Amber Sorrenson
Auckland,New Zealand
Summary
Results-oriented professional with experience in retail sales, inventory control, and advertising. Skilled in driving project success through teamwork and initiative, with a focus on supporting individuals with mental health and AOD challenges. Proven ability to manage effective retail operations, including opening and closing procedures, while motivating teams to achieve performance goals.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Peer Support Specialist
Pathways
11.2023 - 06.2025
- Provided emotional support to individuals facing mental health challenges, fostering resilience and coping strategies.
- Supported Whaiora in achieving and sustaining optimal physical and mental wellness.
- Encouraged community engagement to enhance social connections and overall well-being.
- Knowledge of community supports and how to access them.
- Liaising with the clinical team, medical staff.
- Administered medication to clients according to prescribed schedules.
- Daily living/support-Cooking, cleaning, appointments, budgeting
- Health and safety protocols.
Checkout operator
Countdown
03.2022 - 12.2023
- Operated checkout registers, ensuring accurate cash transactions and minimizing errors.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries, enhancing their shopping experience through exceptional service.
- Interacted with customers to enhance their shopping experience.
- Trained new staff on checkout procedures and customer service standards, fostering a knowledgeable team.
- Adhered to store safety protocols and maintained compliance during operations.
- Time management
- Written and verbal communication
Peer Support Worker (Practicum)
The Turning Point
06.2023 - 11.2023
- Established SMART goals with Whaiora to enhance personal development
- Assisted with medication support processes in a clinical setting
- 12 step AA/NA support networking
- Prepared nutritious meals for Tangata Whaiora, utilizing hospitality knowledge to support wellbeing
- Completed 200+ hour Practicum
Customer Service Representative
Knowledge Warehouse
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Provided excellent customer service to resolve customer complaints in a timely manner.
- Promoted customer satisfaction by resolving issues with expertise and approachable service.
- Resolved customer complaints through effective communication and problem-solving skills.
- Assisted customers with inquiries, delivering accurate product information to enhance their experience.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Delivered customer care by addressing inquiries and offering tailored support solutions.
Housekeeper
Parklane Motor Lodge
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Cleaned guest rooms, creating a welcoming environment for visitors.
- Cleaned bathrooms, including toilets, tubs, showers and sinks.
- Swept and mopped floors, vacuumed carpets and rugs, dusted furniture, wiped down surfaces.
- Changed bed linens and towels, tidied up rooms.
- Maintained common areas, ensuring high cleanliness standards and enhancing guest satisfaction.
- Managed laundry services, ensuring timely and efficient processing of linens.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline housekeeping operations effectively.
- Vacuumed floors and dusted furniture to maintain organized, professional appearance.
- Interacted pleasantly with clients and guests when performing daily duties.
- Reported any maintenance issues or damage to supervisors immediately.
- Reported maintenance issues promptly to maintain hotel standards and safety.
- Followed safety procedures while handling cleaning chemicals and equipment.
- Followed safety procedures when handling hazardous materials.
- Demonstrated meticulous attention to detail, resulting in consistently clean and orderly spaces.
Customer Service Representative, sales expert
Fancy That
Tauranga, Tauranga
10.2008 - 07.2009
- Assisted customers with product selection, ordering, billing, returns, exchanges and technical support.
- Answered customer inquiries and provided accurate information regarding products and services.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and order placements.
- Promoted products and services during customer interactions, enhancing overall customer experience.
- Maintained knowledge of product features and promotions for effective service.
- Built strong relationships with customers through personalized assistance and support, ensuring high satisfaction.
- Inquired about customer needs to provide tailored assistance. to determine service needs and accurately input information into electronic systems.
- Processed returns and exchanges following company policies.
- Resolved complex issues by collaborating with departments, delivering solutions that addressed customer needs.
- Tracked orders from start to finish to ensure timely delivery of goods or services.
- Performed administrative tasks such as filing paperwork, updating databases and generating reports.
- Provided feedback to management on service improvements and trends.
Customer Service Representative, Merchandiser
Farmers Trading Co Ltd.
Tauranga, Tauranga
05.2006 - 11.2007
- Cultivated customer relationships through friendly interactions, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Managed product displays to enhance visual appeal and customer engagement.
- Implemented seasonal promotions to drive foot traffic and increase sales volume.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to ensure promotional materials effectively supported merchandising efforts.
- Regularly monitored store shelves to ensure product availability, restocking and rotating merchandise.
- Developed planograms for effective product placement and space utilization in-store.
- Established strong connections with clients to understand their needs to better understand and address their needs and preferences.
- Developed key customer relationships to increase sales.
- Responded to customer inquiries about product features and services. from prospective customers regarding features of products and services offered.
- Provided technical support for customers using the company's products or services.
Checkout Operator
New World
Brookfield, Tauranga
2005 - 2007
- Operated checkout registers efficiently and accurately during busy store hours.
- Processed cash, credit, debit, and check payments accurately and efficiently.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of checkout area, enhancing customer experience.
- Adhered to safety guidelines while operating cash registers and other equipment.
- Executed opening and closing tasks for store registers, ensuring smooth operational flow.
- Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner.
- Assisted customers with inquiries and resolved issues promptly at the service desk.
- Educated customers on promotions, loyalty programs, and store policies, fostering informed purchasing decisions.
- Monitored inventory levels at the checkout area and reported shortages promptly.
- Learned roles of other departments to provide coverage and keep store operational.
Assistant Sales Manager, Outbound/Inbound Sales Representative
P2P Group Ltd.
Tauranga, Tauranga
09.2005 - 05.2006
- Led team of sales representatives by providing training, guidance, and ongoing support to enhance sales skills.
- Negotiated customer contracts and maintained relationships with existing clients.
- Assisted team in developing sales strategies for diverse client needs.
- Coordinated and conducted training sessions for new sales staff, fostering continuous team development.
- Facilitated communication between sales and marketing teams for campaign alignment.
- Instructed new associates on effective sales tactics and performance improvement techniques to drive sales success.
Education
NZ Certificate Health & Wellbeing - Mental health & Addiction
Manukau Institute of Technology
Auckland01.2023
NZ Certificate Makeup Artistry - Beauty
Samala Robinson Academy
Auckland01.2022
NZ Certificate Hospitality -
Te Ohomai
Tauranga01.2008
Skills
- Active listening skills
- Conflict resolution skills
- Treaty of Waitangi awareness
- Cultural diversity awareness
- Great communication skills
- Empathy
- Approachability
- Respectfulness
- Caring
- Engagement with others
- Eagerness to learn
- Medication management
- Community resource navigation
- Goal setting
- Emotional support
- Customer relationship management
- Health and safety compliance
Accomplishments
• Volunteering
• Sobriety: 5 years
• WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)
• PET (Peer Employment Training)
• Health & Wellbeing - Mental Health and Addiction Services
• First Aid
• Sobriety: 5 years
• WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)
• PET (Peer Employment Training)
• Health & Wellbeing - Mental Health and Addiction Services
• First Aid
Hobbies and Interests
- Going for Bush walks
- Rock climbing with friends
- Swimming for my health
- Love Crafting
- Enjoy cooking
- Recovery camps
- Discovering new places in Aotearoa
Community And Volunteer Experience
Lonely Miaow, Auckland, Rescue/Foster, 2019-2022
- Liaise with the rescue team, support the cats at all their appointments, ensure the cats' medical records are up to date, attend pet expos to create opportunities for adoption, open my home to provide support, and support them through their recovery
Wiseguys, Auckland, house manager, 2019-2022
- Work and Income appointments, including paperwork, and, supporting the guests to all their appointments
- Work and income, doctors, therapy, etc
- I ran the day-to-day needs of the house, which include rosters, finances, groceries, and bedding
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Peer Support Specialist
Pathways
11.2023 - 06.2025
Peer Support Worker (Practicum)
The Turning Point
06.2023 - 11.2023
Checkout operator
Countdown
03.2022 - 12.2023
Customer Service Representative
Knowledge Warehouse
01.2017 - 01.2020
Housekeeper
Parklane Motor Lodge
01.2016 - 01.2017
Customer Service Representative, sales expert
Fancy That
10.2008 - 07.2009
Customer Service Representative, Merchandiser
Farmers Trading Co Ltd.
05.2006 - 11.2007
Assistant Sales Manager, Outbound/Inbound Sales Representative
P2P Group Ltd.
09.2005 - 05.2006
Checkout Operator
New World
2005 - 2007
NZ Certificate Health & Wellbeing - Mental health & Addiction
Manukau Institute of Technology
NZ Certificate Makeup Artistry - Beauty
Samala Robinson Academy
NZ Certificate Hospitality -
Te Ohomai