Mental Health Direct Support
Resume:
Favour Akhidenor, PhD, MSW, MSc, BSc
Email: ***********@*****.***
******.*********@*****.***
Phone: 908-***-****
EDUCATION
University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA, Doctor of Philosophy, Education Prevention & Intervention Studies, PhD
University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA, Master’s in Social Work, MSW
University of Benin, Benin, Edo, Nigeria, Master of Science in Social Work, MSc
University of Benin, Benin, Edo, Nigeria, Bachelor of Science in Social Work, BSc
Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo, Nigeria, Diploma in Public Finance & Mgt, Diploma
CERTIFICATION/ QUALIFICATION
Harvard University Online Child Protection: Children's Rights in Theory & Practice Certified Online Program
Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician / Community Provisional (MHRT/C)
State of Maine Department of Education Certification
American Heart Association- Heart Saver First Aid
Direct Support Professional Certification
Eligible for Board License Exam
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA Education - Prevention & Intervention Studies 2023
PhD, Dissertation: Recurrent Homelessness Among Single Mothers in Shelters
Factors Contributing to Recurrent Homelessness Among Single Mothers Using Shelters (umaine.edu)
University of Maine, Orono, ME, master’s in social work - 2016
MSW thesis: Community Need Assessment “Thriving in Place” in Katahdin Area of Maine
KTiP-Needs-Assessment-Presentation-2016.pdf (millinocket.org)
University of Benin, Benin, Edo Nigeria, Master of Science in Social Work – 2012
MSc thesis: Parental Perception of Child Sexual Abuse Among Uvwie People of Delta State, Nigeria
The Crisis of Education: The Immigrant Dream vs the Immigrant Nightmare - (Sun Journal Lewiston) 2018
http://www.sunjournal.com/crisis-of-education-the-immigrant-dream-versus-immigrant nightmare/
WEBSITE
Saintnaomis.org
Favemerit.com
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
President & CEO- Saint Naomis Foundation – USA and PAN Africa 2017- Present
Planning, organizing, and directing the activities and programs of the organization.
Establishing and setting uniform inventory and cost accounting rules, procedures, and
operational reporting and metrics
Lead the development of the organization’s long- and short-term strategies.
Manage overall operations and make major decisions affecting the organization.
Manage the organization’s resources.
Negotiate or approve agreements and contracts for the organization.
Manage company organizational structure.
Communicate with the board of directors.
Assess and minimize risks to the company.
Set strategic goals.
Provide company-wide leadership.
Serve as the company’s primary spokesperson.
Identify and address companywide problems.
Supervising and reporting on the organization's performance to the board of directors
Publicly representing the organization and acting as its chief spokesperson at events, conferences, partnerships, and fundraising meetings
Continually presenting and promoting the organization and its goals, programs, partners, and members in a positive light
Design and implemented Individual Plan programs and collects data, as required.
Assist and instruct individuals in all aspects of their IP and ensure that staff meet program frequency requirements.
Supervise, support, and motivate staff.
Coach and counsel staff to obtain professional and agency goals and objectives.
Complete all personnel-related activities of the programs.
Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
Manage budgetary responsibilities and "On-call" responsibility, as scheduled.
President & CEO- FaveMerit LLC. - Delaware, USA 2022-Present
Managing the website and online stores
Overseeing digital marketing strategies
Interviewing and hiring employees
Establishing goals for the team
Setting the company up for success
Working closely with demand planning, merchandising and warehouse teams to ensure the fulfilment of orders on time.
Analyzing and providing reports on a weekly or monthly basis for each department, product or offer
Reviewing customers' concerns, needs and preferences to create a smooth and seamless transactional process for buying products online.
Reviewing stock levels and sales data to maintain a stable supply and demand status.
Program Director -211MD Care Coordination, Maryland Information Network–
Columbia, MD, USA 2022- Present
Provide analysis, monitoring, training, and data reporting of Maryland Information Network’s programs.
Plan, develop, implement, and maintain program policies and procedures, delivery of programs, and program services.
Serve as the point of contact and liaison for and between MIN and grantees providing direct MIN program services.
Identify issues which interfere with the delivery of program services and collaboratively develop techniques to resolve them.
Works with MIN staff and program stakeholders to identify opportunities to continually improve program services.
Identify KPIs for continuous monitoring to ensure program objectives and outcomes are achieved.
Develop and implement program policies for proper storage and management of PII data.
Receives program complaints and works with program stakeholders to resolve grievances.
Participates and assists in the coordination of staff development programs and training.
Facilitate the multidisciplinary care coordination process by coordinating the development and implementation of tools and systems for effective, efficient care management.
Served as the point of contact for and between Baltimore City hospital Emergency Department discharge planners and the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA)/Department of Human Services (DHS) Care Coordination team.
Serve as the POC between hospital Emergency Departments discharge planners and the BHA/DHS Care Coordination team.
Works with BHA/DHS Care Coordination team and 211 Call Center Network coordination team to identify opportunities to continually improve patient care and services.
Identify KPIs for continuous monitoring to ensure targeted outcomes are achieved.
Responsible for coordinating operations with the 211 Call Center Network Care Coordination team.
Coordinates partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
Assists, develops, and participates in quality assurance activities.
Provide general oversight of daily operations of the internship program.
Design and executing the planning and implementation of a nine (9) month intern program focused on teaching case coaching.
Ensuring field assignments align with course requirements.
Cultivated existing partnerships and developing new relationships with colleges and universities to expand internship opportunities.
Special Populations Coordinator - Howard Community College –Columbia, MD USA 2022-present
Recruit, interview, hire, supervise, and evaluate instructors and staff for program courses.
Prepare and submit CC-10's for program courses designated.
Prepare statistical and other reports for internal and external use.
Serve as point-of-contact to ensure customer satisfaction by answering inquiries and solving problems for special population program courses.
Represent programs at community events for marketing purposes.
Analyze course evaluation (student satisfaction), enrollment and fiscal data to determine future programming needs (course revision, expansion, repetition, deletion, instructor assignment, re-assignment, etc.).
Coordinate and manage a public exhibit and diversity event where CORE students showcase their work.
Develop procedures and policies for the safe and effective operation of the CORE program.
Collaborate with various college departments to ensure program success and expansion as appropriate.
Develop and oversee program budgets.
Administer the production of the non-credit brochures by scheduling courses, faculty, and facilities for Special Populations programs.
Teach and serve as an additional program teacher when needed.
Support community development programs in the college
Supervises instructors, work-study, service learning, and instructional aides.
-Social Services Director - Family and Community Engagement- Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee Hughesville, MD – USA 2021-2022
The two-generation approach draws from findings that the well-being of parents is crucial to their children’s social-emotional, physical, and economic well-being. The Social Services Director manages and oversees the utilization of the 2Gen approach within the Head Start Program under the following content areas:
ERSEA (Enrollment, Recruitment, Selection, Eligibility and Attendance):
Ensured that the agency complies with all regulations applicable to the Head Start Performance Standards
Analyzed enrollment systems. Provided information, referral and coordinating efforts to link families with appropriate resources.
Analyzed community assessment information and facilitate planning efforts to determine design options, recruitment efforts and enrollment guidelines for Head Start (HS), Early Head Start (EHS) and Childcare Partners (CCP).
Developed and/or revised the agency’s ERSEA systems, policies and procedures.
Overseed and facilitated ERSEA Committee
Evaluated and monitored systems to process enrollment applications, including determination of eligibility and selection criteria.
Prepared monthly reports and tracking regarding ERSEA updates timely.
Maintained systems, database, files, etc. ensured security of data.
Involved with strategic planning processes by utilizing the community needs assessment and internal data.
Monitored to ensure compliance related funded enrollment, slot tracking, and attendance.
Overseed student and family record policies, implementation, participated in annual audit.
Prepared monthly programmatic and any reports required by funding sources.
Participated in internal and external monitoring reviews.
Male Involvement: encourage fathers and significant male figures to become actively involved in the social and educational development of their children while enhancing their relationship with their children and families through interaction in Head Start activities, both within the center and off-site.
Designed a creative and effective incentive and reward systems to encourage hesitant fathers/males to become more involved in classroom activities and program governance.
Developed and maintained strategic alliances and partnerships with other community agencies and Fatherhood-related programs to assist in providing services to SMTCCAC children and families.
Supervised the Male Involvement and Family Services Coordinator and the Family Advocate Specialist.
Coordinated and overseed training and the education of fathers, significant males, other family members, and agency staff in methods and techniques for interacting with children and improving parenting skills through community resource awareness, agency-sponsored workshops, etc.
Join the Male Involvement Network (MIN) and attend Annual Family (AFC) conference.
Internship Program: managing a total of ten (10) undergraduate and graduate students seeking fieldwork within the social work discipline and/or within other human service disciplines utilizing the whole family 2Gen approach by:
Provided general oversight of daily operations of the internship program.
Designed and executed the planning and implementation of a nine (9) month intern program focused on teaching case coaching and 2Gen whole family approach discipline.
Provided supervisory oversight of the Internship Program Coordinator
Ensuring field assignments align with course requirements.
Cultivated existing partnerships and developing new relationships with colleges and universities to expand internship opportunities.
Lead Case Manager- Community Action Partnership- Community Assistance Network-Rosedale, MD, USA 2019-2021
Provided intake/assessment and discharge planning services for clients,
Worked with family and school aged children identifying special programs for their educational needs.
Involved in oversight of treatment plans and supervision of client activities.
Assisted clients acquired job skills with the goal of obtaining employment.
Assisted low-income client in secured permanent housing, assisted living housing, rental housing.
Maintained thorough communication, positive and collaborative partnerships, and continuity of care.
Maintained current client records and documentation according to housing standards policy.
Collaborating with all team members, including shelter manager, nurses, resident assistants, job personnel and rapid re-housing specialists to assist client housing situation/crisis.
Monitored progress and effectiveness of services plan to include updating the plan as indicated and making referral.
Managed mutual/good relationship between shelter staff and clients.
Assisted shelter client in locating appropriate resources in the community.
Observed, recorded, and reported any unusual symptoms, signs of abuse and maltreatment in the shelter.
Advocated for shelter resident’s needs and ensured needs are met as outlined in the housing/ shelter procedures manual.
Developed outreach, programs and projects that fit clients’ needs and assisted in the recruitment of RA, and other staff.
Partnered with various agencies in the community to link clients to resources and referrals that will enable them to transition from the shelter.
Conducted motivational groups that gingered clients and young people in the community to be focus oriented.
Assisted clients in identifying and resolving barriers that have impacted them in becoming successful due to trauma such as diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, criminal records, and lack of family dynamics.
Utilized various barriers assessment tools to assist clients in transitioning into the community.
Assisted clients to obtain food stamp, medical assistance, TCA, TDAP, SSA and SSDI
Social Worker-Day Treatment Program- Western Foothills Regional School Unit No. 10, Maine State –Rumford, ME USA - 2017- 2019
Provided one on one meeting utilizing best practices, culturally competent, trauma informed, and evidenced based models.
Monitored progress and effectiveness of service plan to include updating the plan as indicated.
Provided family visits in the home and community setting and encouraged family involvement in treatment.
Collaborated with all team members, including school personnel, working with the client and family, and responding to clients in crisis.
Maintained thorough communication and positive and collaborative partnerships and continuity of care with other providers.
Complied with program policies and procedures. Adhere to school standards re: confidentiality, client rights, etc.
Maintained current client records and documentation according to school standards (i.e. psychosocial assessments, service plans, quarterly reviews, and progress notes).
Maintained current client records and documentation according to school standards.
Managed and monitored Mainecare/Medicaid usage and private insurance coverage for client caseload and client billing to ensure payment of services.
Maintained weekly and annual productivity standards with classroom teachers to create therapeutic interventions that could be used in the school environment.
Conducted psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, and provided individual, group, and family team meetings.
Supervised all teachers and educational technician at the school.
Develop a therapeutic relationship with and provide appropriate guidance and supervision to adolescent students.
Assisted in regulating and evaluating youth behavior in a therapeutic environment that focuses on individualized instruction, trauma-sensitive practices and is grounded in the principles of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
Conducted mentoring groups that will improve behavior and character of youths.
Monitored progress and effectiveness of services to the youths.
Collaborated with the youth's medical teams including therapists, nurses, doctors and other program coordinator.
supervised the teachers and provided services to students and families.
Developed programs that suit each individual need, such as safety plans.
implemented Agency's policies and programs that served students from underserved communities struggling with academic and behavioral difficulties.
Case Manager- Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, Lewiston ME USA 2017 –2017
Managed clients with a variety of moderate to severe disruptive behaviors exhibited in individual or group settings, including adjustment reactions to new or changing environments.
Assisted in the admission of new clients, referral and discharge process.
Assessed diagnoses and developed a treatment plan for individuals admitted into the program.
Provided individual and/or family team meetings to children and their families.
Maintained communication with providers including case managers, medication prescribers, and primary care physicians.
Ensured treatment plan is appropriate for the client needs.
Evaluated clients and family’s response to, and effectiveness of, the treatment.
Documented each session using professional, clinical documentation.
Participated in supervision on a weekly basis.
Seek professional growth through reading, attending workshops seminars, conferences and/or advanced course work.
Supervision of Behavioral Health Professionals
University of Maine, Office of Multicultural Student Life, Graduate Supervisor - Orono ME USA 2013 – 2017
Developed motivating and educational programs that fit student needs (Poptalk & Voltage)
Assisted in institutional programs such as Hello UMaine Day, Orientation, MLK Breakfast, Career fair.
Advised students on multicultural issues, student, and time management.
Collaborated with other offices and organizations in preparing for major events including hunger banquet, culture fest, and international dance festival.
Conducted training for student organizations, monitored performances, analyzed problem areas, planned, and executed interventions.
Participated in individual, group supervision and providing leadership roles to students.
Assist students in locating appropriate resources on campus.
Involved in the planning of events such as Multicultural and Gay thanksgiving, diversity week etc.
Attended office staff meetings, training, presentations, and interviews for search committees.
Managed mutual/good relationship between the office and other offices on campus.
Organized fundraising plan that will help the office and collaborated organizations.
Supervised office student workers and Administrative Aides
Advisor, Student/Campus organizations and community liaison officer
Motivated members in balancing academics with campus involvement and adjusting to university life.
Advised members on planning educational events and collaborating with offices and other organizations.
Prospected and identified new techniques of fundraising for the organization.
Promoted unity, empowering students to take initiatives and leadership roles.
Advised the executive board on strategies to manage time, analyze problems and advocate effectively for student members of the association.
Developed, implemented, and facilitated programs such as workshops, retreats conferences and outreach that will engage and promote student life.
Managed and resolved conflict among students, promote collaboration and communication between members.
Monitored the organization involvement with campus activities including Student Life and Student Government
Maintained office emails, phone calls, store, and students’ files.
Collaborated with office staff to manage students and newly recruited staff immigration documents.
Involved in planning and organizing programs in the office.
Maintained detailed report of activities of the office.
Addressed student’s inquiries and complaints of school issues.
Acadia Hospital, Pediatric Outpatient Unit, Bangor, ME, USA
(MSW Intern) September 2016 – May 2017
Provided psychosocial assessment and group meeting to children such as providing coping skills.
Involved in professional team meetings with patients, family, and health professionals.
Attended weekly hospital meeting with other members of mental health team (psychiatrists, social worker, nurse practitioners etc.) to debrief on patient care.
Attended training on how to use hospital software and work with children.
Collaborated with patient’s school to render support to the patient.
Assisted in the admission of new clients.
Follow-up with patients on treatment plan and goals
Provided individual and/or family team meetings to children and their families.
Involved in group and individual supervisions.
Department of Health and Human Services - Child Protective Services Bangor ME, USA
Human Services Caseworker (Intern), 2014 – 2015
Coordinated and located resources, places and services in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the clients.
Assessed problems, developed appropriate intervention and made recommendations that assisted the organization in the decision-making process.
Prepared cases including findings, evaluations and recommendations and provided one on one treatment plans with clients around goals and strategies.
Attended agency staff meetings, outreach, conferences, and scheduled courses.
Developed plans to eliminate or reduce jeopardy and risk/threat of harm due to abuse and neglect to children by engaging with diverse family dynamics and others to avoid removal or facilitate reunification, permanent placement, or adoption.
Managed and monitored cases to ensure progress towards organization goals.
Advocated by removing child/adult from risk/threat of serious harm by placing them in an alternative placement such as guardianship or living arrangement.
Involved in a team of professionals through Family Team Meetings (FTM) and settlement conferences to develop plans and arrangements to serve clients.
Assistant School Counselor - Green Isle International School, Delta State,
Nigeria. 2010 - 2013
•Arranged appropriate programs for new intake and existing children in school.
•Recruited, managed, and resolved conflict among staff.
•Involved in planning and organizing children’s programs as well as parents and teacher’s meetings.
•Maintained detailed report of school counseling activities and work with other schools.
•Trained and supervised new employees.
•Discussed child behavior/performance with parent and counsel children face to face.
Business Operations /Customer Service Officer- Access Bank Plc Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria. 2001-2011.
•Processed checks and cash for customers.
•Balanced branch tellers and vault accounting
•Funds transfer and inter banks clearing with Central Bank of Nigeria
•Maintained branch asset register ad operations.
•Managed and coordinated with the branch contractors and vendor services.
•Involved in planning, organized, and supervised new employees of the bank.
•Recruited, managed support staff, and resolved conflict among staff.
•Maintained detailed report of branch meetings and activities.
•Addressed customer inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
•Opened and closed accounts that are dominant by collaborating with client.
•Initiated standing orders; both intra and inter-bank, internet banking access
•Managed security documents for client.
•Motivated deposit mobilization for the bank
•Prospected and identified new and emerging business segments.
•Created and initiated quality risk assets for the bank.
•Promoted income generation for the business office.
•Managed customer funds, investments, accounts and general business portfolio
•Monitored customers’ investment template and market product for the bank.
Professional Skills
•Fluent in Uvwie language (Africa)
•Professional development trainings
•Knowledge of social work theories, principle, research, and practices
•Knowledge of individual, same sex partner and family dynamics
•Knowledge of advising, counseling methods and techniques
•Knowledge of DSS, DHS and Acadia hospital automated case management system
•Knowledge of Microsoft office such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
•Ability to utilize appropriate techniques for handling hostile, angry /or resistant clients.
•Ability to interview and obtain sensitive information.
•People management and leadership skills
•Professional mentor
Volunteer Experience
•Health Equity Alliance, Down East AIDS Network - 106 Pine Street Bangor, ME
•University of Maine – Student Life- Multicultural Office Advisor/Mentor
•Youwin Mentor - Federal Government of Nigeria
Awards/Trainings
•Most Outstanding Graduating Mentor- University of Maine
•Most Exceptional Service and Dedication Award- University of Maine
•Teen Health Study Training
•Leadership Training University of Maine
•Acadia Hospital- Changing the Legacy of Addiction DHHS-
•Counseling Helping Skills workshop UMaine -
•Domestic Violence Focus Group Training DHHS-
•Implementing Sanctuary Model Training UMaine
•Youwin Mentors’ Entrepreneur Training Federal Government of Nigeria
•Customer Service Training Access Bank Nigeria
Memberships
•National Association of Social Workers (Maine Chapter), USA- Member ID: 886753111
•Golden Key International Honors Society, University of Maine, Orono, USA
•Core Team- Sanctuary Model kick-off, University of Maine, Orono, USA
•International Student Association (ISA) University of Maine, Orono, USA
•Urhobo/Isoko Progressive Union (UPU) Calgary, Alberta
•African Student Association, University of Maine, Orono, USA
•Black Student Association, University of Maine, Orono, USA
•The Equity Stewardship Advisory Board Member- University of Maine, Orono, USA
Interests
Public speaking, mentoring, advising, traveling, playing soccer, reading, researching, and watching movies.
Contact this candidate