job placement.
- Maintained records of consumer employment activity such as potential and current employers.
- Matched clients to open positions based on skills and work requirements.
- Enhanced client employability by conducting thorough assessments and identifying individual strengths and barriers.
CATERING MANAGER
BY THE BAY/ BELLA ROSA CATERING
03.2003 - 06.2012
- Managed Catering events
- Set up catering rooms, tables and oversaw decor
- Working with customers to make their events fabulous.
- Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
Residential Program Manager
Volunteers of America
02.1998 - 03.2003
- Managed and Cared for two residential homes with multiple staff.
- Managed Residents Home Care as well as Health Care and Environmental needs/wants
- Managed Residents funds to include Grocery Shopping, Rent, Bills, Basic Needs and Personal Care.
- Developed strong relationships with residents'' families through consistent communication, involvement in care planning, and addressing concerns promptly.
- Created a supportive living environment where residents felt comfortable expressing their thoughts or emotions openly during group sessions or one-on-one meetings.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and accreditation standards by regularly reviewing policies and procedures, conducting internal audits, and initiating corrective actions when needed.
Education
One Semester Achieved - Social Work
Everett Community College
Everett, WAHigher Learning Education in Marketing and Employment Support -
WOA 200 Series
Wise, VA06.2021
High school or equivalent in General Studies -
Lake Stevens High School
Lake Stevens, WA06.1988
Skills
- Program Management
- Developmental Disabilities Experience
- Microsoft Office
- Project Planning
- Budgeting
- Strategic Planning
- Events Management
- Communication
- Empathy
- Mentoring
- Extensive Writing Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Team leadership and direction
- Interpersonal Skills
- Team training and development
- Performance monitoring
- Revenue Growth
- Professional writing
- Software Documentation
- Detail Oriented
Certification
- WOA 200 Series and Several Training Courses through Gowise.org
- APSE Professional Member
- WA State DDA Training
- First Aid and CPR
Awards
Employee of the Year, 12/01/22, Employee of the year award for 2022 Technology and Employment Connections.
Timeline
DVR Program Manager
Technology and Employment Connections
08.2017 - Current
EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST
SHERWOOD VOCATIONAL SERVICES
03.2015 - 08.2017
CATERING MANAGER
BY THE BAY/ BELLA ROSA CATERING
03.2003 - 06.2012
Residential Program Manager
Volunteers of America
02.1998 - 03.2003
One Semester Achieved - Social Work
Everett Community College
Higher Learning Education in Marketing and Employment Support -
WOA 200 Series
High school or equivalent in General Studies -
Lake Stevens High School
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