Andrea Birrell
Summary
Resourceful and highly successful Program Manager and Outreach Worker with 15+ years of experience. Solid background with social service organizations offer programming specific to the needs of the community or neighborhood being served. Experience in working with individuals who are justice involved, living with mental health concerns, socioeconomic barriers to inclusion/employment, those suffering with addiction, and those experiencing homelessness. Highly skilled in advocacy, forming community partnerships, retaining stakeholder engagement, support referrals, grant writing and grant reporting. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Intensive Case Manager
Niagara Region
03.2024 - Current
- Position involves assessing clients' needs, creating individualized service plans, and connecting clients with necessary resources, including housing, mental health services, healthcare, substance use treatment, and employment assistance.
- As an Intensive Case Manager with the Niagara Region, my role includes working closely with clients to ensure they receive consistent support and advocacy, promoting empowerment and encouraging personal responsibility.
- I have strong skills with the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS).
- Strong advocacy skills and excellent relationship building skills with our community partners.
Program Manager
Support Ontario Youth
04.2020 - 03.2024
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Caseload of over 600 individuals
- Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and communication skills.
- Provided direction and guidance to internal teams in order to achieve targets.
- Oversaw 13 staff and 9 programs focused on food security, youth engagement, homelessness prevention and employment readiness.
Homeless Shelter Manager
Project Share
09.2018 - 04.2020
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Oversaw 25 bed shelter with staff of 5 employees and additional volunteers
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
- Coached team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.
- Developed and maintained logistics workflows, procedures and reports.
- Met with project stakeholders on regular basis to assess progress and make adjustments.
- Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members.
- Devised creative solutions to meet critical client needs.
Community Service Worker
Ministry Of The Attorney General
12.2017 - 09.2019
- Monitored and evaluated impact of social services on client
- Developed and maintained accurate records of programs and services available.
- Provided support in navigating available resources.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies on clients behalf
- Client had been victim of human trafficking, and struggling with concurrent disorder.
- Work location was within St Catharine's General Hospital Mental Health Ward.
Manager - Poverty Reduction/Food Insecurity
Port Cares
05.2012 - 08.2015
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
- Coached team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.
- Developed and maintained logistics workflows, procedures and reports.
- Met with project stakeholders on regular basis to assess progress and make adjustments.
- Managed 9 staff and 11 programs of The Reach Out Food Centre -focused on food security, homelessness, barriers to education, barriers to employment, and employment skills training.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Women's Studies
Trent University
06.1996
Skills
- Advocacy Skills
- Crisis Intervention
- Program Performance Analysis
- Strong Knowledge of Community Supports/Resources
- Microsoft Office
- Time Management Skills
- Project Planning & Management
- Logistics coordination
Certification
- Basic Rescuer CPR C + AED (March 2025)
- Standard First Aid (March 2025)
- Crisis Intervention Training (2020)
- ASIST Training (May 2024)
Timeline
Intensive Case Manager
Niagara Region
03.2024 - Current
Program Manager
Support Ontario Youth
04.2020 - 03.2024
Homeless Shelter Manager
Project Share
09.2018 - 04.2020
Community Service Worker
Ministry Of The Attorney General
12.2017 - 09.2019
Manager - Poverty Reduction/Food Insecurity
Port Cares
05.2012 - 08.2015
- Basic Rescuer CPR C + AED (March 2025)
- Standard First Aid (March 2025)
- Crisis Intervention Training (2020)
- ASIST Training (May 2024)
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Women's Studies
Trent University
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