Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Melinda Pharris

Melinda Pharris

Gaffney,SC

Summary

Dynamic administrative professional and Certified Peer Support Specialist with extensive experience in customer service across diverse settings, from small offices to busy emergency departments. Recognized for a dependable and proactive approach to problem-solving, consistently delivering effective solutions in high-pressure situations. Strong commitment to fostering team collaboration and achieving collective goals, while demonstrating adaptability to evolving needs and environments. Proven ability to enhance operational efficiency and support organizational success through dedicated service and strategic thinking.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Customer Service

Garden Cafe
York, SC
10.2023 - 02.2024
  • Provided friendly and attentive customer service.
  • Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards, and best practices.
  • Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
  • Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
  • Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
  • Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.

Patient Support - Emergency Department

Crothall Healthcare Environmental Services
Fort Mill, South Carolina
06.2022 - 09.2023
  • Participated in ongoing training programs related to HIPAA compliance, maintaining up-to-date knowledge on regulatory requirements.
  • Handled sensitive patient concerns with professionalism and empathy, fostering an atmosphere of trust within the Emergency Department.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to patients, answering questions and addressing concerns.
  • Promoted a healthy environment for patients, visitors, and staff through diligent maintenance of high cleanliness standards.
  • Assisted in emergency situations requiring immediate attention or cleanup, demonstrating adaptability under pressure.
  • Cleaned, removed, and properly disposed of biohazardous substances in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.
  • Assisted in training new hires, contributing to a highly skilled and efficient workforce.

Customer Service Representative

Pilot Flying J Travel Center
Blacksburg, South Carolina
03.2020 - 04.2021
  • Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
  • Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
  • Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.

Customer Service Representative

Westar Trucks & Hotels
Cowpens, SC
03.2019 - 03.2020
  • Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
  • Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Welcomed each new arrival pleasantly, and confirmed reservations and identification.
  • Collaborated with housekeeping to maintain room readiness, enhancing guest comfort.

Quality Inspection

Ambassador Packaging
York, SC
10.2018 - 03.2019
  • Performed frequent visual inspections to root out tolerance and compliance issues.
  • Implemented corrective actions for non-conforming products, reducing the risk of customer dissatisfaction or returns.
  • Discarded and rejected products, materials, and equipment not conforming with specifications.

Human Resources Manager, Accounting

Tahoe, LLC
Blacksburg, South Carolina
08.2016 - 09.2018
  • Managed employee relations issues professionally, resolving conflicts efficiently while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
  • Maintained accurate HR records in compliance with applicable laws, ensuring efficient data retrieval when required.
  • Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in various locations, minimizing financial discrepancies through detailed program management.
  • Collaborated with executive leadership to align HR initiatives with overall business goals and objectives.
  • Oversaw financial transactions to maintain accuracy in accounting records and reduce discrepancies.
  • Oversaw inventory control, accounting, and supply reports.
  • Collaborated with shipping department to streamline package dispatch process.
  • Invoicing
  • Maintained accurate inventory records, ensuring seamless shipping operations and timely deliveries.

Lead Teller

Yadkin Bank
Blacksburg, South Carolina
07.2015 - 08.2016
  • Managed cash inventory, ensuring accurate balancing of the vault and individual teller drawers daily.
  • Investigated and promptly resolved issues with patron accounts.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing transactions and addressing inquiries.

Legal Office Intern

Cherokee County Courthouse
Gaffney, South Carolina
08.2015 - 10.2015
  • Data entry
  • Sorted, organized, and maintained files.
  • Taking notes in court hearings/trials
  • Evidence entry
  • Supported daily operations, contributing to a well-organized and efficient work environment.
  • Maintained client confidentiality while handling sensitive information professionally and securely.

Cosmetologist

Beauties on the Blvd
Gaffney, South Carolina
05.2014 - 07.2015
  • Booked appointments, answered phones, greeted clients, handled payments, and created client service tickets.
  • Demonstrated high level of customer service to increase retention and satisfaction.
  • Maintained a clean and hygienic work environment by following strict sanitation guidelines and procedures.
  • Supported reception desk, receiving phone calls, entering appointments, and collecting payments for services rendered.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized cosmetology services based on individual needs and preferences.
  • Educated clients on proper hair care techniques to promote healthier hair between appointments.

Medical Office Intern

Dr. Schwardy
Gaffney, South Carolina
01.2015 - 03.2015
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals in updating patient records, ensuring the accuracy of critical medical information.
  • Streamlined administrative tasks for medical personnel by organizing paperwork and maintaining well-organized filing systems.
  • Maintained a clean and organized waiting area for patients, contributing to a comfortable environment.
  • Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.

Business Office Intern

Spartanburg Community College
Spartanburg, SC
05.2014 - 12.2014
  • Developed correspondence letters, memos, and emails.
  • Performed office-related support tasks and clerical functions.
  • Performed administrative duties efficiently, allowing supervisors to focus on higher-level tasks and responsibilities.

Education

Certificate - Peer Support Specialist

FAVOR Upstate
Spartanburg, SC
08-2025

Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration - Office Technologies

York Technical College
Rock Hill, SC
05-2024

Skills

  • Lived experience with substance use disorder and mental health disorder
  • Person in long-term recovery
  • Phone etiquette
  • Detail-oriented data management
  • Technology proficiency
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Customer care support
  • Administrative support
  • Mental health advocacy
  • Interdepartmental collaboration
  • Self-care awareness
  • Enthusiastic self-motivator

Certification

  • CPSS through Addiction Professionals of South Carolina, certification valid through August 4, 2027.

Timeline

Customer Service

Garden Cafe
10.2023 - 02.2024

Patient Support - Emergency Department

Crothall Healthcare Environmental Services
06.2022 - 09.2023

Customer Service Representative

Pilot Flying J Travel Center
03.2020 - 04.2021

Customer Service Representative

Westar Trucks & Hotels
03.2019 - 03.2020

Quality Inspection

Ambassador Packaging
10.2018 - 03.2019

Human Resources Manager, Accounting

Tahoe, LLC
08.2016 - 09.2018

Legal Office Intern

Cherokee County Courthouse
08.2015 - 10.2015

Lead Teller

Yadkin Bank
07.2015 - 08.2016

Medical Office Intern

Dr. Schwardy
01.2015 - 03.2015

Cosmetologist

Beauties on the Blvd
05.2014 - 07.2015

Business Office Intern

Spartanburg Community College
05.2014 - 12.2014

Certificate - Peer Support Specialist

FAVOR Upstate

Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration - Office Technologies

York Technical College