Donald Starks
Itta Bena
Summary
To pursue a career working within the Social Service or Criminal Justice Field as a Case Manager, Mental Health Therapist, or Court Administrator. Service-focused professional prepared to excel in customer support and service roles. Extensive background in managing customer interactions and resolving issues efficiently. Emphasizes team collaboration and adaptability, with essential skills in communication and problem-solving.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Service Specialist 1
VieMed Staffing Inc.
Greenville
06.2025 - Current
- Successful completion of Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services Pre-Service Training Investigations
- Conducting in-home investigations to assess child safety and potential risk.
- Developing, implementing, and monitoring safety plans and treatment plans for families.
- Accurately documenting case activities, interviews, and investigations.
- Working with community partners and legal entities to protect children.
- Responding to emergency situations and taking appropriate action, including potential court actions.
Social Worker
Housing and Urban Development / NHE Inc.
Grenada, MS
07.2022 - 04.2025
- Conduct comprehensive, non-clinical assessments of residents to identify their wellness, social, and functional needs.
- Help residents identify, access, and coordinate local services, such as personal care, transportation, and home health services.
- Monitor the receipt and effectiveness of services to ensure residents receive appropriate support and encourage engagement.
- Proactively develop and arrange educational and preventative health programs for residents.
- Establish and maintain relationships with local service providers, such as the Area Agency on Aging and other community stakeholders.
- Use online tools to document case management daily and maintain records in accordance with HUD reporting requirements.
Project Director
Mississippi Delta Heath Collaborative Inc.
Greenwood
02.2017 - 06.2022
- Define and oversee the strategic direction of federally funded cardiovascular and diabetes prevention initiatives.
- Act as the primary point of contact with federal partners, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ensuring compliance, sound fiscal oversight, and timely reporting.
- Cultivate and maintain partnerships with hospitals, healthcare systems, community-based organizations, academic partners, and state/local agencies.
- Oversee surveillance systems, gather/analyze program data to monitor disease trends, and implement interventions, often in collaboration with University evaluation teams.
- Supervise, train, and mentor program staff, community health workers, and contractors to ensure high-performing team environments.
Correctional Officer
Mississippi Department of Corrections
Parchman, MS
06.2015 - 05.2017
- Monitor inmate activities to prevent disturbances, assaults, and escapes, including conducting regular head counts and inspecting cells for hazards.
- Search inmates, their cells, and visitors for illegal or prohibited items like weapons and drugs.
- Settle disputes between inmates and enforce facility rules through disciplinary actions.
- Document daily activities, behavioral issues, and incidents in written reports.
- Accompany inmates to and from cells, courtrooms, medical facilities, or work assignments.
Sales Associate
Walmart SuperCenter
Greenwood
03.2013 - 06.2015
- Greeted customers, located products, and resolved issues, maintaining a 95% satisfaction rating.
- Received, stocked, and organized merchandise; utilized inventory systems to maintain product availability, reducing discrepancies.
- Operated cash registers/POS systems, maintained clean work areas, and adhered to safety regulations for heavy lifting and equipment handling.
- Worked with team members to update displays, set up modulars, and complete merchandising projects efficiently.
- Processed transactions (cash, credit, returns) with accuracy while maintaining a balanced drawer.
Director of Family and Community Partnership/ERSEA
Sunflower/Humphreys Counties Progress, Inc
Indianola, MS
05.2007 - 05.2013
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance community development programs.
- Directed operational improvements, streamlining processes for increased efficiency.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and resource allocation.
- Fostered partnerships with local stakeholders to support program implementation and outreach efforts.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Conducted site and home visit to ensure service area compliance and identified program training needs are implemented
- Perform general administrative duties to support professional staff
- Collaborated with community agencies to advocate for Head Start families and establish partnerships
- Refer children and families for possible abuse to Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services
- Recruit and enroll students into Early Head Start/Head Start programs ages 6 months to 4 years
Adolescent Opportunity Program Counselor/Case Manager
Life Help Community Mental Health Region VI
Greenwood, MS
08.2001 - 01.2007
- Developed individualized treatment plans for diverse client needs.
- Facilitated crisis intervention strategies to ensure client safety.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery.
- Connect youth with community resources, including health services, educational support, and legal assistance
- Provide individual and group counseling to address issues such as family dynamics, trauma, and adolescent development.
- Develop and implement case plans, monitor progress, and adjust strategies as needed
- Maintains complete and current consumer records and completes required reports, service reporting and daily documentation in compliance with agency, state and federal standards
- Linking the individual to those community supports that are likely to promote the personal habilitative/rehabilitative and life goals of the individual as identified in the individualized service plan.
Education
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena, MS05-2001
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena, MS05-1998
Associate of Arts - Social Welfare
Hinds Community College
Raymond, MS05-1996
Diploma - undefined
Leflore County High School
Itta Bena, MS05-1994
Skills
- Project Management
- Problem-solving
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Typing 45 WMP
- Leadership and Technical Expertise
- Client retention strategies
- Decision-making
- Problem resolution
Timeline
Social Service Specialist 1
VieMed Staffing Inc.
06.2025 - Current
Social Worker
Housing and Urban Development / NHE Inc.
07.2022 - 04.2025
Project Director
Mississippi Delta Heath Collaborative Inc.
02.2017 - 06.2022
Correctional Officer
Mississippi Department of Corrections
06.2015 - 05.2017
Sales Associate
Walmart SuperCenter
03.2013 - 06.2015
Director of Family and Community Partnership/ERSEA
Sunflower/Humphreys Counties Progress, Inc
05.2007 - 05.2013
Adolescent Opportunity Program Counselor/Case Manager
Life Help Community Mental Health Region VI
08.2001 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Mississippi Valley State University
Associate of Arts - Social Welfare
Hinds Community College
Diploma - undefined
Leflore County High School
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Mississippi Valley State University