Experience

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  Career Management Services

  • Australia
  • Human Resources Services
  • 1 - 100 Employee

  • Career Development Specialist

    • Jan 2007 - Present

  • Managing Partner

    • Jan 1990 - Oct 2023

    2008- Present , Program Manager*Manage all operations and personnel for contract awarded to Career Management Services with the County of San Diego Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) for the purpose of augmenting existing services offered to veterans and their beneficiaries by employees working out of the OMVA offices throughout the county. *Recruit, hire, train and supervise individuals, who assist the OMVA offices in processing Federal and State benefits claims, conducting outreach and recruitment activities and providing information and resource referrals to military veterans, their dependents and survivors1990 - 2011, Program Manager and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor*Managed and supervised the implementation and operation of Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Chapter 36 Educational/Vocational Counseling VA Contracts and programs for transitioning military personnel and veterans with disabilities. *Provided initial evaluations, career counseling, case management, and employment services to active duty service members and veterans from a wide variety of socio-economic backgrounds with varied skill levels and educational experiences.*Utilized diagnostic assessment instruments, reviewed and interpreted results in relation to career goals, counseled clients and completed counseling narratives, summarizing results and goals for military veterans.

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  Warrior Kitchen

  • Encinitas, California

  • Training Director

    • Oct 2011 - Mar 2017
    • Encinitas, California

    *Coordinated and managed all aspects of industry specific culinary arts training program, for qualified veterans, incorporating extensive industry feedback and employer advisory boards for curriculum oversight*Designed and implemented outreach and recruitment strategies and activities to generate interest among military service members and veterans, including presentations, workshops, participation in Career Fairs, and panel discussions utilizing slides, charts, and graphs to enhance communication.*Developed and wrote marketing materials, including brochures, news articles, press releases, public service announcements, advertisements, posters and flyers.*Created and scheduled quarterly calendar of events involving collaborative activities among culinary industry and Warrior Kitchen, featuring local hospitality and food service leaders. *Facilitated Employment Services workshops including, Resume Construction, Successful Job Search Using the Internet and Effective Interviewing Skills *Provided educational/vocational counseling, career assessment, small business development instruction, job development, employment and placement services to veterans/military personnel

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  Advancing Careers

  • San Diego, California

  • Vocational Counselor

    • Feb 2012 - Feb 2017
    • San Diego, California

    *Facilitated academic, career, and personal counseling and guidance services with military veterans in career transition, to identify suitable and realistic vocational goals *Administered and interpreted psychometric tests and personality inventories and provided initial assessment of the client’s career options upon their transition *Evaluated client’s career and personal readiness for transition from the military and provided resources to guide the development of a Plan of Action for the future. *Advised clients on career education programs and methods of developing skills required by employers and admissions departments of colleges and vocational training programs*Assisted with preparation of job applications, resume construction, cover letter and follow up correspondence; incorporating job search best practices*Provided information on local and national career, education, and/or recruitment procedures and policies, labor trends, networking and targeting employers. *Conducted initial evaluations which included rehabilitation planning and problem solving solving to determine suitable and appropriate vocational objectives. *Developed internship opportunities to assist military veterans with gaining civilian work experience.

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  The AFX Group, LLC

  • Oceanside, California

  • Department of Labor Employment Workshop Facilitator

    • Apr 2015 - Oct 2015
    • Oceanside, California

    *Facilitated Employment Workshops covering topics including; transferable skills analysis, career exploration and validation, effective job search techniques, job seeking skills, networking, targeting employers, resume writing, skilled interviewing practices, dress for success, and negotiating job offers.*Designed and implemented effective classroom activities and delivered course materials in a professional manner, supporting the curriculum used by the Marine Corps for personal/professional development programs. *Collaborated with transition subject matter experts and industry representatives to develop relevant instructional materials used in delivery of information, ensuring participants are equipped with necessary job search/employment strategies compatible with skills, career goals and education plans.*Effectively managed the classroom, follow schedules and establish a respectful learning environment that ensures opportunities for career development and growth. *Adept in implementing instructional strategies, utilizing technology and varied media/web-based materials to enhance presentation of workshop subject matter.

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  Able-Disabled Advocacy

  • Chula Vista, California

  • Veterans Employment Specialist

    • Apr 2014 - Feb 2015
    • Chula Vista, California

    *Provided career counseling and job development/ placement services for veterans interested in pursuing immediate employment and vocational training leading to industry standard certifications in a variety of career fields. *Coached veterans in implementing individualized job search plan, with monthly placements exceeding 90% of program goals. •Designed and facilitated workshops providing career exploration, job development and employment services professional training incorporating job search best practices.*Facilitated employment services workshops covering topics including Self Appraisal, Career Decision Making, Identifying Job Goals, Job Search Techniques, Transferable Skills Analysis, Marketing Transferable Skills, Resume & Cover Letter Preparation, Internet Job Search Fundamentals, Interview Skills, Follow up After the Interview, Dress for Success and Salary Negotiations. *Utilized interactive methods such as mock interview sessions to position veterans for success and improve their ability to be hired.