Bernadette Wright
Brisbane
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Service Manager
Peggy’s Place
11.2023 - Current
- Managed the day-to-day operations of direct service delivery, including program oversight, counselling framework development, and case management, while steering the strategic direction and evaluation processes
- Managed stakeholder engagement and developed strategies to strengthen relationships and ensure the success of service delivery programs
- Conducted data analysis for monthly reports, presenting findings and recommendations to the CEO and board to guide decision-making
- Developed and managed internal communication channels to ensure clarity, consistency, and effectiveness in information flow across teams to support program coverage and continuity, ensuring timely and effective service delivery and crisis response through strategic staffing management
- Designed and implemented a trauma-informed intake process, prioritising safety, minimising risk, and preventing retraumatisation for women and children transitioning into refuge
- Contributed to the ongoing development and review of organisational policies, procedures, and protocols to improve service outcomes
- Monitored service demand and trends, adjusting organizational strategies to meet evolving community needs and expectations
- Developed a comprehensive training portfolio for internal staff to ensure effective service delivery and compliance
- Developed client-centered case plan procedures and process, setting clear goals and timelines to support residents’ progression and well-being, ensuring the confidentiality, safety, rights, and dignity of women and children, maintaining strict adherence to ethical and legal standards
- Provided staff support, training and development, conducting performance appraisals and identifying growth opportunities to enhance team effectiveness, accountability and culture to provide holistic support, ensuring safety and progress toward case plan goals
- Assisted staff with service delivery during high-demand periods, ensuring continuity and quality of care
Team Leader
The Centre for Women & Co.
03.2023 - 11.2024
- Led a diverse team including Assessment & Response Case Workers, Intake Case Workers, and Court Support, ensuring high-quality service delivery to women and children affected by DFV
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Strengthened relationships with key agencies such as Queensland Police, Child Safety, Youth Justice, and Centrelink to ensure safety, mitigate risk, and create effective referral pathways for clients
- Facilitated bi-monthly Integrated Service Response (ISR) meetings, promoting DFV awareness and building collaborative networks to improve outcomes for women and children in Redlands
- Managed team development, setting and monitoring performance goals while maintaining a supportive and inclusive team culture
- Authored reports to drive strategic outcomes, ensuring service delivery aligns with best practices and funding requirements
- Provided direct support to women and children experiencing DFV, including developing safety plans and securing emergency accommodation
High Risk Team Coordinator/Chair
Micah Projects
01.2021 - 03.2023
- Chaired weekly High-Risk Team meetings to enhance agency accountability and provide coordinated responses to prevent harm or death to victims of DFV
- Assessed complex needs of victim-survivors and children, including mental health, substance misuse, and disabilities, and connected them to appropriate services for a holistic support approach
- Led information-sharing forums with government and not-for-profit agencies, conducting risk assessments and safety planning to ensure timely and informed responses
- Worked with culturally appropriate services to support CALD and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children, ensuring their cultural needs and self-determination were respected
- Ensured compliance with policies and reporting standards for government stakeholders including the Office for Women and Violence Prevention
- Brisbane Domestic Violence Service
Women’s Advocate, Men’s Domestic Violence Offender Programs
Micah Projects
11.2018 - 01.2021
- Provided support and advocacy for victim-survivors and children impacted by DFV, collaborating with agencies such as Queensland Corrections, Child Safety, and Queensland Police to ensure safety and accountability for offenders
- Conducted comprehensive safety and risk assessments, facilitated referrals, and worked within the Integrated Service Response (ISR) to ensure effective communication and increased safety for survivors
- Assisted in the completion of Domestic Violence Order (DVO) and Victim Assist Queensland (VAQ) applications and provided psychoeducation to victims and offenders
- Partnered with housing and community agencies to support victim-survivors with complex needs in securing safe accommodation
Embedded Worker VPU North
Brisbane Domestic Violence Service/Micah Projects
06.2018 - 11.2018
- Collaborated with QPS officers to increase safety for victim-survivors of DFV, evaluating case outcomes and providing psychoeducation to improve outcomes for women and children
- Conducted safety and risk assessments, supported security upgrades, and coordinated referrals to appropriate agencies to ensure victim-survivors' safety and well-being
- Analyzed unintended consequences of information sharing to ensure the best outcomes for victims and accountability for persons using violence
Safer Lives Mobile Service
Micah Projects
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Responded to DFV referrals from DV Connect, police, hospitals, and domestic violence centers, providing immediate crisis support and safety planning for survivors
- Assisted with risk assessments, referrals, safety upgrades, and engagement with key service partners to provide immediate and effective assistance to women and children in crisis
Tutor
ACTE (Evocca) Training College
07.2015 - 01.2017
- Delivered education and training in the Diploma of Counselling (CHC51712), including conducting student assessments to ensure competency in counselling practices
Counsellour
Men’s Information & Support Association
03.2014 - 01.2017
- Provided counselling services to men referred for issues including anger management, mental health, relationship breakdowns, and DFV, aiming to reduce recidivism and promote healthier behaviours
Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
11.2014 - 01.2015
- Delivered distance education and training to counseling students, specializing in areas including Grief, Counseling Processes, Diversity, and Family & Couple Therapy
Education
Professional Supervisor -
01.2016
Bachelor of Counselling -
01.2014
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Conflict resolution
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Risk management
- Coaching, training and mentoring
- Customer service management
- Operational efficiency, planning and priotisation
- Relationship building
- Culture development
Affiliations
- ACA, 2010
- College of Professional Supervisors – ACA, 2016
Training
- Complete a minimum of 25 hours of Professional Development per year, 10 hours per year of Professional Supervision per year, Safe & Together Training, Cultural Awareness & Response Training, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Training, Emergency Response Training, Suicide Prevention Training, Westnet Training
Timeline
Service Manager
Peggy’s Place
11.2023 - Current
Team Leader
The Centre for Women & Co.
03.2023 - 11.2024
High Risk Team Coordinator/Chair
Micah Projects
01.2021 - 03.2023
Women’s Advocate, Men’s Domestic Violence Offender Programs
Micah Projects
11.2018 - 01.2021
Embedded Worker VPU North
Brisbane Domestic Violence Service/Micah Projects
06.2018 - 11.2018
Safer Lives Mobile Service
Micah Projects
08.2017 - 06.2018
Tutor
ACTE (Evocca) Training College
07.2015 - 01.2017
Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
11.2014 - 01.2015
Counsellour
Men’s Information & Support Association
03.2014 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Counselling -
Professional Supervisor -
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