Senior Contracts and Partnerships Officer with expertise in contract management and stakeholder engagement at the Department of Housing. Demonstrated success in resource optimization and delivering culturally competent services for First Nations communities. Skilled in team leadership and policy alignment to enhance service delivery and achieve collaborative solutions.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
A/Senior Contracts and Partnerships Officer
Department of Housing
04.2025 - Current
Oversee the management of complex housing and homelessness contracts, ensuring culturally appropriate service delivery for First Nations communities.
Build and maintain strong relationships with service providers, including those delivering programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Facilitate contract amendments and manage legal requests, ensuring alignment with government policy and Crown Law.
Provide leadership and guidance to the Contract Management team, ensuring culturally safe, and effective service delivery.
Represent the Department at regional homelessness forums, contributing to collaborative solutions.
Collaborated with various departments to enhance service delivery across programs.
Oversaw financial budgeting and fiscal management to optimize resources.
Negotiated contracts and agreements with vendors and partners.
Contracts and Partnerships Officer
Department of Housing
02.2025 - 04.2025
Assist with gathering information for refunding and new-funded programs.
Attending multi-departmental meetings to discuss joint funding and alignments.
Assessed provider operations for compliance with safety standards.
Set specific goals for projects to measure progress and evaluate end results.
Represent the Department at regional homelessness forums, advocating for First Nations' perspectives, and contributing to collaborative solutions.
Approve and review funding schedules.
RentConnect Officer
Department of Housing, Maroochydore
Maroochydore, Queensland
07.2023 - 02.2025
Supported families, including First Nations individuals, in emergency accommodation, and identified sustainable housing solutions tailored to their cultural needs.
Chaired place-based meetings with stakeholders from Health, Youth Justice, Education, and Child Safety.
Collaborated with real estate agents to secure private rentals and assess client eligibility for rental assistance products, with a focus on addressing barriers faced by clients.
Participated in disaster recovery efforts, including leading culturally sensitive responses alongside First Nations housing during Cyclone Jasper relief in 2024.
Coordinated community outreach programs to promote housing resources and support services.
Assisted in developing strategic initiatives for affordable housing solutions in the region.
Developed training materials for new staff on operational procedures and best practices.
Supported Independent Living (SIL) Case Manager
Youturn Youth Support Ltd
, Queensland
06.2020 - 07.2023
Managed clients with complex needs, including First Nations youth, providing culturally appropriate support to achieve transitional goals, such as employment, education, and post-care accommodation.
Facilitated referrals and collaborated with health services, allied professionals, and caregivers to deliver holistic support.
Prepared detailed reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring cultural considerations were integrated into case planning and service delivery.
Supported clients experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, and disabilities, using a trauma-informed, culturally safe approach.
Coordinated client assessments to identify needs and develop tailored support plans.
Advocated for clients' rights and access to services within the youth support system.
Documented case notes accurately to ensure compliance with organizational standards. Complete and comply with incident and mandatory reporting.
Trained new staff on case management procedures and best practices for youth support.
Property & Assets Officer
Youturn Youth Support Ltd
, Queensland
12.2019 - 06.2020
Collaborated with the Department of Housing and other stakeholders to secure properties for Child Safety programs.
Ensured properties met workplace health and safety standards while respecting cultural needs and preferences.
Maintained accurate asset registers and conducted audits, ensuring compliance with funding agreements.
Oversaw financial budgeting and fiscal management to optimize resources.
Supervised subordinate staff in carrying out daily duties and activities.
Developed and maintained relationships with key clients and stakeholders.
Assessed company operations for compliance with safety standards.
Store Manager
Luxottica Retail
, Queensland
09.2016 - 12.2019
Delivered exceptional customer service, resolving issues with sensitivity.
Managed staff performance and fostered an inclusive workplace culture.
Trained and developed staff to enhance customer service skills.
Managed daily store operations and ensured compliance with company policies.
Coordinated scheduling and staffing to meet business needs effectively.
Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to team members.
Recruited, trained and supervised new employees.
Team Leader/English Teacher
English First, Bali
Bali, Queensland
04.2013 - 04.2015
Facilitated English lessons for students from diverse cultural backgrounds, tailoring lessons to meet individual learning needs.
Managed a team of teachers, promoting collaboration and cultural understanding.
Trained new educators on instructional methods and classroom management techniques.
Collaborated with administration to implement school-wide policies and improvements.
Developed lesson plans aligned with language learning objectives and student needs.
Administration & Marketing Assistant
Coast Life Homes
, Queensland
02.2010 - 03.2013
Managed contracts and liaised with trades and suppliers, ensuring projects were delivered on time and to a high standard.
Coordinated social media campaigns to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
Prepared reports on marketing activities for review by senior management.
Education
Bachelor of Behavioural Studies -
Swinburne University
VIC
01.2017
Advanced Diploma - TESOL
Australasian Training Academy
01.2012
Skills
Contract management and negotiation
Cultural competency
Stakeholder engagement
Budget oversight
Policy alignment
Team leadership
Report writing
Risk assessment and management
Time management abilities
Certification
Mental Health First Aid
Therapeutic Crisis Training
Cultural awareness training
Open C class driving license
References
Michelle Jessep, a Senior Customer Service Manager CRT at DHPW, michelle.jessep@housing.qld.gov.au, 0438 480 954
Housing assistance at Townsville Evacuation Centres at Department of HousingHousing assistance at Townsville Evacuation Centres at Department of Housing