Melissa S. Haniff
Winter Garden
Summary
Experienced professional with proven track record of successfully assisting clients in court, at-risk families, and drafting paperwork and referrals. Well-versed in principles of family law and skilled in client assessment, resource coordination, and crisis intervention. Works independently and collaboratively as part of team.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CASE MANAGER
SAFE AT HOME GCJFCS
10.2022 - Current
- Conduct home visits 1-2x a week for In-home non-judicial assigned impending danger cases experiencing danger threats such as Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, Inadequate Supervision, Environmental Hazards, Child Abuse, and Child Neglect.
- Conduct private interviews with both parents, children, family, and friends in the household.
- Created in-home non-judicial safety plans for the parents to follow until case closure.
- Administer drug tests to clients to ensure substances have not been used.
- Attended multidisplinary team meetings to determine the family's need to report to court and possible removal of the children.
- Attended dependency court if subpoenaed and presented CM case files and reports.
- Utilized the FSFN, CM portal and Argos systems for proper documentation of each case.
- Created files to store important legal documents and paperwork.
- Identified safety hazards, impending danger threats, and reported incidents according to DCF protocol.
- Frequently communicated with the children to identify needs and behavioral concerns.
- Create and follow safety plans, case plans, progress updates, clean up schedules, medical references, NCFAS opening and closure, and case notes.
- Provides emergency assistance with Present danger In-home non-judicial cases.
- Lead facilitation of team services in the Safe at Home Central Florida Program Model.
- Provided linkages to formal (community providers) and informal (family, friends, neighbors, church, school, etc.) Resources to clients involved with The Florida Department of Children and Families to ensure child safety needs are met in conjunction with provision of family strengthening interventions.
- Contributes to the organizations monthly and annual reports.
- Worked alongside legal services and DCF to provide case updates and need for legal intervention.
- Completed referrals for 4C and remained in communication with the Early Learning Coalition.
- Provided basic parenting assistance and assessed the family’s needs and provided linkages to community resources as needed and available, to assist the parents in enhancing their informal support system and maintaining self-sufficiency.
COURT PROGRAM SPECIALIST I
Ninth Judicial Circuit Court
01.2019 - 10.2022
- Prepared temporary and final injunction orders as a "courtroom driver" based upon the monitoring of scheduled injunctions on a daily basis.
- Communicated and interacted with coworkers, management, judges, judicial assistants, the general public, and other personnel from outside agencies in a courteous and professional manner.
- Responsible for providing information to respondents/offenders pertaining to court ordered classes, surrender of firearms, substance abuse and mental health evaluations, and any other provisions as required by the Court.
- Searched the systems for possible warrants or writs against litigants and contacted the courthouse arresting officer to conduct the arrest.
- Assisted in drafting judicial opinions, orders, and memoranda for timely resolution of cases.
- Expedited court proceedings by effectively prioritizing tasks according to urgency and deadlines.
- Streamlined daily court operations with effective scheduling and coordination of hearings, trials, and conferences.
- Managed courtroom technology efficiently to assist in the presentation of evidence during hearings.
- Enhanced courtroom efficiency by managing and organizing case files, exhibits, and legal documents.
- Supported judges in decision-making processes through thorough research of statutes, regulations, and case law.
- Examined legal documents submitted to courts for adherence to laws and court procedures.
- Negotiated between parties involved in court proceedings to reach settlement.
- *Lead the team in virtual hearings by working with IT to create the virtual hearing room and assisted the Judges in learning the virtual hearing room. Responsible for checking in and out litigants in the virtual courtroom.
- Answered telephone calls, took messages and transferred calls to appropriate colleagues.
- Consistently exhibited excellent attention-to-detail skills when reviewing and processing legal documents, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Reduced errors on official records by carefully monitoring all updates made to case files throughout the duration of each hearing.
- Processed and stored evidence for hearings.
- Enhanced accuracy of case files by meticulously documenting all evidence received, examined, and released.
- Sifted and sorted through evidence and recorded findings.
SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSELOR/VICTIM ADVOCATE
Victim Service Center
05.2021 - 05.2022
- Provided individualized victim focused services and resources to victims of sexual assault.
- Role was based out of confidential forensic exam locations.
- Weekend response to Hotline at forensic location.
- Provide Victim accompaniment to medical forensic exam and assisted the SANE nurse with the completion of the exam.
- Increased patient knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and prevention methods through one-on-one counseling sessions, group discussions, and community outreach events.
- Provided Victim advocacy for emergency medical care.
- Provided information on Law Enforcement interview advocacy.
- Provided information about Notification of criminal justice events.
- Provided victims with resources, support, non-emergency and emergency services.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and district attorneys, to improve services for sexual assault victims.
- Promoted self-care strategies among patients coping with trauma-related stressors after experiencing a sexual assault incident.
- Advocated for the rights of sexual assault survivors by working closely with community-based victim advocacy organizations and local law enforcement agencies.
- Established trust with clients through active listening, empathy, and nonjudgmental counseling approaches.
- Enhanced patient care by providing thorough medication counseling and addressing drug-related concerns.
COURT PROGRAM SPECIALIST II
Ninth Judicial Circuit Court
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Assisted during the pre & post injunction for protection hearings through the active and daily case management of said cases.
- Completed the appropriate court documents for processing on behalf of the petitioners.
- Assisted victims of Domestic Violence by linking them to the appropriate resources.
- Attended court hearings for best practice
- Communicated with the judiciary to ensure the legal documents were adequate.
- Provided orientation and guidance to the children prior to visiting with their visiting parent at the Children's Visitation Center, which conducts supervised visitation observed by an observer from the Center in order to ensure the safety of the children.
- Extensive contact maintained with local law enforcement agencies, Office of the State Attorney, and a variety of social service agencies and professionals including doctors, attorneys, psychologists, guardian ad litems, psychiatrists, social workers, and hospitals.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while handling high-profile or complex cases.
- Assisted self-represented litigants by providing clear information on court processes and requirements, improving their understanding of the judicial system.
- Searched the systems for possible warrants or writs against litigants and contacted the courthouse arresting officer to conduct the arrest.
DG 2-1-1 SPECIALIST- SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE OF FL
Heart of Florida United Way
06.2016 - 01.2018
- Maintained onsite office hours at Seminole State College of Florida Campuses for the Heart of Florida United Way Destination Graduation program, providing support to students to ensure ongoing success.
- Worked for a non-profit organization that linked students to needed resources.
- Provided appropriate screenings for specialized programs or appointment setting with the DG Case Manager.
- Conducted follow-ups through the phone and email, addressing progress with financial stability and towards their academic degree.
- Worked with Seminole State College staff to locate/coordinate resources, collaborate, and support students' success.
- Processed student's confidential documentation and maintained accurate data collection on all students in the appropriate database.
- Managed the inventory of the department's food pantry.
- Developed crisis management plans for at-risk clients.
- Coordinated referrals for clients to ensure timely access to services.
- 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.
- Secured funding opportunities by preparing grant proposals and nurturing donor relationships.
- Analyzed data from assessments to inform future program developments and strategies.
- Monitored expenditures to maintain financial health and align with organizational goals.
- Enhanced program efficiency by designing processes and implementing innovative solutions.
2-1-1 CALL CENTER SPECIALIST INTERN
Heart of Florida United Way
01.2016 - 06.2016
- Participated in the University of Central Florida's School of Social Work internship.
- Answered calls for residents in several different counties requiring referral services or guidance to various resources that best fit their needs.
- Searched the database for local services such as local food banks and nutrition programs, emergency housing assistance, disaster relief, employment and education opportunities, veteran services, parent resources, health care information, and support and crisis assistance for mental disorders.
- Provided crisis intervention and suicide prevention strategies to callers.
- Filled out paper/electronic forms for proper submission to the agency.
- Completed the direct intake as a 2-1-1 specialist for the Seminole State Student Persistence Fund at Seminole State College.
ASSISTANT TEACHER
Starchild Academy
03.2013 - 05.2015
- Worked directly with children in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom to enhance their developmental needs and promote efficient educational growth.
- Analyzed departmental documents for distribution and filing.
- Assisted the lead teacher in grading the children's homework.
- Documents minor and major injuries and reported to the supervisor and parents.
- Identified the needs of each child by documenting progress and observed behaviors.
- Assisted in preparation of meals and snacks to provide children with proper nutrition.
- Taught hand washing and proper use of utensils to promote good hygiene and etiquette habits.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Organized the classroom and planned intellectual activities per the lead teacher's request.
- Instructed and supervised the children in social and developmental activities such as mathematics and reading.
- Planned activities for children such as storytelling, art projects, and toy rotation.
- Designed age-appropriate educational materials, promoting a love for learning and exploration.
- Encouraged self-expression and creativity through art, music, and movement activities, enriching children's overall development.
- Monitored children's progress and provided individualized support to meet unique needs and encourage personal growth.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toileting.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Enhanced parent-teacher communication through regular progress updates and conferences, strengthening support networks for students.
SALES ASSOCIATE
TARGET
08.2012 - 03.2013
- Handled cash, check, and credit card transactions.
- Worked in all departments to ensure sales floor is full, zoned, and in stock for guests.
- Worked in Target Pizza Hut and Bakery preparing and storing goods for target guests.
- Completed food inventory and completed food orders for both Target Pizza Hut and Bakery.
- Complete all backroom daily and weekly audits.
- Help guests whilst completing workload with minimal guest disruption.
Education
Master's - Criminal Justice
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Orlando, FL12.2017
Bachelor's - Social Work
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Orlando, FL05.2016
Associate's - Arts
VALENCIA COLLEGE
Orlando, FL05.2014
Skills
- Detail Oriented
- Content Management
- Data Analysis
- Conflict Resolution
- Cognitive Empathy
- Microsoft Teams
- Professional Conduct
- Social Services
- Resettlement
- Contract Requirements
- Solid Professional Standards
Certification
- Corrections Leadership Certificate
- Professional Certification in Trauma and Resilience
- Certificate in Victim Services Practitioner
- Designation: Florida Crime Prevention
- Motivational Interviewing
Timeline
CASE MANAGER
SAFE AT HOME GCJFCS
10.2022 - Current
SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSELOR/VICTIM ADVOCATE
Victim Service Center
05.2021 - 05.2022
COURT PROGRAM SPECIALIST I
Ninth Judicial Circuit Court
01.2019 - 10.2022
COURT PROGRAM SPECIALIST II
Ninth Judicial Circuit Court
01.2018 - 01.2019
DG 2-1-1 SPECIALIST- SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE OF FL
Heart of Florida United Way
06.2016 - 01.2018
2-1-1 CALL CENTER SPECIALIST INTERN
Heart of Florida United Way
01.2016 - 06.2016
ASSISTANT TEACHER
Starchild Academy
03.2013 - 05.2015
SALES ASSOCIATE
TARGET
08.2012 - 03.2013
Bachelor's - Social Work
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Associate's - Arts
VALENCIA COLLEGE
Master's - Criminal Justice
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Similar Profiles
Danielle BlevinsDanielle Blevins
Mental Health Technician at Gulf Coast Jewish Family Community Services, GCJFCSMental Health Technician at Gulf Coast Jewish Family Community Services, GCJFCS
Jillian VincentJillian Vincent
Administrative Assistant at Gulf Coast Jewish Family Community Services, GCJFCS- NCPEP ProgramAdministrative Assistant at Gulf Coast Jewish Family Community Services, GCJFCS- NCPEP Program
Keyvona SlaughterKeyvona Slaughter
Behavior Health Technician at Gulf Coast Jewish Family Community Services, GCJFCSBehavior Health Technician at Gulf Coast Jewish Family Community Services, GCJFCS
LaNetra Belser, MPALaNetra Belser, MPA
Owner/Creative Director at B3 Events & Designs, LLCOwner/Creative Director at B3 Events & Designs, LLC
Hanna S. AbughoushHanna S. Abughoush
Registered Nurse - Advanced Cardiac Surgical Unit at AdventHealthRegistered Nurse - Advanced Cardiac Surgical Unit at AdventHealth