Melissa S. Haniff
Winter Garden,FL
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
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Case Manager I
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
Orlando, FL
01.2026 - Current
- Maintain official case records and ensure accuracy of all filings within CM/ECF systems.
- Review and process legal documents for compliance with federal bankruptcy rules.
- Analyze case data and generate reports to support court operations and case progression.
- Manage court fees, verify payments, and maintain financial accountability procedures. Take appropriate procedural action, and/or issue receipts. Secure funds in the cash register/balance cash drawer.
- Prepare cases for closure by confirming completion of filings, orders, and required actions.
- Serve as liaison to attorneys and coordinate with Chambers to resolve case issues.
- Transmit notices to the Bankruptcy Noticing Center (BNC).
- Work with Chambers and Supervisors to resolve case management issues.
Child Protective Investigator
Department of Children and Families
Orlando, FL
07.2025 - 01.2026
- Conduct investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment and/or special conditions for children.
- Collect information through observation and interviews with the children, parents, relatives, and neighbors.
- Assess danger threats, child vulnerabilities and caregiver protective capacities in order to determine whether a child is safe.
- Arrange emergency placement for any child that cannot safely remain in their home.
- Notify state attorney, law enforcement and child protection teams.
CASE MANAGER
SAFE AT HOME GCJFCS
Orlando, FL
10.2022 - 01.2026
- 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 MDT team meetings to determine the family's need to report to court and possible removal of the children.
- Create and follow safety plans, case plans, progress updates, clean up schedules, medical references, NCFAS opening and closure, and case notes.
COURT PROGRAM SPECIALIST I
Ninth Judicial Circuit Court
Orlando, FL
01.2019 - 10.2022
- 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 MDT team meetings to determine the family's need to report to court and possible removal of the children.
- Create and follow safety plans, case plans, progress updates, clean up schedules, medical references, NCFAS opening and closure, and case notes.
SEXUAL ASSAULT COUNSELOR/VICTIM ADVOCATE
Victim Service Center
Orlando, FL
05.2021 - 05.2022
- Enhanced courtroom efficiency by managing and organizing case files, exhibits, and 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.
COURT PROGRAM SPECIALIST II
Ninth Judicial Circuit Court
Orlando, FL
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Assisted during the pre & post injunction for protection hearings through the active and daily case management of said cases.
- Assisted self-represented litigants by providing clear information on court processes and requirements, improving their understanding of the judicial system.
- Served as the first point of contact and face of the injunction processing unit.
- Assisted with the creation and review of legal documents for litigants requiring an injunction.
DG 2-1-1 SPECIALIST- SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE OF FL
Heart of Florida United Way
Orlando, FL
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.
- 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.
2-1-1 CALL CENTER SPECIALIST INTERN
Heart of Florida United Way
Orlando, FL
01.2016 - 06.2016
- Participated in the University of Central Florida's School of Social Work internship.
- Answered calls and 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.
- 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
Winter Garden, FL
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.
- Documented minor and major injuries and reported to the supervisor and parents.
SALES ASSOCIATE
TARGET
Winter Garden, FL
08.2012 - 03.2013
- 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.
- Handled cash, check, and credit card transactions.
Education
Master's - Criminal Justice
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Orlando, FL12.2017
Bachelor's - Social Work
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Orlando, FL05.2016
Master of Science - 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
Affiliations
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Volunteer History
Christian Service Center, Food Distributor
Second Harvest Food Bank, Food Distributor
Health Central, MSU Assistant
Timeline
Case Manager I
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
01.2026 - Current
Child Protective Investigator
Department of Children and Families
07.2025 - 01.2026
CASE MANAGER
SAFE AT HOME GCJFCS
10.2022 - 01.2026
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
Master's - Criminal Justice
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Bachelor's - Social Work
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Master of Science - Arts
VALENCIA COLLEGE