SUZANNE JOY STAFFORD
Midway City,CA
Summary
Housing professional with background in providing comprehensive support and case management services. Utilizes problem-solving and empathy to address client needs effectively. Capable of developing personalized housing plans and collaborating with community partners to house clients. Key skills include client advocacy, motivational interviewing, and resource coordination. Committed to helping individuals and families resolve their housing crisis.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Housing Case Manager
Illumination Foundation
02.2023 - Current
- Managed a caseload of 30-35 clients.
- Empowered clients to make informed decisions related to their housing needs by conducting comprehensive assessments and providing tailored guidance.
- Built strong relationships with local landlords to increase available housing options for clients in need.
- Assisted clients in developing budgeting skills and financial planning strategies necessary for maintaining stable housing situations longterm.
- Established partnerships within the community to address various barriers faced by clients seeking stable housing opportunities, such as employment or mental health support services.
- Enhanced client self-sufficiency through the coordination of relevant community resources and services.
Career Break
Relocation
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Received Permanent Residency in 2022, and traveled overseas
- Self-education on the theoretical frameworks and best practices in the homeless services industry including Housing First, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, and Strengths-Based Case Management
Disability Support Worker
Yooralla
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Provided assistance in daily living activities by dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting patients.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for clients to attend medical appointments or partake in social activities safely
- Drove clients safely to social activities and appointments.
- Assisted clients in reaching personal goals through targeted skill-building activities and therapeutic interventions.
- Enhanced quality of life for clients with physical and intellectual disabilities through compassionate care and assistance.
Sales Assistant (First Aid Officer & Occupational Health and Safety Representative)
David Jones
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Company Overview: Australia's leading premium department store
- Proven skills in sales and customer service: experienced in assisting customers with my product knowledge in the Kitchenware Department and achieving KPIs
- Handled customer inquiries, complaints, and returns professionally, ensuring a positive experience for all clients.
- Actively participated in the OHS risk management process, to ensure continuous improvement aimed at eliminating work-related injuries and illness
- Provided First Aid care to employees, contractors, and customers
Community Development Worker (Volunteer)
Research and Training Center for Community Development (RTCCD)
03.2016 - 08.2016
- Company Overview: Leading health research and community development NGO in Vietnam
- Grant writing: researched and developed a project proposal for international grant agencies
- Established the medical clinic's automatic email system to remind caregivers to bring their children to the clinic for periodical assessment
- Conducted a presentation for parents and caregivers on the negative effects of early television viewing on child development
- General administrative duties: data entry, prepared and edited documents, as well as provided administrative project support during training sessions
Fast Supper Coordinator (Volunteer)
Interaction
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Coordinated an interfaith food van service called 'The Fast Supper,' which provides free nutritious meals to people in need experiencing food insecurity and financial disadvantage
- Managed and developed relationships with government, community, and small businesses to raise funds and seek donations for the successful development of food service
- Volunteer management: Managed a team of five van coordinators, including performance and development planning
- Facilitated training sessions for Fast Supper volunteers
- Monitored and maintained the project's budget
Mentor Support Worker (Volunteer)
Asylum Seeker Resource Center (ASRC)
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Managed a caseload of matches. Enhanced mentee performance by providing personalized guidance and support.
- Organized monthly social and recreational activities, including seeking donations, securing discounted or free tickets, catering, and implementing the operational logistics for the day
- Administration support and clerical duties: data entry, client files management, and scheduling appointments
Education
Master of Social Sciences - International Development
RMIT University
Melbourne, Australia12-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
La Trobe University
Melbourne, Australia12-2009
Skills
- Client advocacy
- Housing assessment
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Crisis Intervention
- Interpersonal communication
- Proficient skills in Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Word and Excel
- Documentation and recordkeeping
Timeline
Housing Case Manager
Illumination Foundation
02.2023 - Current
Career Break
Relocation
01.2019 - 01.2023
Disability Support Worker
Yooralla
01.2017 - 01.2019
Community Development Worker (Volunteer)
Research and Training Center for Community Development (RTCCD)
03.2016 - 08.2016
Fast Supper Coordinator (Volunteer)
Interaction
01.2012 - 01.2013
Sales Assistant (First Aid Officer & Occupational Health and Safety Representative)
David Jones
01.2011 - 01.2017
Mentor Support Worker (Volunteer)
Asylum Seeker Resource Center (ASRC)
01.2011 - 01.2012
Master of Social Sciences - International Development
RMIT University
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
La Trobe University
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