Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Mele Potatala Funaki

Porirua,WGN

Summary

Proven Social Worker with a strong background in case management and client advocacy, honed at Vaka Tautua and diverse volunteer roles. Excelled in multicultural competence and efficient problem-solving, enhancing client satisfaction and resource allocation. Skilled in fostering compassionate relationships and adept under pressure, consistently achieving positive outcomes in challenging environments.

Experienced social services professional with strong commitment to fostering positive outcomes and enhancing community well-being. Adept at providing support, advocacy, and resources to diverse populations while maintaining high ethical standards. Demonstrates collaborative approach, adaptability to changing needs, and focus on delivering impactful results. Skilled in case management, crisis intervention, and effective communication.

Experienced with direct client support, crisis intervention, and advocacy. Utilizes effective communication and empathy to build trust and provide guidance. Track record of implementing successful community outreach programs and fostering supportive environment.

Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Social Worker, Student Intern

Vaka Tautua
08.2023 - 12.2023
  • Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
  • Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
  • Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.

Elderly Caregiver Volunteer

Family Members
01.2019 - 03.2023
  • Established trusting relationships with elderly clients, ensuring their emotional needs were met alongside physical care.
  • Contributed to increased overall happiness among elderly clients by fostering a positive atmosphere within the caregiving environment.
  • Alleviated feelings of isolation among elderly clients by encouraging social interaction both within the facility and with outside community groupsevents.
  • Provided mental stimulation for dementia patients through engaging activities designed to slow cognitive decline.
  • Enhanced elderly residents'' well-being by providing compassionate care and companionship.
  • Improved seniors'' quality of life by assisting with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.

Grocery Stocker

PAK'nSAVE Poriua
01.2018 - 11.2019
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing prompt assistance with locating items and answering inquiries.
  • Placed products in correct storage locations to keep stock areas organized and inventory counts accurate.
  • Rotated stock correctly to prevent out-of-date products and removed aging items from main shelving to build special promotional displays.
  • Improved store organization by efficiently stocking shelves and maintaining clean, clutter-free aisles.
  • Answered customer questions and provided detailed product information.

Waitress, Bar, Front Hand

Dennys Restaurant
11.2016 - 03.2017
  • Handled high-pressure situations with composure, maintaining excellent service standards even during busy shifts.
  • Exhibited strong multitasking abilities, balancing multiple tables and orders while delivering prompt service.
  • Maintained clean and welcoming dining environment, ensuring a positive guest experience.
  • Remained calm and poised when dealing with difficult customers or during busy shifts.
  • Used cash registers and credit card machines to cash out customers.
  • Supported teamwork atmosphere among staff members through clear communication and collaboration during shifts.

Tongan Community Day Care

Community Day Care
06.2014 - 12.2016
  • Empathy and Nurturing: showing empathy towards children and providing a nurturing environment helps them to feel secure and valued.
  • Culture Competence: Understanding and respecting diverse backgrounds and cultures helps create an inclusive environment for all children and their families.
  • Teamwork: Collaborating with other staff members and communicating effectively with them ensures that the children environment is supportive and runs smoothly.
  • Observation Skills: Observing children helps you to understand their needs, interests and developmental progress. This skill is essential for planning activities that are appropriate for their age and abilities.
  • Planning and organization: Being able to plan daily activities, and keeping the environment organized.

Bar Person

RSA Titahi Bay
01.2013 - 05.2013
  • Customer Skills: Excellent customer service being friendly, approachable, and attentive to customer needs.
  • Communication Skills: Communicate clearly with customers and colleagues is crucial. Taking orders accurately and handling any inquires and complaints.
  • Multitasking: The ability to juggle multiple tasks at once is important in a busy bar environment.
  • Problem solving Skills: Being able to think on your feet and resolve issues quickly.
  • Adatability:Being flexible and able to adapt to different situations


Education

Parenting Course

Vaka Tautua
Porirua, NZ
10-2024

Bachelor in Social Work - Social Work

Whitireia New Zealand
Porirua
11-2023

No Degree - Level 3 Small Steps To Business

Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Porirua, NZ
12-2019

Diploma - He Puawai- Certificate in Adult And Tertiary Teach

Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Porirua, NZ
07-2019

No Degree - Social Services in Bicultural Level 4 Certificate

Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Porirua, NZ
11-2018

Skills

  • Compassionate
  • Case management
  • Client advocacy
  • Conflict resolution
  • Case documentation
  • Client confidentiality
  • Referrals and networking
  • Multicultural competence
  • Life skills development
  • Discharge planning
  • Intervention planning
  • Self-awareness
  • Efficient under pressure

Accomplishments

  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
  • Collaborated with team of 2-3 in the development of Tongan Language Week & Mental health week.
  • Demonstrated outstanding case management and dedication to clients as evidenced by repeated promotions throughout tenure.
  • Managed a caseload of between 2-5 and 4-5 individuals and families.

Certification

  • Certified Social Worker (CSW) - Association of Social Work Boards.

Languages

Tonga
Full Professional

Timeline

Social Worker, Student Intern

Vaka Tautua
08.2023 - 12.2023

Elderly Caregiver Volunteer

Family Members
01.2019 - 03.2023

Grocery Stocker

PAK'nSAVE Poriua
01.2018 - 11.2019

Waitress, Bar, Front Hand

Dennys Restaurant
11.2016 - 03.2017

Tongan Community Day Care

Community Day Care
06.2014 - 12.2016

Bar Person

RSA Titahi Bay
01.2013 - 05.2013

Parenting Course

Vaka Tautua

Bachelor in Social Work - Social Work

Whitireia New Zealand

No Degree - Level 3 Small Steps To Business

Te Wananga O Aotearoa

Diploma - He Puawai- Certificate in Adult And Tertiary Teach

Te Wananga O Aotearoa

No Degree - Social Services in Bicultural Level 4 Certificate

Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Mele Potatala Funaki