Melissa Walkowiak
Niles,MI
Summary
Dedicated Social Worker provides exceptional professional care and implements appropriate interventions. Utilizes variety of resources to identify unique needs and assist vulnerable populations. Adept at establishing strong rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Offering over seventeen years of experience working with individuals improving their quality of life.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Service Coordinator
Real Services. Inc.
05.2020 - Current
- Provide options counseling to aged and disabled individuals and assist in identifying strengths, values, and preferences
- Identify and link individuals to local resources
- Assess individuals for potential eligibility for funding sources and programs
- Assess eligibility for on-going home and community-based services, and assist in accessing home and community-based services that would meet individual needs.
- Served as primary point of contact for clients, addressing inquiries, providing updates, and ensuring overall satisfaction with services rendered.
- Managed high volume of client requests, ensuring timely and effective service delivery.
- Established strong relationships with clients through regular follow-ups, keeping them informed about progress updates regarding their services requested or concerns raised.
- Assessed customer needs and developed solutions to meet needs.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently addressing and resolving service issues.
- Maintained accurate records and full compliance with government regulations and agency guidelines.
- Communicated with clients and service providers to provide updates on work progress.
- Developed comprehensive service plans tailored to individual client needs, resulting in high levels of satisfaction.
- Initiated contact with appropriate service providers to request referrals and followed up to confirm appointments.
- Provided Masters level internship supervision.
Behavioral Therapist
Self Employed
03.2019 - 05.2020
- Creation and implementation of Behavior Support Plans for intellectually disabled individuals enrolled in FS and CIH Indiana Waiver Programs
- This position requires analysis of individual and their environments and identify areas that put individual at risk of acting in maladaptive manner.
- Encouraged clients and family members to practice and use skills and strategies for confronting problems constructively.
- Reduced challenging behaviors by conducting functional behavior assessments and developing appropriate interventions.
- Educated families about mental health issues, promoting understanding of diagnoses and empowering them to better support their loved ones during treatment.
- Improved client mental health by implementing evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
- Assisted clients in developing healthy coping mechanisms to manage stressors more effectively and improve overall wellbeing.
Case Manager
Advocacy Links, L.L.C.
03.2015 - 03.2019
- Provision of Case Management services for individuals on the Medicaid Waiver Program
- This position requires facilitation of at least four interdisciplinary team meetings year per consumer
- Case Manager develops Individual Service Plan and Cost Comparison Budget that is approved by the State of Indiana
- Case Manager communicates with consumer, family, and service providers to ensure safety and well being of each consumer.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
- Assisted clients in setting achievable goals while providing ongoing encouragement and support throughout process of reaching those objectives.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
- Participated in regular professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within field of case management.
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
- Developed and implemented safety plans for clients at risk of harm to provide protection.
Social Services Specialist
The Doctor’s Hospital
08.2014 - 03.2015
- Director of Social Services is responsible for close communication with family and patient for development of Psychosocial Assessment of each patient
- Social Services analyzed intake documentation to ensure legal rights of patients are observed and facilitated communication between family, patient, nursing staff, and doctors.
- Coordinated care between multiple service providers to ensure clients received seamless, comprehensive assistance in addressing their needs.
- Ensured compliance with all state regulations and agency policies by maintaining detailed documentation of services provided.
- Educated clients on available resources, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care plans.
- Reduced barriers to service access by providing culturally sensitive assistance to diverse client populations.
- Assisted clients with crisis intervention, providing immediate support and coordinating necessary resources for stabilization.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized case management and support services.
- Coordinated family informational meetings and provided family with updates as needed.
Case Manager
Bowen Center
02.2012 - 07.2014
- Provision of rehabilitation services through teaching life skills such as budgeting, identification of coping skills, health and hygiene skills, and symptom management skills to seriously mentally ill adults.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
- Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
- Improved client satisfaction by efficiently addressing concerns or grievances in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
- Assisted clients in setting achievable goals while providing ongoing encouragement and support throughout the process of reaching those objectives.
Masters Level Social Work Intern
Bowen Center
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Co-facilitated Dialectical Behavioral Group Therapy (DBT) and conducted individual therapy in the Marshall County Jail.
- Managed caseload efficiently, prioritizing tasks and maintaining timely communication with clients, colleagues, and supervisors.
- Offered community resource guidance to clients to meet family needs for assistance.
- Consulted with other professionals to gain insight and advice and build strong network within organization.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of social work.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering supportive environments for open communication and personal growth.
- Mediated between family members to facilitate conflict resolution and build healthy family relationships.
- Facilitated support groups and workshops to provide valuable services to clients.
- Improved client outcomes by developing and implementing individualized service plans.
- Interviewed clients to assess needs and determine most suitable needs and services.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize client care and improve overall wellbeing.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and develop appropriate interventions.
- Maintained detailed case notes, documenting progress towards goals and critical incidents for accurate reporting.
- Developed strong rapport with clients by establishing trust and maintaining open lines of communication throughout the internship experience.
- Educated clients on their rights and responsibilities within various social service systems, empowering them to make informed decisions.
- Responded to crises and emergency situations to provide immediate assistance to persons in need.
- Enhanced client self-sufficiency through goal setting, problem-solving, and skill-building activities.
- Assisted clients in navigating community resources for optimal support and services.
- Represented organization within local communities to provide advocacy services to clients and establish relationships with other organizations.
- Provided crisis intervention services to ensure the safety of clients experiencing mental health or substance use emergencies.
- Developed and implemented social work plans to understand desired project goals and properly align social work activities.
- Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
- Evaluated clients' social, emotional and psychological needs to create treatment plans.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
Secure Unit Manager
Eastlake Nursing Facility
05.2011 - 09.2011
- Assisted to build new secure dementia unit
- Duties included decorating appropriate to population served, purchased games and activities, facilitated activities on unit, provided family education and guided tours.
- Ensured compliance with regulations and standards through regular audits, staff education, and policy updates.
- Facilitated interdepartmental collaboration through effective communication and coordination of patient care plans.
- Met with nursing staff and support personnel to plan services, programs and activities.
- Optimized staffing levels by monitoring unit needs and making data-driven adjustments to scheduling as necessary.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the unit by enforcing strict adherence to protocols, guidelines, and infection control measures.
- Handled complaints from patients and families and immediately took steps for quick resolution and to prevent reoccurrence.
- Participated actively in committee meetings to contribute insights from a Unit Manager perspective, influencing facility-wide decisions and policies.
Case Manager
Madison Center/Oaklawn
07.2008 - 05.2011
- Case Manager developed Plan of Care and Psychosocial Assessment
- Provision of rehabilitation services through teaching life skills such as budgeting, identification of coping skills, health and hygiene skills, and symptom management skills to seriously mentally ill adults.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
- Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
Case Manager
Madison Center
08.1998 - 12.2000
- Case Manager developed Plan of Care and Psychosocial Assessment
- Provision of rehabilitation services through teaching life skills such as budgeting, identification of coping skills, health and hygiene skills, and symptom management skills to seriously mentally ill adults.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
- Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
- Coordinated essential services for clients, resulting in improved overall well-being and self-sufficiency.
Bachelor Level Social Work Intern
Worcester State Hospital
08.1997 - 05.1998
- Developed Service Treatment Plans and conducted Psychosocial Assessments on geriatric unit, participated in nursing home placement and hospital discharge.
- Managed caseload efficiently, prioritizing tasks and maintaining timely communication with clients, colleagues, and supervisors.
- Offered community resource guidance to clients to meet family needs for assistance.
- Consulted with other professionals to gain insight and advice and build strong network within organization.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of social work.
- Mediated between family members to facilitate conflict resolution and build healthy family relationships.
- Interviewed clients to assess needs and determine most suitable needs and services.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize client care and improve overall wellbeing.
Education
Master of Social Work - Emphasis in Mental Health And Addiction
Indiana University South Bend
South Bend, IN05.2014
Bachelor of Social Work -
Atlantic Union College
South Lancaster, MA05.1998
High School Diploma -
Sir John A. Macdonald High School
Tantallon, Nova Scotia Canada06.1994
Skills
- Trained in Crisis Prevention (CPI)
- Telephone communication
- Client Advocacy
- Notetaking and documentation
- Goal Setting
- Individualized service plans
- Service monitoring and evaluation
- Meeting facilitation
- Issue Research
Timeline
Service Coordinator
Real Services. Inc.
05.2020 - Current
Behavioral Therapist
Self Employed
03.2019 - 05.2020
Case Manager
Advocacy Links, L.L.C.
03.2015 - 03.2019
Social Services Specialist
The Doctor’s Hospital
08.2014 - 03.2015
Masters Level Social Work Intern
Bowen Center
08.2013 - 05.2014
Case Manager
Bowen Center
02.2012 - 07.2014
Secure Unit Manager
Eastlake Nursing Facility
05.2011 - 09.2011
Case Manager
Madison Center/Oaklawn
07.2008 - 05.2011
Case Manager
Madison Center
08.1998 - 12.2000
Bachelor Level Social Work Intern
Worcester State Hospital
08.1997 - 05.1998
Master of Social Work - Emphasis in Mental Health And Addiction
Indiana University South Bend
Bachelor of Social Work -
Atlantic Union College
High School Diploma -
Sir John A. Macdonald High School
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