Roxanne Howard- Allen
Cheltenham,Gloucestershire
Summary
I am a Criminology and Sociology graduate from the University of Gloucestershire with extensive frontline experience supporting vulnerable individuals facing complex needs, homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health challenges. I am deeply committed to creating positive, lasting change through trauma-informed, person-centred interventions. I thrive in multidisciplinary team environments, building trust with service users and navigating high-pressure situations with professionalism and empathy. I bring a strong ability to address complex social issues by combining analytical insight with practical, hands-on support, ensuring every intervention is tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Mental Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor
Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS)
Gloucester, Gloucestershire
09.2024 - 05.2025
- Provided intensive one-on-one support to high-risk domestic abuse victims facing complex mental health challenges.
- Responded promptly to multiple daily referrals from police and external mental health agencies.
- Delivered holistic, trauma-informed guidance tailored to individual needs.
- Established trust with victims to ensure they felt heard and supported throughout the process.
- Collaborated with Gloucestershire mental health teams to enhance GDASS visibility and inter-agency partnerships.
- Assisted victims in fleeing abusive situations through referrals to Places of Safety and housing support.
- Connected individuals to GDASS group work and ongoing support services.
- Advocated for clients at Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences to secure a coordinated safeguarding response.
- Trained in crisis intervention techniques to handle emergency situations effectively.
- Organised group therapy sessions for sharing experiences and recovery strategies.
Complex Needs Support Worker
The Nelson Trust
Gloucester, Gloucestershire
01.2024 - 09.2024
- Delivered trauma-informed outreach support to women in street sex work, addressing substance misuse and homelessness.
- Provided harm reduction advice and safety planning, facilitating access to housing and healthcare services.
- Established trusting relationships to promote engagement with advocacy and specialist support services.
- Collaborated with partner agencies to ensure coordinated safeguarding responses.
- Managed assessments for 28 clients, creating tailored support plans based on individual needs.
- Offered emotional support and practical assistance, enhancing client access to employment services.
- Developed effective communication strategies working with diverse backgrounds to improve client interactions.
- Enhanced customer service skills through direct client engagement and support.
Supervisor
Mowgli
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
09.2021 - 07.2023
- Managed front of house operations, resolving issues to ensure guest satisfaction.
- Supervised staff members, enhancing productivity and boosting team morale.
- Established positive relationships with guests and employees through effective communication.
- Optimised profit margins and developed sales forecasts for upcoming shifts.
- Conducted team briefings each shift to clarify roles and expectations.
Oversaw cash handling processes at shift end, utilising Excel for accuracy. - Gained extensive managerial knowledge and enhanced confidence through one year of supervision.
- Coordinated with other supervisors to maintain consistency across shifts.
- Encouraged open dialogue amongst team members, promoted an inclusive work environment.
Waitress
Agency RE Recruitment
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
03.2021 - 12.2021
- Managed Front of House operations at The Hollow Bottom, ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Oversaw service quality to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with senior management on special projects and duty coverage.
- Trained staff to enhance service delivery across various venues in Cheltenham and Winchcombe.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff for seamless table service during peak hours.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.
- Ensured smooth operation of the restaurant by delegating tasks effectively.
Waitress
Nandos
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
08.2015 - 09.2021
- Provided outstanding service to each customer, addressing concerns and answering questions.
- Contributed to operational improvements at Nando's over six years of service.
- Ensured adherence to important regulations for maintaining high compliance standards.
Facilitated positive patron interactions by upholding professionalism and courtesy. - Utilised professional communication skills to resolve customer complaints.
- Advanced team efficiency by assisting in training new waitstaff members.
- Showcased extensive knowledge of menu items, heightened customer decision making.
Retail Assistant
Scarramouch
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
05.2018 - 03.2021
- Supported till system and managed online social media for over one year.
- Increased online business by 60% through innovative engagement techniques.
- Served as retail assistant for over eight months, ensuring efficient customer transactions.
- Boosted sales through suggestive selling techniques.
- Supported team members for improved operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with store manager to identify fast-selling products and restock accordingly.
- Maintained clean shop floor, promoting a welcoming environment.
Education
GCSE -
Pittville Secondary School
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire 09.2015 - 09.2017
A-Levels -
Bournside Sixth Form
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire 09.2017 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Science - Criminology with Sociology
University of Gloucestershire
09.2019 - 09.2021
Skills
- Event planning
- Customer service
- Social media management
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Deadline orientation
- Team leadership
- Strategic innovation
- Outreach strategies
- Community engagement
Certification
- KUF (understanding complex needs)
- Mental health awareness
- Suicide prevention
- Safeguarding children and adults
- Neurodiversity
- Victim awareness
- Substance and alcohol misuse
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- First aid at work level 5
- Silver certificate for University of Gloucestershire Employability award
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Mental Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor
Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS)
09.2024 - 05.2025
Complex Needs Support Worker
The Nelson Trust
01.2024 - 09.2024
Supervisor
Mowgli
09.2021 - 07.2023
Waitress
Agency RE Recruitment
03.2021 - 12.2021
Bachelor of Science - Criminology with Sociology
University of Gloucestershire
09.2019 - 09.2021
Retail Assistant
Scarramouch
05.2018 - 03.2021
A-Levels -
Bournside Sixth Form
09.2017 - 09.2019
GCSE -
Pittville Secondary School
09.2015 - 09.2017
Waitress
Nandos
08.2015 - 09.2021
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