Maria Vargas
Santa Barbara,CA
Summary
Strategic and mission-driven program leader with experience in youth- and family-serving nonprofits. Skilled in staff collaboration, systems development, compliance oversight, and data-informed decision-making. Experienced in guiding first-generation and underrepresented families through structured goal-setting processes. Strong communicator with a commitment to equity, student success, and community partnership building.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Case Manager
Transition House
Santa Barbara, CA
03.2023 - Current
- Oversee comprehensive case management for multiple families, ensuring compliance with federal and City of Santa Barbara requirements.
- Develop structured action plans focused on long-term housing and financial stability; track progress through measurable milestones.
- Maintain detailed, audit-ready case files and prepare written reports summarizing client progress and program outcomes.
- Participate in program committee meetings to evaluate family progress and contribute to policy decisions and service quality standards.
- Collaborate with cross-functional staff to coordinate services and ensure consistent program delivery.
- Connect families to educational, employment, and community resources to strengthen long-term success outcomes.
- Support onboarding of new staff through shadowing and modeling program expectations and workflow systems.
Store Supervisor
Forever 21
Fresno, CA
08.2022 - 02.2023
- Supervised and coached a team of 5–10 associates to ensure consistent execution of operational goals.
- Led training for new hires on workflow systems, customer service standards, and point-of-sale procedures.
- Collaborated with management team to implement performance goals and monitor progress toward company targets.
- Managed daily operations including cash reconciliation, reporting, and compliance with company standards.
Front Desk Agent
Oasis Inn & Suites
Santa Barbara, CA
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Coordinated guest check-ins and administrative processes in a high-volume environment.
- Managed phone communications and maintained organized documentation systems.
- Provided clerical and reporting support using Microsoft Excel and office software tools.
Sales Associate
Forever 21
Santa Barbara, CA
06.2017 - 03.2020
- Delivered high-quality customer service while supporting team sales goals.
- Assisted with merchandising and operational tasks to maintain store standards.
Education
AA - Liberal Arts & Sciences (Social & Behavioral Sciences)
Santa Barbara City College
AS - Administration of Justice (Criminology)
Santa Barbara City College
Bachelor's Degree - Psychology
California Lutheran University
05-2026
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Case management
- Time management
- Case documentation
- Active listening
- Organization and multitasking
- Documentation and reporting
- Relationship building
Certification
Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
LANGUAGES
English – Fluent
Spanish – Intermediate
Timeline
Case Manager
Transition House
03.2023 - Current
Store Supervisor
Forever 21
08.2022 - 02.2023
Front Desk Agent
Oasis Inn & Suites
12.2021 - 05.2022
Sales Associate
Forever 21
06.2017 - 03.2020
AS - Administration of Justice (Criminology)
Santa Barbara City College
AA - Liberal Arts & Sciences (Social & Behavioral Sciences)
Santa Barbara City College
Bachelor's Degree - Psychology
California Lutheran University
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Board Member, Sexual Assault Advocate