Melvin Hunter Sr
Slidell,LA
Summary
Compassionate and client-centered social-work professional with a Master of Science in Social Work (2026), a bachelor's in psychology, and extensive experience supporting individuals and families in crisis. Skilled in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, psychosocial assessment, and community resource coordination. Brings over 30 years of experience working directly with vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing domestic violence, mental-health crises, substance-use challenges, homelessness, and family conflict. Known for building rapport, de-escalating high-stress situations, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to promote safety, stability, and client empowerment.
Social Work professional with broad experience and readiness for impactful roles. Expertise in client assessment, crisis intervention, and case management. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Known for empathy, strong communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Work Intern
Essential Care Services
01.2025 - 01.2026
- Clinical & Behavioral-Health Support
- Conducted 50% psychosocial histories and assisted clinicians with intake assessments and risk screenings.
- Observed and co-facilitated 10% group therapy sessions focused on coping skills, emotional regulation, and wellness.
- Provided supervised one-on-one support to clients, reinforcing treatment goals and connecting them with community resources.
- Maintained accurate, confidential documentation in accordance with agency and state behavioral-health standards.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to support treatment planning and client progress reviews.
- Case Management & Support Services
- Assisted case managers with service coordination, including housing referrals, Medicaid/Medicare navigation, and linkage to community supports.
- Conducted follow-up calls to monitor client engagement, appointment adherence, and resource needs.
- Helped develop individualized service plans (ISPs) by gathering client strengths, barriers, and goals.
- Collaborated with social workers, peer support specialists, and clinicians to ensure continuity of care.
- Supported crisis-intervention efforts by gathering collateral information and alerting supervisors to safety concerns.
- Assisted case managers in developing individualized care plans for clients.
- Conducted client intake assessments to gather essential information for service delivery.
Senior Community Crisis Responder (Retired Senior Police Officer)
New Orleans Police Department
01.1991 - 01.2022
- Reframe to highlight social-work-aligned functions
- Provided trauma-informed support to individuals experiencing domestic violence, mental-health crises, substance-use emergencies, and family conflict.
- Utilized de-escalation strategies to stabilize high-risk situations and reduce harm to individuals and families.
- Conducted welfare checks, assessed immediate needs, and connected individuals with crisis teams, shelters, hospitals, and social-service agencies.
- Mediated disputes and facilitated conflict resolution between families, neighbors, and community members.
- Built long-term relationships with community members, improving trust and access to supportive services.
- Documented client interactions, prepared detailed reports, and communicated with courts, social workers, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Trained over 100 new officers in communication, cultural sensitivity, conflict resolution, and community-oriented engagement.
- Participated in search-and-rescue operations, victim-assistance efforts, and community safety initiatives.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Southern University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA05.2026
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Upper Iowa University
New Orleans, LA05.2021
Skills
- Trauma-sensitive care
- Crisis intervention
- Psychosocial evaluation
- Client support and resource management
- Domestic violence intervention
- Psychological wellness guidance
- Substance use assessment and referral
- Motivational Interviewing (applied skills)
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Cultural Humility & Community Engagement
- Safety Planning & Risk Assessment
- Documentation & Treatment Planning
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Multicultural competence
- Client advocacy
- Professional ethics
- Self-care strategies
Accomplishments
- Trained more than 100 new officers as a Field Training Officer (FTO), emphasizing empathy, communication, and community-focused engagement.
- Formally commended for leadership, professionalism, and service to vulnerable populations.
Affiliations
- Prince Hall Freemason
- Omega Psi Phi, Inc Member
- American Legion Member
Timeline
Social Work Intern
Essential Care Services
01.2025 - 01.2026
Senior Community Crisis Responder (Retired Senior Police Officer)
New Orleans Police Department
01.1991 - 01.2022
Master of Science - Social Work
Southern University of New Orleans
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Upper Iowa University