Allison James
Caboolture South,QLD
Summary
Dynamic Special Needs Support professional with a proven track record in a Special School Environment, excelling in relationship building and curriculum facilitation. Expert in nonverbal communication, significantly enhancing learning outcomes for students with diverse needs through innovative strategies. Demonstrates exceptional behavioral management and social development support, effectively transforming challenges into achievements. Committed to fostering inclusive educational environments that empower all learners. Personable administrative professional dedicated to cultivating positive client, staff and management connections. Highly-developed communicator with outstanding skills in complex problem-solving and conflict resolution. Expertise in resource allocation and schedule management.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher’s Aide / HSA /Office Administrator
Caboolture Special School / Lee Street State Special School
Caboolture, QLD
01.2018 - Current
- Operate effectively in roles encompassing curriculum support, health and safety advising, front desk administration.
- Possess diverse skill set tailored for each role.
- Supported a broad spectrum of students possessing different disabilities and related needs.
- Modified curriculum in various ways for optimal student outcomes.
- Mastered strategies for applying diffusion methods to disengaged students.
- Developed advanced teaching methods for students with non-verbal communication needs.
- Proficient with multiple non-verbal communication strategies such as PODD, Auslan, PECS, and Makaton.
State Treasurer
Cherish Life Queensland
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Managed daily banking and financial operations for 15 branches in QLD.
- Streamlined payroll and BAS activities.
- Enhanced engagement through effective event management.
- Provided administrative support to a small office team.
- Ensured timely handling of all customer grievances.
- Delivered client counseling services via in-person meetings and phone calls.
- Assisted families in navigating critical prenatal health challenges.
Special Education Teacher’s Aide
Caboolture East State School
01.2011 - 12.2014
- Adjusted teaching strategies under supervision to reinforce educational goals.
- Provided tube feeding, medication, and personal care to enhance students' daily living activities and behavioral skills.
- Implemented physical therapy equipment as instructed, such as AFO's, Thera-Togs, Standing Frames, and Hoists.
- Managed manual handling tasks like aiding students in and out of wheelchairs.
- Coordinated with support personnel to help implement IEP goals.
- Supervised students across various school settings to ensure a safe learning environment.
- Supported initiatives aimed at fostering effective educational settings through positive behavior planning.
- Enhanced teacher's efficiency by managing clerical duties and developing visual aids through technology.
- Administered literacy assessments and numeracy support through various methods like small groups and individualized help for students with disabilities.
- Contributed to the revision of curriculum to ensure all students achieve their highest potential.
Renewals Consultant / New and Existing Claims Team Leader
Australian Insurance Holdings
07.2008 - 11.2010
- Delivered exceptional customer service and demonstrated advanced listening skills.
- Fostered strong client retention with effective and professional support.
- Complied with rigorous company and legislative guidelines established by the insurance industry.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing difficult client concerns.
- Demonstrated exceptional analytical abilities.
- Expertise in understanding the intricacies of multiple Car/Home & Contents insurance types.
- Filed new claims and assessed liability.
- Handled large volume of cases promptly and proficiently.
- Upgraded performance standards through rigorous training.
Store Manager, Customer Service Manager
IGA
07.2004 - 07.2008
- Oversaw procurement and inventory management for busy retail environment.
- Provided outstanding support to clientele.
- Maintained high standards of financial accuracy and safety.
- Coordinated shift schedules effectively.
- Oversaw ordering processes to maintain an appealing produce department in six locations.
- Consistently met strict deadlines.
- Maintained organized filing system for all communications.
- Rosters/Budgeting
- Directed the training and upkeep of more than 50 employees.
Duty Manager, Dairy / Produce Manager
Woolworths WA / Action Supermarkets WA & QLD
06.1998 - 07.2004
- Managed all store operations for evening trade.
- Ensured smooth functioning of store departments as floating manager.
- Supported different areas of the Fresh Foods Departments.
- Supervised more than 20 employees.
- Ensured precise inventory tracking through digital systems.
- Effectively managed time and shifts across multiple projects.
- Ensured accuracy in cash handling while upholding strict security measures.
- Directed all functions related to the handling of dispatched and received goods.
- Optimized display arrangements to boost product visibility.
- Resolved pricing issues and discrepancies.
- Maintained a friendly and professional demeanor while assisting customers.
- Accounting, Ticketing and Stocktakes
Practice Manager / Nurse
Bay Centre Medical Clinic / Buttery NSW
12.1994 - 12.1997
- Oversaw operations of a fast-paced medical office.
- Coordinated reception tasks and ensured smooth information exchange.
- Managed communications for various stakeholders.
- Ensured accuracy in payroll administration.
- Excelled in prioritizing tasks effectively.
- Excelled in managing tasks during urgent conditions.
- Executed fast and precise dictation services.
- Managed crisis situations efficiently, minimizing downtime and risk.
- Handled difficult patient interactions with strong conflict resolution methods.
- Managed front office customer service, appointment management, billing and administration tasks to streamline workflow.
- Managed filing of medical records and documents.
Education
TAFE Cert IV Workplace Health And Safety -
Simpatico Safety
06-2024
Health and Safety Advisor Course -
Supported by Dept of Education QLD
01.2021
Certificate IV in Education Support -
TAFE Queensland
QLD01.2019
Certificate III Education Support -
TAFE Queensland
QLD11-2012
Bachelor of Nursing Specializing in Child Mental Health -
Southern Cross University
NSW07-1997
Skills
- Special Needs Support
- Curriculum Facilitation
- Autism and spectrum disorders
- Behavioral plan management
- Nonverbal communication
- Transition planning
- Effective Classroom Management
- Social development support
- Relationship building skills
- Effective Behavior Management
- Strong Verbal and Written Skills
- Workload management
- Attention to detail
- Report Writing
- Office administration
- Event planning
- Client engagement
- Service coordination
- Peer support
- Accident investigation
- Hazard identification
- Workplace inspections
- Incident reporting
- Fire safety management
- Workplace Health Management
- First aid training
Hobbies and Interests
- Volunteer with an All-Abilities Sports Club on Sundays
- Mentor families to help navigate/obtain and ASD Diagnosis and support them after an ASD diagnosis within their family.
- Counsel Women in crisis and assist with their needs and that of their family.
- Assist families in navigating the NDIS processes
Professional References
- Ingrid Bello, Sector Leader, Lee Street State Special School, 0408 183 330
- Mary-Anne Pratt, Administration Manager, Lee Street State Special School, 0410 619 539
- Sally Winter, Teacher/Placement Mentor, Caboolture Special School, 0420 689 660
Certification
- Specialized Health Training in Midaz, EpiPen,Diabetes, Peg Feeding
- First Aid and CPR training
- Introduction to Auslan Certification
- Sue Larkey "Traffic Jam for the Brain" Certification
- Certificate in Environmentally Sustainable Practices
- Cert II Office Skills
- Jane Farrall Comprehensive Literacy Instruction for Students, Developmental Writing Instruction: Writing Assessment, Development, Teaching and Learning
- Sounds Write Practitioner Training
- NDIS Intensive Training Undertaken
- Child Mental Health Training Completed
Timeline
Special Education Teacher’s Aide / HSA /Office Administrator
Caboolture Special School / Lee Street State Special School
01.2018 - Current
State Treasurer
Cherish Life Queensland
01.2014 - 01.2016
Special Education Teacher’s Aide
Caboolture East State School
01.2011 - 12.2014
Renewals Consultant / New and Existing Claims Team Leader
Australian Insurance Holdings
07.2008 - 11.2010
Store Manager, Customer Service Manager
IGA
07.2004 - 07.2008
Duty Manager, Dairy / Produce Manager
Woolworths WA / Action Supermarkets WA & QLD
06.1998 - 07.2004
Practice Manager / Nurse
Bay Centre Medical Clinic / Buttery NSW
12.1994 - 12.1997
- Specialized Health Training in Midaz, EpiPen,Diabetes, Peg Feeding
- First Aid and CPR training
- Introduction to Auslan Certification
- Sue Larkey "Traffic Jam for the Brain" Certification
- Certificate in Environmentally Sustainable Practices
- Cert II Office Skills
- Jane Farrall Comprehensive Literacy Instruction for Students, Developmental Writing Instruction: Writing Assessment, Development, Teaching and Learning
- Sounds Write Practitioner Training
- NDIS Intensive Training Undertaken
- Child Mental Health Training Completed
TAFE Cert IV Workplace Health And Safety -
Simpatico Safety
Health and Safety Advisor Course -
Supported by Dept of Education QLD
Certificate IV in Education Support -
TAFE Queensland
Certificate III Education Support -
TAFE Queensland
Bachelor of Nursing Specializing in Child Mental Health -
Southern Cross University
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