Ashnita (Aaliyah) Lata
Auckland,AUK
Summary
I am a committed and empathetic social work professional currently employed as the Social Work Team Leader at TOA Pacific, where I have been for the past 1.5 years. In this role, I provide supervision, guidance, and leadership to the social work team, ensuring that quality support is delivered to clients. I previously worked at Shakti Women’s Refuge as a case worker for six months, supporting women experiencing family violence. Over the past 15 years, I have also volunteered with multiple NGOs, gaining valuable experience working with diverse communities. My background includes leadership roles in the retail and hospitality sectors as both a Human Resource Manager and a Store Manager. These experiences have equipped me with strong skills in people management, communication, and service coordination. I am passionate about advocating for vulnerable individuals, promoting safety and well-being, and making a meaningful difference through respectful, client-centered practice.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Social Worker/Team Leader
TOA Pacific Inc
12.2023 - Current
- Lead culturally responsive intervention and prevention programs for Pacific families affected by violence.
- Allocate and manage case referrals to ensure timely and effective support.
- Supervise social workers and provide guidance on complex family violence cases.
- Build strong partnerships with community organisations, police, and other stakeholders.
- Oversee reporting on case progress, program outcomes, and compliance.
- Prepare funding reports and support ongoing service development and improvement.
- Facilitate staff training and professional development to enhance culturally safe practice.
- Advocate for systemic changes to improve outcomes for individuals and families impacted by violence.
Franchisee District Manager
Mexicali Fresh
08.2016 - Current
- Company Overview: Northwest
- Compilation and assessment in meeting financial KPIs monthly with management and directors – sales, food cost, labor costs, and guest experience.
- Overseeing the management and HR requirements of more than 80 team members – from team structuring, scheduling, payroll, and time-card approval, hiring/firing, and promotion.
- Recommendations and immigration applications, training, periodic performance reviews, and ad-hoc conflict resolution.
- Northwest
Case Worker
Shakti Women’s Refugee
04.2023 - 11.2023
- Liaising and advocating for clients with various government departments, including Work and Income, Housing New Zealand (Kainga Ora), Police and Courts, and OT, and ensuring that client receives adequate support for her situation.
- Crisis calls and referrals are responded to immediately.
- Accurate intake assessment for clients in an efficient and timely manner always adhering to Shakti’s policies.
- Returning Risk Assessment conducted with accuracy to estimate risk for clients once in the community.
- Report writing.
- Prepare and submit fortnightly client reports.
- Contribute to the monthly reports including statistics and case studies.
Restaurant Manager
Mexicali Fresh
02.2011 - 07.2016
- Management of one of Mexicali Fresh's premier and busiest restaurants.
- Leadership in meeting KPIs of restaurant performance – sales, food costs, labor costs, and guest experience.
- Oversee day-to-day operations.
- Oversee recruitment and training of new employees.
Cafe manager
Pah Café
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Company Overview: Wallace Arts Trust
- Ensures all company policies, store standards, and procedures are communicated effectively to staff and maintained and followed consistently.
- Follows all guidelines outlined in the Policy and Procedures Manual to create and maintain the safest environment for our staff and customers.
- Maintain budgets and optimize expenses.
- Ensure employees work productively and develop professionally.
- Wallace Arts Trust
Checkout operator, Checkout Supervisor, Assistant Checkout Manager
Progressive Enterprises
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Customer Services – face to face.
- Supervise and train staff.
- Responding to customer complaints and referring issues to a Store Manager or Department Manager when necessary.
- Ensuring that Cashiers follow the necessary health and safety regulations.
Education
Certificate in Psychology & Counselling -
Careers Academy
12.2024
Certificate in Mental -
Careers Academy
10.2024
Bachelor of Applied Social Work -
Manukau Institute of Technology
01.2024
Certificate in Hospitality and Administration -
Professional Bar and Restaurant School
01.2009
National Certificate in Hospitality Supervision -
Professional Bar and Restaurant School
01.2009
Certificate in International Flight Attendant -
Travel Careers & Training Ltd
AucklandCertificate in Travel and Tourism -
Best Pacific Institute of Education
Skills
- Case management and crisis intervention
- Organizational development
- Client advocacy and employee training
- Team leadership
- Report writing
- HR leadership
References
- Malia Hamani, CEO, TOA Pacific INC, 021344405, malia@toapacific.org.nz
- Melesina Umeano, Team Leader, Sowers Trust (NGO), 0210455433, melesinau@hcc.co.nz
- Ma Tin Tin Nwe, Auckland Regional Refuge Service Delivery Manager, Shakti Women’s Refuge Trust, 0275347243, cm1@shakti.org.nz
- Devon Nel, Director, Mexicali Fresh/Burger Wisconsin, 021831185, dev@mexicalifresh.co.nz
- Fuatino Leafa, Senior Social Work Lecture/Fieldwork Placement Coordinator, 0212950831, fuatino.petelo@manukau.ac.nz
Timeline
Registered Social Worker/Team Leader
TOA Pacific Inc
12.2023 - Current
Case Worker
Shakti Women’s Refugee
04.2023 - 11.2023
Franchisee District Manager
Mexicali Fresh
08.2016 - Current
Restaurant Manager
Mexicali Fresh
02.2011 - 07.2016
Cafe manager
Pah Café
01.2008 - 01.2011
Checkout operator, Checkout Supervisor, Assistant Checkout Manager
Progressive Enterprises
01.2004 - 01.2008
Certificate in Psychology & Counselling -
Careers Academy
Certificate in Mental -
Careers Academy
Bachelor of Applied Social Work -
Manukau Institute of Technology
Certificate in Hospitality and Administration -
Professional Bar and Restaurant School
National Certificate in Hospitality Supervision -
Professional Bar and Restaurant School
Certificate in International Flight Attendant -
Travel Careers & Training Ltd
Certificate in Travel and Tourism -
Best Pacific Institute of Education
Similar Profiles
Omotope OyediranOmotope Oyediran
Marchine Operator at Toa,toaMarchine Operator at Toa,toa
Anchorlee ButlerAnchorlee Butler
Cashier at Ngaru-Toa CaféCashier at Ngaru-Toa Café
Logovae GraingerLogovae Grainger
He Ara Anamata Facilitator at Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira IncHe Ara Anamata Facilitator at Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira Inc
Kaufusi KioaKaufusi Kioa
Warehouse Forklift Operator at Allproof IndustriesWarehouse Forklift Operator at Allproof Industries
Shanyah AmituanaiShanyah Amituanai
Babysitter at Olivia HalasimaBabysitter at Olivia Halasima