MELLONEY BROWN
Wolverhampton,West Midlands
Summary
Passionate, story-driven, imaginative and detail-orientated aspiring writer. Currently completing an MA in English Literature, and commencing a writing programme with Faber & Faber in 2021.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work history
Debt & Benefits Advisor
Citizens Advice Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2019.07 - 2020.08
- Conducted telephone and face to face interviews with clients to investigate circumstances, determine fraud and wrongdoing, and assess clients circumstances to provide clients with accurate advice; managing own diary; appointment setting; dealing with court, creditor and client correspondence.
- Provided clients with advice on social security benefits eligibility, and assistance with making claims. Successfully assisted more than 90% of clients with increase of income and decrease of expenditure.
Community Liaison Worker
Citizens Advice Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2018.09 - 2019.07
- Provided advice to residents in local community on social security benefits and other matters such as immigration, consumer, employee matters and debt.
- Assisted clients to make applications for benefits, with a median income increase of £280 a month.
- Referred and signposted clients on to other organisations for further assistance.
Bookseller
Waterstones
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2016.10 - 2018.07
- Supervised set up and supervision of author signing events within store.
- Developed positive customer relationships through friendly greetings, attention to detail, rapport building and excellent service.
- Assisted customers with queries, problems and complaints in person and via telephone, and made suggestions and recommendations to customers.
Customer Advisor
Argos - Sensee
Home based - Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2015.09 - 2016.10
- Virtual call centre operative outsourced to Argos and Homebase as operational support, handling customer enquiries and complaints, successfully resolving 96% of calls taken.
- Managed own time and met KPI targets covering customer service satisfaction, time spent handling each call and punctuality in call handling and commencing shifts.
- Gathered and verified customer information whilst adhering to DPA.
- Resolved service, pricing and technical issues for customers through information gathering and problem solving.
Volunteer Visitor Guide
Wolverhampton Art Gallery
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2015.02 - 2015.10
- Conducted gallery tours whilst ensuring adherence to gallery rules.
- Dealt with visitor queries concerning curated exhibitions and individual pieces of art with local historical connections.
- Manned exhibition spaces and assisted delivery of workshops led by resident and local artists.
Cafe Supervisor
P3
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2015.04 - 2015.08
- P3 Managed and consulted on implementation of 'Cafe with a Conscience' pilot scheme, involving set up of concept cafe with intention of raising awareness of homelessness, and developing its operational requirements to enable charity to role concept out nationwide through their existing 'Navigator' stores.
Company Director/Manager
Ashton Levi
Birmingham, West Midlands
2013.02 - 2014.11
- Ashton Levi Creation and implementation of a London style boutique coffee shop concept, from initial business concept creation to store design and shop fit-out. Voted best cafe in Birmingham, and ranked 2nd best eatery in Birmingham out of 1600 restaurants on TripAdvisor.
- Created and managed social media strategy, utilising social media channels.
- Organised, held and promoted regular literary events such as local author readings, signings and poetry slams.
Enterprise Coach
WNC
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
2011.10 - 2012.12
- Lead regional trainer. Created and delivered range of entrepreneurial soft skills workshops designed to increase confidence of attendees who were unemployed, or at risk of redundancy.
- Trained average of 12 participants per class, 3-4 days per week, whilst also working with individuals on one to one basis.
Education
LLB (Hons) - Law
University of Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton 07.2005
Skills
- Writing Skills: Non-fiction and creative writing skills gained through work experience as Debt Advisor, law degree, proof-reading and editing short courses through Proofreading Academy Story development skills gained through creative writing courses completed with Faber Academy and City Lit
- Excellent communication & analytical skills: Written and verbal communication skills gained from conducting interviewing, use of closed and open questions, conducting investigations and enquiries, delivering workshops, and acting as advocate in written correspondence and within court settings
- Organisational: Ability to organise own time and prioritise tasks
- Dynamic: Broad knowledge base of occupations and accompanying transferable skills
- Passionate about helping people to improve their career prospects
- Ability to work independently, and remotely, as well contributing and supporting team
- IT: Microsoft Office knowledge, Google Suite
Accomplishments
- October 2017.
- Created a hipster coffee bar concept from scratch and was voted the 'best cafe in brum' in a local paper in 2014, whilst also reaching the no.2 spot on Tripadvisor out of 1600 restaurants and cafe's in Birmingham in 2014.
- Suggested, designed and created a training programme for WNC allowing them to meet their KPI's for their EDF targets with a 63% increase in engagement with the scheme over a period of 8 months.
Timeline
Debt & Benefits Advisor
Citizens Advice Wolverhampton
2019.07 - 2020.08
Community Liaison Worker
Citizens Advice Wolverhampton
2018.09 - 2019.07
Bookseller
Waterstones
2016.10 - 2018.07
Customer Advisor
Argos - Sensee
2015.09 - 2016.10
Cafe Supervisor
P3
2015.04 - 2015.08
Volunteer Visitor Guide
Wolverhampton Art Gallery
2015.02 - 2015.10
Company Director/Manager
Ashton Levi
2013.02 - 2014.11
Enterprise Coach
WNC
2011.10 - 2012.12
LLB (Hons) - Law
University of Wolverhampton