Rebekah Southwell

• Enhanced quality of care for clients by providing personalized support and assistance with daily living activities.
• Improved client satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and implementing feedback in timely manner.
• Established trusting relationships with clients and their families through empathetic communication and active listening.
• Developed strong rapport with clients by consistently demonstrating respect, understanding, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
• Contributed to the development of agency policies and procedures aimed at improving overall service delivery standards for all clients served.
• Adapted quickly to changing work environments while maintaining high levels of productivity and professionalism under pressure.
• Helped clients manage and reach individual goals, supporting independent progression and social skills.
• Transported clients to appointments, shopping venues and entertainment events.
• Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.

- Conducted home visits in adherence to established protocols and organizational policies.
- Provided support in grant writing activities, contributing to successful funding applications.
- Conducted Emergency Assistance Program (EAPA) assessments, offering material support to clients in crisis.
- Directed client support through drop-in casework, overseeing tasks and activities.
- Delegated responsibilities to volunteers for the Unity Kitchen program, including coordinating visiting services and research.
- Established and maintained rapport with various services such as real estate agents, Department of Community Services, and Link2Home to deliver holistic support.
- Worked with culturally diverse communities, effectively communicating with interpreters to ensure accurate information gathering from clients.
- Demonstrated effective communication with non-English speaking clients, incorporating non-verbal cues, body language, and adapting to diverse communication styles.
- Collaborated effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, providing assistance to clients while observing and learning from their knowledge and experience.
- Organized consultations and collected data to contribute to the development of the Unity Kitchen program.
- Valued and embraced feedback, remaining open to constructive criticism throughout various aspects of my work.
- Methodically documented decisions and the underlying rationale in the Illawarra Multicultural Services client database.
- Consistently expressed ethical considerations in both my placement journal and during supervision sessions.
- Established the AASW Code of Ethics as a foundational guide to inform my day-to-day practice, emphasizing its importance in decision-making.
- Actively engaged in self-reflection for personal and professional development through the maintenance of journals and participation in supervision sessions.
- Demonstrated accountability by acknowledging and taking responsibility for any mistakes made in the course of my duties.
- Recognized and understood the social work role within the organization, maintaining awareness of boundaries and discerning when assistance was not appropriate.
- Familiarized myself with local services to ensure individuals received comprehensive support beyond our organizational expertise.

- Conducted assessments to comprehensively understand strengths, needs, and challenges.
- Provided direct support through one-on-one recovery coaching at home, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals within their homes.
- Coordinated with services and agencies to deliver holistic support to the individual.
- Documented meetings through detailed case notes.
- Completed referrals to other services or specialists.
- Monitored decline in capacity and completed NDIS support letters in an attempt to increase participants' NDIS funding.
- Developed educational projects for participants.
- Gathered information on local services or specialists.
- Engaged with clients through building rapport, using active and inclusive communication, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Stayed informed about different disabilities, changing legislation, and best practices in disability services to provide ethical support while understanding the participants' unique challenges.
- Provided information to support coordinators and co-workers, e.g., Carers Gateway and play therapy.
- Engaged in critical reflection to enhance professional growth and understanding.
- Participated in advocacy meetings to gather information from potential participants not yet on an NDIS plan, reducing barriers to accessing diverse supports and services.
- Punctually attended the placement site, with proactive communication regarding any issues.
- Adhered to the dress code as stipulated by the Work Health and Safety policy and procedures of RLA.
- Respected confidentiality and privacy by handling clients' information in a legal and ethical manner.

• Worked 1:1 or 2:1 with individuals with disabilities exhibiting low to medium risk of challenging behaviors in their homes and the community.
• Completed overnight shifts in clients' homes, ensuring their well-being and safety.
• Attended to personal care needs of customers, providing assistance with toileting, showering, and dressing.
• Managed unpredictable physical interactions from customers, implementing strategies to ensure a safe environment.
• Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to changes in plans and decisions made by customers.
• Read and understood positive behaviour support strategies for effectively managing customer behaviours.
• Paid meticulous attention to details while administering medications.
• Worked collaboratively in a team environment, communicating professionally and effectively with colleagues.
• Attended support and supervision meetings to enhance professional development and ensure adherence to best practices.

• Gathered cultural, educational, and demographic data about the community to inform the development of local programs.
• Drafted promotional materials, including business cards, flyers, and posters, for publication at Shopfront.
• Represented Shopfront at community and professional organizational meetings, including those for Youth Week.
• Developed innovative programs and activities with the outreach coordinator based on the analysis of community needs and interests.
• Communicated with individuals of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds on a daily basis, contributing to a program addressing diversity in the St George area.
• Collaborated closely with organizations, individual businesses, and government agencies to cultivate a welcoming environment for specific groups within our programs.
• Initiated phone calls to schools to set up programs.
• Connected with young people experiencing mental illnesses, intellectual and physical disabilities, and school-related challenges.
• Facilitated discussions with young people about their future and assisted them in setting goals.

• Conducted community outreach in the Sutherland Shire, engaging with young people to discuss issues affecting their wellbeing, including alcohol, drug use, and safe sex, utilizing a provided survey.
• Participated in three training days, each focused on alcohol, drug use, and safe sex, where I explored potential consequences of unsafe practices. This training equipped me to share valuable information with young individuals, fostering an open and comfortable dialogue on these sensitive topics.
• Volunteered at Café Y Project Youth, engaging in conversations with young people about current events in their lives. Provided assistance and gained insights into café-related skills from the youth.