CHRIS DURHAM
Westminster, CO H-303-***-****, C-720-***-**** *****.*******@*****.***
Innovative social work leader with 20+ years of experience providing direct client care, finding creative solutions to complex problems, and effectively managing multiple clients simultaneously. Possess strengths in managing personnel, volunteers, and resources, driving continuous improvement, and serving as a subject matter expert on various programs. Skilled at conducting client interviews to assess and identify needs and then bring outside resources to meet those needs.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Case Management
Client Advocacy
Public Speaking
Relationship Building
Problem Solving
Organization
Project Management
Employee Development
Fast-Paced Environments
Client Communication
Process Improvement
Community Building
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Management & Leadership
Built out all aspects of a new department, combining multiple casework functions
Led staff interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, mentoring, and coaching
Oversaw volunteer management, retention, and professional development activities for 60 volunteers
Supervised the day-to-day activities of 6 caseworkers and managed scheduling
Collaborated with the CEO to provide financial assistance for breast cancer treatment clients
Communicated outdated SOPs and protocols to the board of directors, resulting in policy changes
Strategic Planning
Designed processes, procedures, and standards for a newly established department
Spearheaded the implementation of a nation-wide computerized system; oversaw local installation and operation
Analyzed casework challenges to build out a new casework program
Gathered job requirements and day-to-day tasks to create standardized work requirements and processes
Developed and implemented staff training, volunteer training, and casework programs
Built out an expenditure tracking system in Excel to monitor monthly budget use
Case Management
Performed client interviews and assessed individualized client needs
Collaborated with medical personnel to verify medical conditions
Researched and provided client resources based on client access restrictions due to mental, physical, geographical, and technical abilities
Tracked client bill payments and worked with outside agencies and vendors to ensure timely payments
Processed military, military family, and local community emergency need assistance
Supported efforts to reunite families separated through disasters and war; provided resources and communication vehicles to family members
Community Relations & Interpersonal Skills
Acted as a primary point of contact and resource guide for healthcare professionals, clients, and their families on MS
Educated clients and their families on MS symptoms, treatments, and community and financial resources
Forged long-term partnerships with local cancer facilities to gain access to client resources and provide referrals
Communicated closely with client landlords, community vendors, and insurance providers to meet client bill payments
Reached out to outside entities to determine program relevancy based on client needs
KEY PROJECTS AND ACCOLADES
Conducted interviews to trace holocaust family lineages, gather information, and to enable financial reparations
Administered the 9/11 Disaster Financial Gift program as the Lead Case Worker for Colorado and at Ground Zero in New York; verified all claimants and averted fraud attempts
Led 250 national call center personnel during the 2004 Florida hurricanes
Managed a record of 600 national call center volunteers during Hurricane Katrina; directed onsite mental health professionals and fielded the most severe incoming crisis calls
Coordinated all phases of free US medical treatment for a Ukrainian family of 6 for a debilitating parasitic infection
Assisted an Ethiopian woman in receiving free hearing aids from a US company
Aided 2 separate Ethiopian families with finding free resources to help their children receive free heart surgeries in the US; sourced sponsoring families from an agency to care for children due to parental visa restrictions
Oversaw call center and mental health operations during the Columbine shooting tragedy
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Durham Enterprises, LLC Westminster, CO March 2018 – August 2019
Owner / Operator
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Denver, CO May 2008 – November 2016
Information and Referral Specialist
Sense of Security Westminster, CO January 2007 – May 2008
Manager, Client Services
American Red Cross, Mile High Chapter Denver, CO July 1999 – November 2006
Manager, Client Casework
International & Military Casework Specialist
EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGIES, AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Indiana University Bloomington, IN
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Technologies
Microsoft Office Suite
Proprietary Business Systems and Applications
Community Leadership
Accent Care Hospice – Volunteer (January 2023 – Present)
Broomfield FISH Food Bank – Volunteer (January 2023 – Present)
Marshall Fire Recovery Center – Volunteer (December 2021 – March 2022)
Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies – Volunteer (April 2019 – March 2020)
American Red Cross (1994 – 1999)
oDisaster Mental Health Team (1994 – 1999)
Disaster Aviation Committee Member
oDisaster Action Team Captain (1994 – 1997)