MELINDA POLLARD
Hazard, KY *****
ad4mv1@r.postjobfree.com
Highly knowledgeable Community Case Manager with proven expertise in client relations, service engagement and records management. Helps clients achieve critical services for diverse needs and elevates standards of care. Offers demonstrated abilities in working independently, maintaining organized schedules and following through on case needs. Motivational Interviewing
Case Coordination
Cultural Competency
Confidentiality Practices
Community Networking
Mental Health Assessment
Community Resource Navigation
Clinical Documentation
Client Advocacy
Progress Monitoring
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Research and Facts Collecting
Written Communication
Effective Customer Communication
Organizational Skills
Written and Verbal Communication
Client Needs Assessments
Problem-Solving Aptitude
Adaptability
Excellent Communication
Staff Training
Professional Demeanor
Problem-Solving
Analytical Thinking
Reliability
Interpersonal Communication
03/2022 to 01/2024
STEPSTONE
Prestonsburg, KY
Therapeutic Foster Care Case Manager
Formulated safety plans for high-risk situations involving children in need of protection from abuse or neglect. Conducted initial assessments of potential foster families and developed treatment plans. Monitored the progress of children in care, offering solutions to any challenges that arose. Educated foster families about their rights and responsibilities regarding the placement process and ongoing involvement with the agency.
Participated in weekly clinical supervision sessions to discuss cases and receive guidance from supervisors. Supported youth transitioning out of foster care by connecting them with appropriate resources such as housing assistance or employment programs.
Facilitated regular meetings with all members of the child's team. Collaborated with social workers, probation officers, mental health professionals, and other relevant agencies to provide comprehensive services for each child in care. Maintained accurate records of contact with clients and other service providers. Provided advocacy services for children in care by attending school meetings or representing them at court proceedings when needed.
Assisted in developing strategies for behavior management and crisis intervention. Coordinated with other service providers to ensure quality care for each child. Organized recreational activities for children in care to promote healthy social development. Offered emotional support during difficult times such as reunification or transition into new placements. Created detailed case notes regarding services provided and progress made. Provided transportation services as needed for medical appointments or other necessary trips related to a child's well-being.
Developed positive relationships with community partners to expand resources available to foster families. Attended court hearings as a representative of the agency providing expert testimony on behalf of children in care.
Ensured compliance with all state regulations pertaining to therapeutic foster care services. Provided therapeutic support to foster families, including individual and family counseling. Consulted with staff on resolution of complex service issues. SUMMARY
SKILLS
EXPERIENCE
Provided direct service and support by handling referrals for advocacy issues or resolving complaints. Established and maintained relationships to meet community needs and avoid service duplication. Recruited, interviewed, and hired volunteers and staff. Researched and analyzed community needs to determine program directions and goals. Prepared and maintained budgets, personnel records or training manuals. Evaluated work of staff and volunteers to maintain quality and effectiveness of resources. Provided hands-on and proactive leadership to community services staff. Spoke to community groups to explain and interpret purposes, programs, and policies. Handled administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management. Determined organizational policies regarding program eligibility, requirements and benefits. Assessed and identified service delivery challenges and opportunities within local area. Implemented and evaluated staff, volunteer or training programs. Directed activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers. Acted as consultant to community programs by interpreting regulations and policies. Developed benchmarks for measuring and monitoring strategic changes and organizational goals. Oversaw fundraising activities and preparation of public relations materials. Represented organizations in relations with governmental and media institutions. Analyzed proposed legislation, regulations or rule changes to determine impact of services. 07/2014 to 01/2022
USCIS / GENERAL DYNAMICS
Barbourville, KY
Tier 1 Immigration Officer
Participated in training sessions designed to update knowledge base on current trends in international migration. Processed visa applications in accordance with federal laws, regulations, and guidelines. Advised clients on matters related to obtaining permanent residency or citizenship in the U.S., as well as any additional requirements needed to remain lawfully present in the country. Provided legal advice regarding immigration issues including naturalization processes, family-based petitions, asylum requests and deportation proceedings.
Conducted interviews with applicants to assess their eligibility for entry into the United States. Verified documentation from applicants to confirm identity and verify accuracy of information provided. Reviewed petitions to determine if applicants met necessary qualifications for a variety of visas or citizenship statuses.
Monitored the status of various immigration cases to ensure compliance with regulations. Developed initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness about changes in immigration laws and regulations. Documented daily data related to investigations and findings. Reviewed immigration documentation for validity and asked targeted questions of each individual. Reviewed and visas, passports and immigration applications to verify adherence to requirements. DOCTOR OF SOCIAL WORK Expected in 05/2025
Capella University, Minneapolis, MN
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK 05/2023
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK: SOCIAL WORK 05/2022
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS 10/2020
Hazard Community And Technical College, Hazard, KY ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE 10/2020
Hazard Community And Technical College, Hazard, KY References available upon request.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
REFERENCES