Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Denise Stewart

Cranbrook,BC

Summary

Dedicated advocate with a successful history of assisting individuals in crisis with family law issues. Experienced in drafting legal documents, offering resource recommendations, and working closely with service providers and attorneys. Demonstrated expertise in advocacy and clear client communication.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Family Law Advocate

Community Connections Society of Southeast BC
05.2021 - Current
  • Advocated for clients' rights, ensuring access to essential services and resources. Supported approximately 500 clients per year.
  • Developed personalized support plans to address individual needs and goals.
  • Collaborated with over 7 community organizations to create awareness of available programs.
  • Conducted outreach initiatives to engage underserved populations in the community.
  • Facilitated 2-3 yearly workshops to empower clients with knowledge and skills for self-advocacy.
  • Mentored junior advocates, providing guidance on best practices and client engagement strategies.
  • Delivered friendly service and offered expert support in every interaction.
  • Established trusting relationships with clients by maintaining open lines of communication.
  • Assisted with court applications and collected required paperwork to help individuals apply for Legal Aid.
  • Assisted clients in their preparation for court.
  • Advocated with over 7 community organizations to ensure clients successful outcomes.
  • Reviewed operating budget to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
  • Monitored expenditures against approved budgets, identifying variances and recommending corrective action.
  • Assisted in the preparation of annual budgets, working closely with the finance teams to gather necessary information.
  • Identified and monitored budget expenses ensuring we met the funders expectations.
  • Reporting statistics on time to the funder on a monthly and quarterly basis.

Coordinator Cranbrook Women's Resource Centre

Community Connections Society of Southeast BC
09.2009 - 05.2021
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to resolve client issues effectively.
  • Established strong relationships with clients to foster trust and loyalty.
  • Assisted up to 2000 clients per year in finding various opportunities for success though self empowerment.
  • Demonstrated adaptability when faced with changes or challenges in project requirements by quickly adjusting strategies to maintain progress toward desired outcomes.
  • Utilized advanced problem-solving skills when troubleshooting complex issues.
  • Facilitated 2 yearly support groups, fostering community connections and enhancing participant engagement.
  • Provided crisis intervention, techniques to stabilize situations effectively.
  • Developed training materials for new staff, improving onboarding processes and knowledge retention.
  • Advocated for clients' rights, navigating complex systems to secure necessary
  • resources and services.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify clients needs and determine appropriate services.
  • Maintained accurate and up-to-date case files, ensuring compliance with agency guidelines and Province regulations.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients by demonstrating active listening skills and empathetic understanding of their circumstances.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, effectively deescalating tense situations and connecting individuals with appropriate support systems.
  • Developed grant proposals aligned with organizational goals and funding requirements.
  • Researched funding opportunities to identify potential grants for diverse projects.
  • Ensured compliance with grant guidelines, enhancing submission accuracy and consistency.
  • Monitored ongoing budget performance, implementing corrective actions to address discrepancies proactively.
  • Conducted detailed financial evaluations to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve financial stability.
  • Supervised volunteers, and the assistant coordinator.

Owner/Operator

Byng Hotel 1987 Ltd.
09.1994 - 06.2008
  • Developed operational strategies to enhance efficiency and streamline business processes.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations and supervised a team of 15 employees.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with WorkSafe BC, Liquor Control and Licensing, and BC Gaming.
  • Implemented cost-saving initiatives that improved profit margins.
  • Developed and implemented successful marketing strategies, resulting in a strong customer base.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality services and timely communication.
  • Established and maintained strong vendor relationships to negotiate favorable terms and reduce supply costs.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Overseeing inventory management, reducing waste and maintaining adequate stock levels to meet demand.
  • Managed inventory control systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste.
  • Trained and mentored staff on best practices and operational procedures.
  • Oversaw the hiring process, selecting highly skilled candidates who contributed significantly to company success.
  • Kept all building areas and equipment functional and well-organized to promote business performance.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment, leading to higher employee retention rates and overall job satisfaction.
  • Implemented effective financial management practices, improving cash flow and profitability.
  • Maximized revenue by identifying new market opportunities and implementing targeted sales strategies. Business sales were over $1,000,000.00 a year.
  • Assessed income and expenses and adapted plans to improve profit levels.

Administrative Clerk

Chevron Canada Ltd.
09.1990 - 09.1994
  • Assisted in maintaining organized filing systems for efficient document retrieval.
  • Supported daily administrative operations by managing correspondence and meeting deadlines.
  • Learned to utilize office software for data entry.
  • Maintained good working relationships with vendors and resolved disputes.
  • Collaborated with other departments to resolve discrepancies in invoices and purchase agreements.
  • Coordinated office supplies inventory, ensuring timely procurement of necessary materials.
  • Managed data entry into accounting software, enhancing efficiency and maintaining organized records.
  • Assisted in month-end closing activities by preparing necessary reports and documentation for review.

Education

Human Service Worker

College of The Rockies
Cranbrook, BC
04-2009

Business Administration

Halton Business Institute
Burlington, Ontario
05-1989

High School Diploma -

Sentinel Secondary School
West Vancouver, BC
06-1988

Skills

  • Client representation
  • Critical thinking
  • Training delivery
  • Operations management
  • Expense control
  • Financial forecasting
  • Time management
  • Prioritizing and planning
  • Team building leadership
  • Financial analysis and reporting

Timeline

Family Law Advocate

Community Connections Society of Southeast BC
05.2021 - Current

Coordinator Cranbrook Women's Resource Centre

Community Connections Society of Southeast BC
09.2009 - 05.2021

Owner/Operator

Byng Hotel 1987 Ltd.
09.1994 - 06.2008

Administrative Clerk

Chevron Canada Ltd.
09.1990 - 09.1994

Human Service Worker

College of The Rockies

Business Administration

Halton Business Institute

High School Diploma -

Sentinel Secondary School

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Denise Stewart