MELISSA Osburn
PITTSBURGH,PA
Summary
Compassionate Homeless Prevention Case Manager with experience in conducting comprehensive assessments, developing personalized intervention strategies and advocating for client needs. Familiar with crisis management and trauma-informed care principles. Known for strong relationship-building skills and commitment to empowering clients towards self-sufficiency. Effectuated significant improvements in living conditions of vulnerable individuals through strategic case management.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Support Specialist
Community Human Services Corporation
PITTSBURGH, PA
06.2017 - Current
- Mediated disputes between tenants and landlords when necessary to ensure a successful tenancy.
- Coordinated move-in activities for new tenants including furniture donations, apartment cleaning, installation of safety equipment.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed including emergency financial assistance, eviction prevention, mental health referrals.
- Conducted regular home visits with tenants to ensure they are maintaining the unit according to lease requirements.
- Assessed client eligibility for rental subsidies such as Section 8 vouchers or other government funded programs.
- Attended court hearings related to tenant evictions or disputes over security deposits.
- Remained up-to-date on all relevant policies governing subsidized housing programs.
- Provided emotional support and advocacy for vulnerable populations facing discrimination due to race, gender identity or sexual orientation.
- Conducted initial interviews with clients to assess their housing needs and develop individualized service plans.
- Provided referrals to community resources such as rental assistance, public benefits, legal services, employment programs.
- Assisted clients in locating appropriate affordable housing options based on their income and other criteria.
- Negotiated leases with landlords on behalf of clients and provided ongoing support throughout the tenancy period.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions utilizing a computerized database system.
- Collaborated with partner organizations to coordinate services for clients experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
- Advocated for clients to resolve medical or personal crises.
Education
Associate of Science - Social Work
Community College of Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, PA01-2018
Skills
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Mental health awareness
- Partnership Building
- Conflict Mediation
- Cultural Competency
- Compliance Monitoring
Accomplishments
Recovery Caregiver Award 2024
15 years recovery from substance abuse
Affiliations
- Organized harm reduction meetings in Pgh
- Organized Pgh Fast / Free activities for recovering people
Certification
- Certified trauma informed Yoga Instructor
- Certified Y12SR instructor ( 12 step yoga)
- Drug and Alcohol
- Critical time intervention
Timeline
Community Support Specialist
Community Human Services Corporation
06.2017 - Current
Associate of Science - Social Work
Community College of Allegheny County
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