Amanda Benitez
Huntington Beach ,CA
Summary
I am a certified SUDRC councelor. Compassionate in providing exeptional care and support to individuals with addiction and mental health disorders. Skilled in recognizing individuals under the influence of drugs and alcohol and typical behaviors associated with each, I am dedicated to make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals seeking treatment for addiction and mental health. In addition to my new credentials, I have 24 years in the service industry. I am a results-driven professional with extensive experience in high-volume establishments like Orange Hill Restaurant. I have also had the pleasure of becoming a restaurant manager for one year. I have outstanding teamwork skills with a strong ability to anticipate guest needs, leading to top-ranked food and beverage sales. A dependable team player with leadership skills, and adept at training staff and fostering a positive work environment.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)
Safe Harbor
10.2025 - Current
- Provided direct patient care and support in daily activities.
- Monitored patient behavior and reported changes to healthcare team.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to encourage communication and healing.
- Developed and maintained therapeutic relationships with patients to promote trust.
- Trained new staff on protocols, safety procedures, and best practices.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards and organizational policies during care delivery.
- Conducted client rounds to check on residents.
- Implemented therapeutic activities that promoted skill-building, self-awareness, and healthy coping mechanisms.
- Searched resident belongings prior to and during stays.
- Facilitated on-site activities, support groups, and outings for clients.
- Performed client intake procedures according to internal standards for new admissions.
- Completed documentation for every incident and forwarded to correct personnel for review.
- Prepared and submitted daily shift reports to management.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering a supportive environment for patients to share experiences and discuss coping strategies.
- Used Kipu to document patient information, progress notes, and treatment plans.
- Supported patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Took and monitored vital signs, administered medications, tracked dosages, and managed patient behavior.
Bartender
Saddle Ranch Chop House
08.2025 - 10.2025
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
Bartender/Server/Banquet Bartender
Orange Hill Restaurant
11.2023 - 05.2025
- Opening and closing sidework duties for bar and restaurant.
- Responded to guest questions and requests with friendly and knowledgeable service.
- Kept inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine, and bar supplies.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Set up glassware, liquor, and other necessary supplies for restaurant and special events.
- Poured and prepared mixed drinks for over 200 customers daily.
- Prepared garnishes and mixes for craft bar.
- Recommended appropriate wines for individual tastes and food selections.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
- Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked restaurant and bar.
- Completed requisitions to maintain required stock par levels.
- Arranged linens and table settings according to seating plan and event theme.
- Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for all guests.
- Set and reset tables to support serving staff.
Manager
Woody's Diner
09.2022 - 10.2023
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Set clear expectations and created positive working environment for employees.
- Oversaw balancing of cash registers, reconciled transactions, and deposited establishment's earnings to safe.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Verified accurate records and sufficient supplies by conducting regular inventories spirits, beer, wine, glassware and other materials.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues.
- Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
- Created effective employee schedules maintaining coverage at peak times and minimizing labor costs.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Consulted with managers to organize special events and promotions.
- Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks, and customer-focused events.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
- Purchased spirit, beer, wine and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
Server/Banquet Server
Tanner's @ Pasea Hotel Spa & Resort
05.2022 - 09.2022
- Set up banquet tables and chairs based on event requirements.
- Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
- Performed opening and closing duties for banquet hall, following checklist to restock supplies and clean up all service areas.
- Arranged linens and table settings according to seating plan and event theme.
- Maintained event cleanliness during service by promptly clearing dishes after each course.
- Worked with banquet manager to coordinate event set up and schedule.
- Refilled beverage glasses, cleared and reset tables, and stocked service areas.
- Assisted customers in selecting menu items, answering questions and providing general information.
- Inspected dishes and utensils for cleanliness.
- Arranged food, utensils and condiments on trays to serve meals with necessary items.
- Served meals to customers according to established guidelines.
- Carried out professional service, retaining polite and friendly approach at all times.
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
- Adhered to all health and safety regulations while serving food and beverages.
Server/Bartender/Certified Trainer/Key Holder
Olive Garden
05.2010 - 06.2022
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Trained new servers on menu offerings and restaurant procedures, fostering team development.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area, contributing to positive dining experiences.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Crafted and served a diverse range of cocktails and beverages to enhance customer experience.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Facilitated smooth workflow, coordinating with kitchen and floor staff to expedite orders.
- Optimized beverage cost and waste management, regularly reviewing and adjusting pour sizes and inventory levels.
- Trained new staff on bar procedures, cocktail recipes, and customer service standards, ensuring consistent service quality.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
- Enhanced dining experience, suggesting food and drink pairings that complemented menu offerings.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
Server
Mimi's Cafe
03.2010 - 05.2010
Server/Bartender
Olive Garden
07.2009 - 02.2010
Server
Fred's Mexican Cafe
07.2008 - 02.2009
Server/Bartender/Training Coordinator/Shift Manager/Key Holder
Hooters
05.2004 - 11.2007
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Golden West College
Valley View High School
6.2001
Skills
- SUDRC Certified
- CPR/First Aid/AED Certified
- Kipu Data Collection & Assessment
- Substance Abuse Education
- Confidentiality & Ethical Conduct
- Crisis Intervention
- Medication Administration
- Behavioral Analysis
- Leadership & Management
- Provider of Attentive Services
- Problem Solver
- Master of Multitasking
- Dependable, Reliable & on Time
- POS Terminal & Systems
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Food Handlers Certified
- RBS Certified
- Harassment Training
- Mixology
- Cultivator of repeat business
- Experienced in special event requirements & elevated dining experiences
Timeline
Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)
Safe Harbor
10.2025 - Current
Bartender
Saddle Ranch Chop House
08.2025 - 10.2025
Bartender/Server/Banquet Bartender
Orange Hill Restaurant
11.2023 - 05.2025
Manager
Woody's Diner
09.2022 - 10.2023
Server/Banquet Server
Tanner's @ Pasea Hotel Spa & Resort
05.2022 - 09.2022
Server/Bartender/Certified Trainer/Key Holder
Olive Garden
05.2010 - 06.2022
Server
Mimi's Cafe
03.2010 - 05.2010
Server/Bartender
Olive Garden
07.2009 - 02.2010
Server
Fred's Mexican Cafe
07.2008 - 02.2009
Server/Bartender/Training Coordinator/Shift Manager/Key Holder
Hooters
05.2004 - 11.2007
Some College (No Degree) -
Golden West College
Valley View High School
Interests/Hobbies
-Running
-Arts & crafts
-Going to the beach
-Going to the gym
-Spending quality time with my 3 kids
References
Jenn Nunez (657)477-2160 (Olive Garden, Manager)
Sonia Zarate (760)265-3655 (Olive Garden)
Kimberly Platten (909)438-3263 (Kaiser)