Alex Zhao
MELBOURNEM,VIC
Summary
A Master of Social Work graduate from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Psychology Science from Monash University. I bring strong academic training and practical experience working with children, families, and culturally diverse communities. My professional interest lies in culturally responsive practice, aged care, and child wellbeing. With over 1,000 hours of supervised field placement in school and community settings, I have demonstrated my ability to engage clients effectively, conduct comprehensive assessments, and collaborate with service providers to achieve positive outcomes. As a multilingual practitioner with lived cross-cultural experience, I bring a strong capacity to support Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) clients with empathy and advocacy. My career goal is to contribute meaningfully to inclusive and equitable service delivery in Australia’s community and human services sector.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Placement 1
Challa Gardens Primary School (500 Hours)
07.2023 - 12.2023
- Developed and led group sessions promoting inclusion through culturally diverse play and storytelling activities.
- Collaborated with teachers and wellbeing staff to identify barriers to participation and support re-engagement with learning.
- Successfully established rapport with children from diverse backgrounds.
- Applied trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches in a school setting.
- Created a safe space for students experiencing crises by providing immediate support and appropriate referrals.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop intervention strategies for students in need of additional support.
Placement 2
Chinese Welfare Services of South Australia (500H)
07.2024 - 12.2024
- Conducted in-depth research and practical navigation of the My Aged Care system, assisting older Chinese-speaking clients with service access.
- Completed training in the Carer SA “Outcome Star” framework and conducted follow-up assessments with carers via telephone and online platforms.
- Provided individualised support for clients in complex situations, including assistance with legal aid referrals, Age Pension and Special Benefit applications, and Housing SA applications.
- Demonstrated capacity to conduct needs assessments, maintain client confidentiality, and work within ethical and legal boundaries.
- Strengthened understanding of CALD ageing populations and barriers to service access.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Flinders University
Adelaide, SA01-2025
Bachelor of Psychological Science - Psychology
Monash University
Clayton, VIC12-2022
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude, and problem - solving skills
- Case management and client advocacy
- Knowledge of My Aged Care, Centrelink, and public housing systems
- Cultural responsiveness and multilingual communication (Mandarin/English)
- Group facilitation in school and community settings
- Use of assessment tools including Outcome Star
- Understanding of child development and trauma-informed practice
- Experience working with CALD communities and ageing populations
- Strong written documentation and professional communication skills
- Familiarity with the AASW Code of Ethics and practice standards
Languages
English
Full Professional
Chinese
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Placement 2
Chinese Welfare Services of South Australia (500H)
07.2024 - 12.2024
Placement 1
Challa Gardens Primary School (500 Hours)
07.2023 - 12.2023
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Flinders University
Bachelor of Psychological Science - Psychology
Monash University
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