Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Natalie Smith

Rancho Cucamonga

Summary

Dynamic professional with a proven track record at Big 5 Sporting Goods, enhancing employee satisfaction and ensuring compliance with leave policies. Skilled in customer relations, I excel in problem-solving and software proficiency, significantly improving operational efficiency and fostering a supportive work environment.

Dedicated professional prepared to bring extensive expertise and results-oriented approach to Specialist role. Known for effectively managing tasks and supporting organizational goals through collaborative efforts and adaptive strategies. Recognized for excellent communication and analytical skills, ensuring seamless operations and consistent outcomes.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Disability and Leaves Specialist

Big 5 Sporting Goods
11.2020 - Current
  • Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
  • Improved employee satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
  • Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
  • Educated managers on best practices for handling employee absences, fostering a more cohesive and understanding work environment.
  • Ensured timely and accurate completion of all required documentation for leaves of absence, minimizing potential legal exposure for the organization.
  • Managed return-to-work coordination efforts, successfully reintegrating employees back into the workplace after extended absences.
  • Provided expert guidance to managers on the interpretation of leave policies, promoting consistency across departments.
  • Participated in cross-functional teams to address issues related to employee leaves and improve overall processes.
  • Conducted thorough audits of leave records to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies and regulations.
  • Managed complex medical leaves, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with company policies and relevant laws.
  • Collaborated with payroll team to ensure accurate tracking of paid time off balances during leaves of absence.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on federal and state laws governing employee leaves, ensuring companywide compliance at all times.
  • Served as a point of contact for employees seeking information about their leave options, providing knowledgeable assistance in navigating complex situations.
  • Coordinated closely with benefits providers during extended leaves to maintain accurate coverage status for employees on leave.
  • Enhanced employee satisfaction by effectively managing leave of absence requests and providing timely responses.
  • Evaluated medical documentation to determine eligibility for various types of leaves, maintaining strict confidentiality standards.
  • Improved communication between employees and management during leaves of absence, fostering a supportive work environment.
  • Provided compassionate support to employees experiencing personal or family medical issues, easing the stress of navigating leave processes.
  • Negotiated reasonable accommodations with employers on behalf of disabled employees, promoting workplace inclusivity and equal access opportunities.
  • Effectively communicated complex information about disability benefits programs to a diverse clientele, ensuring that all individuals had a clear understanding of their entitlements and available resources.
  • Maintained comprehensive knowledge of federal regulations and policies governing disability benefits programs, ensuring compliance at all times.
  • Remained up-to-date on industry trends and advancements in disability support services, leveraging this knowledge to better serve claimants and their families.
  • Collaborated with medical professionals to gather pertinent information for accurate decision-making on disability claims.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational skills by efficiently managing a high volume of cases concurrently while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in documentation processes.

Human Resources Coordinator/ Various Positions

Double Tree Hilton
02.2015 - 03.2021
  • Maintained human resources information system and kept employee files up to date and accurate.
  • Conducted new employee onboarding and provided ongoing orientation training.
  • Supported HR functions with emphasis on record keeping, data entry, and general HR tasks.
  • Completed background and reference checks to facilitate hiring and onboarding of employees.
  • Coordinated onboarding processes, providing new hires with a smooth transition into the company culture.
  • Coordinated and administered employee health insurance and retirement plans.
  • Assisted with recruitment process by posting job ads, filtering applications, scheduling interviews, assisting in interview process and drafting offer letters.
  • Reduced time-to-hire by streamlining the recruitment process and utilizing effective candidate sourcing techniques.
  • Reviewed human resources paperwork for accuracy and completeness.
  • Established solid relationships between departments by providing well-rounded support across various teams.
  • Enhanced employee engagement by implementing comprehensive HR programs and initiatives.
  • Maintained compliance with labor laws and regulations, minimizing legal risks.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by handling telephone inquiries while attending to in-person guest needs seamlessly.
  • Handled high-pressure situations gracefully, managing multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a calm demeanor.
  • Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
  • Maintained an organized waitlist for busy times, ensuring efficient seating of guests.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by greeting and seating guests promptly upon arrival.
  • Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
  • Provided exceptional service through friendly interactions with customers, answering questions and addressing concerns.
  • Managed reservations effectively, accommodating special requests and ensuring accurate guest counts.
  • Contributed to a positive team atmosphere by supporting coworkers during peak hours or when understaffed.
  • Collaborated with servers to ensure smooth transitions between tables, minimizing wait times for guests.
  • Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
  • Checked in with servers to confirm preparedness before seating customers.
  • Prepared dining room for service by cleaning , organizing tables and placing table settings.
  • Trained new hostess staff members on company policies, procedures, and best practices ensuring consistency across all shifts.
  • Assisted in maintaining a clean and inviting restaurant environment by clearing tables and setting up for the next guests.
  • Managed seating chart and monitored activity in restaurant to keep constant and efficient dining flow.
  • Actively monitored restaurant capacity levels throughout the shift, making informed seating decisions to maintain a comfortable dining atmosphere.
  • Coordinated large party bookings both on the phone and in-person, creating organized seating plans tailored to guest needs.
  • Collected information from arriving customers to seat groups or place them on waitlist.
  • Maintained guest privacy and confidentiality when handling sensitive information such as reservation details or personal preferences.
  • Monitored front entrance for new guests while assisting servers by taking and delivering drink orders.
  • Watched dining area staff to evaluate server loads and calculate accurate wait times.
  • Promoted repeat business through engaging conversations with guests, remembering preferences, and personalizing their experiences.
  • Communicated clearly with kitchen staff about guest needs and dietary restrictions, ensuring accurate orders were prepared as requested.
  • Adapted to various dining room configurations during private events or seasonal changes, maximizing available space for optimal guest flow.
  • Complied with food safety and food hygiene regulations to safeguard public health.
  • Supported restaurant promotions and events by informing guests of upcoming happenings or special menu items.
  • Streamlined table turnover process by quickly identifying available seating options for incoming diners.
  • Increased efficiency by organizing menus and updating daily specials boards before each shift.
  • Delivered unparalleled service to drive positive dining experience and repeat customer visits.
  • Reported problematic guests to management to foster safe and pleasant environment.
  • Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout dining experience.
  • Coordinated seasonal merchandising changes throughout the year to keep displays fresh and enticing for customers.
  • Maintained accurate records of all inventory levels through routine audits, allowing for timely replenishment orders as needed.
  • Enhanced overall shopping experience by maintaining a clean, organized, and visually appealing store environment.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable pricing and securing unique products for the gift shop.
  • Created social media content with consistent content and tone.
  • Enhanced online engagement with the creation of compelling content for various platforms.
  • Created shareable content that resonated with followers, driving increased engagement rates and audience growth.

Photographer/Sales Associate

Lifetouch Portrait Studios
09.2013 - 02.2015
  • Digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
  • Delivered high-quality images under tight deadlines, demonstrating strong time management skills.
  • Edited, toned, captioned, and uploaded photographs for publication.
  • Took photos from different angles and perspectives to capture perfect images.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients through clear communication and professionalism.

Sales Associate

Massage Envy Spa
03.2013 - 10.2013
  • Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
  • Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
  • Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
  • Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
  • Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
  • Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.

Education

Master Of Business Administration - Management

California Baptist University
Riverside, CA
08.2024

Bachelor Of Business Administration - Management

California Baptist University
Riverside, CA
08.2023

Associates - Sociology

Riverside City College
Riverside, CA
06.2021

Skills

  • Customer relations
  • Expert problem solving
  • Analytical thinking
  • Documentation management
  • Management collaboration
  • Proficient in software

Timeline

Disability and Leaves Specialist

Big 5 Sporting Goods
11.2020 - Current

Human Resources Coordinator/ Various Positions

Double Tree Hilton
02.2015 - 03.2021

Photographer/Sales Associate

Lifetouch Portrait Studios
09.2013 - 02.2015

Sales Associate

Massage Envy Spa
03.2013 - 10.2013

Master Of Business Administration - Management

California Baptist University

Bachelor Of Business Administration - Management

California Baptist University

Associates - Sociology

Riverside City College

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