Melissa Witham Email & Phone Number

Boston, Ma, Us

Natick, Massachusetts, United States

Manage delivery of technical assistance (TA) and training services under Federal contracts with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as requested through an on-demand web-based portal. Training topics relate to decreasing stigma and increasing knowledge about drug addiction treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and prevention practices. Oversee daily operations and performance of a team of trainers and coach on how to conduct TA in partnership with requestors and within agreed upon timeframes and budget. Recruit and onboard new “on call” subject matter experts who can provide virtual and on-site training when their skills match incoming requests. Develop proposals and budgets to win additional state-level contracts, and then manage relationships with these new customers through contract completion. Supervise project assistants and participate in group interviews to hire new employees. Host and facilitate virtual and in-person meetings and events. Conduct virtual webinars about recovery-friendly workplaces and the business case for hiring people in recovery and/or with former criminal justice involvement. Over these past 10 years, I have developed deep subject matter knowledge pertaining to substance use disorder as a chronic and treatable illness that negatively impacts individuals, families, employers, and communities, and the power of long-term recovery.

Harrison, Nj

Managed 12 staff members and daily operations of vocational rehabilitation department serving adults with barriers to employment. Supervised on-site employment of 50 adults with significant physical and cognitive impairments performing sub-minimum wage work in GW’s industrial contract shop, including overseeing fair hourly and piece rate wage calculations. Delegated responsibilities among staff members to assure department was accountable to contract requirements from funding sources. Managed monthly revenue/expenses for $1.1 million annual rehab department budget. Sought funding and wrote grant proposals and program budgets. Hired new staff members and handled performance reviews and disciplinary actions. Networked at conferences and events to increase referrals. Implemented satisfaction surveys for different stakeholder groups, compiled performance statistics and assembled annual outcomes report for Board of Directors and national accreditation bureau [CARF].(left Goodwill from July 2009-Oct 2010 for 2nd baby. Returned as a Training Coordinator for a few months, then invited to resume Director position to replace a poor-performing Director)

New York, Ny

Managed staff and daily operations of wellness unit with 3 supervisors and 28 staff members serving monthly caseload of 2,000 clients, as part of massive Welfare-to-Work program funded by NYC HRA. Our unit helped welfare recipients with unstable medical conditions find primary care doctors and specialists in Brooklyn, schedule appointments, maintain care and obtain reports on health conditions and employment limitations. Improved operations to decrease client wait times and increase billable outcomes. Analyzed department performance, wrote Standard Operating Procedures and provided recommendations for quality improvement. Prior to taking over Wellness unit, I established two new medical assessment units at hospitals in Brooklyn. Oversaw site construction and purchased all furniture and supplies. Worked directly with software developer to customize a medical records tracking program to maintain patient data and generate reports as specified by our funding sources. Hired and trained 30 social workers, case managers and clerical staff. Managed subcontractor relationship with hospital.

New York, Ny

Supervised team of admissions counselors who enroll and manage disabled individuals eligible for training funds through state vocational rehabilitation department or US Veterans Administration. Tracked enrollment data, set performance goals and conducted weekly meetings with staff to assess progress. Evaluated and adapted program services to maximize positive employment results. Represented school at government agency meetings. Organized/facilitated workshops.

Portland, Me

Interpreted Social Security Administration return-to-work policies for current recipients of SSDI or SSI as part of national Ticket to Work program, under the Workforce Investment Act (WIOA). Traveled to counties in Southern Maine, met consumers at One Stop Career Center locations, and counseled consumers about their current benefits and work goals. Wrote financial reports for each person illustrating how different levels of income would impact eligibility for SSA benefits, TANF, SNAP, Medicare, Medicaid, and subsidized housing and explained these results. Explained how to use SSDI benefits such as Plans for Achieving Self Support (PASS) and Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWEs). Outreached to community-based orgs that serve disabled populations to promote our services. Assisted with project start-up activities including designing infrastructure for service delivery, developing promotional materials, dividing Maine’s 16 counties into service territories, and establishing best practices for case notes and client tracking.

New York, Ny

Enrolled individuals with barriers to employment in computer skills training programs. Formed relationship with certified vocational rehabilitation counselors working for NYSED-VESID, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and US Department of Labor (Trade Adjustment Act). Counseled potential applicants on academic scheduling and graduation requirements and recommended training when appropriate. Met with enrolled adults regularly to discuss their academic progress and how to prepare for employment. Conducted workshops on resume writing and interviewing skills. Referred students to placement department and managed placement activities to assure students were prioritized and receiving appropriate job leads. Raised awareness with job developers about Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and relevance to graduates supported by VR and with relevant personal history.

New York, Ny

Assisted Russian immigrants in country for less than three years to secure employment. Met with clients to identify employment goals and create action plans. Prepared clients for job interviews. Contacted employers to discuss open positions and recommend clients for interviews. Followed up with employers to make placements, and post-placement to assure clients were performing jobs effectively. Spoke Russian at work about 75% of the time.

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Russian Studies, Minor In Journalism, Magna Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: College Newspaper Writer and Editor, Debate, Russian Club, Studied Abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia 2nd Semester.

Mpa, Public Policy And Nonprofit Management

Activities and Societies: Conflict Resolution TeamAlso worked as a research assistant for the NYU Center for Health and Public Service.