Katherine Walkus
Victoria,BC
Summary
Dynamic Program Manager with expertise in community engagement and partnership development. Proven ability to create outreach strategies and coordinate impactful events that enhance service accessibility for marginalized populations.
As a self-motivated and results oriented collaborative leader and dedicated follower with over a decade of experience working in both the public and private sector.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CAIS Program/Outreach Manager
The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness
Victoria BC
09.2024 - Current
- Developed outreach strategies to engage marginalized communities effectively.
- Coordinated partnerships with local organizations to enhance service accessibility.
- Organized community events to raise awareness about homelessness issues.
- Recruit, hire, train orient and manage a team CAIS team members who are funded through large services.
- Maintain ongoing connection with collaborative response networks.
- Develop and pilot delivery of CAIS framework for wrap around services that are Culturally aligned with our clients.
- Lead the development and implementation of the CAIS Program; lead ongoing team meetings, develop care plans which include personal goals and regular follow up with program participants.
- Support individuals at risk of losing housing, transition from a spectrum of housing including low barrier, supportive, transitional, subsidized and market/independent living.
CAIS Housing Navigator
The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness
Victoria BC
03.2024 - 09.2024
- Coordinated access to housing resources for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Developed personalized support plans in collaboration with clients and community partners.
- Facilitated workshops on housing rights and available services for marginalized groups.
- Conducted outreach initiatives to engage vulnerable populations and increase service awareness.
- Supported CAIS manager with rent supplements that are provided to nearly 100 participants.
Starbucks Managers
Pandora Save on Foods
04.2021 - 04.2023
- Led daily operations to ensure optimal store performance and customer satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff to enhance service delivery.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust inventory management strategies.
- Coordinated promotional events to drive traffic and increase sales revenue.
- Streamlined checkout processes, reducing wait times and improving customer experience.
- Mentored team members in product knowledge and customer engagement techniques.
- Oversaw compliance with health and safety regulations within the store environment.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
Server/Bartender Trainer
Naxid Pub
Port Hardy BC
03.2017 - 04.2021
- Trained and mentored new servers, enhancing team performance and service quality.
- Ensured timely order delivery, contributing to high customer satisfaction levels.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to streamline service flow during peak hours.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints efficiently, fostering positive dining experiences.
- Monitored table turnover rates, optimizing seating arrangements for maximum efficiency.
- Assisted in inventory management, tracking supplies to ensure adequate stock levels.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
Communications Manager
The Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nation
Port Hardy BC
01.2015 - 04.2017
- Developed and executed strategic communication plans to enhance community engagement.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions to improve organizational communication skills.
- Managed media relations, ensuring consistent messaging across platforms.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement outreach initiatives for diverse audiences.
Education
High School Diploma -
Port Hardy Secondary School
Port Hardy BCSkills
- Community engagement
- Communications strategies
- Staff management
- Brand awareness
- Partnership development
- Event organization
- Media relations
- Strategic field outreach planning
- Outreach initiatives
- Program management
- Event coordination
- Database management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Active listening
- Effective communication
Certification
- First Aid
- Every HSABC training programs (complete)
- Complete Microsoft Suite
- WHIMIS
- De-escalation
- Trauma informed practice
- Suicide assist training
Timeline
CAIS Program/Outreach Manager
The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness
09.2024 - Current
CAIS Housing Navigator
The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness
03.2024 - 09.2024
Starbucks Managers
Pandora Save on Foods
04.2021 - 04.2023
Server/Bartender Trainer
Naxid Pub
03.2017 - 04.2021
Communications Manager
The Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nation
01.2015 - 04.2017
High School Diploma -
Port Hardy Secondary School