MELLONY B. GASTON
Lithonia
Summary
Resolute and authentic manager with over 20 years of proven strengths in family advocacy, leadership, and crisis support. Skilled at efficiently prioritizing and completing tasks, with strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities. Successfully directed and managed a team of talented and compassionate case managers. Outgoing and compassionate, with a keen understanding of social services principles and practices. Proficient in case management and program development, ensuring the highest quality of care and support. Dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Services Director
Atlanta Children's Shelter, Inc
04.2016 - 09.2024
- Provided direct supervision to Family Services Coordinator, Employment Counselor, and adjunct social service staff
- Served as Agency Field Instructor for social work interns
- Participated in professional activities and maintained membership in professional organizations
- Ensured coordination of services provided by the Hire Up Program and Aftercare Program
- Maintained and promoted a cooperative and harmonious teamwork environment
- Promoted an atmosphere of dignity and respect in line with agency philosophy and policies
- Ensured program statistical reporting and utilization of Pathways Community Network and Salesforce
- Maintained updated information on and established contacts with community agencies
- Participated in collaborative activities and partnerships with other area service providers
- Oversaw registration and enrollment process of all families
- Coordinated with families, childcare staff, and health service providers
- Distributed emergency assistance to families
- Facilitated weekly parent support group
- Managed family discharge processes and evaluated needs for childcare enrollment
- Assisted in the coordination of agency events for families
Family Services Coordinator
Atlanta Children's Shelter, Inc
11.2000 - 04.2016
- Assumed program management duties in the absence of the Social Services Director
- Assisted the Director in overseeing administrative aspects of the program
- Planned and managed outreach activities to advocate for increased program awareness
- Facilitated weekly groups to provide high-quality services to women impacted by domestic violence
- Managed the mentoring program
- Managed Aftercare Services, a highly successful program assisting parents transitioning from homelessness to self-sufficiency
- Facilitated orientation and enrollment of incoming families
- Prepared and analyzed statistical data for reports and grants
- Served as agency representative to the Case Management Consortium
- Assessed families and individuals for strengths and barriers, including employment, behavioral health, criminal history, and substance abuse
- Participated in case conferences and housing plan meetings with service providers
- Maintained precise and accurate documentation of case management services, including client files and program database entries
- Assisted families in establishing and meeting housing and self-sufficiency goals
- Coordinated with outside service providers to meet client needs
- Managed a caseload of families, including home-based case management
- Cultivated relationships with landlords and property management companies serving low-income families
- Assisted in planning and coordination of yearly events: Project Renewal, Thanksgiving Baskets, Achievers Celebration, and Holiday House
- Educated clients about budgeting and financial management
- Maintained and documented regular client contact through office visits, telephone communications, and home visits
- Recorded program data
Lead Case Manager
Lakeside Alternatives Inc
08.1990 - 07.2000
- Supervised the clinical and financial performance of a team of10 Mental Health Case Managers
- Assisted the Program Manager in developing and monitoring budgets
- Conducted staff development for entry-level and existing case managers
- Developed and implemented training manual for the Adult Case Management Department
- Facilitated Clozaril medication clinic with a psychiatrist
- Participated in regular interdisciplinary staff meetings
- Maintained a working knowledge of community resources
- Ensured all clients received appropriate services
- Provided timely data and reports
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology and Business Information Systems
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, ArkansasSkills
- Making values visible and viral
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
- Remarkable capacity to multitask; manage numerous, often competing priorities with ease
- Strong networking and negotiation skills
- Experienced team leader
- Persuasive writing and training skills that articulate organizational goals, objectives, and direction
- Lead and motivate while providing excellent client care and expecting excellence
- Resolve issues effectively and efficiently
- Make sound judgments in difficult situations
- Skillful in the use of technology management
- Communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups
Affiliations
Member of the Leadership Buckhead Class of2015-2016
Timeline
Social Services Director
Atlanta Children's Shelter, Inc
04.2016 - 09.2024
Family Services Coordinator
Atlanta Children's Shelter, Inc
11.2000 - 04.2016
Lead Case Manager
Lakeside Alternatives Inc
08.1990 - 07.2000
Bachelor of Science - Psychology and Business Information Systems
Arkansas State University
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