Melkitsedeq Jorge Hernandez
Chula Vista
Summary
I’m a dedicated professional with a strong background in youth services and LGBTQ+ advocacy, focusing on helping young people facing housing instability. With years of experience in diverse programs, providing case management, and collaborating with community organizations, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges LGBTQ+ youth face. My approach centers on creating safe, supportive spaces where young people can thrive, offering them the resources and guidance they need to build stability and independence. I’m passionate about advocating for LGBTQ+ youth and inspiring coworkers to excel as a team.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager
The San Diego LGBT Center
04.2024 - Current
- Manage a caseload of residents at Sunburst Apartments, providing direct case management and support to individuals who had experienced homelessness.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine the housing, health, and social needs of each resident, developing individualized service plans based on these assessments
- Connected residents with a range of services, including mental health care, continuing education, vocational training, and educational opportunities to support their long-term stability.
- Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including social workers, healthcare professionals, and housing specialists, to ensure holistic care and effective delivery of services
- Monitor residents' progress and make necessary adjustments to their service plans to ensure they are on track to achieve goals such as increased independence and housing retention
- Collaborate with community organizations, local agencies, and Case Managers to help residents navigate the housing system and access additional resources and support
- Facilitate and lead meetings with clients, service providers, and internal teams to review resident progress, discuss challenges, and coordinate ongoing support
- Advocate on behalf of residents to ensure they receive necessary resources and fair treatment within the housing system, empowering them to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency
Migrant Support Associate
Casa Familiar-SBCS
08.2023 - 01.2024
- Provide case management services to asylum-seeking migrants released by the Department of Homeland Security, ensuring they have access to essential resources during their transition
- Offer critical support in areas such as legal assistance, transportation to the airport, medical care, and translation services, helping clients understand their rights and navigate complex systems
- Communicated with legal aid providers, health services, and social services to ensure that clients are fully informed and can access the support they need for their asylum applications and resettlement
- Assist clients from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals and minors, in finding family members, securing temporary accommodations, and accessing community-based resources
- Help coordinate family reunification efforts, ensuring that migrants can reconnect with relatives safely and efficiently, and provide emotional support through what can be a highly stressful process
- Track client progress, document case notes, and ensure compliance with internal reporting requirements to track service delivery and ensure quality outcomes
- Collaborate with community organizations, government agencies, and legal partners to ensure seamless service provision and a holistic approach to migrant resettlement
Staffer
Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
08.2021 - 11.2022
- Supported the Governor's office in maintaining relationships with local government officials, mayors, and stakeholders by organizing and preparing meetings, presentations, and follow-up communications
- Coordinated logistics for high-level meetings, including scheduling, preparing briefing materials, and managing communications with various departments within the Governor's office
- Worked closely with newly elected officials, offering guidance and support as they became acclimated to their roles, ensuring smooth communication between local governments and the state office
- Created and maintained an up-to-date database of constituent contacts, which enhanced the office's ability to efficiently respond to inquiries and service requests
- Conducted research on policy issues, tracked legislative developments, and compiled findings into concise memos and reports to support the Governor's regional team in decision-making processes
- Represented the Governor's office in constituent outreach, ensuring that communities were informed about relevant legislation, upcoming initiatives, and available resources
- Played a key role in improving the efficiency of constituent services by developing new systems and workflows for tracking and responding to requests, ensuring timely and accurate follow-up
Youth Lead
Casa Familiar
01.2021 - 11.2022
- Led a team of 10 youth workers in providing care, supervision, and support to unaccompanied migrant children housed at the San Diego Convention Center during a large-scale humanitarian response
- Coordinated daily operations, including scheduling shifts, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring that all tasks were completed to maintain a safe and structured environment for the children
- Developed and facilitated educational and recreational activities aimed at providing emotional support, learning opportunities, and cultural engagement for children who had faced trauma and abuse
- Played a key role in implementing incident reports and addressing any issues or concerns related to the children's well-being, ensuring that all cases were documented and properly followed up
- Acted as a cultural mediator and interpreter, assisting children who spoke little to no English and ensuring that they understood the services available to them, as well as their rights
- Assisted with family reunification efforts, helping to locate family members and facilitating the safe transition of 20,000 minors back to their home countries or to other relatives in the U.S
- Worked closely with legal, social, and healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care and ensure that the children received the services they needed
- Received recognition for outstanding leadership, ensuring the safety and emotional support of vulnerable minors during a high-pressure and emotionally demanding situations
Peer Ambassador
Southwestern College
02.2021 - 12.2021
- Served as a liaison between incoming students and various college departments, helping them navigate the college registration process, financial aid, and counseling services
- Delivered engaging presentations on campus services, resources, and student success programs to high school students, community organizations, and local events
- Provided one-on-one support to students via a virtual platform (Cranium Café), helping them schedule appointments, answer questions, and connect to appropriate college resources
- Developed and facilitated outreach initiatives, such as campus tours, workshops, and informational sessions, aimed at promoting higher education opportunities to underrepresented communities
- Worked closely with counselors, admissions staff, and financial aid technicians to ensure that incoming students were fully informed about their educational options and had access to necessary resources
- Supported the development of strategies to improve student engagement and retention, including the creation of interactive events designed to foster a sense of community and connection
Education
Bachelor's - Conflict Resolution
San Diego State University
03.2025
A.A. - Liberal Arts
Southwestern College
High School Diploma -
San Ysidro High
Skills
- Fluent in English
- Fluent in Spanish
- Fluent in French
- Experience working with migrants
- Experience working with LGBTQ youth
- Experience working with first-generation college students
- Experience working with minors
- Experience working with vulnerable populations
- Public speaking
- Case management
- Advocacy
- Working within interdisciplinary teams
Awards
- Diploma for Equity Champion in Higher Education from the SDSU Leadership Alumni Group
- Certificate of Completion from Inter Language Solutions for English-Spanish Interpretation
- San Diego Center YPC Graduate
Timeline
Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager
The San Diego LGBT Center
04.2024 - Current
Migrant Support Associate
Casa Familiar-SBCS
08.2023 - 01.2024
Staffer
Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
08.2021 - 11.2022
Peer Ambassador
Southwestern College
02.2021 - 12.2021
Youth Lead
Casa Familiar
01.2021 - 11.2022
A.A. - Liberal Arts
Southwestern College
High School Diploma -
San Ysidro High
Bachelor's - Conflict Resolution
San Diego State University
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