Hello!
I'm Virginia Pineda,
and here is the professional story... of ME!
Solution Focused | Passionate | Leader
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Certified Career Development Practitioner
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CCDP, CGCDF, MCRS, CCS, CES, CCSP
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Who's that girl?......oh wait, It's ME!
Shortly after obtaining my Adult Dogwood Diploma through the ABE program at UFV in 2008, my career within the employment services industry began. Over the last 14 years I have taken on several titles in both the Federal and Provincial employment programs such as Resume Developer, Needs Assessor, Outreach Employment Counsellor, Customized Employment Specialist, and Employment Consultant. Once identifying my passion for this industry, I decided back in 2013 to further my skills and completed my education in Global Career Development Facilitation. I have since obtained my BC Provincial certification in Career Development, three Canadian designations, and including my American and Global accreditations. During my career, I have had the honour of working with several different client groups and specializations and genuinely enjoy the opportunity to walk alongside my clients in their employment journey as together we advocate for communities of inclusion. Additionally, as a firm believer in striving for continuous education and professional development, I have recently completed an Advanced Career Development Practice certificate program and Advanced Resume Development certificate course, in addition also achieving my Certified Master Resume Strategist recognition. Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and learning more about world history, diversity and self- development through documentaries and books. Through my own personal journey whether it be with my career or self; one quote that has always kept me focused is, “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You” - Dr. Seuss
PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENTS...of ME!
2020-Current
Employment Consultant
WCG Services
Consult and case manage 150+ clients with complex employment barriers from diverse inclusion groups using a strength-based approach to ensure successful individual employment outcomes and government program contract deliverables..
2019-2020
Outreach Employment Counselor
STO:LO ABORIGINAL SKILLS & EMPLOYMENT TRAINING
Managed a caseload of 75+ clients, and delivered outreach on reserve employment services to clients within the catchment of SASET between Abbotsford and Hope B.C., which included referrals based on client needs and first nation community provisions.
2019
Customized Employment Retention Specialist
BUXTON CONSULTING LTD.
Oversaw and provided a caseload of 10+ complex disability clients with job placement aids, while supporting employers with implementing customized provisions.
2018-2019
Customized Employment Specialist
ABBOTSFORDWORKS/WORKBC EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Managed, coordinated and facilitated the entire CED disability program as the sole specialist for a caseload of 10+ clients within the catchment of Abbotsford.
2017
Program Coordinator
PEARL LIFE RENEWAL SOCIETY
Supervised staff and assisted in the daily operations of a resource centre facility that offered self-care and life recovery support to exploited, trafficked, or prostituted girls and women.
2013-2016
Needs Assessor & Case Management Support
WORKBC EMPLOYMENT SERVICE CENTRE
Provided administrative supervision of the reception desk, conducted formal needs assessments and delivered specific client program orientation at the satellite office resulting in high client service satisfaction.
2012
Occupation Health & Safety/Human Resources/Property Management Assistant
JAKES CONSTRUCTION LTD.
Conducted administrative supports for several operational departments based on the manager's requisites. Assisted in all aspects of organizing and overseeing OH & S for company employees. Prepared paperwork and documentation of HR department.
2010-2012
Employment Counselor/Needs Assessor/Resume Developer
COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE CENTRE
Provided employment counselling, performed drop-in needs determination, and resume and cover letter development within a federally funded employment support program for adults.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS...you got it, of ME!
2020
Advanced Career Development Practice Certificate
Grade - A+
DOUGLAS COLLEGE
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ACDP 100 Career Development Case Management
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ACDP 200 Career Development Information Management
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ACDP 300 Career Development Documents
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ACDP 400 Career Development Program Management
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ACDP 500 Aboriginal Topics in Employment
2020
Advanced Resume Development Certificate
Grade - A+
CAREER PROFESSIONALS OF CANADA
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Advanced Resume Development
2019-2020
Career Development Practitioner Courses
Grade - A+
DOUGLAS COLLEGE
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Ethics for Career Development Practitioners
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Career Development Practice
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Career Decision Making
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Theories, Models and Strategies
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Career Transition Management
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Resumes & Cover Letters
2013-2015
Global Career Development Facilitator Certificate
Grade - A+
YORKVILLE UNIVERSITY/LIFE STRATEGIES LTD.
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Administering & Interpreting Career Assessments
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Career Coaching Skills
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Career Development Foundations, Theories & Models
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Ethics for Career Practitioners
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Group Facilitation Strategies for Career Programs
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Helping Skills to Facilitate Career Development
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Researching Workplace Trends, Career & Employment Info
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Program Management
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Understanding Diverse Clients
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Work Search Essentials 1: Resumes, Cover Letters & Portfolios
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Work Search Essentials 2: Interviews & Negotiation Strategies
Yes, of course ME!...my GARDEN OF PASSION & CORE VALUES
Inclusion
Family & Friends
Integrity
Influencing
Others
Career Advancement
Advocate
Team Collaboration
Compassion
Including, STRENGTHS & SKILLS...of ME!
Certified Global Career Development Facilitator
2019 Award of Excellence Winner: Outstanding Employment Interview Strategist
Experience using both ICM and ARMS government databases
Certified Master Resume Strategist
Experience case managing and empowering diverse clients within specialized populations
2019 Award of Excellence Nominee: Outstanding Community Outreach Strategist
Lastly, EXPERTISE...of ME!
ACADEMIC ACHIEVER
As a career-long student within several industry-related accredited post-secondary institutions, I value and am maintaining continuous professional development in an effort towards providing my clients with the most up to date career and employment services available.
PASSIONATE ADVOCATOR
I am genuinely passionate about and advocate towards inclusion for all and the value in building supportive communities of acceptance, as I firmly believe that opportunity should be accessible for everyone regardless of what may define us as individuals.
COLLECTIVE TEAM PLAYER
I am an active team player who thrives within an environment that encourages and supports individual and group collaboration in working towards finding positive solutions. "The way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first." - Iyanla Vanzant