Shantel Simons
Pastoral Counsellor Cell: 061 508 9624
107 Franschhoek Lodge, 09 Mouille Point Drive, Stellendale Village, Kuilsriver, Cape Town ,Western Cape
Summary
I am a compassionate and empathetic professional with years of experience providing evidence-based counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. I understand that seeking help can be complex for many, and I am dedicated to making the process as comfortable and supportive as possible. I am committed to developing personalized treatment plans that cater to each client's unique needs, conducting thorough assessments, and documenting progress sensitively. My priority is to ensure my clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to take control of their mental health and well-being. Additionally, I am highly dependable and possess excellent organizational skills, allowing me to manage multiple priorities with a consistently positive attitude. I am always willing to go the extra mile to help my team achieve their goals and ensure our clients receive the best possible care.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Pastoral Counsellor
Self Employed Services
06.2015 - Current
- Strengthened interpersonal relationships within the community by facilitating group counseling sessions and promoting open communication.
- Demonstrated sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds, tailoring counseling approaches to respect unique spiritual traditions and practices.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of pastoral care initiatives through regular feedback from congregants to continually improve the quality of services provided.
- Cultivated a warm environment of trust that enabled individuals to share openly about their struggles during one-on-one counseling sessions or group discussions.
- Implemented effective outreach strategies to engage inactive members or those struggling with their faith journey through regular check-ins and invitations to special events or programs.
- Enhanced congregants'' well-being with empathetic listening, thoughtful responses, and tailored advice based on their unique needs.
- Recruited trained, supervised volunteers who served as lay ministers for different aspects of pastoral care within the congregation.
- Developed comprehensive pastoral care plans to address emotional, spiritual, and social challenges faced by individuals and families in the congregation.
- Provided spiritual guidance and support by conducting individual counseling sessions for various personal and emotional issues.
- Connected congregants in need of additional professional help with appropriate resources such as mental health professionals or community organizations.
- Served as a visible presence at church events to foster connections with congregants while actively seeking opportunities to provide care and support when needed.
- Maintained confidential records of counseling sessions while adhering to ethical guidelines set forth by professional organizations within the field of pastoral counseling.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
- Supervised meetings with family members to help create support system for clients.
- Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
- Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
Procurement Officer
University Of Cape Town
11.2007 - Current
- Contributed to company profitability by identifying innovative ways to cut costs without compromising essential business functions or stakeholder satisfaction levels.
- Reduced costs with meticulous supplier negotiation and strict adherence to budget constraints.
- Achieved cost savings by conducting thorough market research before initiating the purchasing process.
- Ensured compliance with organizational policies, legal requirements, and industry standards in all procurement activities.
- Improved supplier relationships through regular communication, timely payments, and transparent dealings.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to identify opportunities for improving efficiency in purchasing procedures.
- Optimized procurement processes by implementing streamlined strategies and efficient communication methods.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Honours - Theology
University Of The Western Cape
South Africa 02.2023 - 12.2023
Skills
Emotional Support
Spiritual Guidance
Family therapy
Multicultural Sensitivity
Anger Management
Personal Growth
Addiction Recovery
Trauma Healing
Empathy Development
Budgeting and finance
Sermon Preparation
Biblical Knowledge
Administrative tasks
Spiritual leadership
Support Group Facilitation
Substance Abuse Counseling
Referral Coordination
Group Counseling
Intervention Support
Excellent Communication
Learning disability awareness
Decision-Making
Multitasking Abilities
Time Management
Analytical Skills
Adaptability and Flexibility
Effective Communication
Early Developmental Trauma counseling
Administration and management
Relationship Building
Client Needs Assessment
Data Confidentiality
Organizational Skills
Multitasking
Active Listening
Written Communication
Individual Counseling
Self Motivation
Reliability
Time management abilities
Professionalism
Additional Information
Denomination: Baptist
Timeline
Bachelor of Arts Honours - Theology
University Of The Western Cape
02.2023 - 12.2023
Pastoral Counsellor
Self Employed Services
06.2015 - Current
Procurement Officer
University Of Cape Town
11.2007 - Current