HELEN GARDNER
Summary
Compassionate and results-driven engagement specialist with extensive lived experience and a proven background in providing support to individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and physical disabilities. Deeply passionate about helping struggling individuals, dedicated to offering support, advocacy, and guidance to those in need. Skilled in trauma-informed care, crisis management, and community collaboration. Currently pursuing a Human Services degree while holding a Peer Support Certification. Eager to contribute skills in data management, client advocacy, and service coordination as Crisis Case Manager at Ash Nazg Shelter Hub, supporting the mission to reduce homelessness and improve access to housing stability. Experienced engagement professional prepared to excel in this role. Strong track record in fostering effective collaboration, driving client satisfaction, and meeting strategic goals. Expertise in communication, relationship-building, and adapting to changing needs. Reliable team player focused on achieving impactful results and enhancing overall engagement.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Engagement Specialist
Valeo
Tacoma, WA
01.2023 - Current
- Deliver client-centered, trauma-informed engagement services to individuals at risk of homelessness, focusing on intake, needs assessments, and resource coordination
- Support young adults, individuals with disabilities, and others facing housing instability by linking them to housing, mental health services, and other community resources
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and updates, ensuring compliance with internal systems and reporting standards
- Facilitate group sessions focused on housing stability, mental health, and life skills, helping clients build coping mechanisms and resilience
- Collaborate with community partners, case managers, and service providers to create a seamless and effective support network for clients
- Successfully retained high-value clients by implementing targeted action plans focused on re-engagement efforts tailored specifically to their needs.
- Built strong relationships with clients through active listening and empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and retention.
Caregiver
Family Members
01.2011 - 01.2022
- Provided daily care for my niece, who has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair-bound, ensuring her physical, emotional, and medical needs were met with compassion and attention
- Administered medications and managed a feeding tube (G-tube) to ensure proper nutrition and hydration
- Assisted with physical mobility and comfort, including repositioning and ensuring safe transfers
- Developed strategies to help her express emotions and needs non-verbally, focusing on understanding her body language, facial expressions, and other communication cues
- Fostered a loving and respectful environment, advocating for her needs and maintaining a calm, patient demeanor in high-stress situations
- Supported her involvement in physical therapy exercises, communication tools, and social interactions to promote her comfort and quality of life
- Gained deep understanding of the challenges individuals with severe disabilities face, enhancing my ability to work empathetically with others in vulnerable situations
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Administered medications as prescribed, ensuring accurate dosage and timely administration for maximum efficacy.
Property Management Assistant
Excel Property Management
Spanaway, WA
05.2019 - 03.2020
- Managed day-to-day operations of residential properties, including tenant relations, lease agreements, and maintenance coordination
- Conducted intake interviews and processed rental applications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with rental policies
- Addressed tenant inquiries and concerns with professionalism and empathy, ensuring timely resolutions to issues related to rent, maintenance, and community living
- Supported the management team in property inspections, rent collection, and maintaining tenant occupancy
- Collaborated with property owners and maintenance staff to ensure the upkeep of properties and compliance with housing regulations
- Enhanced tenant satisfaction by promptly addressing maintenance requests and ensuring timely resolution.
- Handled tenant complaints promptly and appropriately, calling in repairmen, and other support services.
- Prepared and maintained accurate records of tenant communication, lease agreements, and payment history for streamlined operations.
Casino Host/Customer Service Representative
Emerald Queen Casino
[City], [State]
06.2016 - 07.2017
- Delivered high-quality customer service to casino patrons, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and providing a positive guest experience
- Coordinated with internal teams to ensure smooth operations in a fast-paced environment, maintaining guest satisfaction
- Managed customer complaints and concerns with tact, empathy, and professionalism, de-escalating situations as necessary
- Provided superior customer service through active listening and empathy, creating strong rapport with guests while addressing their needs effectively.
Education
Associate of Arts - Human Services
Tacoma Community College
12.2024
Skills
- Crisis Intervention
- Case Management
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Data Management
- HMIS
- Community Outreach
- Resource Coordination
- Communication
- Empathy
- Conflict Resolution
- De-Escalation
- Data entry
- Community relationship building
- Crisis communications
- Needs assessment
- Crisis response
- Social media marketing
Certification
Peer Support Specialist Certification, 01/24
Accomplishments
peer support certified 2024 also cpr certified
Timeline
Engagement Specialist
Valeo
01.2023 - Current
Property Management Assistant
Excel Property Management
05.2019 - 03.2020
Casino Host/Customer Service Representative
Emerald Queen Casino
06.2016 - 07.2017
Caregiver
Family Members
01.2011 - 01.2022
Associate of Arts - Human Services
Tacoma Community College