Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Training
Activities
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Cassandra Bergstrom

Lewistown,MT

Summary


Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.

Overview

18
years of professional experience

Work History

Montana Department of Labor and Industry

Engagement Strategist
01.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Enhanced workforce development by collaborating to create and implement comprehensive training programs.
  • Utilize labor market trends and forecasting data to inform workforce planning efforts within industries and organizations.
  • Build strategic relationships with both internal and external agency's to effectively navigate community needs and access resources to assist in meeting those needs.
  • Established partnerships with local educational institutions, extending resources for student work-based learning opportunities.
  • Organize professional development events showcasing local career opportunities, such as workforce Expos showcasing over 30 employers, expanding access to industry expertise for current employees, as well as the next generation of workforce.
  • Interviewed employers to determine needs and brought employers and job seekers together.
  • Developed network relationships with industry professionals to enhance community awareness and promote services.
  • Increased community engagement by organizing outreach events and coordinating with local organizations.
  • Spearheaded collaboration efforts between internal departments to enhance overall organizational impact on communities served.
  • Negotiated with suppliers to secure cost-effective resources for events.
  • Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
  • Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
  • Assessed community needs and identified resources for workforce programs.
  • Referred businesses to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet their needs.

District 6 Human Resource Development Council

Program Manager Employment and Training
07.2017 - 01.2022

Job overview

  • Provide outreach with community partners, agencies, schools and alike to share program information and learn how to better serve Central Montana
  • Work with organizations and businesses to facilitate worksites and on-the-job trainings
  • Assist with other program duties as needed
  • Collaborate and refer to community partners as needed to break down participant barriers
  • Exclusively, provide case management and supportive services to all participants enrolled in the WIOA Adult, Out-of-school youth, and In-school youth programs throughout the six county coverage area at times totaling more than sixty.
  • Work with Fiscal Officer to develop and manage program operating budgets and prepare comprehensive program reports as necessary
  • Ensure that expenditures are authorized within contracts requirements and budgets
  • Travel to and attend state trainings and meetings as required
  • Travel on a weekly basis to outlying counties to provide services to clients
  • Perform other duties as assigned to ensure that the agency runs smoothly
  • Assist in applying for grants and make sure that requirements of contracts are met
  • Apply for needed contract modifications as appropriate
  • Monitor state system computer reports and performance standards and submit required reports in a timely manner
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
  • Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members.
  • Coached participants on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.

District 6 Human Resource Development Council

Case Manager for Employment and Training
01.2016 - 06.2017

Job overview

  • Demonstrate professional, caring and helping attitude towards participants of all ages without judgement by meeting on a regular basis to provide case management services and evaluate progress as well as job coaching and referrals when needed
  • Familiarize myself with WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act) procedures and policies and practiced them daily
  • Enter participant information into state database as required
  • Conduct orientations for participants and worksite supervisors prior to placement in a paid work experience site
  • Assist in evaluation of participants and worksites using evaluation forms and monitoring tools, including monthly reports
  • Maintained contractual records for both participants and worksite businesses
  • Maintain contact with area employers and organizations to determine employment needs and provide referrals and technical assistance as needed
  • Administer the T.A.B.E
  • (test of adult basic education) tests to determine participants' achievement levels, strengths and weaknesses
  • Entered results into state database systems to meet organization requirements
  • Assist individuals in making realistic assessments of their abilities and help establish educational and occupational goals while keeping within their abilities
  • Interviewed and enrolled participants into suitable programs
  • Plan and provide learning and working experience to participants that allowed them to remain challenged but be successful
  • Secure labor market and career information to assist participants with career development and planning, job search skills and continuing education endeavors
  • Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
  • Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
  • Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
  • Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
  • Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
  • Assisted clients in setting achievable goals while providing ongoing encouragement and support throughout the process of reaching those objectives.
  • Coordinated essential services for clients, resulting in improved overall well-being and self-sufficiency.

D & M Associates

Office Worker/ Auction Business
07.2014 - 12.2015

Job overview

  • Compiled and analyzed data to produce reports.
  • Completed clerical tasks such as filing, copying, and distributing mail.
  • Increased office efficiency by organizing and maintaining a well-structured filing system.
  • Welcomed office visitors and alerted staff to arrivals of scheduled appointments.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by addressing inquiries promptly and professionally.
  • Maintained digital and physical files for projects, business records and customer accounts.
  • Developed spreadsheets for tracking important metrics, enabling accurate reporting and data analysis.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft Excel application to input information for online auctions – ultimately enhancing the quality of work output.
  • Utilized office management software to record and track customer information.
  • Processed incoming and outgoing mail and packages according to established procedures.
  • Informed and supported business leaders through consistent communication and administrative support duties.
  • Edited and proofread documents for accuracy and completeness.
  • Assisted with advertising both digitally and by working with outside parties.

Empire Cafe

General Manager
02.2013 - 06.2014

Job overview

  • Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
  • Effectively managed labor costs by monitoring productivity levels among staff members and making strategic scheduling decisions.
  • Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
  • Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
  • Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, turning potentially negative experiences into positive outcomes.
  • Developed and maintained a strong team of motivated staff by providing ongoing training and development opportunities.
  • Maintained open lines of communication between front-and back-of-house teams to facilitate smooth day-to-day operations.
  • Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
  • Set clear expectations and created positive working environment for employees.
  • Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
  • Implemented efficient scheduling practices to ensure optimal staffing levels during peak business hours.
  • Implemented new employee onboarding processes, providing comprehensive training that promoted retention and a strong understanding of company culture.
  • Oversaw balancing of cash registers, reconciled transactions, and deposited establishment's earnings to bank.
  • Conducted health, safety, and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
  • Identified problems, conducted troubleshooting and sought repair or maintenance support to keep restaurant equipment operational.
  • Ensured compliance with all health department regulations as well as company policies and procedures.
  • Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring a clean, safe, and inviting atmosphere for patrons.
  • Negotiated with vendors to secure the best pricing on quality ingredients and supplies while maintaining cost control measures.
  • Collaborated with culinary team members to develop seasonal menus that catered to diverse tastes while maximizing profit margins.
  • Streamlined operational processes to improve overall efficiency without compromising service or product quality.
  • Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.

D & M Associates

Bookkeeper/ Office Assistant
04.2011 - 02.2013

Job overview

  • Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
  • Maintained and processed invoices, deposits, and money logs.
  • Managed accounts payable and receivable activities, maintaining vendor relationships and positive cash flow.
  • Handled payroll processing for employees, ensuring timely payment and adherence to tax regulations.
  • Monitored incoming payments from clients, ensuring prompt application of funds against outstanding invoices.
  • Prepared monthly bank reconciliations to ensure accurate representation of company''s financial position.
  • Reconciled and corrected issues with financial records.
  • Tracked expenses and income for businesses while organizing and maintaining bank statements for checking accounts.
  • Supported year-end closing procedures by preparing adjusting journal entries as needed.
  • Established QuickBooks accounting system to reflect accurate financial records.
  • Maintained accurate records of all transactions, ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
  • Implemented a more efficient filing system for financial documents, improving accessibility and organization.
  • Provided support during audits by supplying requested documentation promptly and accurately.
  • Completed tax forms in compliance with legal regulations.
  • Optimized financial data accuracy, conducted thorough checks and balances.
  • Assisted with cost reduction by identifying unnecessary expenses through detailed financial analysis.

The Phone Zone

General Manager
04.2007 - 03.2011

Job overview

  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Interviewed and hired employees.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, located in five different locations spread across Montana, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
  • Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
  • Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
  • Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
  • Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
  • Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
  • Provided thoughtful guidance to personnel in navigating and resolving snags in productivity.
  • Cultivated strategic partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing brand credibility and access to new customer segments.
  • Negotiated with suppliers to secure better pricing, reducing operational costs while maintaining product quality.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, minimizing waste and ensuring optimal stock levels for uninterrupted operations.
  • Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
  • Supervised creation of exciting merchandise displays to catch attention of store customers.

Education

Fergus High School
Lewistown, MT

High School Diploma from General Course
05.2002

University Overview

Skills

  • Relationship building
  • Customer service
  • Strategic networking
  • Cross-functional team collaboration
  • Business needs analysis
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Multitasking
  • Excellent communication
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Teamwork and collaboration

Training

Training
  • Career Coach Training, Learning job coaching, client experience, assisting with applications, resume assistance how to help clients find employment that is suitable for them.
  • Bring Your A Game to Work, Complete work readiness program. The A's of work readiness. Attendance, Appearance, Attitude, Ambition, Acceptance, Appreciation, and Accountability. I learned how to teach this course and used it with all of my participants of the WIOA programs.
  • Communicating with Emotional Intelligence Training, Linked in Learning
  • Interpersonal Communication Training, Linked in learning
  • Coaching and Developing Employees, Linked in Learning
  • Lead with Positive Power, Linked in Learning

Activities

Activities
  • Board Member, EOCM Board, 08/01/99, 05/31/02
  • Board Member, EOCM Board, 05/01/20, Present

Timeline

Engagement Strategist
Montana Department of Labor and Industry
01.2022 - Current
Program Manager Employment and Training
District 6 Human Resource Development Council
07.2017 - 01.2022
Case Manager for Employment and Training
District 6 Human Resource Development Council
01.2016 - 06.2017
Office Worker/ Auction Business
D & M Associates
07.2014 - 12.2015
General Manager
Empire Cafe
02.2013 - 06.2014
Bookkeeper/ Office Assistant
D & M Associates
04.2011 - 02.2013
General Manager
The Phone Zone
04.2007 - 03.2011
Fergus High School
High School Diploma from General Course
Cassandra Bergstrom