Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Melissa Howard

Hiawatha Behavioral Health
Manistique
11
years of professional experience

Dedicated I/DD Case Manager with experience supporting vulnerable individuals through assessments, care planning, and community resource coordination. Known for clear documentation, organized follow-up, and strong relationship building. Focused on improving client outcomes through timely problem-solving and dependable service.

Work History

I/DD Case Manager

5 Years 9 Months
Hiawatha Behavioral Health | 01.2021 - Current
  • Coordinated person-centered service plans with multidisciplinary care teams.
  • Completed client assessments and updated case records for accurate treatment coordination.
  • Connected clients to behavioral health, housing, and community support resources.
  • Monitored service progress and adjusted care plans to address changing client needs.
  • Documented contacts, interventions, and referrals in compliance with clinical standards.
  • Guided families through available services, eligibility requirements, and next steps.
  • Improved case workflow consistency through organized follow-up and timely documentation.
  • Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
  • Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
  • Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
  • Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
  • Improved client satisfaction by efficiently addressing concerns or grievances in a timely manner.
  • Assisted clients in setting achievable goals while providing ongoing encouragement and support throughout the process of reaching those objectives.
  • Participated in regular professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of case management.
  • Strengthened relationships with community organizations to increase access to supportive resources for clients in need.
  • Promoted a safe environment for vulnerable populations by reporting suspected abuse or neglect.
  • Improved client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case plans tailored to individual needs.

Substitute Teacher, K-12

4 Years 4 Months
Manistique Area Schools | 10.2015 - 02.2020
  • Managed classroom instruction across K-12 settings, maintaining continuity with lesson plans and school expectations.
  • Adapted quickly to diverse grade levels, subject areas, and student needs.
  • Reinforced teacher directives, behavioral standards, and daily routines with consistency.
  • Monitored student progress, attendance, and classroom engagement throughout assigned periods.
  • Supported special education accommodations and inclusive learning practices as needed.
  • Maintained orderly learning environments by redirecting behavior and resolving routine disruptions.
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
  • Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Community Services

Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, MI | 05.2011

Skills

Organization and multitasking
Time management
Client advocacy
Case management
Case documentation
Active listening
Community engagement
Relationship building

Timeline

I/DD Case Manager

Hiawatha Behavioral Health
01.2021 - CurrentRead More

Substitute Teacher, K-12

Manistique Area Schools
10.2015 - 02.2020Read More

Central Michigan University

Bachelor of Science from Community Services
Read More
Melissa Howard