Alaina Thurmon
Memphis
Summary
Experienced with coordinating complex programs and managing multiple priorities. Utilizes strong organizational and communication skills to ensure goal(s) alignment and success. Track record of fostering team collaboration and adaptability in fast-paced settings.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Coordinator
Tennessee Department of Children’s Services
01.2024 - Current
- Review referrals for completeness and acknowledged received documents promptly.
- Provide timely referrals and disclosed information to external agency providers.
- Utilize assessments to determine least restrictive and most appropriate placements for youth.
- Maintain accurate documentation, delivering feedback to internal and external customers efficiently.
- Submit placement notifications promptly to relevant team.
- Support the placement of children by ensuring that children are placed timely and their needs are met.
- Respond to inquiries from internal and external customers within one business day.
- Ensure clarity, conciseness, and respect in all communications with customers.
- Conducted monthly provider site visits to assess concerns, availability, and partnership building opportunities.
- Participate in quarterly Grand Regional Meetings to receive provider related information.
- Provide exceptional customer service to customers, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Enhance professional development through participation in training opportunities and policy review.
Case Manager II
State Of Tennessee Department Of Children's Services
02.2013 - 01.2024
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
- Assisted clients in setting achievable goals while providing ongoing encouragement and support throughout the process of reaching those objectives.
- Supported children''s educational success by working closely with school personnel to address academic challenges, attendance concerns, and other barriers to learning.
- Fostered open lines of communication with clients'' families and support networks, involving them in the case management process as appropriate.
- Enhanced child safety by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to address concerns and implement interventions.
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information while ensuring comprehensive documentation practices were consistently followed throughout case management activities.
- Ensured timely case closure by completing thorough documentation and maintaining accurate records for each family served.
- Supported positive parenting skills by providing parents with education, guidance, and coaching throughout the case management process.
- Advocated for children''s best interest in court proceedings, resulting in favorable outcomes for their wellbeing.
- Completed regular visitations to check on children, families and home environments.
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
- Built trust with diverse populations through compassionate engagement techniques, utilizing cultural competence principles to ensure culturally responsive services were provided to all families.
- Expedited permanency planning for children by diligently working towards reunification or alternative placement options when necessary.
- Promoted child welfare goals through active participation in trainings, conferences, and professional development opportunities.
- Enhanced staff competency through mentoring new hires during their onboarding process, sharing knowledge, and offering constructive feedback on performance expectations.
Banquet Server
University Club of Memphis
05.2003 - 01.2013
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining composure under pressure in fast-paced banquet environments.
- Demonstrated exceptional teamwork by collaborating with fellow servers to maintain a smooth flow of service during large-scale events.
- Completed post-event tasks such as cleaning, breakdown, and inventory management to prepare for future banquets efficiently.
- Adhered to all health and safety regulations while serving food and beverages.
- Assisted in setting up the event space, ensuring proper table arrangements and placement of utensils for seamless guest experience.
- Carried out professional service, retaining polite and friendly approach at all times.
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
- Worked with banquet manager to coordinate event set up and schedule.
- Responded to guest inquiries and requests promptly and courteously.
- Adapted to last-minute changes in event schedules or requirements, effectively modifying plans and maintaining service quality without any negative impact on guest experience.
- Performed opening and closing duties for banquet hall, following checklist to restock supplies and clean up all service areas.
- Supported event coordinators by actively participating in pre-event meetings, discussing setup requirements, and establishing clear communication channels.
- Provided exceptional assistance in training new banquet servers, sharing valuable industry knowledge and best practices for efficient service delivery.
- Facilitated seamless communication between event planners and catering team, ensuring all needs were met.
Non – Profit Coordinator
U*Dig Dance Academy
01.2011 - 05.2012
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
- Gathered and organized materials to support operations.
- Enhanced operational workflows by maintaining well-organized documentation systems and updating records accurately as needed.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by responding promptly to inquiries and addressing concerns professionally.
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
- Managed vendor relationships to secure best quality of services and products for organizational needs.
- Coordinated logistics for large-scale events, significantly reducing setup times and eliminating scheduling conflicts.
- Streamlined administrative processes, allowing for more efficient use of resources and better support for project teams.
- Spearheaded volunteer program that expanded organization's community outreach, enhancing its public image and engagement.
- Increased client satisfaction by facilitating clear and consistent communication between project teams and stakeholders.
- Boosted team morale and productivity by organizing team-building activities and maintaining open-door policy for feedback and concerns.
- Enhanced team communication by implementing weekly coordination meetings and detailed project update emails.
- Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews and administered salaries for staff.
- Completed bi-weekly payroll for employees.
- Interacted with internal partners and obtained detailed information about organization's mission and goals to form solid foundation for grant applications.
- Supported capacity building initiatives within the organization by providing training on grant writing best practices to staff members.
- Maintained compliance with funder requirements by diligently monitoring project progress and submitting timely reports.
- Streamlined the grant application process by creating templates and tools for consistent proposal content.
- Attended grant writing conferences to enhance sources and interact with other grant writing professionals.
- Researched grant and funding proposal opportunities in philanthropic databases to identify potential income sources.
- Wrote, reviewed and edited proposals for grants, gifts, and contracts.
- Developed impactful grant applications to enhance organization's potential for funding awards.
- Optimized use of grant funds, conducting regular budget reviews and adjustments to ensure maximum benefit to programs and adherence to funder expectations.
- Established credibility with funders through clear communication of organizational mission, vision, and values throughout proposal documents.
- Researched appropriate funding sources such as government programs and private foundations.
- Secured funding for nonprofit organizations by researching and writing compelling grant proposals.
- Edited and proofread technical documents for accuracy and consistency.
Membership Director
University Club of Memphis
03.2009 - 09.2010
- Implemented strategic initiatives to drive growth in member acquisition and retention rates.
- Collaborated with marketing team to create effective promotional materials for attracting new members.
- Managed membership database efficiently, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of key metrics.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices for member support and engagement.
- Developed strong relationships with partner organizations, enhancing the value proposition for members.
- Boosted member satisfaction through regular communication, feedback collection, and prompt issue resolution.
- Organized and executed successful events, fostering a sense of community among members.
- Spearheaded efforts to improve organizational visibility within target demographics through various channels such as social media, newsletters, and local events.
- Managed annual budget allocation relating specifically towards membership services/programming activities in consultation with other department heads and stakeholders.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
Education
B.S.W. - Social Work
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN12.2012
A.A.S. - Social Work
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Memphis, TN05.2010
Skills
- Strategic planning and program management
- Report generation and training coordination
- Staff development and budget oversight
- Policy improvement and procedure enhancement
- Marketing materials and promotional planning
- Attention to detail and problem-solving
- Customer service experience and critical thinking
- Performance management and goal setting
- Research skills and grant writing expertise
- Proposal management and fundraising strategies
- Presentation creation and public speaking
- Active listening and relationship building
- Dependability and teamwork
- Analytical thinking and multitasking
- Time management and adaptability
- Client needs assessment and conflict resolution
Accomplishments
- Public Relations
- During role as the Membership Director with The University Club I increased Membership Retention, completed Jonas training, completed mass email training, and conducted meetings for the Board. I also presented a company renovation project on how the company could obtain more family participation and save money. I also observed several partnering facilities to accommodate club members.
- Child Welfare
- Completed Certification Requirements, Interned with the Child Protection Investigation Team, taught children a religious affiliation, and taught at summer camp for children. I am currently employed at the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. I complete agency and legal paperwork. I have completed safety training, documentation training, HIPPA training, Document retention training, and other workplace child welfare trainings. I have been recognized several times for my outstanding work habits (Employee of the Month Award). I have served as a Mentor for 9 years. I was over the Design team (internal Quality control group). I was promoted from a Case Manager to a Program Coordinator. I work with multiple providers to locate placement for youth who enter the state’s custody.
- Non - Profit
- Organized and created Non-Profit, achieved funding through fundraising techniques, and obtained the organizations IRS status of 501 (c)3, built and promoted mentoring opportunities with different schools, handled pay roll, and organization projects. I apply for and monitor grants awarded. I have applied for and monitor an apprenticeship program.
- Volunteer
- Awarded Completion of Training for several organizations, noted for my involvement in fundraising with various organizations, fundraised over ten thousand dollars in a night, I was awarded a club at a local school, had the largest club presence at weekly club meeting. I also taught children how to fill out bank registries, college applications, FAFSAs, and job applications.
Certification
- Mentorship
- Child Welfare
- Grant Writer
Timeline
Program Coordinator
Tennessee Department of Children’s Services
01.2024 - Current
Case Manager II
State Of Tennessee Department Of Children's Services
02.2013 - 01.2024
Non – Profit Coordinator
U*Dig Dance Academy
01.2011 - 05.2012
Membership Director
University Club of Memphis
03.2009 - 09.2010
Banquet Server
University Club of Memphis
05.2003 - 01.2013
A.A.S. - Social Work
Southwest Tennessee Community College
B.S.W. - Social Work
University of Memphis
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