Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Pfeil

Stittsville,Ontario

Summary

Adaptable and forward-thinking Manager offers 22 years of experience coordinating operations to achieve organizational goals. Communicative team leader with expertise in strategic planning and team management. Committed to driving improvements through innovation and leadership. Bringing outstanding problem-solving and abilities paired with in-depth knowledge of policies and procedures. Polished in evaluating employee performance and overseeing key projects. Motivational leader and with advanced supervisory, team building and customer service skills. Experienced in stepping into roles and quickly making positive changes to drive program and team success. Focused on using training, monitoring and morale-building techniques to maximize employee engagement and performance.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Manager of Kamatsiarniq Initiatives

Tungasuvvingat Inuit
05.2023 - Current
  • Manage five programs, Kamatsiarniq Policy, Prevention Focused Community Care, Education and Training, Anti-Racism and Discrimination and Sapujjijuit program
  • Established and managed yearly budgets of up to $1,151,000.00 (986/948/957/963/974).
  • Program development, all Ministry reporting requirements, policy development and funding proposals for each of the programs
  • Supervise four staff and provide clinical supervision, support, guidance, safety planning, and professional development
  • Supervise the Inuit Representative who receives all notifications for all Inuit children, youth, and families across the province
  • Reviewing court documentation, outcome plans, cultural safety plans, and service plans
  • Attended permanency planning meetings, and case consultations with CAS, community partners and families
  • Supervise the Cultural Advisor
  • Ensure that all initiatives, work process, protocols, policies, and program development are reviewed by them, as well as the Kamatsiarniq Advisory Counsel
  • Ensure that all the work being completed within the entire Kamatsiarniq Program, including direct services, is done so in a culturally appropriate manner
  • Support the Cultural Advisor in building the cultural capacity within the Kamatsiarniq Team
  • Supervise the Training and Education Coordinator
  • Overseeing the development of Cultural Sensitivity training presentations and resources
  • Supervise the Prevention Focused Community Care worker
  • Development of the Prevention program which includes community engagements, creating a workflow process that reflects Inuit culture and traditions and ensuring that all interactions and interventions are culturally appropriate
  • Provide clinical consultation to staff as well as to community partners and families involved in the prevention program
  • Coordinate circles and facilitate consultations as needed
  • Sapujjijuit Project Lead
  • Provide high level of collaboration, coordination, reporting requirements, program development, documentation oversight, case consultation, working with the program evaluators, assessment workers and consulting firm
  • Meet Ministry requirements including reporting, evaluation, and meeting project deliverables.
  • Developing further initiatives
  • Established processes to ensure efficient workflow throughout the organization.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of culturally appropriate outcome plans, service plan, permanency planning and openness orders in consultation with the Cultural advisor and Kamatsiarniq Advisory Counsel
  • Oversee the development and implementation of protocol agreements with all child welfare and child wellbeing agencies across the province
  • Attend Ministry Tech Tables pertaining to child welfare reform including data for equity and reporting child welfare outcomes, Indigenous data governance approaches, eligibility spectrum review/updating, customary care and proposed adoption placement regulations, youth justice, complex special needs program, prevention focused regulations, public adoptions and permanency funding policy guideline amendments, youth justice transfer policies and identity-based data, and CPIN.
  • Provide leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations.
  • Assessed team member's skillsets and assigned tasks accordingly for optimal efficiency.
  • Developed annual goals for each program
  • Monitored staff performance and addressed issues.
  • Exercised good judgment and decision-making in escalating concerns and resolving issues.
  • Assigned tasks to associates to fit skill levels and maximize team performance.
  • Enhanced team member performance through use of strategic and tactical approaches, motivational coaching and training.
  • Led team meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions to continuously improve performance.
  • Conducted quality, timely performance feedback and performance appraisals.
  • Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.

Senior Policy and Program Advisor

Tungasuvvingat Inuit
11.2022 - 05.2023
  • Project lead for the Sapujjijuit project and the Prevention Focused Community Care program
  • Provided clinical supervision, support, and case consultation to the staff and was present for any additional case meetings as necessary
  • From March 2023 - May 2023 I also supervised and managed the Kamatsiarniq Service Team in addition to these responsibilities
  • Created monthly reports for senior management summarizing operational performance metrics.
  • Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
  • Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss progress and identify areas of improvement.
  • Maintained up-to-date records of employee attendance, payroll information, vacation requests.
  • Provided leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations.
  • Assessed team member's skillsets and assigned tasks accordingly for optimal efficiency
  • Collaborated with other departments to ensure timely completion of projects
  • Managed vendor relationships by negotiating contracts and ensuring timely delivery of services.
  • Monitored staff performance and addressed issues.
  • Participated in meetings with stakeholders and partner agencies to discuss changes or improvements needed in the program

Program Developer and Facilitator

The Ottawa Children’s Aid Society
09.2021 - 11.2022
  • Developed two training curriculums, one for caregivers of children between the ages of 0-11 and one for caregivers of youth between the ages of 12-16
  • Administer training to 15 identified trainers, mentoring the trainers as they learned the curriculum and administering the training to caregivers
  • Collaborated with staff and management around the curriculum, ensuring it was developed and delivered from an EDI lens
  • Extensive experience in program development and training
  • My creativity, ability to collaborate, and lead others have afforded me many opportunities to develop programs and initiatives within Ottawa CAS
  • Lead program developer and trainer for Identity-Based Data Collection, trauma and attachment, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training.
  • Created documentation of programming processes and procedures.
  • Worked closely with stakeholders to identify areas of improvement

Resource CYC Supervisor

Ottawa Children’s Aid Society
01.2018 - 03.2020
  • Responsible for managing the Education Initiative Program, Parent Model Program, and creating, supporting, and staffing homes for youth whose needs extend beyond the capacity of foster or parent model homes
  • Supervised 15 full-time staff and 15-20 part-time staff which assisted me in developing critical thinking, analyzing and problem-solving skills
  • Review data, assess worker skills and capacity, identify performance development goals, and be creative in managing client and staffing challenges
  • Developed and implemented operational policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and accuracy of workflows.
  • Maintained accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
  • Tracked progress on projects and provided timely feedback to staff members.
  • Conducted weekly meetings with team members to discuss upcoming tasks and project deadlines.
  • Evaluated employee performance through periodic reviews and documented results accordingly.
  • Organized special events such as company picnics or holiday parties for employees.
  • Implemented cost-cutting measures without compromising quality of services offered.
  • Collaborated with other departments to coordinate workflow processes between teams.
  • Monitored employee productivity to provide constructive feedback and coaching.
  • Coordinated employee schedules according to shift changes and availability.
  • Provided ongoing training to address staff needs.
  • Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality and conformance.
  • Established and enforced clear goals to keep employees working collaboratively.
  • Interviewed applicants, recommended individuals for hiring and evaluated staff performance.
  • Responded to employee concerns or complaints by coordinating with human resources team to solve issues.
  • Coached staff members to develop long-term career goals.
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
  • Evaluated needs of departments and delegated tasks to optimize overall production.
  • Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
  • Worked closely with human resources to support employee management and organizational planning.
  • Analyzed key performance indicators to identify effective strategies.
  • Implemented strategies to take advantage of new opportunities.

Identity Based Date Collection Trainer and EDI Trainer

Children's Aid Society of Ottawa
01.2018 - 01.2020
  • Creating and implementing the training curriculum for all CAS staff and Supervisors
  • Supporting and providing ongoing guidance in completing the identity-based document
  • Provided mentorship to supervisors in identifying staff who were struggling to complete this document with children/youth based on the challenge of facilitating conversations about EDI
  • Lead trainer for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training across the agency
  • Developing, implementing, and facilitating training for staff, supervisors, and managers
  • Designed and developed training materials for new employees in the organization.
  • Conducted onboarding sessions to orientate new staff members about company policies and procedures.
  • Provided feedback on employee performance based on observed results during training sessions.
  • Organized and facilitated classroom workshops, webinars, and one-on-one coaching sessions.
  • Created multimedia presentations using PowerPoint, video conferencing tools, and other software applications.
  • Assisted with the development of online learning modules for remote learners.
  • Analyzed data from pre-and post-training assessments to measure effectiveness of training programs.
  • Facilitated group discussions between participants to promote active engagement in learning activities.
  • Documented all training activities including attendance records, feedback forms, surveys.
  • Adapted teaching methods according to the needs of individual learners or groups.
  • Recommended changes or improvements in existing training processes as needed.
  • Managed the technical setup for virtual classrooms, ensuring that all systems are functioning properly prior to class start time.
  • Resolved any issues raised by participants during the training session in a timely manner.
  • Provided support for trainers in order to ensure successful delivery of courses.
  • Assisted with troubleshooting technical problems related to online platforms used for delivering instruction.
  • Provided constructive feedback and positive reinforcement to keep trainees motivated.
  • Developed practical training programs to impart knowledge and improve individual skill sets.
  • Monitored training effectiveness through observation and metrics analysis.
  • Managed learning experience consistent with company philosophy and company-wide strategies.
  • Kept inventory of training supplies and materials and submitted purchase requests to maintain adequate inventory.
  • Supervised classroom during training delivery to determine if staff followed classroom guidelines and fulfilled necessary requirements of course objectives.
  • Notified stakeholders regarding behavioral concerns, attendance tracking and additional pertinent information relating to achievement of effective training.
  • Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
  • Suggested and offered specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
  • Used role playing, lectures and simulations to present information in variety of instructional techniques and formats.
  • Obtained and organized manuals, guides and visual materials for development and training purposes.
  • Created and offered additional materials to enhance training.
  • Scheduled classes based on availability of classrooms, equipment or instructors.

Adolescent Protection Supervisor

Ottawa Children’s Aid Society
09.2017 - 01.2018
  • Directed and supervised team of 10 adolescent protection workers
  • Interviewed children and family members to perform intake assessments and identify risks.
  • Maintained accurate records of employee performance, attendance, leave requests, and disciplinary actions.
  • Conducted weekly meetings with team members to discuss upcoming tasks and project deadlines.
  • Recruited, hired, trained, mentored, coached, evaluated, and terminated staff as necessary.
  • Ensured compliance with workplace safety regulations by providing training sessions for all staff members.
  • Monitored employee productivity levels on a regular basis to identify areas of improvement.
  • Evaluated employee performance through periodic reviews and documented results accordingly.
  • Organized special events such as company picnics or holiday parties for employees.
  • Collaborated with other departments to coordinate workflow processes between teams.
  • provided clinical supervision
  • Attending case consolation meetings
  • Reviewed/approved case management work including but not limited to safety assessments, risk assessments, outcome plans, service plans, court applications and contact logs.
  • Inputted case consultation notes and supervision notes
  • Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality and conformance.
  • Coached staff members to develop long-term career goals.
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
  • Displayed strong telephone etiquette, effectively handling difficult calls.
  • Evaluated needs of departments and delegated tasks to optimize overall production.

CPIN Lead Trainer

Children's Aid Society of Ottawa
01.2016 - 09.2017
  • Developed, implemented and evaluated training programs for employees.
  • Created instructional materials such as handouts, job aids, PowerPoint presentations and online modules.
  • Delivered classroom lectures and facilitated group discussions on topics related to the training program.
  • Assisted with the development of learning objectives and course outlines for each training session.
  • Led train-the-trainer sessions with subject matter experts to ensure consistency in delivery of content across departments and locations.
  • Analyzed data from surveys, interviews, tests and other sources to evaluate effectiveness of instruction methods used.
  • Maintained records of all training activities including attendance rosters and evaluations.
  • Prepared reports summarizing results of evaluation activities conducted by trainers.
  • Facilitated problem solving workshops designed to improve team dynamics among employees.
  • Established relationships with vendors providing external services such as software applications or technical support.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations and policies pertaining to safety, health and environmental protection.
  • Actively participated in professional development activities such as conferences or seminars.
  • Coached staff members on best practices for delivering effective instruction techniques.
  • Adapted existing curricula based on changes in technology or industry standards.
  • Provided guidance to new trainers on how to deliver quality instruction within a specified time frame.

Adoption Worker

Children's Aid Society Of Ottawa
01.2014 - 01.2016
  • Maintain a case load of approximately 15 families
  • Complete adoption assessments
  • Match adoptive families with children/youth
  • Meet ministry guidelines and regulation pertaining to the assessment of individuals and families
  • Keep up to date records
  • Attend regular supervision and consultation
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism
  • Work collaboratively with partners and families
  • Provide training to the foster parents
  • Developed and implemented safety protocols to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Oversee the placement of children/youth in adoptive homes
  • Ensure compliance with ministry licensing

Foster Care Worker

Children's Aid Society of Ottawa
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • Supervise up to 25 foster homes
  • Conducted assessments of foster homes and children under care.
  • Ensure that each home is meeting ministry licensing requirements.
  • Complete monthly visit with the foster parents and children/youth placed in the home
  • Provided support and resources to foster families.
  • Developed, implemented and monitored individualized treatment plans for children in the foster care system.
  • Conducted home visits and assessments of potential foster parents.
  • Collaborated with social workers, therapists, teachers, and other professionals to ensure the safety of foster children.
  • Assisted in developing family-centered goals for each child in care.
  • Maintained accurate records on all services provided to clients in accordance with agency policy and procedure guidelines.
  • Assessed behavioral issues and developed strategies for behavior modification.
  • Transported children to appointments or recreational activities as needed.
  • Organized special outings for youth in care such as field trips, movie nights, picnics.
  • Provided crisis intervention when necessary by responding to emergency situations involving the safety of a child or family member.
  • Coordinated medical checkups, immunizations, mental health evaluations and other necessary services for clients.
  • Advocating on behalf of children who are unable to speak up for themselves.
  • Implemented therapeutic interventions designed to reduce trauma symptoms resulting from abuse and neglect experiences.
  • Tracked client's progress through monthly updates while providing feedback regarding successes or areas needing improvement.
  • Ensured that all documentation was completed accurately according to agency standards.
  • Escalated complex cases to appropriate team members for timely resolution.

Child in Care Worker

Children's Aid Society of Ottawa
01.2011 - 01.2013
  • Maintain a caseload of approximately 15-20 child in care cases
  • Kept detailed records related to client interactions, services provided, medications administered., for documentation purposes.
  • Provided companionship by engaging in meaningful conversations with clients.
  • Served as an advocate for vulnerable populations by advocating for increased access to quality healthcare services.
  • Provided emotional and practical support to elderly clients in their homes.
  • Organized recreational activities for clients to promote physical and mental health.
  • Ensured that client safety was maintained through regular home visits.
  • Monitored medication administration schedules and assisted with medication reminders.
  • Developed individual care plans based on assessments of the needs of each client.
  • Maintained communication with families regarding the progress of their loved ones.
  • Transported clients to medical appointments and other necessary errands.
  • Encouraged independence while providing assistance when needed.
  • Researched resources available within the community to help meet the needs of clients.
  • Initiated conversations with clients about their interests and preferences in order to build a trusting relationship.
  • Educated family members on how best to support their loved one's needs.
  • Coordinated with other healthcare professionals including nurses, doctors, dieticians., in order to ensure comprehensive care.
  • Collaborated with social workers and case managers in order to develop appropriate service plans.
  • Facilitated group activities aimed at providing an enjoyable experience for all participants.
  • Provided support for physical, emotional and social needs of clients.
  • Encouraged residents to participate in activities of daily living to enhance personal dignity.
  • Observed patients for changes in physical, emotional, mental or behavioral condition and injuries.
  • Worked closely with clinical staff to support therapeutic and behavioral plans.

Investigation/Intake Worker

Sudbury Children’s Aid Society
01.2002 - 01.2010
  • Maintained a caseload of approximately 15-20 cases
  • Conducted assessments to determine eligibility for services
  • completed unannounced home visits
  • completed safety assessments on families
  • Investigated child abuse allegations
  • Provided referrals to necessary community resources.
  • Assisted in the development of treatment plans for clients.
  • Maintained accurate records and documentation of client information.
  • Monitored progress of clients on a regular basis.
  • Developed crisis management strategies with clients and their families.
  • Attended staff meetings to discuss client progress or issues.
  • Participated in training sessions related to intake processes and procedures.
  • Prepared reports summarizing client data for administrative review.
  • Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate care for clients.
  • Conducted follow-up calls with clients after discharge from program or service.
  • Scheduled appointments for clients seeking assistance or services.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
  • Provided emotional support to individuals experiencing stress or crises.
  • Organized outreach activities to inform community members about available services.
  • Performed intakes by collecting background information from new clients.
  • Responded promptly and professionally to inquiries regarding services offered.
  • Compiled physical and digital documents, charts and reports.
  • Built and maintained strong relationships with clients by successfully resolving issues
  • Performed assessments to determine individual limitations and strengths.
  • Empowered families to make decisions on behalf of themselves.
  • Referred clients to substance abuse treatment programs and outpatient dual diagnosis treatment programs.

Education

Carpentry and Renovation Techniques Program Honors -

Algonquin College
04.2022

Honors Bachelor of Social Work -

Laurentian University
04.2002

Bachelor of Arts - Women Studies

Laurentian University
04.2000

Skills

  • Program development
  • Clinical supervision
  • Safety planning
  • Professional development
  • Case consultation and collaboration
  • Cultural competency
  • Curriculum development
  • Performance Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Time Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Complex Problem-Solving

Accomplishments

Certificate of Achievement 2022

Weston Family Scholarship

Changemaker Award 2021

Diversifying the Trades Calendar – A calendar dedicated to showcasing equity deserving trades people. The money raised has been put towards the creation of an award for a first-year equity deserving member entering a trades program at Algonquin College.

Annual Award of Excellence 2022

Demonstrated leadership and academic achievement

Timeline

Manager of Kamatsiarniq Initiatives

Tungasuvvingat Inuit
05.2023 - Current

Senior Policy and Program Advisor

Tungasuvvingat Inuit
11.2022 - 05.2023

Program Developer and Facilitator

The Ottawa Children’s Aid Society
09.2021 - 11.2022

Resource CYC Supervisor

Ottawa Children’s Aid Society
01.2018 - 03.2020

Identity Based Date Collection Trainer and EDI Trainer

Children's Aid Society of Ottawa
01.2018 - 01.2020

Adolescent Protection Supervisor

Ottawa Children’s Aid Society
09.2017 - 01.2018

CPIN Lead Trainer

Children's Aid Society of Ottawa
01.2016 - 09.2017

Adoption Worker

Children's Aid Society Of Ottawa
01.2014 - 01.2016

Foster Care Worker

Children's Aid Society of Ottawa
01.2013 - 01.2014

Child in Care Worker

Children's Aid Society of Ottawa
01.2011 - 01.2013

Investigation/Intake Worker

Sudbury Children’s Aid Society
01.2002 - 01.2010

Carpentry and Renovation Techniques Program Honors -

Algonquin College

Honors Bachelor of Social Work -

Laurentian University

Bachelor of Arts - Women Studies

Laurentian University
Melissa Pfeil