Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Karen Dwyer

Innisfil,ON

Summary

Dynamic Shelter Manager with a proven track record at Anduhyaun Inc., enhancing client satisfaction through strategic feedback implementation. Skilled in crisis management and compassionate communication, I fostered strong partnerships and improved operational efficiency, ensuring high standards of care for vulnerable populations. Committed to empowering clients and optimizing service delivery.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Shelter Manager - Contract

Anduhyaun Inc.
03.2023 - 08.2024
  • Increased client satisfaction rates by soliciting feedback on services provided and making necessary improvements accordingly.
  • Monitored trends in homelessness within the community actively to inform strategic planning processes for the shelter.
  • Enhanced staff efficiency by providing ongoing training and support in crisis intervention and conflict resolution techniques.
  • Operations and payroll for month end. Supervised programming and administrative facets of temporary homeless shelter for women and children, many with dual diagnoses.
  • Adapted programming as needed based on changing client needs or resource availability while maintaining high standards of care.
  • Coordinated volunteer efforts effectively, ensuring adequate coverage during peak hours or special events at the shelter.
  • Fostered a supportive environment by cultivating strong relationships with partner agencies.

Case Manager

Youth Without Shelter
03.2015 - 10.2021
  • Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
  • Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
  • Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
  • Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
  • Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
  • Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
  • Participated in regular professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of case management.
  • Facilitated workshops on life skills, contributing to improved self-sufficiency of clients.
  • Trained new case managers, raising team's overall competency and service delivery standards.

Addiction Counsellor

Renascent - Graham Monro Centre
07.2011 - 01.2015
  • Enhanced patient recovery by developing and implementing tailored treatment plans for each individual.
  • Led individual and group counseling sessions to meet variety of therapeutic needs for recovering individuals.
  • Developed patient care plans and documented progress toward goals.
  • Maintained detailed records of client interactions, ensuring accurate tracking of progress over time.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting open communication among participants and fostering a supportive environment.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, quickly responding to emergencies and connecting clients with appropriate resources.
  • Developed customized aftercare plans for discharged clients, ensuring they had access to ongoing support services upon completion of formal treatment programs.

Financial Administrator

Hawthorn & Co. Ltd. - Interior Design
04.2003 - 11.2010
  • Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by streamlining accounting processes and implementing automated systems.
  • Conducted comprehensive variance analyses, identifying discrepancies between actual results and budget expectations for prompt corrective action steps.
  • Maintained an organized filing system for all financial documents, ensuring easy access during audits or other reviews as needed.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry trends, legislation changes, and best practices in financial administration.
  • Evaluated vendor contracts to negotiate favorable terms, resulting in cost savings for the organization.
  • Improved cash flow management with diligent monitoring of accounts receivable and payable transactions.
  • Managed expense tracking and personnel vouchers.
  • Supported financial director with special projects and additional job duties.
  • Evaluated and negotiated contracts to procure favorable financial terms.

Education

No Degree - Addiction Counselling

McMaster University
On-Line Courses

Skills

  • Shelter operations, Addiction Counselling and Administration
  • Compassionate and empathetic communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Multitasking
  • Reliability
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Customer relations
  • Crisis management
  • Professional and courteous
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Conflict resolution
  • Documentation and reporting
  • MS office
  • Time management abilities

Timeline

Shelter Manager - Contract

Anduhyaun Inc.
03.2023 - 08.2024

Case Manager

Youth Without Shelter
03.2015 - 10.2021

Addiction Counsellor

Renascent - Graham Monro Centre
07.2011 - 01.2015

Financial Administrator

Hawthorn & Co. Ltd. - Interior Design
04.2003 - 11.2010

No Degree - Addiction Counselling

McMaster University

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Karen Dwyer