Melissa T. Sofia
Summary
Accomplished case manager with expertise in addressing diverse patient needs and managing complex conditions. Strong clinical knowledge paired with exceptional documentation and problem-solving skills. Proven track record in handling emergent cases effectively while maintaining high caseloads. Significant contributions to enhancing client well-being through trust-building and collaborative approaches.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Case Manager II and Trainer
Molina Healthcare
07.2014 - Current
- Conduct telephonic support, case management and intervention to vulnerable members with severe mental and physical illnesses.
- Collaborate and consult with integrated team (Physicians, Pharmacy, BH, RN and other staff professionals) as well as provider outreach to provide ideal case management and interventions to members.
- Identify special needs through screening and risk assessment; educate members to foster compliance, to positively impact outcomes.
- Coordinate member care with community outreach, and member advocates.
- Educate members, providers and community resources on program components and available support services.
- Develop and modify care plans in conjunction with member, member’s family and providers, reach goals and celebrate wins.
- Facilitate Motivational Interviewing staff training; conduct on-going training to staff; develop educational materials; work with departmental management to design and implement improvements.
Team Leader-Family Connections Program
TriCity Family Services
Geneva, IL
01.2009 - Current
- Lead team in presenting an annual 8-week preventative wellness program using research-based components to strengthen families and build stronger community. Locations include elementary schools and subsidized community housing complex.
- Facilitated ICDP program (International Child Development Program) to parents with children with special needs and vulnerable populations.
- Presented Smart Choices, a research-based anger-management program for families.
Education & International Child Development Program Manager
Changing Children’s World Foundation
Geneva, IL
11.2013 - 07.2014
- Developed, edited and updated Facilitator, Parent and Children’s education manuals; facilitate training programs.
- Organized and managed projects; supervised trainees, interns and volunteers; developed program evaluation.
- Formulated and conducted fundraising; community promotion and outreach.
Community Social Worker
Ela Township Social Work & Youth
Lake Zurich, IL
09.2013 - 07.2014
- Completed intakes and assessments; provided short-term, solution-focused brief counseling for all populations; crisis work.
- Case management, information and referral; assisted clients with applications, wellness and safety.
- Facilitated Youth Homework Club; Community Charity Knit; Grief Group. Supervised volunteers.
School Social Worker John Stewart Elementary School
Kaneland Community Unit School District #302
, IL
01.2005 - 09.2013
- Performed as District Crisis Prevention (CPI) Trainer for 4 years; trained over 200 staff members in verbal de-escalation and crisis prevention techniques.
- Assessed psycho-social development, adaptive functioning, mental health, and social skills.
- Facilitated Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meetings with parents and staff.
- Delivered evidence-based interventions to students; maintained proper documentation; tracked efficacy.
- Assessed and provided counseling for anxiety, depression, bi-polar, ADHD, Asperger’s, autism, anger, self-injury, and grief, for IEP, 504, and general population students.
- Supervised interns.
- Consulted with teachers, parents and staff to develop Functional Behavior Analyses (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) to understand and teach new behavior.
- Presented in-service AD/HD training, DCFS mandated reporter training, Autism/Asperger’s, Tourette’s Syndrome, depression and anxiety trainings to staff.
- Developed and authored guidelines for Social/Emotional Learning Standards for district literature as a member of the Academic Advisory Committee.
Child & Family Therapist
TriCity Family Services
Geneva, IL
08.2008 - 07.2010
- Provided psycho-social evaluations, psychiatric diagnoses, treatment plans, crisis work, and suicide evaluations.
- Conducted individual and family counseling and psychotherapy for complex mental illness and family problems.
- Consulted with colleagues and school personnel for continuing treatment plans and staffings.
- Trained staff on Crisis Prevention (CPI) verbal de-escalation and crisis prevention.
- Presented community program on Autism/Asperger’s Disorder; filmed for local TV station. Presented community programs on Special Education and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.
Education
Masters Degree - Educational Leadership
Aurora University
Aurora, IL01-2007
Masters Degree - Social Work
Aurora University George Williams School of Social Work
Aurora, IL01-2001
Skills
Cognitive Behavioral therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Emotional Freedom Technique "tapping"
Solution-focused counseling
Crisis intervention
Community support and engagement
Team leadership
Training and development
Certification
Licensed Clinical Social Worker State of Illinois
Type 73 School Social Worker; Type 75 Administrative Certification
Type 73 School Social Worker; Type 75 Administrative Certification
Timeline
Case Manager II and Trainer
Molina Healthcare
07.2014 - Current
Education & International Child Development Program Manager
Changing Children’s World Foundation
11.2013 - 07.2014
Community Social Worker
Ela Township Social Work & Youth
09.2013 - 07.2014
Team Leader-Family Connections Program
TriCity Family Services
01.2009 - Current
Child & Family Therapist
TriCity Family Services
08.2008 - 07.2010
School Social Worker John Stewart Elementary School
Kaneland Community Unit School District #302
01.2005 - 09.2013
Masters Degree - Educational Leadership
Aurora University
Masters Degree - Social Work
Aurora University George Williams School of Social Work