ALICE DEWERA
Sydney,NSW
Summary
Compassionate social worker highly skilled in responding to needs of children and families regarding reports of child neglect and abuse. Strong communicator with in-depth knowledge of child protection legislation at both state and federal levels. Caring professional prepared to deliver case management and client advocacy to help others achieve progress toward goals and meet specific needs. Comfortable working with clients of all social, economic and cultural backgrounds.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Protection Social Worker
Department Of Communities And Justice
08.2018 - Current
- Assessed alleged abuse, neglect, and abandonment of children to determine abusive or unsafe conditions using Structured Decision-Making Tools
- Reviewed existing case records for available information to formulate plans of treatment and develop short- and long-term goals
- Facilitated supportive services and counselling for family members to address child protection concerns
- Investigated home conditions to protect children from harmful environmental areas
- Assisted families in navigating government agencies and accessing entitlement benefits
- Investigated alleged abuse, neglect and abandonment of children to determine abusive or unsafe conditions.
- Reviewed existing case records for available information to formulate plans of treatment and develop short- and long-term goals.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Provided culturally sensitive support to diverse client populations while respecting unique family structures and values.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide well-rounded support for children and their families.
- Participated actively in continuing education opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices in child welfare.
- Increased parent engagement through consistent communication strategies that built trust while working together toward shared goals.
- Advocated for children''s best interests during team meetings, contributing valuable insights based on direct interactions with clients.
Social Work Lecturer
Excelsia College
02.2024 - Current
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Social Work Intern
Family And Community Services
07.2017 - 11.2017
- Conducted risk assessments for children and young people in need of care and protection between 0 to 18 years to determine level of intervention needed
- Worked collaboratively with other NSW agencies, NGOs, and families to plan, coordinate, and negotiate services for clients and implement effective case plans
- Aided families in obtaining needed resources such as subsidized housing, grocery vouchers sponsored by FACS and communicating with Centrelink to get payments processed
- Prepared court documents for Children’s Court, gathering all supporting evidence and providing information to families about court procedures and their rights as parents fighting custody
- Completed home wellness checks under a licensed social worker’s supervision to verify client well-being in healthy and stable environment.
- Advocated for foster children by facilitating access to community resources and services to maximize safety and well-being of child.
- Offered employment counseling and provided referrals to community outreach programs to help clients gain independence.
- Attended over 60 hours of meetings, conferences and training courses to advance professional knowledge of social work
- Secured housing, medical care and employment for clients by collaborating with various community agencies.
Social Work Intern
STARTTS: Refugee Support Services
08.2016 - 12.2016
- Facilitated treatment groups and therapeutic activities to teach functional living skills and address behavioural issues in children as a result of trauma
- Kept abreast of new and developing information in the torture and trauma mental health field by regularly attending professional conferences and workshops
- Connected clients with community service and resource agencies
- Offered employment counselling and provided referrals to community outreach programs to help young people independence.
- Conducted community workshops to promote different programs and educate public on available services.
- Coordinated individual referrals to obtain community services, advocated for client needs and resolved roadblocks.
- Kept accurate records for client files and handled related paperwork.
Human Resources Officer
African Sun Limited
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Eliminated discrepancies in financial reporting and record keeping through accurate preparation and management of monthly budgets
- Performed various administrative tasks including recruitment, selection & retention - managing talent and succession planning
- Responsible for monitoring and managing absence, disciplinary, grievances, sickness etc
- Reviewed job applications to identify, vet and recommend optimal candidates
- Enhanced team workflows and employee job satisfaction by coordinating communication between managers and employees.
- Pre-screened resumes prior to sending to corporate hiring managers for consideration.
- Developed disaster and recovery strategy to prepare company for hazardous weather conditions, nuclear accidents and terrorist attacks.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Australian Catholic University
Bachelor of Science - Sociology and Psychology
Africa University
Skills
- Individual and family counseling
- Excellent Communication
- Call centre operations
- Risk assessment and management
- Treatment plan development
- Case planning and management
- Crisis Intervention techniques
- Positive Reinforcement Methods
- Service Management
- Mental Health Disorders Knowledge
Additional Information
- AASW Membership
- Working with Children Check
- Senior First Aid with CPR
- Current NSW Drivers License
Timeline
Social Work Lecturer
Excelsia College
02.2024 - Current
Child Protection Social Worker
Department Of Communities And Justice
08.2018 - Current
Social Work Intern
Family And Community Services
07.2017 - 11.2017
Social Work Intern
STARTTS: Refugee Support Services
08.2016 - 12.2016
Human Resources Officer
African Sun Limited
01.2014 - 12.2014
Master of Science - Social Work
Australian Catholic University
Bachelor of Science - Sociology and Psychology
Africa University
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