Sonia Silva
Summary
Results-driven community service professional with 3 + years in the not-for-profit sector. Passionate about helping others achieve their personal and professional goals. Strategic when placing clients in rewarding jobs based on skills, interests, and abilities. Successful at coaching clients on resume writing, interviewing, time management, and teamwork.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Employment Counsellor
YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford
10.2022 - Current
- Assisted in starting a pilot program designed for newcomers of all levels who are interested in exploring careers within the Skilled Trades in Ontario
- Conducted information sessions and group workshops
- Cultivated relationships with over 10 service providers, educational agencies, and employers
- Managed individual caseloads effectively, ensuring timely follow-ups with clients on their progress
- Enhanced client job search success by advising students on effective resumes, cover letters, mock interviews and job search strategies
- Developed personalized action plans to help clients achieve their short-and long-term career goals
- Proficiency with various software programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Assessed clients' financial needs and provided special support allowances as required
Employment Counsellor
Corbrook
01.2021 - 10.2022
- Interviewed clients to obtain employment history, educational background, and career goals
- Identified barriers to employment and assisted clients with job readiness skills, networking skills, job search strategies, writing resumes, and preparing for job interviews
- Used assessment tools to find clients' interests, aptitudes, and abilities
- Developed 'Action Plans' with each client to further monitor progress and outcomes
- Provided ongoing support to successfully placed clients, helping them navigate their new workplace environments
- Attended job fairs and visited classrooms to provide wide range of information to prospective job seekers
- Stayed current on labor market trends, enabling informed discussions with clients about potential career paths
- Advocated for underrepresented populations within the local workforce through targeted outreach initiatives
Sales Assistant Manager
Arch Five Careers
10.2020 - 01.2021
- Created and maintained a sales environment to support business objectives
- Increased customer base by implementing persuasive sales techniques and building rapport with clients, such as, Sick Kids, Children Believe, and CNIB
- Expanded product reach by identifying new neighborhoods and territories for door-to-door sales campaigns.
- Encouraged team members to meet and exceed objectives by setting goals, tracking performance daily, and implementing improvement strategies
- Delivered sales presentations focused on offerings and unique advantages over competitors
- Reduced process gaps by assisting in the hiring, supervising, and coaching of employees on sales strategies and protocols, optimizing performance, growth, and profitability
- Increased sales by building strong customer relationships and providing excellent service
Server
Chucks Roadhouse Bar & Grill / Angels Diner
01.2015 - 10.2020
- Resolved guest issues quickly to maintain a loyal customer base and positive reputation
- Built strong, respectful employee relationships to drive employee satisfaction in a high turnover industry
- Maintained thorough knowledge of menu to describe dining options
- Trained and acclimated new servers to the restaurant's culture and operations
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports
Education
Bachelor of Arts & Science/Minor in Psychology -
McMaster University
Hamilton, ONSkills
- Job Search Strategies
- Career Guidance
- Client Advocacy
- Goal setting
- Group facilitation
- Networking techniques
Timeline
Employment Counsellor
YMCA Hamilton Burlington Brantford
10.2022 - Current
Employment Counsellor
Corbrook
01.2021 - 10.2022
Sales Assistant Manager
Arch Five Careers
10.2020 - 01.2021
Server
Chucks Roadhouse Bar & Grill / Angels Diner
01.2015 - 10.2020
Bachelor of Arts & Science/Minor in Psychology -
McMaster University
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