Amanda Olson Email & Phone Number

San Jose, Ca, Us

Oakland, California, United States

Alameda, California, United States

Conceptualized and developed innovative programs to support Alameda’s unhoused residents/community members, which included sourcing, applying for, and securing a $500k Community Project Funding grant for funding for Dignity Village a 47-unit interim supportive housing community. Performed wide-ranging, diverse, day-to-day functions, including overseeing and managing existing contracts/grants with community organizations and supporting the Social Service Human Relations Board (SSHRB). Showcased exemplary organizational and solid business acumen strengths to adeptly administer the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and updated the policies/procedures manual to reflect HUD standards and compliance. Supported work related to encampment maintenance. • Prepare and administer assigned budgets; provide fiscal oversight, including approving project budgets, reviewing and approving invoices, and coordinating payment utilizing established systems. • Leveraged proven leadership, analytical, and time management to accurately prepare/administer grants, contracts, and agreements and meet critical deadlines.• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to coordinate the selection of contractors, and meticulously monitored/tracked performance standards/regulatory compliance.

United States

Managed site operations for a high-profile Bay Area Community Servies Wellness Center with 75+ individuals, overseeing facilities/IT management, safety inspections, supply inventory/ordering, emergency plans, etc. Led and supervised a high-performing team of 6 direct reports; hired, trained, and streamlined the onboarding process to facilitate a smooth integration and accelerate productivity. Guided and enhanced Medi-Cal billing note quality/staff compliance, achieving a 93% acceptance rate. Client attendance and involvement in wellness/clinical services tripled by 400% annually.• Employed tact, diplomacy, and discretion to enforce and safeguard contract compliance with all funders including grant management, presentations, and reports. • Championed and implemented a consumer-centered services delivery model that was needs-driven, strength-based, and culturally relevant. • Leveraged stellar multitasking and relationship-management skills to manage the flow of referrals, intakes, and participant discharges to ensure accessibility and welcoming of all people.

Sunnyvale & Palo Alto, California, United States

Spearheaded and directed operations for the Sunnyvale/Palo Alto Downtown Streets programs, which included managing the work experience for teams of unhoused individuals, while providing guidance/supervision to 5 direct reports and 4 community volunteers. Facilitated weekly team meetings where participants were paid in vouchers, discussed contracts, added new clients, procedure changes, and discussed job positions. Oversaw project budgets of $1M. Liaised as the face to the greater community, representing the team to all existing/potential partners, including local government agencies, social service providers, community-based groups/ stakeholders and private businesses. Pioneered and introduced a grocery delivery program in Palo Alto. Achieved California of the Year Non-Profit for Downtown Streets Team Hayward. Recognized by the City of Hayward Mayor and City Council with a Certificate of Commendation for exceptional efforts in the community. Boosted team culture/accountability and addressed issues in a respectful, compassionate, firm manner, and leveraged motivational and visionary leadership to graduate clients into employment and housing. • Conducted in-depth, data-driven research to apply for new partnerships/funding opportunities; monitored/ tracked project data, and maintained a regular reporting system for impact figures, funding cycles, and regular finances. • Compiled, organized, and evaluated critical documentation needed to apply for grants; conducted a fundraising campaign for the City of Sunnyvale DST, and exceeded the $70k goal.

Sunnyvale, California, United States

Represented Downtown Streets Team in Sunnyvale and Hayward to existing and potential partners, including local government agencies, social service providers, community-based groups, private businesses, and stakeholders.Directly oversaw and collaborated with a Case Manager and Employment Specialist, ensuring each Team Member achieved their individual goals related to housing, transportation, and employment.Managed a volunteer work experience Team of 30 individuals dedicated to beautifying the community, fostering a sense of purpose and community engagement.Maintained and adhered to a project voucher budget while efficiently purchasing supplies and vouchers for Team Members using a voucher software system.Established close partnerships with community organizations, providing a pathway to employment, housing, education, and various support avenues for Team Members, promoting their successful participation in the work experience program.Implemented an impressive reporting system for impact figures, funding cycles, and regular finances, ensuring program effectiveness and accountability.Empowered community members and businesses with knowledge of available resources and practical steps they can take to make a meaningful impact towards ending homelessness in their community, fostering a more compassionate and engaged local support network.Led and managed an inclusive advisory board, thoughtfully assembling a diverse representation of the community served, including people with lived experience at the forefront.

Sunnyvale, California

I proactively brought together Case Managers from diverse regions to facilitate insightful discussions. These sessions served as a platform to exchange ideas, share resources, track progress, and address challenges faced by both the clients and the team. Worked with Team Members engaged in a Work Experience program to achieve housing, employment, and personal goals. Present new resources and convey case management information to a group of growing Team Members at the Weekly Success Team meeting. Worked with an ongoing caseload with a variety of goals ranging from acquiring identification to securing housing. Reported results using project-required databases. Assisted clients in overcoming barriers to achieve housing and well-being. Acted as a driving force in client’s lives in achieving their unique goals, with an emphasis on becoming stable and self-sufficient by building meaningful lives. Worked within external housing subsidy programs and performed housing searches. Met individuals and families experiencing homelessness on their terms, often engaging in street outreach. Cultivated community partnerships (local government, community groups, nonprofits, etc) and become a reliable and competent resource. Instructed Housing Search Skills course and various other classes/workshops alongside other Case Managers and Employment Specialists. Used creativity and flexibility to develop and motivate clients toward their goals. Research and establish necessary resources in the community; if one doesn’t currently exist, create the resource and foster the support network. Guided clients into housing solutions, continually building a list of available options and developing working relationships with landlords. Accurately reported outcomes to funding sources. Continually marketed Downtown Streets Team to the community. Assisted in the preparation of program documentation and reports (including maintaining files and established documentation).

Sunnyvale, California

Worked with Team Members engaged in a Work Experience program to achieve housing, employment, and personal goals. Present new resources and convey case management information to a group of growing Team Members at the Weekly Success Team meeting. Worked with an ongoing caseload with a variety of goals ranging from acquiring identification to securing housing. Reported results using project-required databases. Assisted clients in overcoming barriers such as mental health diagnoses, behavioral issues, criminal backgrounds, substance abuse, and more to achieve housing and well-being. Acted as a driving force in client’s lives in achieving their unique goals, with an emphasis on becoming stable and self-sufficient by building meaningful lives. Worked within external housing subsidy programs and performed housing searches. Met individuals and families experiencing homelessness on their terms, often engaging in street outreach. Cultivated community partnerships (local government, community groups, nonprofits, etc) and become a reliable and competent resource. Instructed Housing Search Skills course and various other classes/workshops alongside other Case Managers and Employment Specialists. Used creativity and flexibility to develop and motivate clients toward their goals. Research and establish necessary resources in the community; if one doesn’t currently exist, create the resource and foster the support network. Guided clients into housing solutions, continually building a list of available options and developing working relationships with landlords. Maintained Daily Work Activity Certifications and accurately reported outcomes to funding sources. Continually marketed Downtown Streets Team to the unhoused community as well as the community at large. Assisted in the preparation of program documentation and reports (including maintaining files and established documentation).

During my time as a Crisis Call Center Representative at the Bill Wilson Center Contact Cares line, I had the privilege of making a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. As a dedicated volunteer, I provided empathetic and compassionate support to individuals facing various challenges and crises.I honed my active listening and communication skills, creating a safe space for callers to express their thoughts and emotions. By analyzing each situation with sensitivity and care, I helped callers explore coping strategies and available resources. Collaborating within a diverse team, I showcased my ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to urgent situations.My volunteer work at the Bill Wilson Center Contact Cares line allowed me to apply my analytical skills to assess situations quickly and provide appropriate guidance. It was truly rewarding to contribute to the well-being of others and be part of a team that strives to make a positive difference in our community.

Completed 28 hours of training on topics such as effective communication, the foster care system, mentoring, domestic violence, alcohol/drugs, sexual orientation and gender identity, grief and loss, suicide and self-harm, and mental illness. I had the amazing opportunity to assist county social workers with a variety of tasks for court dependent children and their families who were receiving services. The tasks included supervising visits between families and children placed outside the home, transporting clients to family visits, and providing child watch for parents who were attending mandatory meetings. Subsequently after the supervised visits detailed and thorough notes were forwarded to the assigned social worker.

San Jose State University

Conducted literature review and field research on homelessness. Explored and identified the complex contributions that individual ailments, society, and the structure of society play in exacerbating homelessness, as well as the vicious cycle that is created to keep people within the unwarranted grip of homelessness. Experienced, learned, and gained competence in taking action in the community. Communicated and presented the results of my research to contribute to the basic knowledge within the field of Psychology in order to lessen and eradicate homelessness altogether.

1 Washington Square San Jose, Ca

As a Research Assistant, I am aiding a professor and graduate student in their endeavors. My position includes reviewing participant responses to a vignette and coding the data accordingly. This requires constant collaboration with group members to ensure inter-rater reliability.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Psychology, 3.564

Activities and Societies: Officer for Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, member of Golden Key International Honor Society.

Specialization, Anti-Racism

In the Anti-Racism specialization, I've gained skills vital for civic work. This includes foundational knowledge of race and racism.

Associate Of Arts (A.A.), Psychology, 3.47

Education record

I participated in Leadership Sunnyvale, CA, a program designed to develop effective community leaders. This unique program involved.

Education record

Program develops leaders knowledgeable about the greater Hayward area and prepared to address complex social and economic issues..