Raisa Rich
Victoria,Canada
Summary
Community Support Worker with extensive experience providing emotional, physical, and mental support to diverse populations. Expertise in building trust, fostering community engagement, and implementing innovative programs to enhance well-being. Demonstrated success in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve client-centered goals.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Support Worker
Garth Homer Society
Victoria, British Columbia
09.2024 - Current
- Provided individualized care to individuals with disabilities, enhancing their well-being, fostering independence, and supporting their engagement within the community.
- Maintained accurate client records in line with organizational standards while ensuring confidentiality.
- De-escalated situations using tailored strategies and tools to ensure a safe and supportive environment for clients and staff.
- While in the role of Acting Team Coordinator, provisionally liaised between caregivers, staff, and other departments to ensure successful management and coordination within the team.
- Assisted in the setup and organization of programming spaces during the relocation to a new building in October 2025.
Community Volunteer
CoolAid Society
Victoria, British Columbia
09.2024 - 10.2024
- Assembled safer injection kits and other overdose reduction supplies at Rock Bay Landing shelter to help prevent the spread of HIV and Hep C.
- Adhered to CoolAid protocols and meticulously followed critical instructions ensuring the safety of residents and staff on and off site.
Server
Tacofino
Victoria, British Columbia
07.2023 - 09.2024
- Processed POS transactions and issued refunds upon request.
- Provided exceptional customer service in a fast-paced dining environment.
- Trained new hires and assisted with interpersonal conflicts.
- Completed daily responsibilities, including running food to guests, preparing alcoholic beverages, packaging items, and processing payments.
- Restocked food packaging, drinks, and other necessary supplies.
- Addressed customer inquiries and resolved issues professionally and promptly.
Community Volunteer
Volunteer Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia
07.2023 - 04.2024
- Volunteered for Volunteer Victoria's Mental Health Visiting & Activity Program.
- Offered support and companionship to residents of Island Health's Mental Health and Substance Use residential services.
- Compiled and organized data into a detailed spreadsheet for organizational use, which was later presented at a team meeting.
- Followed Island Health policies and ensured client confidentiality and safety.
Barista
Saint Coffee Collective
Gold Coast, Australia
02.2023 - 06.2023
- Prepared various coffee orders in a fast-paced environment.
- Provided excellent customer service by responding to inquiries quickly and professionally.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies and restocked when necessary.
- Trained new staff on drink preparation and customer service standards.
Research Lab Assistant
SmartLab
Victoria, British Columbia
04.2022 - 12.2022
- Assisted participants within the study using clear verbal instructions.
- Followed experimental protocol, including lab equipment preparation, measuring EEG, and participant data input.
- Participant recruitment and eligibility screening.
- Ensured the safety and confidentiality of both the team and participants within the study.
Shift Leader
Milano Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia
04.2022 - 12.2022
- Aided customers in finding products that suit their individual preferences.
- Completed tasks including restocking, preparing food and baked goods, and tidying up around the shop.
- Helped resolve conflicts between employees and found team-oriented solutions efficiently.
- Processed customer POS transactions, including cash and credit purchases and returns.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Victoria
Victoria, BC04.2024
Bachelor of Arts - International Exchange Studies
Griffith University
Gold Coast, QLD06.2023
High School Diploma -
Ashland High School
Ashland, OR05.2019
Skills
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Training and development
- Client advocacy
- Conflict resolution
- Team collaboration
- Critical thinking
- Individualized support
- Crisis intervention
- Community engagement
- Client record management
Certification
- MANDT Training, Nonviolent Intervention and Deescalation Approach, 11/01/24
- Red Cross, Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED, 07/01/24
- University of Victoria, Naloxone Training, 07/01/24
Hobbies and Interests
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Rehabilitation and Harm Reduction
- Health Promotion
- International Travel
- Psychology
- Community Engagement
References
- Jennifer Spilsted, Team Coordinator at Garth Homer Society, jspilsted@garthhomersociety.org
- Julia Harrison, Volunteer Victoria Mental Health Program Coordinator, julia@volunteervictoria.bc.ca
- Jeremy Viczko, Research Lab Supervisor, jviczko@uvic.ca
- Ryan Hilperts, University of Victoria Professor, ryzome@uvic.ca
Coursework
- Community Engagement - In-depth understanding of the non-profit sector and community engagement. Facilitated a workshop for a student-led conference.
- Fundamentals of Clinical Psychology - Proficient understanding of psychopathology and DSM-5 diagnostics.
- Island Health Training - Completed multiple courses to qualify for volunteering in healthcare settings.
- Introduction to Mental Health and Well-Being - Understanding of concepts, methods, and professional issues within clinical psychology.
Timeline
Community Support Worker
Garth Homer Society
09.2024 - Current
Community Volunteer
CoolAid Society
09.2024 - 10.2024
Server
Tacofino
07.2023 - 09.2024
Community Volunteer
Volunteer Victoria
07.2023 - 04.2024
Barista
Saint Coffee Collective
02.2023 - 06.2023
Research Lab Assistant
SmartLab
04.2022 - 12.2022
Shift Leader
Milano Victoria
04.2022 - 12.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Victoria
Bachelor of Arts - International Exchange Studies
Griffith University
High School Diploma -
Ashland High School