Karen Hollis
Altona Meadows
Summary
An enthusiastic and creative professional excelling in community engagement and program development. Adept at relationship building and problem-solving. Skilled in managing diverse teams and providing exceptional service. Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Excels at fostering relationships with diverse stakeholders to create enriching visitor experiences.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Pet Educator
Animal Welfare Victoria
07.2023 - Current
- Present an interactive program that fosters an understanding of animal behaviour, and promotes safety, in schools and preschool centres
- Distribute educational materials on responsible pet ownership to various age groups
Visitor Information Officer (Casual)
Wyndham City Council
12.2022 - Current
- Promote Wyndham as a preferred visitor destination
- Provide exception customer service by addressing visitor enquiries and fostering a welcoming atmosphere
- Distribute informative brochures and materials highlighting local attractions and services to enrich visitor experiences
- Supervise and support the Visitor Information Centre's team of volunteers
- Organise and participate in local community events
Field Interviewer
Australian Bureau of Statistics
06.2021 - Current
- Conduct in-depth interviews to gather qualitative feedback from community members
- Utilize interview techniques to build rapport and encourage open communication
Community Engagement Librarian (Temporary)
Hobsons Bay Libraries
01.2021 - 04.2021
- Maintained a high level of customer service by addressing and resolving patron concerns or complaints in a timely manner.
- Organised local outreach programs that engaged families and communities in library activities to strengthen social connections and promote literacy
- Implemented outreach strategies to connect with diverse populations, ensuring inclusive access to library services
- Evaluated community feedback to enhance library programs, ensuring they meet parton interests and needs
Older Persons Group Project Officer
Hobsons Bay Council
09.2020 - 01.2021
- Conducted needs assessments to identify the interests and requirements of older persons in the community
- Collaborated with service providers to deliver resources and support specific to the ageing population
- Established outreach programs to connect isolated seniors with community resources and social events
- Facilitated technology related training sessions for older individuals to promote independence
- Monitored and evaluated projects to ensure they meet the evolving needs of older persons effectively
Children's and Youth Services Librarian
Moreland City Libraries
06.2003 - 07.2020
- Developed and executed innovative programs tailored to enhance literacy skills among children and young adults. fostering a love for reading
- Created and led interactive storytime sessions that fostered a love of reading among toddlers and preschool-aged children
- Collaborated with local schools and youth organisations to develop outreach programs that promote library services and improve access to information for children and teens
- Facilitated workshops and group activities focusing on digital literacy, teaching children how to navigate online resources safely and effectively
- Curated and maintained a diverse collection of children's literature and resources, ensuring alignment with developmental needs and interests of young library users
- Collaborated with community stakeholders to enhance access to library resources for youth, fostering partnerships with schools and community organisations
- Engaged with parents and caregivers to provide resources and support for promoting literacy at home and in community groups
- Trained and mentored library staff in best practices for children's programming and customer service
- Conducted assessments and survey to gather feedback from young patrons and their families, using the data to refine and improve children's services and programming
Branch Coordinator
Brimbank Library and Information Service
11.2000 - 01.2003
- Promote Sunshine Library as a vital community resource and educational hub supporting diverse needs
- Mange the implementation of community-focussed programs and events to enhance library services and foster community engagement
- Train and mentor library staff in customer service excellence and effective library practices
- Manage library collections to ensure availability of relevant materials that meet community interests and promote literacy
- Conduct regular assessments and evaluations of library services and programs to ensure alignment with community needs and strategic goals
Community Outreach & Programs Leader
Hobsons Bay Libraries
10.1995 - 11.2000
- Supervised and supported library staff and volunteers in providing exceptional customer service and fostering a welcoming environment for all visitors at Williamstown Library
- Fostered community engagement by initiating outreach programs and partnerships with local organisations to enhance library services and resources
- Managed outreach marketing strategies to promote library resources and services. significantly increasing community participation and awareness
- Developed partnerships with educational institutions and local organisations to create collaborative programs that address specific demographics and interests
- Utilized feedback and research to improve library patron services and accessibility, ensuring inclusivity for all community members
Children's and Youth Services Librarian
Altona City Council
03.1986 - 10.1995
- Design and conduct outreach programs to promote library services among children and youth
- Foster partnerships with schools and community organisation to enhance library offerings to children
- Organised events and activities that promote community involvement and foster a love of literature among young audiences
- Curate a diverse selection of children's literature to ensure representation and inclusion in library collections
- Evaluate and assess the effectiveness youth programs and services through surveys and feedback
Education
Certificate IV - Government And Frontline Management
Warner Institute
MelbourneBachelor of Social Science (In Librarianship) - Bachelor of Social Science
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Melbourne, VIC11-1985
Skills
- Customer service
- Visitor engagement
- Team leadership and collaboration
- Relationship building
- Management of projects and events
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Conflict resolution
- Organisational skills
- Public speaking
- Written and verbal communication
Timeline
Pet Educator
Animal Welfare Victoria
07.2023 - Current
Visitor Information Officer (Casual)
Wyndham City Council
12.2022 - Current
Field Interviewer
Australian Bureau of Statistics
06.2021 - Current
Community Engagement Librarian (Temporary)
Hobsons Bay Libraries
01.2021 - 04.2021
Older Persons Group Project Officer
Hobsons Bay Council
09.2020 - 01.2021
Children's and Youth Services Librarian
Moreland City Libraries
06.2003 - 07.2020
Branch Coordinator
Brimbank Library and Information Service
11.2000 - 01.2003
Community Outreach & Programs Leader
Hobsons Bay Libraries
10.1995 - 11.2000
Children's and Youth Services Librarian
Altona City Council
03.1986 - 10.1995
Certificate IV - Government And Frontline Management
Warner Institute
Bachelor of Social Science (In Librarianship) - Bachelor of Social Science
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
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