Melisa Dugas, Msw Email & Phone Number

Long Beach, Ca, Us

Los Angeles, Us

Los Angeles, California, Us

Scottsdale, Arizona, Us

Los Angeles, California, Us

• Supervised a team of 10-15 administrative staff, clinicians, interns, and volunteers: delivering in- depth training and mentoring• Provided crisis services to victims of all forms of domestic violence and associated trauma • Developed and implemented action plans for immediate and on-going service provision • Instilled trust and rapport with victims of violent crimes for effective case management• Ensured accurate and thorough case documentation, while maintaining client confidentiality• Extensive experience in providing direct support services to victims of violent crimes• Advocated for victims during challenging situations• Continual partnership with local law enforcement, the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS), and court appointed victim advocates • Spearheaded team meetings to help providers and clients prioritize actions and establish short- and long-term goals related to their specific needs.• Completed reports, paperwork and documentation accurately and on time• Implemented accurate training material for community partners and staff

Los Angeles, California, Us

• Responded to crisis situations quickly to maintain calm and immediately determine the level of assistance needed.• Fostered relationships with survivors in the safe house and worked with new survivors to optimize acclimation and ease transition into new living environments.• Conducted weekly meetings with directors towards joint assessment of survivors’ needs; recommended solutions and strategies to improve survivor care and satisfaction.• Interfaced with survivors to address and resolve complaints or grievances• Facilitated support groups and provided counseling and emotional support

Los Angeles, California, Us

• Engage survivors in progressing towards stability and self-sufficiency through a client centered and strength-based approach• Implemented education and counseling to address underlying issues to promote healthy relationships and independence• Attended legal hearings to provide emotional support• Assisted with filling out and submitting protective orders, declarations, and victim impact statements • Managed all logistics for cases from start to finish.• Coordinated support services and optimized communication between DCFS and law enforcement.• Communicated with legal services providers, social services agencies, and local judicial systems regarding cases.

Los Angeles, California, Us

• Navigated through language, cultural, and religious differences to provide effective care to victims of Human Trafficking• Worked closely with community partners and local law enforcement to provide needed information and resources to clients• Provided immediate and culturally sensitive responses to clients in crisis situations

Los Angeles, California, Us

• Team leader with Los Angeles County Metro Human Trafficking Task force; which included federal/local law enforcement, and other direct serviced providers (DCFS)• Made physical contact with survivors, providing immediate crisis intervention, and established physical safety while reinforcing survivor’s self determination • Developed strength-based, survivor centered case management plans to trafficked individuals (both domestic and foreign), which supported successful outcomes and met stabilization goals.• Provided direct care to survivors of diverse and varying ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds• Championed for culturally and linguistically appropriate services for survivors• Arranged logistical survivor needs, transporting to appointments, advising directors on case status updates• Development and delivery of training to community groups, government agencies, and law enforcement• Increased collaboration among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to increase identification of human trafficking victims• Collaborated with legal services providers, social services agencies, and local judicial systems regarding cases.• Participated in case conferences with multi-disciplinary team to discuss survivor care planning and progression.

Los Angeles, California, Us

Collaborate with local law enforcement and Anti-Trafficking task forces to ensure all trafficking vicitms have access to an emergency response team member and resources following a detention. Intervene effectively in participant crises and conflicts, while keeping detailed records and documentation of interactions. Create an environment supportive of the changing needs of each participant; while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and shelter security.

• Develop and maintain community partnerships with local law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney Child Abduction Unit.• Collaborated with local law enforcement, DCFS, and community partners to improve direct services• Planned and conducted strategy meetings to brainstorm new ideas and deliver program and milestone updates.• Collaborated with various parties to develop new partnerships and make proactive changes• Linked organizations, partners, stakeholder, and staff members to promote and improve services and communication

Master Of Social Work - Msw

Bachelor’S Degree, Criminal Justice With A Concentration In Human Services