Marion Senior Services recently appointed a new Human Services Director to lead the expansion and continued success of their Co-Responder program and Human Services team.
On Tuesday, Marion Senior Services announced in a press release that Dr. Briana Kelley has been promoted to the role of Human Services Director.
In May of 2021, Marion Senior Services formed its Human Services Department and Co-Responder team to aid current and future elderly clients in Marion County in areas including crisis intervention, elder abuse, inadequate care, and mental health complications.
That same year, Dr. Kelley joined the then-newly formed department as Human Services Counselor. In this role, she “exemplified strong leadership, insightful expertise, and innovative ideas that catapulted the team to success,” according to Marion Senior Services.
Dr. Kelley has nearly two decades of experience in the emergency services sector. She also has a doctorate in human services and a master’s degree in mental health counseling, both from Walden University.
“Kelley’s prior work experience, distinctive training, and dedicated research all combine to make her an ideal fit to lead the human services work at MSS,” stated Marion Senior Services in the press release.
Jennifer Martinez, Marion Senior Services Executive Director and newest WellFlorida Council board member, stated that Dr. Kelley is “an asset to our team, and we are excited to have her join our Leadership full-time.”
Martinez further stated that the impact of the Human Services Department and Co-Responder team has been “significant for our community,” and she added that Marion Senior Services is “honored to have Dr. Kelley leading its continued expansion and success.”
In conjunction with the Community Care for the Elderly Department, the Human Services Department is responsible for coordinating and implementing case management services and quality-of-life activities related to cases across the continuum of care of the elderly and disabled. The goal is to prevent or delay institutional placement by using community resources and alternative levels of care.
In addition, the Human Services Department assesses and documents each client’s needs, develops care plans, secures needed services, maintains case records, and provides ongoing assessment of changing needs and adequacy of services in compliance with program guidelines and regulations.
“A unified approach allows our team to coordinate responses among service providers,” stated Dr. Kelley. “This mitigates duplication of services, thus providing the client with a more unified and holistic approach to care. Addressing their mental health, physical health, and social needs.”
According to Marion Senior Services, the nonprofit organization provides a link between health care and social service delivery systems while working with local health and community organizations to secure the best outcomes for each client.
To learn more about Marion Senior Services, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.