Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Belinda Gamanya

Toronto,Canada

Summary


Available for a full-time position, I am a skilled professional with a strong foundation in client services, immigration processes, and volunteer management. With a Paralegal Diploma and an Immigration Assistant Diploma, I am well-equipped to assist clients with eligibility assessments, intake forms, work permits, and permanent residency applications. My expertise in customer service, case management, and meticulous record-keeping ensures organized, accurate support that adds value to any team.

Bringing a solid background in volunteer and program management, I have successfully led recruitment and training initiatives, fostering community engagement and enhancing volunteer satisfaction and retention. Known for my ability to organize and coordinate diverse teams effectively, I apply strategic planning and leadership skills to achieve program goals while adapting to evolving needs.

As a results-driven and reliable professional, I excel in creating training programs, managing volunteer-staffed programs, and coordinating impactful community events. My adaptable, collaborative approach emphasizes clear communication and a commitment to meeting objectives, ensuring smooth operations and positive outcomes across all projects.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Volunteer - Programs Manager

Firm Voice Foundation
12.2022 - Current
  • Diversity & Inclusion:Championed diversity and inclusion efforts, creating an environment welcoming individuals from all backgrounds.
  • Onboarding & Training:Streamlined onboarding for new volunteers to reduce time-to-impact and maintain quality.
    Tracked applications and conducted background checks for volunteer participation.
  • Communication & Collaboration:Facilitated open communication between volunteers and staff, fostering teamwork and collective problem-solving.
    Organized team-building and celebratory events for volunteers and mentors.
  • Event & Program Management:Managed large-scale events and community engagement initiatives, ensuring smooth logistics and positive experiences.
    Planned and supported activities for Firm Voice Foundation’s outreach, awareness events, and food redistribution.
  • Record-Keeping & Evaluations:Maintained records of volunteer contributions for reporting; conducted evaluations to assess program success.
    Managed food redistribution data, ensuring efficient reporting for partnerships with platforms like Second Harvest.
  • Leadership & Guidance:Provided leadership and support to staff, analyzing data trends for informed decision-making and program development.
    Led volunteer training initiatives, focusing on trauma-informed care for serving vulnerable women and children.
  • Community Engagement:Engaged in community events to promote services, partnering with organizations to expand access to community resources.
    Coordinated partnerships for Firm Voice Foundation to strengthen outreach for at-risk groups.
  • Strategic Program Development:Researched best practices for improving program outcomes and increasing public awareness.
    Developed and implemented service initiatives for the Foundation to assist vulnerable populations effectively.
  • Organizational Skills:Managed volunteer schedules, ensuring coverage of essential roles during absences.
    Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities in coordinating food redistribution and event logistics.
  • Results & Impact:Supported successful fundraising events, raising participation and revenue to bolster Foundation programs.
    Ensured responsiveness and community engagement with Firm Voice Foundation’s goals of supporting marginalized groups and addressing food insecurity.

Immigration Assistant Intern

Futuregen Immigration Consultants
03.2024 - 04.2024
  • Document Preparation & Management:Assisted with visa applications, work permits, and organized necessary documentation (IDs, financial statements, employment records).
    Streamlined application processes by organizing and managing case files efficiently.
    Reduced errors by meticulously reviewing and editing documents prior to submission.
  • Legal Research & Compliance:Conducted research on immigration laws, policies, and regulations, staying updated on rule changes impacting clients.
    Contributed to the development of office protocols, improving workflow efficiency.
  • Client Support & Communication:Acted as a liaison between clients and immigration officials, providing timely and accurate information.
    Communicated pertinent updates to clients via phone, email, and mail, ensuring client satisfaction and clarity.
    Offered emotional support and guidance to clients throughout the immigration process.
  • Administrative Duties & Workflow Optimization:Performed data entry and maintained organized client records, managing a high-volume workload with precision.
    Tracked application statuses and ensured all deadlines were met.
    Drafted pleadings, summarized depositions, and handled other legal documentation tasks with attention to detail.

Paralegal Student Placement

Law Office of Ugo Ojukwu
03.2023 - 04.2023
  • Legislation Knowledge & Research:Maintained strong familiarity with applicable legislation, standards, and case law.
    Conducted research on statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
  • Client Interaction & Interviews:Interviewed clients and witnesses, gathering case-relevant information and establishing strong rapport.
    Answered client calls and used open-ended questioning to gather necessary information.
    Provided exceptional customer service during consultations, addressing concerns and handling case intake procedures.
  • Document Preparation & Review:Prepared comprehensive legal documents (memos, contracts, pleadings) for attorney review.
    Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
    Prepared formal reports summarizing findings from investigations into cases of fraud or corporate misconduct.
  • Administrative & Organizational Skills:Managed correspondence, reception duties, and maintained accurate records of all communications.
    Set up and maintained calendar and docketing, organizing office tasks effectively.
    Improved office organization by implementing efficient filing systems.
  • Presentation & Communication:Created presentations and prepared charts, graphs, and exhibits using PowerPoint.
    Communicated pertinent information to clients via phone, email, and mail.
    Utilized strong written communication skills in preparing reports and summarizing findings.
  • Team Collaboration:Collaborated with interns and paralegals to complete tasks efficiently, consistently meeting deadlines.
    Assisted lawyers with material preparation for training events, both internal and external.

Shelter Counselor

Street Haven at the Cross Roads
02.2020 - 12.2022
  • Client Assessment & Admission:Performed initial screenings and conducted client intakes to assess eligibility for shelter admission.
    Admitted clients, providing tours and explaining program rules, policies, fire safety procedures, and the housing-first philosophy.
  • Ongoing Support & Case Management:Provided continuous assistance through a range of services, including initial and ongoing assessments, goal setting, and case management.
    Regularly reviewed and supported client goals and plans to ensure progress and adjustment as needed.
  • Crisis Intervention & Conflict Resolution:Provided crisis intervention support for clients in acute distress or dangerous situations.
    Handled crisis intervention and conflict resolution, improving client satisfaction through empathetic communication and understanding.
  • Administrative Tasks & Record-Keeping:Completed administrative tasks, including database entry, updates, and service-related reports.
  • Community Resource Navigation:Effectively navigated community support services, making appropriate referrals to enhance client access to resources.
    Educated clients on available community resources to foster empowerment and self-sufficiency.
  • Relationship Building & Coordination:Established and maintained working relationships with clients, service providers, and staff, addressing inquiries and complaints effectively.
    Coordinated referrals between agencies for seamless transitions in multi-service environments.
  • Support for Mental Health:Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues, guiding them in developing coping strategies.
  • Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing:Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge and resources within the counseling field.
    Communicated regularly with professionals involved in client care to ensure coordinated service delivery.
  • Adaptability to Technology:Quickly learned and adapted to new technology and software applications to enhance service delivery.

Relief Shelter Worker and Personal Support Worker

Kinnect Support Services
12.2019 - 01.2020
  • Crisis Support & Conflict Resolution:Provided support to clients in crisis situations, effectively de-escalating interpersonal conflicts using crisis intervention techniques.
    Addressed crisis situations with sensitivity, utilizing conflict resolution skills to maintain safety for all parties.
  • Life Management Skills Support:Assisted clients with basic Life Management Skills, including assertive communication, goal setting, resiliency, conflict resolution, problem solving, and social skills capacity building.
  • Daily Living Assistance:Supported residents in routine daily living activities, such as meal preparation and personal hygiene when necessary.
  • Client Case Management:Contributed to the development of client case plans, ensuring individual needs and goals were prioritized.
    Documented shift occurrence information in accordance with internal policies, including logs, incident reports, and case management notes.
  • Facility Maintenance & Living Conditions:Enhanced living conditions for shelter occupants through diligent cleaning and maintenance of facility spaces.
  • Reintegration Support:Facilitated successful reintegration into society for numerous clients by assisting them in finding stable housing options post-shelter.
  • Supportive Environment:Contributed to establishing a supportive and inclusive atmosphere within the shelter through active listening and empathetic engagement with clients.
  • Safety Monitoring:Ensured the safety of residents by consistently monitoring and enforcing shelter rules and protocols.
  • Case File Management:Kept client case files updated, accurate, and aligned with organizational requirements.

Education

Immigration Assistant Certificate -

CDI College
Brampton, ON
01.2024

Paralegal Diploma -

CDI College
North York, ON
01.2023

Personal Support Worker Certificate -

CLI College of Business, Health and Technology
01.2019

Crisis Prevention and Intervention Certificate -

CLI College of Business Health & Technology
01.2018

Skills

  • Shelter System Experience:Over 3 years assisting individuals with psycho-social, physical, emotional, and environmental challenges in emergency shelters
    Skilled in conducting client intake interviews and de-escalating conflicts using crisis intervention techniques
  • Client Services & Communication:Extensive experience handling client inquiries, requests, and complaints professionally
    Strong written and oral communication skills across diverse audiences, maintaining objectivity
    Experience delivering presentations on programs and services to public, staff, and community groups
  • Administrative & Technical Skills:Proficient in administrative tasks ensuring compliance with guidelines and policies
    Highly skilled in computer operations and technical environments
    Experienced in file and records management, data analysis, and administrative management
  • Team Support & Leadership:Provides support to trainees, relief staff, and field placement students
    Experience in volunteer recruitment, training facilitation, and staff supervision
    Skilled in relationship building, delegation, and collaboration
  • Community Outreach & Resource Knowledge:Knowledgeable about community agencies and resources
    Strong experience in community outreach, client relationship management, and stakeholder engagement
  • Program & Project Management:Experienced in program management, implementation, and strategic planning
    Skilled in budget administration, goal setting, and program evaluation
    Adept at managing schedules, multitasking, and project management
  • Additional Skills:Ontario G Driver's License, or ability to travel
    Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and adaptability
    Committed to diversity, inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and professionalism

Certification

  • Customer Service Certificate, 01/01/20, Toronto Hostels Training Centre
  • Ethical Boundaries Certificate, 01/01/20, Toronto Hostels Training Centre
  • Mental Health 1 Certificate, 01/01/20, Toronto Hostels Training Centre
  • Harm Reduction Certificate, 01/01/20, Toronto Hostels Training Centre
  • Communicable Diseases Certificate, 01/01/20, Toronto Hostels Training Centre
  • Shelter Standards Certificate, 01/01/20, Toronto Hostels Training Centre

Languages

English
Full Professional
Shona
Native or Bilingual

Accomplishments

  • I documented and resolved food shortages among our clients which led to the opening of 1 food bank and 4 redistribution centres.
  • Increased volunteer engagement 70% through implementation of innovative marketing and recruitment strategies.
  • Created a system for better volunteer hour tracking and drive volunteer program improvement.
  • Supervised 10 volunteers and coordinated placement based on department needs and volunteers' skills.
  • Produced year-end reports to understand program achievements and opportunities for improvement.
  • Introduced robust volunteer program to improve organizational efficiency without adding costs.

Timeline

Immigration Assistant Intern

Futuregen Immigration Consultants
03.2024 - 04.2024

Paralegal Student Placement

Law Office of Ugo Ojukwu
03.2023 - 04.2023

Volunteer - Programs Manager

Firm Voice Foundation
12.2022 - Current

Shelter Counselor

Street Haven at the Cross Roads
02.2020 - 12.2022

Relief Shelter Worker and Personal Support Worker

Kinnect Support Services
12.2019 - 01.2020

Paralegal Diploma -

CDI College

Personal Support Worker Certificate -

CLI College of Business, Health and Technology

Crisis Prevention and Intervention Certificate -

CLI College of Business Health & Technology

Immigration Assistant Certificate -

CDI College

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Belinda Gamanya