Timzetta Dickson
Wayne,MI
Summary
Devoted professional proactively and quickly identifies the best course of action for given scenarios. Employs empathy and patience to connect and provide intensive support for clients in difficult times. Confident in handling tasks independently and in teams with a highly organized approach to work. A strong advocate for those in need. Proficient in planning, implementation, facilitation, and management of targeted social programs including mental health, aging, persons with disabilities, and children with family services. Highly organized, cooperative, and dedicated individual with scalable leadership, logical problem-solving dexterity, strong organization capacity, creativity, and vigorous time management aptitude.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Advocate
Lakeshore Legal Aid
10.2022 - Current
- Consulting with attorney supervisors to coordinate and deliver staff training
- Community Partnership requested to serve as member of Out-Wayne Continuum of Care (COC) working on different projects to illuminate issues of homelessness and assisting in creating solutions i.e.
- Contributing to Michigan Statewide Housing Plan: Equity and Racial Justice priorities, goals, and strategies
- Commitment to DEIB work: Participate in DEI efforts serving as facilitator on LLA Program-Wide strategic plan and professionally increasing knowledge through self-study, professional training, and involvement in equity book club
- Recognition of client services at least three or more times to executive level illuminating impact of community advocacy
- Integrated evidence-based practices to develop mutually agreed upon intervention goals based on critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges faced by households; to refer and secure needed community resources; to utilize inter-professional collaboration to improve outcomes; to identify policy levers at local level that could better serve communities served within Wayne Metro area; and to negotiate and advocate on behalf of households
- Provide support to Eviction Prevention team through case management to assist in prevention of homelessness for households potentially facing eviction and/or housing instability
- Conduct over 80 plus assessments that encompass financial stability, physical and mental health, and housing sustainability
- Collaborate with several local resources to resolve issues around eviction including legal services, budget counseling, public benefits, and familial support
- Access emergency funding sources to provide monetary assistance to mitigate threats to housing.
Service Coordinator
KMG Prestige
10.2016 - 10.2023
- Demonstrated initiative, mission-driven aptitude, project management, and leadership skills in developing and implementing programs that will primarily serve seniors living in low-income, affordable housing community
- Offered effective supportive services and limited case management for 208+ residents living in HUD-based community
- Cultivate robust partnerships with property management to collaborate on promptly resolving resident issues
- Assessed over 208 residents’ needs, developed social and health programs, and successfully managed senior volunteers
- Connected with over 208 senior residents in meaningful, nonjudgmental manner while providing education and advocacy on services, HUD policy, residents' rights
- Assisted 93% of older adults remain independently housed
- Effectively developed strategies to link residents with needed services, mediate on behalf of community with health and social support systems
- Drove continuous improvement initiatives within team, fostering culture of excellence and consistently exceeding client expectations.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and material needs
- Developed comprehensive service plans tailored to individual client needs, resulting in high levels of satisfaction.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize service operations and improve client experiences.
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW) - Interpersonal Practice Children/Youth in Families Society
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI12.2011
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI05.1999
Bachelor of Arts - African Studies
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI05.1999
Skills
- Problem-Solving & Excellent Communication
- Administrative Leadership
- Writing Progress & Evaluation Reports
- Public Policy & Social Justice
- Coaching, Mentoring & Conflict Resolution
- Community Development & Community Engagement
- Collaborative Partnerships
- Reporting writing
- Client-Centered Counseling
- Supervising Volunteers
- Case management and Assessments
- Managing Nonprofit Programs
- Strong Advocacy
- Leadership Skills
- Empathy building
Accomplishments
§ Initiated ground-level Eviction Prevention work through research, design, and developing preliminary processes to guide work (developed communication flow chart for social work and attorney partnership, created social work tools for intake process, client engagement, and closure of cases procedures).
§ Developed a vision for EP work by orchestrating and facilitating meetings between attorneys and social workers from another State to learn best practices for the development of an effective eviction prevention model.
§ Demonstrate outstanding case management to help over 80 clients with eviction prevention resulting in clients remaining housed and other needs remedied.
§ Commended for successfully managing a Board of Directors for 3 years and overseeing state-wide membership of Service Coordinators.
§ Received commendations for being an outstanding Service Coordinator, recognized for leadership, and selected for Awards.
§ Advanced senior advocacy while leading, promoting, and planning a senior walk for justice events.
§ Initiated and implemented an Intergenerational Program while maintaining partnerships with community organizations on innovative programs such as online senior social media support, and nutritional programs (advocated and partnered with community programs to bring 4+ food programs to the property and ensured that food security was met), developed mental health partnerships to address depression, suicide prevention, anxiety, and PTSD.
§ Assisted the Red Cross in finding alternative housing for seniors who were burned out of the building. Advocated with community partners and elected officials to obtain food, clothing, and material goods for over 208 residents during a fire. Recognized by the employer and American Red Cross for leadership efforts.
§ Advanced senior advocacy and housing advocacy while leading, promoting, and contributing to state-wide housing plans, and empowering communities to self-advocate.
§ Collaborated with local, state, and federal elected officials to advocate for issues that impact seniors and persons living with disabilities, lead townhouse meetings, and delegate letter-writing campaigns to elected officials.
§ Manage and recruit members by encouraging and arranging for seniors to meet with elected officials annually.
Training
- National Association of Service Coordinators Annual Trainings (Aging Services)
- Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology Aging Courses
- Michigan Medicaid Medicare Program (MMAP) Conference/Training
- State Training in Medicaid and Medicare Programs and Training in Long-Term Care Services for Aging/Disabled
- Michigan Child Welfare Trained in Family Preservation and Wrap Around Facilitator (WAC)
- Substance Affected Families, Incest-Affected Families I, II, Domestic Violence/Laws
- Cultural Competency
- Emotional Intelligence
Timeline
Community Advocate
Lakeshore Legal Aid
10.2022 - Current
Service Coordinator
KMG Prestige
10.2016 - 10.2023
Master of Social Work (MSW) - Interpersonal Practice Children/Youth in Families Society
University of Michigan
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Wayne State University
Bachelor of Arts - African Studies
Wayne State University