Sara McKinnon
Melbourne
Summary
Empathetic support worker with a background in residential support and client well-being. Skilled in creating safe, nurturing environments, and adept at managing daily tasks and emergencies. Strong focus on teamwork, communication, and adaptability to meet evolving needs. Known for empathy, patience, and reliability.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Residential Youth Care Worker
Mackillop Family Services
08.2024 - Current
- Maintained a safe residential space through regular inspections, risk assessments, and adherence to safety protocols.
- Provide and participate in appropriate recreational activities for and with the children/young people.
- Assessed children/young peoples needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
- Assisted children/young people in setting and achieving personal goals, empowering them to take ownership of their lives and make positive changes.
- Be responsible for the clear record and communication of all relevant information about the children/young people to the appropriate people or teams
- Developed strong rapport with each young person under my care based on trust, empathy and understanding fostering therapeutic alliances that promoted healing.
- Enhanced communication among staff and residents through regular meetings and feedback sessions.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
Claims Consultant
TAL Life Insurance
10.2023 - 08.2024
- Managing a portfolio of up to 30 life insurance claims in a proactive, cost-effective manner, ensuring accurate claims assessment in line with company policies
- Providing exceptional customer service to vulnerable clients, building rapport, and managing communication with clients
- Offering support to clients, empathising with them during difficult times, and problem-solving effectively
Ecommerce Administrator
Timbecon
05.2021 - 08.2023
- Managed and maintained over 2000 product listings across 5 e-commerce websites: Amazon, Ebay, MyDeal, Catch and Kogan
- Planned, implemented, and tracked sales and marketing strategies to promote brand products
- SEO and keyword research for existing and new listings to increase visibility of listings
- Managed and run ad campaigns through Amazon Advertising
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures
Social Media Coordinator
Timbecon
05.2021 - 08.2023
- Monitored online presence of company's brand to engage with users and strengthen customer relationships
- Lead the day-to-day management and growth of Timbecon social media channels, creating informative and engaging content predominantly across Instagram and Facebook
- Developed and managed content calendars for each platform to establish timely and relevant posts
- Monitor, analyse and report on the performance of social media accounts across all digital channels
- Manage and run ad campaigns through Facebook Ads resulting in an increase of 30% in social ad revenue for 2022
Customer Service Representative
Timbecon
02.2021 - 05.2021
- Answered customer inquiries via phone, email, live chat, and in-store
- Helped customers with deliveries, warranties, and general administrative support
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information
Client Service Representative
Australia Post Group
10.2018 - 03.2020
- Navigated multiple computer programs to document interactions and put solutions into motion
- Used strong call management skills to control conversations and consistently meet performance targets
- Investigated delivery concerns and communicated with operations departments to ensure timely delivery of high-value and time-sensitive items
Customer Sales Advisor
Telstra
02.2015 - 04.2018
- Engaged with customers to understand and resolve issues and answer product questions
- Demonstrated product features and employed technical knowledge to increase sales
- Communicated with customers via phone, email, and chat to assist with orders and inquiries
- Consistently met or exceeded daily service quality and performance scores
Education
Certificate IV - Community Services
Bendigo Kangan Institute
Melbourne, VIC03-2021
Skills
- Life skills instruction
- Rapport development
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Records management
- First aid and CPR certification
- Trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
References
Cat Pierce-Thompson
Residential Care House Supervisor - MacKillop Family Services
caitlin.pierce-thompson@mackillop.org.au
Timeline
Residential Youth Care Worker
Mackillop Family Services
08.2024 - Current
Claims Consultant
TAL Life Insurance
10.2023 - 08.2024
Ecommerce Administrator
Timbecon
05.2021 - 08.2023
Social Media Coordinator
Timbecon
05.2021 - 08.2023
Customer Service Representative
Timbecon
02.2021 - 05.2021
Client Service Representative
Australia Post Group
10.2018 - 03.2020
Customer Sales Advisor
Telstra
02.2015 - 04.2018
Certificate IV - Community Services
Bendigo Kangan Institute
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