Melody Golden-Santos
Columbus,GA
Summary
Education and Employment Specialist from New Horizons Behavioral Health, adept in client advocacy and job placement, enhances employment access through innovative community collaboration. Demonstrates exceptional record-keeping and critical thinking, achieving significant program improvements. Skilled in motivational strategies and interview coaching, consistently delivering impactful client outcomes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Education and Employment Specialist
New Horizons Behavioral Health
01.2024 - Current
- Created and maintained accurate records of client progress towards goals in a timely manner.
- Advised management on organizing, preparing or implementing recruiting or retention programs.
- Assessed customer satisfaction levels through surveys or interviews; provided feedback to management team.
- Evaluated effectiveness of existing programs by analyzing data from past placements; identified areas for improvement.
- Researched local training opportunities and educational resources available to assist clients in achieving their desired objectives.
- Developed new initiatives or partnerships designed to increase access to employment opportunities.
- Provided ongoing support and coaching to clients throughout the job application process.
- Prepared and delivered presentations to community groups about employment services.
- Advocated on behalf of clients with employers, negotiating accommodations or flexible schedules.
- Facilitated workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, and job search strategies.
- Collaborated with employers to identify job openings and arranged interviews for clients.
- Assisted clients in addressing barriers to employment, such as transportation or childcare.
- Provided comprehensive case management services to ensure successful job placement outcomes.
- Compiled detailed reports summarizing program activities for internal review purposes.
- Participated in outreach efforts within the community including presentations at schools, churches, civic organizations.
- Delivered exceptional service level by listening to concerns and providing appropriate solutions.
Human Services Professional
Southern Living Academy
07.2023 - 01.2024
- Attended court hearings as an advocate for disabled individuals needing assistance with legal matters.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for those without access to reliable transportation options.
- Collaborated with other professionals to ensure coordination of care between multiple agencies and providers.
- Provided case management services including linking clients with community resources and providing referrals for social services.
- Assisted clients in developing and executing independent living skills such as budgeting, meal planning, finding housing.
- Monitored client progress toward individualized service plan goals through periodic reviews of records and reports from other agencies or programs involved in the delivery of services.
- Maintained and updated organizational charts, employee handbooks or performance evaluation forms.
- Attended meetings and participated in staff development training activities.
- Discussed rights and responsibilities associated with public assistance with applicants.
- Provided crisis intervention services to assist clients in managing emotional distress related to their disabilities or personal situations.
Human Services Professional/DCS
Southern Living Academy
05.2021 - 06.2022
- Company Overview: (DFCS/Boys Group Home/MWO)
- (DFCS/Boys Group Home/MWO)
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Managed household errands and other essential duties.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Human Services Professional
Changing Lives S&P LLC
02.2017 - 12.2020
- Company Overview: (DFCS/DJJ/Boys Group Home/MWO)
- (DFCS/DJJ/Boys Group Home/MWO)
- Attended court hearings as an advocate for disabled individuals needing assistance with legal matters.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for those without access to reliable transportation options.
- Participated in staff meetings to discuss cases involving complex psychosocial issues or treatment plans requiring multi-disciplinary approaches.
- Provided advocacy support when needed by accompanying clients to appointments or meetings with government officials or other entities.
- Responded to calls per day, providing assistance through active listening and effective communication skills.
- Participated in trainings related to topics such as trauma informed care, suicide prevention, harm reduction practices.
- Performed initial assessments of clients to determine eligibility for services and resources.
- Took part in staff trainings, workshops, and meetings to build upon developed skills set and gain better understanding of tasks and responsibilities.
Administrative Assistant
Mentoring Youth Service II
05.2019 - 12.2019
- Managed incoming calls while providing information or transferring callers to appropriate personnel.
- Organized files, developed spreadsheets, faxed reports and scanned documents, maintaining front desk and reception area in neat and organized fashion.
- Updated contact lists regularly when changes occur in employee status or contact information.
- Handled incoming and outgoing correspondence, including email, mail, and package deliveries, ensuring timely distribution.
- Greeted visitors in a professional manner, responding to inquiries and directing them to appropriate personnel.
- Handled confidential documents in an organized fashion according to established protocol.
- Facilitated communication between different departments within the organization.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
Direct Care Lead
Mentoring Youth Services
04.2017 - 12.2019
- Company Overview: (DFCS/Girls Group Home/MWO)
- (DFCS/Girls Group Home/MWO)
- Monitored clients' activity levels and helped prevent sedentary behavior.
- Tracked and reported clients' progress based on observations and conversations.
- Actively participated in professional development opportunities through workshops, conferences, or online courses.
- Planned and prepared healthy meals and snacks for clients and provided assistance with eating when necessary.
- Assisted clients with maintaining good personal hygiene.
- Documented current patient information to update vital signs, behaviors, and eating habits.
- Participated in weekly team meetings to provide updates on client care plans.
- Served as a mentor for new staff members by providing guidance on how best to serve clients' needs.
- Obtained sources of entertainment for clients to provide full and enjoyable daily activities.
- Monitored health and well-being of clients and reported significant health changes.
- Developed strong relationships with families of clients to ensure their involvement in care plan decisions.
- Ensured compliance with all state regulations related to the operation of the facility.
- Accompanied or transported clients to appointments, errands and social activities.
- Transported clients to doctor's appointments and errands.
- Contacted medical providers on behalf of clients to follow up on appointments.
- Provided direct supervision of staff and clients in a residential setting.
- Followed care plan and directions to administer medications.
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
Case Support Manager
Whale of Hope
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Company Overview: (DFCS/Boys Group Home/MWO)
- (DFCS/Boys Group Home/MWO)
- Managed daily operations of the customer service department, including staffing schedules and resource allocation.
- Developed departmental goals and standards in line with supporting organization's mission and strategic vision.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding customer service practices.
- Fostered positive and inclusive team culture for support staff.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Handled escalated calls from customers requiring additional assistance or specialized knowledge.
- Resolved complex and escalated support issues.
Education
Master of Science - Mental Health And Wellness
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ11-2021
Bachelor of Science - Experimental Psychology
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ07-2019
Skills
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Empathy
- Ability to set boundaries
- Customer service
- De-escalation skills
- Community collaboration
- Record keeping
- Job placement
- Resume writing
- Work assignments
- Disability services
- Case management
- Client advocacy
- Motivational strategies
- Development activities
- Interview coaching
References
Available upon request.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Education and Employment Specialist
New Horizons Behavioral Health
01.2024 - Current
Human Services Professional
Southern Living Academy
07.2023 - 01.2024
Human Services Professional/DCS
Southern Living Academy
05.2021 - 06.2022
Administrative Assistant
Mentoring Youth Service II
05.2019 - 12.2019
Direct Care Lead
Mentoring Youth Services
04.2017 - 12.2019
Human Services Professional
Changing Lives S&P LLC
02.2017 - 12.2020
Case Support Manager
Whale of Hope
01.2016 - 01.2017
Master of Science - Mental Health And Wellness
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science - Experimental Psychology
Grand Canyon University