Melony Cunningham

Assess the safety of a child's placement and connect them with community services Manage cases with a focus on screening and referrals in areas like placement, safety, education, and mental health Provide crisis intervention to ensure a child's well-being

Regional HSPRS TVPRA Case Manager at ENDEAVORS (2023-07 – Present)

• Assess the safety of a child's placement and connect them with community services
• Manage cases with a focus on screening and referrals in areas like placement, safety, education, and mental health
• Provide crisis intervention to ensure a child's well-being
• Excel in detailed documentation and adherence to social work best practices
• Communicate regularly with supervisor about safety concerns
• Report trends and challenges and participate in relevant trainings

Executive Director at NAMI KENTUCKY (2017-06 – 2023-08)

• Supervised more than 30 statewide affiliates
• Managed grant and fundraising responsibilities
• Promoted and expanded the agency through collaborations with community partners
• Recruited members, especially from under-served populations
• Facilitated affiliate growth, marketing, and attendance at meetings and workshops
• Coordinated and planned training sessions
• Managed a team of four staff members: an Advocacy Coordinator, Office Manager, Graphic Designer, and H.R. & C.P.A.
• Oversaw budgets and monitored expenditures
• Organized two events annually: Advocacy Day at the Capitol Rotunda and the Annual Education Mental Health Conference
• Worked with a 13-member Board
• Oversaw and operated 17 mental health NAMI Signature recovery programs and supplemental programs

Field Services Coordinator at WELLCARE OF KENTUCKY (2014-03 – 2016-11)

• Provided case management for foster/adoptive children with WellCare Medicaid coverage in the Southern Bluegrass Region
• Managed the medical and behavioral health care needs of members
• Coordinated behavioral health, medical, and social services

Center Manager at COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL (2013-04 – 2014-02)

• Supervised and monitored programs including Head Start, Early Head Start, LIHEAP, Warm Wise, We Care, Weatherization, CRISIS, God's Pantry, KY Connector, Tax Wise, and various others
• Managed a team of 15 staff members
• Initiated the establishment of God's Pantry in the facility's basement

Intake Coordinator/Social Worker at UK GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (2012-04 – 2012-10)

• Evaluated adults and children on the behavioral health unit to ascertain the necessity of in-patient treatment and/or detoxification
• Determined if they would be better suited for services at another medical or behavioral health facility
• Delivered social services to discharged patients
• Secured insurance authorization for in-patient admissions
• Periodically worked on the unit to uphold and enhance skills

Field Service Coordinator at HEALTHCARE SUPPORT SYSTEMS (2011-09 – 2011-12)

• Conducted assessments for adults and children covered by Medicaid in Kentucky at their residence, in a community setting, or through phone consultations
• Administered CAGE assessments (substance abuse) and PHQ-9 assessments (depression) when relevant
• Entered all assessments, implemented interventions, and facilitated referrals
• Drafted written Care Plans for all members, subsequently dispatched to Primary Care Physicians and Members
• Employed EMMA and Share Point data entry programs for comprehensive case management services
• Managed approximately 60 cases

Diverse Roles at CENTRAL BAPTIST HOSPITAL (1995-05 – 2011-10)

• PBX Switchboard
• Gift Shop Clerk
• Nursing Staffing
• OB Business Center
• ACC Bed Placement
• E.D. Registrar

Foster Care Social Worker/Social Service Clinician I at CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES (2005-03 – 2010-08)

• Conducted quarterly to monthly visits with foster parents
• Offered case management and oversaw child placement
• Conducted recruiting and composed narratives
• Conducted training sessions such as PS MAPP, Sexual Abuse, Life Books, Care Plus, Concurrent Planning
• Attended Treatment Plan Meetings (Family Team Meetings)
• Facilitated conflict resolution between foster parents, birth parents, and ongoing workers
• Supervised birth parent visits
• Provided transportation
• Served as a translator and interpreter in Spanish
• Conducted resource home reviews, custody evaluations, relative home evaluations, and child care approvals
• Acted as a Liaison to the Foster Parent Association for five years
• Held the position of FPA Treasurer
• Coordinated the FPA Newsletter and the Bilingual Foster Parent Initiative
• Managed a caseload of 30 to 40 families monthly

Investigative Social Worker/Social Service Worker II at CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES (2004-03 – 2005-03)

• Managed cases for Child Protective and Adult Protective Services
• Specialized in investigations related to neglect, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as dependency
• Specifically assigned Latino cases due to bilingual and bi-cultural skills
• Conducted all investigations in Spanish
• Wrote treatment case plans, After Care Plans, and Prevention Plans in Spanish
• Facilitated interpretation and translation for Family Team Meetings
• Documented investigative cases
• Actively participated in court proceedings through adjudication
• Established community resource linkages
• Researched resources for undocumented citizens
• Assisted with central intake referrals for limited English speakers
• Provided support at the front desk for individuals with limited English proficiency
• Oversaw the management of 30 to 40 families monthly

Information & Referral Coordinator/Case Manager at HISPANIC INITIATIVE NETWORK (2000-07 – 2003-07)

• Managed Information and Referral services for Spanish-speaking clients
• Managed services for businesses and agencies interested in the Latino community
• Maintained records and conducted assessments for all callers/clients in the IRIS program
• Provided follow-up and Case Management
• Attended community meetings and workshops
• Offered presentations on the H.I.N. program and bi-culturalism
• Assisted Case Managers with Latino clients from various agencies and private businesses
• Acted as an interpreter and translator for clients and agencies
• Collaborated with Federal and State agencies to implement services for Latinos
• Engaged in advocacy and education efforts
• Established and updated a bilingual resource database and resource book
• Conducted marketing and public relations activities, collaborating with local agencies and businesses
• Screened and made referrals for the Maxwell Street Legal Clinic
• Initiated a list serve and distributed weekly information to service providers relevant to the Hispanic community
• Created brochures for the program in both Spanish and English
• Supervised four volunteers
• Managed multiple families, projects, and initiatives

Social Work Internship Program in Social Work – University of Kentucky (2003-06)

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Education & ESL – University of Kentucky (1993-05)

High School Diploma – Bryan Station Senior High School (1986-06)