Robert Sonora
Covina
Summary
Compassionate and motivated Program Supervisor with a robust background in coordinating programs that aim at uplifting marginalized communities. Demonstrates extensive experience working with various demographics including homeless veterans and individuals in the probation/parole system, complemented by a recent role overseeing strategic interventions focusing on homeless prevention and problem-solving. Proven ability to foster strategic partnerships and spearhead initiatives that advocate for communities in need, while maintaining a focus on social justice systems.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Supervisor
Volunteers Of America Greater Los Angeles
Prevention, Access Center & Problem-Solving
07.2023 - Current
- Lead a diverse team of 15, overseeing key program components such as Management Services,
acquisitions, procurement, budgeting, and HR. - Handle all unit administrative matters, including but not limited to personnel, budgeting, and review and
approve unit non-IT purchasing requests. Employ approved methods to recognize and promote
exceptional individual performance and teamwork. - Supervise multifaceted programs within LA CoC, ensuring alignment with standards and policies for
optimal service delivery. - Enforce LA CoC policies with a focus on Housing First, Harm Reduction, Low Barrier, and Trauma-
Informed Care approaches. - Manage PSAF and financial assistance via HMIS, and Service Point maintaining meticulous data management.
- Cultivate strategic partnerships to provide comprehensive support during housing crises and advocate
for community needs. - Oversee administrative functions including budgeting, procurement, and HR policies.
- Develop and recommend operational policies to ensure alignment with departmental goals and
objectives. - Utilize computing devices and phones for communication and extensive review, analysis, and
preparation of electronic and written documents. - Facilitate frequent face-to-face interactions with management, staff, consultants, and the public to
address service requirements effectively. - Manage the onboarding process, ensuring compliance with all program requirements and regulations.
- Enhanced team productivity through effective delegation, task prioritization, and clear communication.
Lead Case Manager
Volunteers Of America - Services For Veterans
Los Angeles, CA
04.2021 - 07.2023
- Managed a dedicated team of four, providing tailored supportive services for homeless or at-risk
veteran families. - Conducted thorough screenings and assessments, devising customized case plans to address individual
needs. - Coordinated service linkages and provided holistic support for mental health and substance abuse
challenges. - Assisted in budget management, program evaluation, and compliance to optimize resource allocation.
- Oversaw recruitment efforts, implemented
- performance metrics, and ensured program compliance.
- Engaged in extensive verbal, written, and digital (email) communication to maintain stakeholder
relationships and facilitate efficient service delivery. - Evaluated practical demonstrations and assessed performance to ensure the team meets and exceeds
job requirements. - Managed administrative matters including personnel, budgeting, and procurement, promoting
exceptional individual performance and teamwork.
Program Coordinator
Volunteers Of America/Project SLATE Youth Juvenile
Los Angeles, CA
02.2019 - 02.2021
- Directed a dynamic team of 12 in managing program components and maintaining compliance with
policies and regulations. - Plan and direct work organized into primary components of Management Services, including non-IT
acquisitions, non-IT procurement and purchasing, budgeting, accounting, facilities, Human Resources,
and others, as needed. - Ensured compliance with Department of Justice (DOJ) and California Governor's Office of Emergency
Services (Cal OES) policies and quality standards to maintain consistency in quality of services. - Provided crisis intervention and collaborated with external agencies to enhance service delivery
effectiveness. - Mentored team members on productivity enhancement strategies, policy updates, and performance
enhancement initiatives. - Organized and facilitated community events, training sessions, and resilience-building workshops.
- Managed a caseload of over 300 files, conducting detailed data analysis to drive program improvement
initiatives. - Utilized computing devices for extensive document review and preparation, ensuring accuracy and
efficiency. - Established positive relationships with clients and resolved critical issues to ensure effective program
implementation. - Manage the onboarding process, ensuring compliance with all program requirements and regulations.
Lead Case Manager
Volunteers Of America/Project SLATE Youth Juvenile
Los Angeles, CA
07.2018 - 02.2019
- Assist young fathers , recently released form incarceration, and transition them to long-term self-sufficiency and fatherhood
- Created and maintain relationships with outside agencies that serve as advocates and resources
- Match and coordinate mentors with the participant
- Provided ongoing support, assistance, motivation and housing referrals
- Provided job readiness skills training, resume preparation, interviewing and job search techniques
- Provide weekly case management
- Listen to and communicate with others, interpreting their moods and reactions
Lead Case Manager / Job Developer
Volunteers Of America / Training To Work 4
Los Angeles, CA
10.2015 - 06.2018
- Managed a dedicated team of four, providing tailored supportive services for reentry population
- Weekly case conferencing
- Enhanced client satisfaction by efficiently managing caseloads and providing personalized support.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create comprehensive care plans tailored to individual client needs.
- Conducted thorough assessments to determine the most appropriate resources and services for each client.
- Facilitated regular meetings with clients, ensuring progress towards goals was on track and addressing any barriers encountered.
- Monthly case files audits
- Identify participant's career pathways
- Establish and maintain relationships with community partners
- Assist each participant with the educational and training enrollments process
- Develop support systems to meet participants' needs identifying and coordinating available services needed to maintain independent living, self-sufficiency and family stabilization
Lead Monitor
Volunteers Of America / Harm Reduction, Safe Haven
Los Angeles, CA
11.2013 - 10.2015
- Led a dedicated team of four, delivering residential supportive services to homeless veterans with
compassion and professionalism. - Ensured strict adherence to harm reduction principles and public health standards.
- Conducted regular rounds, utilized motivational interviewing techniques, and facilitated support group
sessions. - Evaluate the performance of employees to ensure acceptable job performance; work with each
employee to develop required skills to meet and exceed job requirements. - Assign projects and tasks, monitor and evaluate the performance of unit staff, and review and/or
prepare unit training plans. - Employed computing devices for extensive documentation and analysis, ensuring program effectiveness and compliance.
- Established and maintained positive relationships with participants, fostering collaboration and effective
communication. - Demonstrated flexibility in work hours and occasional travel to meet service requirements and attend
conferences.
Lead Security Officer
Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles, CA
04.2007 - 10.2017
- Directed a dynamic team of 12 security officers, overseeing security operations and ensuring the safety
of stadium premises and personnel. - Conducted comprehensive patrols, responded promptly to security-related incidents, and implemented
effective security measures. - Complete Daily Activity Reports, Field Investigation Card, and Incident Reports for Legal court purposes
- Provided leadership and guidance to the security team, fostering a culture of professionalism and
accountability. - Utilized computing devices for incident reporting and documentation, ensuring accuracy and
compliance. - Managed administrative duties including personnel management, budgeting, and procurement.
- Maintained positive relationships with Fans and addressed security concerns with efficiency and
professionalism. - Demonstrated flexibility in work hours to accommodate stadium events and security needs.
Education
Business Course
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA2009
High School Diploma -
San Gabriel High School
San Gabriel, CA2007
Skills
- Strong program development and management skills
- Enthusiastic and able to adapt quickly
- Quick and creative problem solving skills
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills
- Ability to multi task and accomplish multiple deadlines
- Ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure
- Excellent follow-through, accuracy and commitment to constituent satisfaction
- Managed budgets totaling in over two million
- Ability to strategize and develop new systems quickly
Certification
- Yetunde Price Resource Center: Diversity & Trauma Training May 2019
- Foundation for a Drug Free World: Drug-Free World Education Specialist April 2019
- Homeless Health Care Los Angeles: Applied Care Coordination and Systems Navigation March 2019
- CPR-AED: Adult/Child/ Infant April 2018
Timeline
Program Supervisor
Volunteers Of America Greater Los Angeles
07.2023 - Current
Lead Case Manager
Volunteers Of America - Services For Veterans
04.2021 - 07.2023
Program Coordinator
Volunteers Of America/Project SLATE Youth Juvenile
02.2019 - 02.2021
Lead Case Manager
Volunteers Of America/Project SLATE Youth Juvenile
07.2018 - 02.2019
Lead Case Manager / Job Developer
Volunteers Of America / Training To Work 4
10.2015 - 06.2018
Lead Monitor
Volunteers Of America / Harm Reduction, Safe Haven
11.2013 - 10.2015
Lead Security Officer
Los Angeles Dodgers
04.2007 - 10.2017
Business Course
East Los Angeles College
High School Diploma -
San Gabriel High School