Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
2022 Sister Negro's Advocate of the Year Award
Generic

Tamara Graham

Longview,WA

Summary

Dynamic Shelter Coordinator at Emergency Support Shelter, adept in crisis management and relationship building. Successfully implemented policies that increased successful transitions to stable housing, while enhancing safety through regular risk assessments. Known for compassionate communication and effective team collaboration, fostering a supportive environment for both clients and staff. Extensively trained in all aspects of advocacy, including Mental Health First Aid, Seeking Safety, Seeing Red, and Living after Leaving, which allowed me to create and implement several client support groups.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Shelter Coordinator/Domestic Violence Case Manager

Emergency Support Shelter
10.2018 - 06.2025
  • Coordinated with local service providers to ensure residents had access to necessary resources, such as healthcare, mental health support, and legal assistance.
  • Implemented new policies that resulted in an increased number of successful transitions from the shelter into stable housing situations.
  • Enhanced the safety of shelter residents by conducting regular risk assessments and updating emergency procedures accordingly.
  • Established strong relationships with local law enforcement agencies to foster a sense of security within the shelter community.
  • Developed working relationships with many community service providers, to best support clients.
  • Empower clients to identify and minimize barriers to housing. Managing up to 15 residents at any given time.
  • Recognize and identify high risk behaviors that could endanger shelter residents, and offer resources to combat those issues.
  • Foster ongoing relationships with major donors, including generating resident wish lists, and following up with correspondence and thank you cards.
  • Ability to handle any and all types of crisis situations.
  • Preform the duties of the program manager in her absence.
  • Lead, guide and train advocates, being available and on call as needed.
  • Find and secure shift coverage as needed, (often with little or no warning), to ensure shelter is sufficiently staffed at all times.
  • Conduct regular check-ins with shelter advocates.
  • Stay up to date on all training requirements to conduct coordinated entry assessments, and all data entry, follow up and referral processes that may follow.
  • Plan and lead team meetings.
  • Improved shelter operations by streamlining intake processes and implementing efficient record-keeping systems.
  • Evaluated staff performance, providing constructive feedback or suggesting professional development opportunities as needed to maintain a high-quality shelter environment.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when required, ensuring immediate safety for all involved individuals before connecting them with appropriate supports or referrals if needed.
  • Monitored inventory levels of essential supplies such as toiletries, bedding materials, and cleaning products to ensure a consistent stock for resident use.
  • Assisted in managing a team of staff and volunteers, providing training and support to maintain high-quality services for shelter residents.
  • Monitored facility maintenance issues, addressing problems promptly to maintain a clean and safe living environment.
  • Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
  • Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
  • Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
  • Researched best practices and developed strategies to improve program outcomes.
  • Advocated for social and community service programs to increase awareness and funding.
  • Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
  • Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
  • Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
  • Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
  • Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
  • Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
  • Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.

Life Coach, Home Organizer, Childcare Professional

Jackie and Gary Vandenburgh
01.2015 - 12.2018
  • Established strong rapport with clients, fostering trusting and supportive coaching relationships.
  • Encouraged clients to set and achieve reasonable goals on weekly basis.
  • Utilized active listening skills to identify underlying client needs and develop targeted strategies accordingly.
  • Helped clients build life management and coping skills to handle daily needs and specific stressors.
  • Guided clients to overcome limiting beliefs and barriers, resulting in increased self-confidence and personal empowerment.
  • Enhanced client self-awareness by conducting personalized assessments and providing insightful feedback.

Education

High School Diploma -

Rainier High School
Rainier, OR

Skills

  • Crisis management
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Facility maintenance
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Organizational skills
  • Active listening
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Client needs assessments
  • Team building
  • Task prioritization
  • Self motivation
  • Analytical thinking
  • Conflict resolution
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Crisis intervention
  • Staff training
  • Staff supervision

Timeline

Shelter Coordinator/Domestic Violence Case Manager

Emergency Support Shelter
10.2018 - 06.2025

Life Coach, Home Organizer, Childcare Professional

Jackie and Gary Vandenburgh
01.2015 - 12.2018

High School Diploma -

Rainier High School

2022 Sister Negro's Advocate of the Year Award

Annual award for outstanding advocacy in the local community.

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Tamara Graham