Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Leadership and Service
Timeline
Generic

RACHEL BRANDES

Sharon,MA

Summary

Passionate Social Worker who values human difference and inclusion. Dedicated to advocating for clients right to self-determination and implementing empowerment and a strength-based approach to advocacy. Expertise in DV within the LGBTQIA+ population. Energetic, open-minded and eager professional excited to contribute to a collaborative team and provide support to clients in need.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Waitress

Citizen Crust Restaurant
07.2023 - Current
  • Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards.
  • Exhibited strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple tables and orders while delivering prompt service.
  • Supported teamwork atmosphere among staff members through clear communication and collaboration during shifts.

Domestic Violence Advocacy Intern

Family Abuse Services
01.2023 - 06.2023
  • Performed intakes for clients needing DV advocacy and assisted clients in filing DVPO's when appropriate.
  • Provided trauma-informed crisis intervention to to ensure protection, empowerment, and self-sufficiency for clients.
  • Navigated court advocacy by providing accompaniment, emotional support and knowledge of court procedure.
  • Facilitated monthly support group sessions with tailored discussion topics to support the unique needs of all participants.

Hostess/Barista

Rick And Ann's Restaurant
06.2021 - 08.2021
  • Maintained a controlled atmosphere by ushering an average of 100 customers/day to available seating
  • Memorized menu entrees and daily specials to provide guidance to customers with questions about meal choices.
  • Trained new hostesses on customer service best practices and restaurant policies to maintain high standards of service.

Waterfront Supervisor

Town of Sharon Recreation Department
05.2017 - 08.2020
  • Monitored daily protocol of 30 lifeguards and staff members to ensure appropriate and safe practice
  • Oversaw activities of 200 patrons/day by providing effective guidance and answering appropriate questions when necessary.
  • Coordinated monthly trainings sessions to ensure employed lifeguards had appropriate up-to-date knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Human Service Studies

Elon University
Elon, NC
05.2023

Skills

  • Crisis Intervention
  • Victim Advocacy
  • Verbal De-escalation
  • Risk evaluation
  • Team Collaboration

Leadership and Service

Assessing Human Service Programs Course

Elon University

Designed and wrote a grant proposal to help prevent Human Trafficking and Child Abuse in North Carolina

Student Practicum

University of Haifa, Israel

Analyzed efficiencies of government agencies that serve Refugees in Tel Aviv, Israel, to evaluate service gaps and necessities

Leadership Academy Training

Hult Ashridge Leadership Center, London UK

Selected to participate in one of the world’s premier leadership training centers to practice team building,

communication skills, and global and self-awareness

Service Learning Volunteer 

EF Gap Year Program, Dominican Republic

Created and implemented strategies to assist with educational barriers at the public elementary school in Monte Criste, DR


Timeline

Waitress

Citizen Crust Restaurant
07.2023 - Current

Domestic Violence Advocacy Intern

Family Abuse Services
01.2023 - 06.2023

Hostess/Barista

Rick And Ann's Restaurant
06.2021 - 08.2021

Waterfront Supervisor

Town of Sharon Recreation Department
05.2017 - 08.2020

Bachelor of Arts - Human Service Studies

Elon University
RACHEL BRANDES