PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Interests
Timeline
PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS
Data Entry Professional Skills

Melissa R. Smith

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES (DFCS)
Savannah,Georgia
1
Language
1
Certification
24
years of professional experience

Child Welfare and Social Services Professional experienced in child protection, foster care, criminal justice, and healthcare sectors. Achieved optimal outcomes for children and families through effective collaboration with families, law enforcement, and judicial professionals. Delivered impactful results by overseeing operations, streamlining processes, and fostering team collaboration in high-pressure environments.

Work History

Numerator Representative

3 Months
FEDERAL CENSUS BUREAU | 05.2021 - 08.2021
  • Conducted thorough analysis and validation of demographic and numerical data collected from residents in designated Louisiana territories.
  • Ensured accurate documentation and reporting of information gathered for federal government purposes.
  • Demonstrated commitment to professionalism and confidentiality in all public communications.
  • Executed data collection processes in accordance with federal guidelines to support accurate reporting.
  • Facilitated systematic data gathering processes to ensure reliable census participation from a wide range of communities.
  • Implemented training programs for field representatives, focusing on effective interviewing techniques and strict protocol adherence.
  • Evaluated survey data in detail, emphasizing trends vital for maintaining compliance with federal standards.

Social Services Case Manager 1 – Foster Care & Child Protection Investigator

2 Years
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES (DFCS) | 08.2024 - Current
  • Assess and monitor the safety, well-being, and needs of children and families involved with the child welfare system.
  • Managed cases involving child protection and foster care, ensuring accurate and timely documentation to support case progress.
  • Conducted interviews, assessments, and home visits aligned with agency policies and state requirements to evaluate family situations.
  • Collaborate with parents, children, caregivers, foster families, community service providers, law enforcement, attorneys, and judicial professionals.
  • Identified family needs and connected children and families with essential community resources and supportive services to enhance well-being.
  • Serve as a professional witness when required and provide factual information regarding case activities and child safety concerns.
  • Apply agency policies, procedures, ethical standards, and child welfare best practices when making case-related decisions.

Child Welfare Analyst 1

8 Months
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES (DCFS) | 11.2023 - 07.2024
  • Supported child safety and family well-being through child welfare case activities and family service coordination.
  • Facilitated access for families to community resources and supportive services, enhancing overall family well-being.
  • Analyzed and documented case information for children and families in child welfare services, ensuring accurate records for decision-making.
  • Coordinated with law enforcement, community agencies, and professionals to strengthen efforts in promoting child safety and family stability.
  • Provided professional information and testimony when appropriate in connection with child welfare and law enforcement matters.
  • Completed required Louisiana DCFS training and professional development programs.
  • Maintained compliance with Louisiana State Civil Service policies, procedures, ethics requirements, and agency standards.
  • Completed 30+ professional training certifications, including FEMA Emergency Response, Ethics, and Child Welfare Specialist training.

Substitute Teacher

2 Years 8 Months
KELLY SERVICES | 03.2021 - 11.2023
  • Provided classroom instruction and supervision for K–12 students across multiple school districts.
  • Executed lesson plans and educational objectives from classroom teachers, ensuring effective learning experiences for students.
  • Maintained a safe, structured, and positive classroom environment.
  • Adapted instructional approaches to accommodate students with different academic, behavioral, developmental, and special educational needs.
  • Assisted students with assignments, reading comprehension, test preparation, and staying on task.
  • Coordinated with school personnel and educators to ensure seamless instruction and support for diverse learning needs.
  • Facilitated positive classroom behavior through effective communication, de-escalation strategies, and reinforcement techniques.
  • Collaborated with school personnel and other educators to maintain continuity of instruction.

Patient Access Representative

2 Years 1 Month
OCHSNER MEDICAL CENTER | 04.2020 - 05.2022
  • Managed incoming patient calls, delivering professional assistance and safeguarding confidential patient information.
  • Verify patient information in accordance with privacy and security requirements before accessing or discussing protected information.
  • Provide high-quality customer service while responding to questions, concerns, and service needs.
  • Provided high-quality customer service, effectively addressing patient questions, concerns, and service needs.
  • Maintained professionalism and accuracy in fast-paced healthcare call-center environment, ensuring optimal patient experiences.
  • Follow HIPAA and organizational policies regarding patient privacy and confidential information.
  • Important: Your resume currently says this position is “4/06/2020 – Currently Employed,” while your DFCS position is also listed as current. If you still work at Ochsner and DFCS, we should show both as concurrent employment. If you left Ochsner when you began DFCS, I'll change the end date.

Corrections Guard / Security Guard – Therapeutic Facility

7 Months
EASTERN LOUISIANA MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM (ELMS) | 03.2018 - 10.2018
  • Ensured safety and security for patients, clients, staff, visitors, and facility property, fostering a secure environment.
  • Monitored individuals receiving inpatient and outpatient mental health services.
  • Facilitated prevention of self-harm, harm to others, unauthorized access, and security incidents, contributing to overall facility safety.
  • Protected facility communication systems, equipment, and other agency assets.
  • Addressed safety and security concerns promptly while upholding professionalism and respect for individuals in care.

Owner / Small Business Operator

9 Months
NATURAL HAIR CARE SOLUTIONS, LLC | 11.2016 - 08.2017
  • Managed daily business operations, customer relations, sales activities, and administrative responsibilities.
  • Oversaw business expenses, scheduling, inventory, and operational activities to ensure smooth operations.
  • Cultivated customer relationships through personalized service, enhancing customer loyalty.
  • Ensured professional customer service and accurate business records to support operational efficiency.

Sales & Accounts Payable Associate

2 Months
AARON'S FURNITURE & RETAIL FRANCHISE | 11.2015 - 01.2016
  • Managed customer accounts and resolved account-related inquiries to enhance customer satisfaction.
  • Verified customer identification and processed payments.
  • Conducted customer service calls and ensured accurate account information to support efficient operations.
  • Assisted with daily administrative and sales operations to streamline processes and support team objectives.
  • Supported new business development and community marketing initiatives.

Assistant Shift Supervisor / Lieutenant

9 Months
ADAMS COUNTY CORRECTIONAL CENTER | 07.2014 - 04.2015
  • Served as Acting Shift Supervisor in the absence of the Shift Supervisor.
  • Directly supervised correctional officers assigned to designated posts and duties.
  • Monitored staff performance and security protocols to ensure effective operations and adherence to standards.
  • Supervised administrative and operational security activities within a correctional facility to enhance safety and compliance.
  • Facilitated a safe and secure institutional environment through proactive support and oversight.

Sergeant

5 Years
LOUISIANA STATE PENITENTIARY | 11.2008 - 11.2013
  • Maintained safety and discipline in institutional areas, fostering a secure environment for staff and inmates.
  • Supervised correctional personnel and monitored compliance with institutional policies and procedures.
  • Assisted in securing operations, proactively protecting staff, incarcerated individuals, and the public.
  • Supervised incarcerated individuals in segregation, ensuring adherence to administrative and disciplinary protocols.
  • Conducted security checks and monitored for prohibited items and activities.
  • Performed duties in a high-security correctional environment requiring sound judgment, communication, and crisis-management skills.

Medical Assistant Floater

2 Years 9 Months
THE BATON ROUGE CLINIC | 11.2005 - 08.2008
  • Obtained and documented patient vital signs.
  • Prepared patients for examinations and assisted with clinical room preparation.
  • Assisted clinical staff with patient care and daily medical office operations.
  • Maintained and updated patient medical records.
  • Assisted with prescription refill requests and physician-directed administrative duties.

Medical Assistant / Receptionist

2 Years 10 Months
BATON ROUGE GENERAL – FHC | 10.2002 - 08.2005
  • Obtained patient vital signs and assisted physicians with patient care.
  • Facilitated prescription requests and ensured accurate processing of physician orders.
  • Coordinated patient admissions and streamlined assistance with laboratory services.
  • Maintained accurate patient information and medical records.
  • Delivered front-desk and administrative support to enhance patient experience in healthcare environment.
  • Answered telephone calls and assisted patients with questions and appointments.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Health Care Administration

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX | Baton Rouge, LA | 06-2013

While attending University of Phoenix

  • Minor: Management / Administration | September 2013
  • Relevant Coursework: Sociology, Communications, Community Relations
  • Honor Roll Third and Fourth Quarter of 3013

Certificate - Medical Assistant

REMINGTON COLLEGE | Baton Rouge, LA | 05-1999

While Attending Remington College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Relevant Coursework: Pathology, Geriatrics, Pediatrics.

  • Honor Roll Throughout the certification course
  • Awarded: Maintaining Outstanding Academics, 1998-1999 year

Skills

Data analysis
Child safety analysis
Data validation
Stakeholder collaboration
Records management
Compliance monitoring
Crisis management
Behavior reinforcement
Collaborative teamwork
Workforce training
Healthcare administration
Health privacy
Documentation accuracy
Compliance management
Information security
Written communication
Decision making
Trust building
Relationship building
Results-driven approach
Effective communication
Client relationship building

Certification

  • FEMA Emergency Response Certification
  • Child Welfare Specialist Training
  • Ethics Training
  • Georgia DFCS Professional Training – 20+ Certifications
  • Louisiana DCFS Professional Training – 30+ Certifications
  • Presentation Skills / Instructional Training
  • Additional agency-required training and professional development

Languages

English
Professional Working

Interests

Participating in cultural exchange programs and homestays.
Gardening
Tech enthusiast
passionate about exploring the latest advancements and innovations.
I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community.
Dancing
I like working with my hands and fixing things.
Supporting STEM education initiatives and mentorship programs.
Cooking
Exploring famous landmarks
historical sites
and cultural attractions in a new destination.
DIY and Home Improvement
Crafting and DIY Projects
Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration.
Outdoor Recreation
Youth mentor
providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders.
I participate in low-impact exercises to strengthen core muscles.
Watching Movies and TV Shows
Strategy Games
Interior Design
I like trying new recipes and food trends.
Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness.
Fashion and Style
I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings.
Learning new cooking techniques and expanding my culinary skills.
Historical Exploration
Animal Care
Team Sports Participate in outdoor main events and Family events
as recreational activities to maintain physical fitness

Timeline

Social Services Case Manager 1 – Foster Care & Child Protection Investigator

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES (DFCS)
08.2024 - CurrentRead More

Child Welfare Analyst 1

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES (DCFS)
11.2023 - 07.2024Read More

Numerator Representative

FEDERAL CENSUS BUREAU
05.2021 - 08.2021Read More

Substitute Teacher

KELLY SERVICES
03.2021 - 11.2023Read More

Patient Access Representative

OCHSNER MEDICAL CENTER
04.2020 - 05.2022Read More

Corrections Guard / Security Guard – Therapeutic Facility

EASTERN LOUISIANA MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM (ELMS)
03.2018 - 10.2018Read More

Owner / Small Business Operator

NATURAL HAIR CARE SOLUTIONS, LLC
11.2016 - 08.2017Read More

Sales & Accounts Payable Associate

AARON'S FURNITURE & RETAIL FRANCHISE
11.2015 - 01.2016Read More

Assistant Shift Supervisor / Lieutenant

ADAMS COUNTY CORRECTIONAL CENTER
07.2014 - 04.2015Read More

Sergeant

LOUISIANA STATE PENITENTIARY
11.2008 - 11.2013Read More

Medical Assistant Floater

THE BATON ROUGE CLINIC
11.2005 - 08.2008Read More

Medical Assistant / Receptionist

BATON ROUGE GENERAL – FHC
10.2002 - 08.2005Read More

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

Bachelor of Science from Criminal Justice, Health Care Administration
Read More

REMINGTON COLLEGE

Certificate from Medical Assistant
Read More

PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS

  • Leadership: Experienced in supervising employees, coordinating operations, managing difficult situations, and maintaining accountability.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills with experience working with children, families, patients, employees, government agencies, law enforcement, courts, and community organizations.
  • Adaptability: Able to transition effectively between child welfare, education, healthcare, corrections, security, and administrative environments.
  • Problem Solving: Experienced in assessing complex situations, resolving conflicts, identifying resources, and making sound decisions while following established policies and procedures.

Data Entry Professional Skills

I am proficient with data base entry skills. I am advanced in Microsoft word, Excell, Pourpoint, internet, Data Entry levels in high Capacity. 

Melissa R. Smith