Sofia Yu
Bristol
Summary
Expert in volunteer coordination, risk management, and client support - Skilled in workshop design, social media strategy, and visual storytelling - Proven in leading multi-agency collaborations and driving community engagement - Experienced in project management from conception to delivery - Practises person-centred and trauma-informed approaches in all client interactions
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Customer Engagement Coordinator
Brighter Places
Bristol
07.2025 - 12.2025
- Organize and lead resident meetings, panels, and focus groups - Implement community engagement strategies to boost participation - Plan and manage community events with partner organizations - Serve as liaison between residents and internal teams - Support tenants in shaping housing policies and services - Apply person-centred and trauma-informed approaches in engagement activities
Charity Operations and Volunteer Manager
The Bristol Soup Run Trust
Bristol
10.2024 - 07.2025
- Recruited, trained, and supervised volunteers and team leaders - Designed onboarding and safeguarding training programs - Managed stock, logistics, and event representation - Led teams delivering hot soup, snacks, toiletries, and sleeping bags to homeless individuals - Collaborated with local charities and daytime services to coordinate support for people experiencing homelessness - Managed social media to increase visibility and engagement - Built partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders - Applied person-centred and trauma-informed approaches in volunteer support and client interaction
Director / Arts Facilitator
Real Photography Company
Bristol
04.2024 - 04.2025
- Designed and delivered inclusive photography workshops - Secured funding and partnerships for creative initiatives - Produced multimedia content for public outreach - Mentored participants to foster creative expression - Embedded person-centred and trauma-informed principles in workshop facilitation
Modern Slavery Caseworker
Unseen
Bristol
07.2022 - 08.2024
- Conducted risk assessments and developed client support plans - Coordinated advocacy, welfare, and multi-agency meetings - Collaborated with Bristol City Council, immigration & housing solicitors, Adult Safeguarding Team, and Avon & Somerset Police - Managed safeguarding referrals, welfare visits, and crisis interventions - Implemented wellbeing initiatives including the Wellbeing Café - Assisted clients with advocacy, rights-based support - Practised person-centred and trauma-informed approaches in casework
Supported Housing Officer
Julian House
Bristol
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Provided person-centred support to individuals in supported accommodation - Conducted needs and risk assessments to create personalised support plans - Coordinated with housing, health, and voluntary agencies - Maintained client records and assisted with benefits and services - Applied trauma-informed approaches to housing support
Welfare Rights Adviser
Citizens Advice Leeds
Leeds
01.2019 - 09.2021
- Advised on benefits, housing, immigration (Level 1), and consumer issues - Assisted clients in person, via telephone, and webchat - Managed some casework and drafted letters to MPs on behalf of clients - Conducted research and contributed to campaigns - Provided person-centred and trauma-informed support
Education
L3 Diploma - Counselling Skills
City of Bristol College
Bristol 09.2024 - 06.2025
MPhil/PhD - Visual Anthropology
Goldsmiths University of London
London 09.2020 - 06.2022
Doctor of Philosophy - Media Production TV Documentary Production
University of Salford
Manchester 10.2020 - 06.2022
BA - Photography
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds 09.2010 - 06.2014
Skills
- Volunteer Coordination & Leadership - Safeguarding & Risk Management - Client Advocacy & Support - Workshop Design & Facilitation - Project & Grant Management - Multi-agency Collaboration - Social Media & Communications - Person-centred & Trauma-informed Approaches - Welfare, Housing, Immigration & Benefits Advice
Certification
- Advanced Safeguarding Adults, High Speed Training (2025)
- First Aid Training (2025)
- Advanced Facilitation Skills, Talk Action (2025)
- Community Engagement Training, Talk Action (2025)
- Preparing for OISC Assessment – Level 1 (2002)
Timeline
Customer Engagement Coordinator
Brighter Places
07.2025 - 12.2025
Charity Operations and Volunteer Manager
The Bristol Soup Run Trust
10.2024 - 07.2025
L3 Diploma - Counselling Skills
City of Bristol College
09.2024 - 06.2025
Director / Arts Facilitator
Real Photography Company
04.2024 - 04.2025
Modern Slavery Caseworker
Unseen
07.2022 - 08.2024
Supported Housing Officer
Julian House
09.2021 - 06.2022
Doctor of Philosophy - Media Production TV Documentary Production
University of Salford
10.2020 - 06.2022
MPhil/PhD - Visual Anthropology
Goldsmiths University of London
09.2020 - 06.2022
Welfare Rights Adviser
Citizens Advice Leeds
01.2019 - 09.2021
BA - Photography
Leeds Beckett University
09.2010 - 06.2014