Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer
Timeline
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Sharleen Lewis

Thunder Bay,ON

Summary

With a strong background in roles at the municipal government level, I've excelled in assisting the public, fostering collaboration among staff, and ensuring exceptional service delivery. My extensive volunteer work with grassroots organizations worldwide further developed my ability to thrive in challenging team environments. As an English teacher for over two years, I provided cross-cultural support and tutoring, further honing my teamwork and collaboration skills. Pursuing a social work role within a school board perfectly aligns with my career goals, allowing me to showcase and expand upon these capabilities.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Support Assistant

City Of Toronto, Employment & Social Services
11.2022 - 07.2023
  • Client Support and Triage:
  • Provided comprehensive support to Ontario Works recipients, serving as the initial point of contact for client inquiries and concerns.
  • Skillfully triaged client issues in the office, ensuring a seamless flow of service delivery and promptly connecting clients with caseworkers for personalized assistance
  • Office Coordination and Administration:
  • Facilitated front office operations by maintaining a welcoming and organized environment, ensuring clients received timely attention.
  • Collaborated with support staff in the back office to process payments, distribute cheques, and issue recordable placement cards, streamlining financial assistance processes.
  • Resource Expertise:
  • Demonstrated a deep knowledge of City of Toronto resources and services, effectively guiding clients towards additional support and resources to meet their needs.
  • Operational Leadership and Process Improvement:
  • Acted as the Chair of the Location Operational Committee, leading monthly meetings with management and caseworkers to identify opportunities for operational efficiency and service improvement.
  • Collaborated with team members to discuss findings and worked closely with management to implement changes that enhanced service quality and delivery.

Support Assistant

City Of Toronto, Public Health
06.2020 - 11.2022

Toronto Public Health (COVID-19 Emergency Response)

  • Collaborated cross-functionally to ensure timely assignment of critical cases, showcasing strong teamwork and coordination skills.
  • Demonstrated adaptability and initiative by proactively enhancing operational efficiency through process improvements and streamlined communication methods.
  • Recommended and implemented changes to processes, highlighting analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  • Showcased commitment to team success by volunteering for and successfully managing various special projects.

Toronto Public Health (Long-Term Care Homes - COVID-19 Emergency Response) - April 2020 to June 2020

  • Managed a high-volume workload effectively, demonstrating excellent organizational skills and ability to handle complex data.
  • Interpreted and documented administrative processes, displaying strong attention to detail and compliance with protocols.
  • Provided crucial software support and training, indicating proficiency in technical problem-solving and user assistance.
  • Developed and maintained comprehensive data tracking systems, reflecting analytical and reporting capabilities.

Dental Clerk & Dental Navigation Coordinator

Toronto Public Health, Dental And Oral Health
01.2020 - 03.2020

Dental Clerk, Toronto Public Health, Dental and Oral Health Services

  • Patient Support and Communication: Assisted patients in completing medical forms, addressed their inquiries, and provided authorized directions, showcasing strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Knowledge Management: Maintained current awareness of provincially and municipally funded dental care programs, highlighting your ability to stay informed about available resources and services.
  • Privacy and Compliance: Adhered to strict PHIPA guidelines to safeguard patient privacy, demonstrating a commitment to ethical practices and compliance with regulations.
  • Administrative Proficiency: Prepared insurance claim forms, explained benefits, and provided pricing details, showcasing organizational and administrative skills.


Navigation Coordinator, Toronto Public Health, Dental and Oral Health Services


  • Community Outreach and Education: Led oral health presentations for marginalized seniors, demonstrating your ability to engage and educate diverse communities.
  • Consultation and Support: Provided one-on-one consultation and enrollment sessions to eligible seniors, highlighting your capacity for personalized support and advocacy.
  • Coordination and Facilitation: Facilitated the process from application to the provision of essential dental care, showcasing your ability to navigate systems and connect individuals with necessary resources.
  • Customer Service and Conflict Resolution: Addressed public inquiries and concerns related to publicly funded dental programs, demonstrating strong customer service and conflict resolution skills.

Support Assistant, Public Health

City Of Toronto, Vaccines And Preventable Diseases
05.2016 - 12.2019
  • Client-Centered Support: Provided exceptional customer service by creating personalized plans for parents and students, showcasing active listening and a commitment to understanding and meeting individual needs and goals.
  • Regulatory Acumen: Maintained comprehensive knowledge of CDC updates and relevant legislation, demonstrating a strong grasp of regulatory compliance and dedication to staying informed about evolving public health practices.
  • Collaborative Teamwork: Actively participated in both external and internal committees, contributing to collaborative problem-solving efforts aimed at improving client service and daily operations, highlighting your ability to work effectively within a team.
  • Data Management and Quality Assurance: Proficiently managed immunization data using the Provincial database, Panorama, and conducted data quality assurance audits with meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and effective data management.

ESL Teacher

Alphaville American School
02.2014 - 08.2015
  • Individualized Support: Tailored teaching methods to meet the unique needs of diverse students, fostering inclusivity and personalization in support.
  • Adaptability: Demonstrated flexibility in lesson planning and teaching approaches, accommodating different learning styles and needs.
  • Effective Communication: Maintained clear and empathetic communication with students, fostering positive relationships and trust.
  • Cultural Competence: Navigated and respected diverse cultural backgrounds among students, showcasing cultural sensitivity and awareness.
  • Problem-Solving: Encouraged critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving in the classroom, skills applicable in addressing students' social and emotional challenges.
  • Group Facilitation: Led class discussions and group activities, promoting teamwork and collaboration among students, which can translate to group counseling and support in a social work context.
  • Data Management: Maintained records of student progress and performance, demonstrating strong organizational and data management skills.
  • Technology Integration: Utilized technology for interactive learning experiences, illustrating proficiency in educational technology that can be applied to modern social work practices.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Provided constructive feedback and positive reinforcement to motivate students, a skill transferable to boosting students' self-esteem and confidence.

Administrative Assistant

Ontario March Of Dimes
06.2012 - 12.2013
  • Effective Communication: Served as the primary point of contact for the office, adeptly handling inquiries from the public, clients, and staff through various channels
  • Administrative Support: Assisted regional staff with various administrative tasks, including reviewing time sheets, drafting office correspondence, and managing schedules
  • Event Planning and Budgeting: Successfully organized an annual BBQ event with limited resources, showcasing resourcefulness
  • Community Engagement: Established and nurtured relationships with community members and local businesses to promote the organization's initiatives
  • Recognition for Event Success: Received recognition from regional staff and manager for organizing the largest and most attended annual BBQ

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Social Work

Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, ON
09.2024

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

University of Guelph
Guelph, ON
02.2013

Skills

  • Communication
  • Counseling
  • Case Management
  • Advocacy
  • Collaboration
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • Cultural Competency
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Interpersonal Skills

Volunteer

Volunteer

Administrative Dental Clerk, Feb 2018 - Feb 2019 Urban Dental Clinic 

  • Worked with a team of volunteers to assist low-income, uninsured immigrant and refugee populations to access free dental care and address dental care inequities
  • Performed eligibility assessments, managed client appointments and wait lists
  • Responded to client concerns by assisting in filling in forms and facilitating access to auxiliary community resources Maintained client records by obtaining, recording and updating personal health and financial information
  • Liaised with community partners and public stakeholders through client referrals and resource management


Instructional Volunteer, 2016 

Junior Achievement 

  • Delivered "Dollars with Sense" workshop to Grade 7 students for a full school day Demonstrated how students can financially manage money no matter their career or life direction
  • Played investment strategy games to teach students about effective spending
  • Commended by homeroom teacher for creating thoughtful and engaging lessons for students Wrote a testimonial about my experience as a volunteer which was later used on the JA website


Group Member, Nov 2009 - Jun 2009 

Global Youth Volunteer Network, Team Macedonia & Kosovo 

  • Worked with an organization, Agape, in Skopje, Macedonia to provide food bank services and community outreach for Roma families
  • Supported learning centres with an organization, 'Balkan Sunflowers" – an NGO focused primarily in the areas of education and on issues pertaining to Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian people of Kosovo Assisted tutors working with daily after-school activities for local Albanian children
  • Led interactive workshops about topics such as first aid, hygiene, nutrition, communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, child psychology, and educational games
  • Organized donations for essential basic supplies such as toothbrushes and prenatal vitamins
  • Fundraised money for our contacts abroad


Group Member, Nov 2012 - Jun 2012

Global Youth Volunteer Network, Team Kenya 

  • Applied for bursaries available through the University of Guelph – prepared and delivered presentations to on-campus committee leaders about GYVN and its mission, resulting in a bursary of $2500.00 for Team Kenya
  • Received extensive HIV/AIDS and Safety and Leadership Training Worked with an organization, Living Positive, that supported underprivileged women and their families through HIV/AIDs counseling, health education, economic empowerment, community assimilation and integration
  • Worked with children at Living Positive's Day Care centre – assisted teachers by preparing and delivering games and other interactive activities
  • Responsible for the health and well-being of team members – assisted in crisis and emergency situations ▪ Conducted group activities and facilitated conversation with group members about our daily experiences/encounters

Timeline

Support Assistant

City Of Toronto, Employment & Social Services
11.2022 - 07.2023

Support Assistant

City Of Toronto, Public Health
06.2020 - 11.2022

Dental Clerk & Dental Navigation Coordinator

Toronto Public Health, Dental And Oral Health
01.2020 - 03.2020

Support Assistant, Public Health

City Of Toronto, Vaccines And Preventable Diseases
05.2016 - 12.2019

ESL Teacher

Alphaville American School
02.2014 - 08.2015

Administrative Assistant

Ontario March Of Dimes
06.2012 - 12.2013

Bachelor of Arts - Social Work

Lakehead University

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

University of Guelph
Sharleen Lewis