Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Activities
Quote
Timeline
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Wendy Cortes

Wendy Cortes

Newton,MS

Summary

Professional with 22 years of managerial experience who is highly educated and skilled, capable of multitasking effectively to handle different needs of multiple clients with speed and accuracy. Offering excellent communication skills, interpersonal awareness and conflict resolution skills. Seeking position in management.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Caregiver

Bee Hive Assisted Living Facility
11.2022 - Current
  • Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate and attentive care, addressing individual needs and preferences.
  • Provided safe mobility support to help patients move around personal and public spaces.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and their families during challenging times, fostering trust and strong relationships.
  • Administered medications as prescribed, ensuring accurate dosage and timely administration for maximum efficacy.
  • Prioritized patient dignity, privacy, and autonomy during all aspects of care provision.
  • Maintained clean personal areas and prepared healthy meals to support client nutritional needs.
  • Documented detailed daily reports on each client''s progress, informing adjustments in care plans when necessary.
  • Supported daily hygiene needs of patients by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming.
  • Provided compassionate and patient-focused care to cultivate well-being.
  • Built and maintained rapport with clients and family members to facilitate trusting caregiver relationship.
  • Entrusted to handle confidential and sensitive situations in professional matter.
  • Recorded status and duties completed in logbooks for management.
  • Maintained strong connections within caregiver community to gain continuous knowledge.

Human Resource Lead

Belk
08.2021 - 10.2022
  • Evaluated HR metrics consistently to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary enhancements in a timely manner.
  • Implemented successful training programs to enhance employee skills and career development opportunities.
  • Ensured legal compliance in all HR activities while minimizing potential risks to the organization.
  • Developed comprehensive onboarding processes to ensure smooth integration of new hires into the organization.
  • Supported organizational growth by managing workforce planning initiatives.
  • Enhanced company culture by initiating regular team-building activities and events.
  • Oversaw payroll functions accurately while ensuring adherence to applicable labor laws and regulations.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally at all levels within the organization as an approachable but professional HR Leader.
  • Directed hiring and onboarding programs for new employees.
  • Interviewed potential hires, negotiated salaries and benefits and performed reference checks.
  • Maintained human resources regulatory compliance with local, state and federal laws.
  • Coordinated and engaged with leadership in planning and organizing calendars, events and activities.
  • Maintained optimal staffing levels by tracking vacancies and initiating recruitment and interview processes to identify qualified candidates.
  • Educated employees on company policy and kept employee handbook current.
  • Provided updates on HR policy changes to employees to satisfy compliance and state laws.
  • Processed employee claims involving performance issues and harassment.
  • Performed administrative and customer service functions by responding to general employee inquiries, addressing employee relations issues and scheduling meetings.
  • Conducted investigations and assisted with handling employee complaints involving Affirmative Action and EEOC to promote equitable workplace.
  • Liaised between multiple business divisions to improve communications.
  • Met with employees annually for progress reviews and performance assessments.
  • Developed succession plans and promotion paths for staff.
  • Structured compensation and benefits according to market conditions and budget demands.
  • Established critical strategic partnerships with several private equity agencies to provide full HR services to portfolio companies.
  • Assisted with writing job postings and job descriptions for boards.
  • Pre-screened resumes prior to sending to corporate hiring managers for consideration.
  • Developed and implemented onboarding and orientation programs for new employees.
  • Collaborated with managers to identify and address employee relations issues.
  • Partnered with departmental managers to ascertain hiring needs and subsequently provide candidate recommendations.
  • Improved organizational filing systems for confidential employee records, resulting in improved accessibility and efficiency.
  • Conducted performance reviews and provided feedback to managers on employee performance.
  • Completed human resource operational requirements by scheduling and assigning employees.
  • Created and delivered HR training sessions to staff, managers and executives.
  • Administered employee benefits programs and assisted with open enrollment.
  • Developed and monitored employee recognition programs.

Optical Store Administrator/Optician/Lab Manager

Newton Eye Care
07.2013 - 03.2015


  • Increased sales of premium lenses by educating customers on the benefits and features of advanced lens technology.
  • Handled insurance claims efficiently, minimizing delays in obtaining approvals for eyewear orders.
  • Acted as a liaison between ophthalmologists and clients, facilitating clear communication regarding treatment plans and any necessary follow-up appointments.
  • Managed inventory effectively, maintaining optimal stock levels and reducing unnecessary expenses.
  • Developed customized solutions for patients with unique vision challenges, increasing access to high-quality optical care within the community.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized optical solutions and exceptional service.
  • Filed claims with vision and medical insurance companies to garner payment for optical services.
  • Maintained thorough records of customer information, prepared detailed work payments, processed insurance claims, and collected balances from customers.
  • Demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills when addressing unique customer requests or complex prescriptions, ensuring optimal outcomes for each client''s vision needs.

Optical Retail Manager

Luxottica Dba Sears Optical/Lenscrafters
10.2005 - 07.2013
  • Oversaw store operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash management, and safety compliance.
  • Implemented daily operating procedures to keep store clean, adequately stocked, and well-organized.
  • Managed inventory control, ensuring optimal stock levels for in-demand products and reducing excess merchandise.
  • Improved customer satisfaction through proactive engagement, attentive service, and efficient problem resolution.
  • Implemented loss prevention strategies to minimize shrinkage and maintain profitability.
  • Completed daily paperwork and computer entry of sales data as established by management.
  • Exhibited excellent people skills during interaction with employees and customers.
  • Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
  • Increased sales by implementing effective merchandising strategies and optimized store layouts.
  • Strengthened merchandising and promotional strategies to drive customer engagement and boost sales.
  • Coordinated special events such as holiday promotions or clearance sales to drive additional business.
  • Ensured consistent brand messaging across all aspects of the retail experience from signage placement to employee uniforms.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.

ABO Certified Optician

Dearman’s McCormack Optical
05.2002 - 07.2004
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing on frames, lenses, and other optical products.
  • Collaborated with optometrists to ensure seamless care for patients, enhancing overall service quality.
  • Educated clients on proper eyewear care and maintenance to prolong the life of their frames and lenses.
  • Troubleshot issues with eyewear fittings or prescriptions, delivering quick resolutions for improved client satisfaction.
  • Contributed to increased sales by effectively presenting the benefits of various lens options.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by addressing concerns promptly and professionally, resulting in satisfied clientele.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high-quality standards under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Created and implemented a streamlined filing system necessary for operating competitive modern optical business.
  • Set up business to accept vision insurance from multiple providers and established insurance filing department.
  • Maintained thorough records of customer information, prepared detailed work payments, processed insurance claims, and collected balances from customers.

Optical Store Manager

Nelson Gibson Opticians
07.1998 - 01.2002

ABO Certified Optician

Eyemasters
09.1994 - 07.1998

Online Store Manager

Self Employed
03.2015 - 08.2021


  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and addressing customer inquiries or concerns promptly.
  • Studied market to determine optimal pricing of goods and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Optimized product listings with eye-catching images and persuasive descriptions.
  • Established and maintained e-commerce website to promote and sell products.
  • Uploaded digital media to online storefront, auction sites or other shopping Web sites for advertising purposes.
  • Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas of improvement in online shopping experience.
  • Monitored trends in online retail to identify new opportunities for growth.
  • Developed successful online sales operations from scratch by establishing and following strategic vision, mission and operational plans.
  • Corresponded with online customers to address questions or complaints about products, policies, or shipping methods.

Education

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS | TRANSFER PROGRAM -

Jones County Junior College
Ellisville, MS

DIETETICS | TRANSFER PROGRAM -

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Hattiesburg, MS

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -

WEST LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOL
Collinsville, MS
01.1991

Skills

  • Customer Skills
  • Problem-Solving
  • Dependable and Responsible
  • Multitasking and Organization
  • Strong Ethics
  • Relationship Building
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Flexible schedule and availability
  • Documentation
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Records Management
  • Attentive to People
  • Clear Communication
  • Decision-Making
  • Critical Thinking
  • Documentation and Recordkeeping
  • Client satisfaction
  • Schedule Management

Activities

As an active member of United Methodist Church in Newton MS, I am involved in the hand bell choir along with other committees in the church to help others within our community

Quote

A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for.
Grace Hopper

Timeline

Caregiver

Bee Hive Assisted Living Facility
11.2022 - Current

Human Resource Lead

Belk
08.2021 - 10.2022

Online Store Manager

Self Employed
03.2015 - 08.2021

Optical Store Administrator/Optician/Lab Manager

Newton Eye Care
07.2013 - 03.2015

Optical Retail Manager

Luxottica Dba Sears Optical/Lenscrafters
10.2005 - 07.2013

ABO Certified Optician

Dearman’s McCormack Optical
05.2002 - 07.2004

Optical Store Manager

Nelson Gibson Opticians
07.1998 - 01.2002

ABO Certified Optician

Eyemasters
09.1994 - 07.1998

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS | TRANSFER PROGRAM -

Jones County Junior College

DIETETICS | TRANSFER PROGRAM -

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -

WEST LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOL
Wendy Cortes