Belinda Atherton
Marrickville,NSW
Summary
Dedicated professional with 29 years experience in law enforcement, complemented by a strong commitment to community service as a Local Area Coordinator for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Proven ability to build relationships, assess needs, and implement tailored support plans for individuals with disabilities. Leveraging extensive experience in crisis management, problem solving, and effective communication to facilitate access to services to enhance the quality of life for participants. Passionate about promoting inclusivity and advocating for the rights of individuals within the community.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Local Area Coordinator
Settlement Services International (Contract)
01.2024 - Current
- Conducted thorough assessments to determine eligibility for services or additional supports as required by each individual's circumstances.
- Implemented NDIS plans for individuals, addressing their specific needs and goals.
- Promoted a person-centred approach to service provision, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their lives.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions and service provision, ensuring compliance with audit requirements.
- Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely follow-ups and accurate documentation of progress.
- Established positive working relationships with families, carers, and other support networks to ensure holistic care provision.
- Selected to work in first Access Pilot Team
- Competent in PACE
Case Officer - Internal Witness Support Unit
NSW Police Force
07.2019 - 04.2021
- Case officer for police victims and witnesses of criminal offences or departmental investigations
- Letter of recognition of Excellence, support provided to internal witness during investigation, from A/Assistant Commissioner
- Relieved as Acting Senior Sergeant, allowed for upskill in coordinators role, accepted incoming jobs, allocating and monitoring case officers workloads and liaised with police stations
- Liaised regularly with internal and external stakeholders. Granted permission by Commissioner of Law Enforcement Conduct Commission to support police victim during court hearing of police officer
- Regularly met with internal witnesses in person in different locations statewide, particularly those struggling with stress due to being part of investigation processes. This interaction allowed them to feel listened to, supported and more confident in their workplace and personal life
- Maintained high level of officer confidentiality
- Qualified as Peer Support Officer
Management Support Consultant
NSW Police Force
07.2016 - 11.2019
- Drafted and prepared performance and conduct plans for police
- Led, coordinated and reported on workplace reviews. Being a detective, allocated to Commands with internal issues in specialist area, to build rapport with officers in confidential and safe environments
- Subject matter expert on internal grievances and departmental management performance and conduct plans. Progressed to delivering presentations statewide, requested by Commands to deliver these presentations due to knowledge and assisted in drafting and completing updated presentations
- Offered assistance in implementing and developing training programs for Commands, in particular for Internal Grievances
- Responded to customer inquiries and provided technical assistance over phone and in person
- Prepared agendas and took notes at meetings to archive
Team Leader - Sergeant
NSW Police Force
01.2012 - 07.2016
- Monitored team performance through monthly case reviews and provided constructive feedback face to face to increase productivity and maintain quality
- Supervised team members to confirm compliance with set policies, in particular domestic violence incidents
- Managed and led multi-agency responses to significant incidences
- Promoted high standards through personal example to help each member understand expected behaviours and standards
- Mentored and guided team members to foster proper completion of assigned duties
- Communicated KPIs outlined in performance reviews to inform team members of expectations
- During case reviews, ensured team members were up to date with mandatory online and face to face training and organised training if required
- Custody Manager - in charge of prisoners welfare and bail determinations
Child Protection Investigator
NSW Police Force
07.2007 - 01.2012
- Joint investigation response team criminal investigator, involving children who were victims of physical, sexual and neglect offences
- Relieved as Detective Sergeant, gaining experience and knowledge to conduct in-depth assessments and case allocation to team members and determined if children were safe from harm and abuse at home in collaboration with FACS Manager. Relieving in this role gained valuable knowledge in operations of FACS managers and caseworkers and their joint operations with NSW Police Force
- Awarded State Crime Command 'Excellence Award' for child abuse investigations, nominated by NSW Police Force and selected by Rotary International Holroyd and Macquarie Bank
- Interviewed children, members of families, medical personnel and law enforcement to gather evidence
- Interviewed children aged 0-18 years of age with range of ethnicities, vulnerabilities and disabilities
- Led and coordinated Strike Force Investigations for major crimes committed upon children which led to arrest of offenders and successful court findings
- Created and delivered presentations to internal and external stakeholders, to provide them with information about joint investigation response with FACS. Built rapport with local services, assisting team members during their investigations
- Assisted child victims/witnesses and families during criminal court proceedings. Attended case conferences with them, introducing them to DPP solicitors and showing them where evidence would be given in court rooms, reassuring them safe space
- Conducted case reviews, training and confidential support for team members. Assisted team members in job applications and gaining promotions. When new team members began, would always offer to mentor them
Education
Diploma - Human Resources Management
TAFE NSW
Liverpool, NSW09.2018
Advanced Diploma - Leadership And Management
TAFE NSW
Liverpool, NSW12.2016
Certificate IV - Training And Assessment - Make A Presentation
NSW Police Force
08.2016
Diploma - Business Management
TAFE NSW
Liverpool, NSW05.2013
Advanced Diploma - Public Safety (Police Investigations)
NSW Vocational Education & Training
03.2010
Diploma - Diploma of Policing
Charles Sturt University
05.1998
Skills
- Time Management
- Interpersonal and Written Communication
- Case Information Confidentiality
- Community Resources
- KPI Management
- Case Conferences
- Case Management
- Conflict Coaching
- Customer Service
- Case Investigation
Certification
Commissioner of Police - Emergency Commendation
National Police Service Medal
National Medal
State Crime Command Excellence Award - Child Abuse Investigations - NSW Police, Rotary International Holroyd and Macquarie Bank
Peer Support Officer Program - NSW Police Force
Designated Detective - NSW Police Force
Investigation and Management of Adult Sexual Assault - NSW Police Force
Joint Investigation Interview of Children - NSW Police Force
Investigators Course - NSW Police Office
Specialist Youth Officer - NSW Police Force
Conflict Coaching - NSW Police Force
Investigation of Domestic Violence Workshop - NSW Police Force
Mental Health Workshop - NSW Police Force
Respectful and Inclusive Workplaces workshop - NSW Police Force
Class C Drivers Licence (NSW)
Additional Information
Referees to be supplied upon request
Timeline
Local Area Coordinator
Settlement Services International (Contract)
01.2024 - Current
Case Officer - Internal Witness Support Unit
NSW Police Force
07.2019 - 04.2021
Management Support Consultant
NSW Police Force
07.2016 - 11.2019
Team Leader - Sergeant
NSW Police Force
01.2012 - 07.2016
Child Protection Investigator
NSW Police Force
07.2007 - 01.2012
Diploma - Diploma of Policing
Charles Sturt University
Commissioner of Police - Emergency Commendation
National Police Service Medal
National Medal
State Crime Command Excellence Award - Child Abuse Investigations - NSW Police, Rotary International Holroyd and Macquarie Bank
Peer Support Officer Program - NSW Police Force
Designated Detective - NSW Police Force
Investigation and Management of Adult Sexual Assault - NSW Police Force
Joint Investigation Interview of Children - NSW Police Force
Investigators Course - NSW Police Office
Specialist Youth Officer - NSW Police Force
Conflict Coaching - NSW Police Force
Investigation of Domestic Violence Workshop - NSW Police Force
Mental Health Workshop - NSW Police Force
Respectful and Inclusive Workplaces workshop - NSW Police Force
Class C Drivers Licence (NSW)
Diploma - Human Resources Management
TAFE NSW
Advanced Diploma - Leadership And Management
TAFE NSW
Certificate IV - Training And Assessment - Make A Presentation
NSW Police Force
Diploma - Business Management
TAFE NSW
Advanced Diploma - Public Safety (Police Investigations)
NSW Vocational Education & Training
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