Ava Lam
Social Worker
Doncaster East
Summary
A compassionate Social Worker with eligibility for AASW membership, 15 years of experience in individual and group counselling and trauma informed intervention, experienced in conducting group therapy to different age groups and diverse background.
(Visa Holder Subclass 485 With Full Working Right In Australia)
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Resilience Services Consultant at Goldman Sachs
Contract Through Optum
Melbourne, Victoria
09.2017 - Current
- Provided in-person and virtually counselling to employees across Asia Pacific Region, managed approximately 6 cases per day
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Coordinated referrals between agencies to ensure seamless transitions for clients receiving multiple services.
- Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each clients' background and experiences.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress situations.
- Enhanced client emotional well-being by conducting individual and group therapy sessions.
Temporary Art Therapy Assistant
Art to Heart
07.2024 - 12.2024
- Coordinated with school staff to provide art therapy services for students experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges at school settings.
- Facilitated primary school peer support groups consists of 5-7 members per group that empowered students to share their experiences and learn from each other's creative processes.
- Responded to challenging behavior in classrooms to ensure smooth running of the group
- Maintained thorough and confidential records of therapeutic sessions and observations.
Online Grief Counsellor/Psychotherapist
Hub and Spokes International Ltd.
05.2022 - 12.2023
- Provided short/mid-term bereavement counselling to clients
- Streamlined intake process to ensure more efficient and welcoming first visit for patients.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals in coordinating care for clients with co-occurring mental health and physical health concerns, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.
- Utilized teletherapy platforms to extend services to remote or immobile patients, broadening clinic's reach.
- Utilized mindfulness techniques during sessions to help clients develop greater self-awareness and coping skills for managing stressors.
Social Worker
Hong Kong Christian Service
Hong Kong
04.2011 - 08.2023
- Visited 40 elderly at risk – “hidden elders” and provide counselling per fornight
- Connected elderly at risk with social resources
- Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
- Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics, providing guidance on effective communication strategies and conflict resolution techniques.
- Internal-audit quality assurance committee across HKCS
Project Art Therapist
Sovereign Arts Foundation
01.2022 - 04.2023
- Facilitated group therapy for adult and children
- Provided workshop to the general public
- Managed volunteers
- Assessed needs of each student and developed art therapy interventions to meet needs.
- Enhanced patient well-being by designing and implementing individualized art therapy interventions.
Medical Social Worker
Queen Mary Hospital
01.2017 - 03.2019
- Provided assessment and design treatment plan for outpatients
- Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments for discharge planning
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary medical professionals to advocate for the unique psychosocial needs of each patient within a holistic care approach.
Senior EAP Consultant
Hong Kong Christian Service
08.2012 - 03.2017
- Provided clinical supervision to hotline counsellors
- Overview the provision of intake and assessment for counselling services
- Facilitated wellness seminars to employees
- Provided management consultation to HR professions for ad hoc incidents
- Conducted crisis management intervention for cooperates
Education
Master of Social Work -
The University of Hong Kong
09.2006 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Arts(Hons) - Double Major in Psychology and American Studies
The University of Hong Kong
09.2001 - 12.2004
Certificate in Person-Centred Expressive Arts Therapy -
The University of Hong Kong
01.2012 - 01.2014
Skills
- Group Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Trauma-informed Somatic Experiencing Therapy
- Proficient in computer literacy: Microsoft Office, Canva, Photoshop, Theranest
- Mental Health First Aid Certificate
- Able to work independently
- Travelling, Photography
Certification
The Hong Kong Social Worker Registration Board: Registered Social Worker
Timeline
Temporary Art Therapy Assistant
Art to Heart
07.2024 - 12.2024
Online Grief Counsellor/Psychotherapist
Hub and Spokes International Ltd.
05.2022 - 12.2023
Project Art Therapist
Sovereign Arts Foundation
01.2022 - 04.2023
Resilience Services Consultant at Goldman Sachs
Contract Through Optum
09.2017 - Current
Medical Social Worker
Queen Mary Hospital
01.2017 - 03.2019
Senior EAP Consultant
Hong Kong Christian Service
08.2012 - 03.2017
Certificate in Person-Centred Expressive Arts Therapy -
The University of Hong Kong
01.2012 - 01.2014
Social Worker
Hong Kong Christian Service
04.2011 - 08.2023
Master of Social Work -
The University of Hong Kong
09.2006 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Arts(Hons) - Double Major in Psychology and American Studies
The University of Hong Kong
09.2001 - 12.2004
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