Amber Spears
Hudson,NC
Summary
Highly-motivated professional with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and interpersonal skills with clients and coworkers. Works effectively unsupervised and quickly masters new skills. Dependable and detail-oriented to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Known for excellent communication, time management, and teamwork abilities. Passionate about continuous learning and professional development.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Income Maintenance Caseworker II
Caldwell County DSS
Lenoir , NC
11.2023 - Current
- Interviewed persons applying for public assistance programs.
- Conversed with people from different cultures daily, providing high level of respect and patience with each interaction.
- Assisted clients in completing necessary paperwork for obtaining benefits.
- Reviewed and evaluated client applications for eligibility of public assistance programs.
- Provided information to clients regarding available services and resources.
- Performed data entry into computer systems for tracking client information.
- Reviewed and learned policies, laws, and regulations relevant to assigned applications.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Proofread documents carefully to check accuracy and completeness of all paperwork.
- Maintained accurate records of case notes and documentation for scanning.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Participated in and successfully completed on-the-job training.
- Maintained updated knowledge of NC Fast and Policy.
Director of Operations
Grogan's Small World #1
Granite Falls, NC
09.2008 - 10.2023
- Communicated with parents and fostered strong professional relationships.
- Monitored compliance with state, federal and company regulations, standards and requirements.
- Hired, mentored and monitored qualified childcare staff.
- Oversaw daily activities and programs to educate and socialize participants.
- Created and updated records to document employee and participant information.
- Inspected facility and activities to monitor safety, sanitation and procedures.
- Managed school's social media accounts to promote positive image to area families.
- Worked with parents and staff to improve student behavioral and learning issues with proactive approaches.
- Reviewed and evaluated programs for compliance with state, local and federal regulations.
- Trained, managed and motivated employees to promote professional skill development.
- Achieved budgetary targets by monitoring expenses and resource utilization, cutting waste and strengthening revenue streams.
- Maintained current knowledge of applicable codes and required procedures to optimize learning environments.
- Recruited, trained and evaluated staff and recommended personnel actions for programs and services.
- Determined allocations of funds for staff, equipment and authorized purchases.
- Set and enhanced program schedules to meet expected demands and enhance student learning opportunities.
- Monitored student progress and assisted students and teachers with resolving problems.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
Preschool Teacher
Grogan's Small World #1
Granite Falls , NC
08.2001 - 09.2006
- Encouraged children to be understanding of others, show good manners and instructed in other social development behaviors.
- Taught children foundational skills in colors, shapes and letters.
- Controlled classroom environments with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Developed professional relationships with parents, teachers, directors and therapists.
- Collaborated with colleagues on developing new classroom projects and monthly themes.
- Met with parents to discuss child behavior and academic progress.
- Created and implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum addressing learning styles.
- Administered and documented results of student assessments.
- Identified children in need of extra support for emotional, health-related or developmental concerns and conceived improvement strategies.
- Adapted instructional techniques according to student learning styles and progress.
- Maintained student records according to rigorous confidentiality and privacy regulations.
- Organized creative and fun activities, enhancing children's physical, emotional and social well-being.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive, trusting relationships.
- Communicated with parents regularly to maintain student progress, schedule meetings and increase overall student happiness.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss students' progress and areas requiring improvement.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Identified early signs of emotional and developmental problems in children to bring concerns to parents' attention.
- Integrated technology into lesson plans.
Cashier
Western Steer Steakhouse
Hudson , NC
09.2000 - 08.2002
- Operated cash register or POS system to receive payment by cash, check and credit card.
- Accepted cash and credit card payments, issued receipts and provided change.
- Answered customer questions and provided store information.
- Collected payments and provided accurate change.
- Delivered high level of customer service to patrons using active listening and engagement skills.
- Helped customers find specific products, answered questions and offered product advice.
- Completed daily recovery tasks to keep areas clean and neat for maximum productivity.
- Trained new team members in cash register operation, stock procedures and customer services.
- Processed sales transactions to prevent long customer wait times.
- Preserved appearance of store by arranging and replenishing displays and merchandise racks.
- Answered product questions with up-to-date knowledge of sales and store promotions.
- Learned roles of other departments to provide coverage and keep store operational.
- Helped with purchases and signed customers up for rewards program.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood
CCC& TI
Hudson07.2013
Skills
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Time management abilities
- Professionalism
- Attention to Detail
- Organizational Skills
- Documentation skills
- Records Management
- Professional ethics
- Task Prioritization
- Positive client interaction
- Client Advocacy
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Goal setting
- Service assistance and support
- Continuous Improvement
- Staff hiring
- Administrative Functions
- Staff Training
- Staff Recruiting
- Crisis Management
- CPR Certified
Certification
- CPR and First AID Certified
Timeline
Income Maintenance Caseworker II
Caldwell County DSS
11.2023 - Current
Director of Operations
Grogan's Small World #1
09.2008 - 10.2023
Preschool Teacher
Grogan's Small World #1
08.2001 - 09.2006
Cashier
Western Steer Steakhouse
09.2000 - 08.2002
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood
CCC& TI
- CPR and First AID Certified
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