Blythe Bollard

As a Youth Coordinator, I organized culturally immersive and holistic excursions tailored for groups of at-risk youth. I collaborated closely with each family or cohort to design engaging daily workshops and afterschool programs that addressed their unique and complex behavioral needs, all in alignment with the core values of Streeties. Additionally, I applied for grants and funding, writing proposals to relevant governing agencies to secure resources for our initiatives.

This role provided a valuable opportunity to implement innovative and impactful initiatives that fostered meaningful growth and development among participants. By creating supportive environments and tailored programming, I was able to facilitate transformative experiences that empowered young people to thrive.

In my role as a Family Domestic Violence Officer, I worked collaboratively with law enforcement and child protection services to support victims navigating the challenges of family domestic violence (FDV). My responsibilities included triaging cases daily to determine the best ways to provide comprehensive support to everyone, recognizing the complex behaviors and traumas often associated with FDV, including ongoing generational trauma.

This position involved responding to police incident reports, conducting home visits, and making referrals to ensure victims were aware of the available services. A key aspect of my role was to provide a non-judgmental and supportive environment, helping victims feel safe and empowered in their choices.

Additionally, I maintained continuous communication and participated in Multi-Agency Case Management (MACM) meetings with other organizations to address the pervasive issue of domestic violence within our community. By fostering collaborative efforts, we aimed to create a holistic support network for victims, promoting healing and resilience in the face of trauma.

Key Responsibility's:

daily activities of staff ensuring adherence to organizational policies and procedures. I strived to create a supportive work environment that empowered the team members to excel in their roles, all met within a compassionate and inclusive environment.

• Staff Supervision Oversee the daily activities of staff, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and procedures. I strived to create a supportive work environment that empowered the team members to excel in their roles.
• Compliance Management: Monitor and track staff compliance with NDIS guidelines, ensuring all team members uphold the required standards while also being responsive to the complex behaviours of our clients.
• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare and update reports for internal and external stakeholders, maintaining accurate records in the company database to facilitate effective communication and decision-making.
• Recruitment and Onboarding: Conduct interviews, recruit new staff, and facilitate a welcoming onboarding process that helps new team members integrate smoothly into our organization.

Position: House Manager
Organization: Life Without Barriers

As the House Manager at Life Without Barriers, I oversaw a Supported Independent Living home, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents with complex needs and behaviors. My role was centered around ensuring that each staff member adopted a client-led approach, prioritizing the unique requirements of every individual.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Management: I led a compassionate and dedicated team, providing regular supervision and fostering open communication. My responsibilities included daily check-ins, scheduling, rostering, and facilitating the onboarding and interviewing of new employees, ensuring a cohesive and motivated team dynamic.
• Budget and Program Management: I managed program budgets and activities, optimizing resources to achieve our goals. This involved coordinating outings, conducting risk assessments, and financial planning, all while ensuring adequate staffing to support our participants effectively.
• Collaboration with Service Providers: I liaised with coordinators and relevant service providers to secure the best possible outcomes for our participants. By prioritizing their unique needs and preferences, I ensured that all decisions were informed by a deep understanding of each individual’s circumstances.
• Creating a Supportive Home Environment: I fostered a warm, holistic, and nurturing atmosphere, focusing on the well-being of residents. Staff were trained to respond to the complex behaviors of each individual, creating a person-centered environment that empowered residents to thrive.
• Participant Engagement and Co-Design Initiatives: I coordinated monthly events, such as BBQs, discos, and birthday celebrations, to foster community and belonging. Additionally, part of my role included collecting evidence and conducting assessments to create and lead co-design implementations of sensory spaces in each of the homes in Alice Springs, further enhancing our supportive environment.

Through these efforts, I aimed to create an inclusive and nurturing setting that empowered residents, addressing their diverse and complex needs while promoting their overall well-being

As a Case Manager in Tenancy Support, I had the privilege of assisting individuals in navigating the challenges of establishing and maintaining their public housing. Working in alignment with Anglicare's therapeutic transitional housing model, I provided intensive support to those facing housing instability and homelessness, focusing on their complex needs across all aspects of their lives.

In this rewarding role, I primarily worked with young mothers who had experienced domestic violence or were striving to reunite with their children. A significant part of my responsibilities involved working in a culturally respectful manner, ensuring that each individual received tailored support to connect with the right services for their unique circumstances.

Key Responsibilities:

• Holistic Support: Offered comprehensive assistance in grant applications, connecting clients with employment agencies, and advocating for their needs by liaising with schools, lawyers, and courts.
• Daily Check-Ins and Transportation: Conducted daily check-ins to monitor progress, providing transportation and appointment assistance to help clients access essential services.
• Family-Centered Approach: Worked holistically with families to address their diverse needs, ensuring that all family members received the support they required.
• Case Management and Reporting: Maintained detailed case management records, including daily task notes and monthly reporting, to track client progress and outcomes.
• Facilitation of Sessions: Facilitated individual and group sessions aimed at promoting positive behavior change, fostering resilience and empowerment among clients.
• Partnership Development: Partnered with local organizations to enhance access to social and community services, broadening the support network available to clients.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Established and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders, advocating for social and community service programs to raise awareness and secure funding for essential initiatives.

This role was both challenging and immensely rewarding, as I had the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families, supporting their journey towards stability and empowerment.

Position: Therapeutic Carer

In my role as a Therapeutic Carer, I had the profound opportunity to live with and care for a sibling group of four girls, navigating the complexities of their emotional and social needs during a pivotal time in their lives. This role was one of the most powerful experiences of my career, as it required me to provide substantial emotional support while fostering strong relationships with the girls’ parents and extended family.

Living in a small town, the challenges of separation from their family were ever-present, making it essential to prioritize the girls' well-being and happiness in every aspect of our daily lives. My responsibilities included assisting with daily tasks, providing school transportation, and facilitating extracurricular activities, ensuring their social and emotional needs were at the forefront of my approach.

Key Responsibilities:

• Individualized Care Plans: I developed tailored care plans for each girl in collaboration with their family and healthcare professionals, ensuring that all support was delivered in a culturally safe manner.
• Liaison with Service Providers: I coordinated with schools, counselors, psychologists, and doctors to provide holistic support, always advocating for the best interests of the girls.
• Family Connection and Celebrations: I organized family visits, holidays, and birthday celebrations to maintain connections with their loved ones, fostering a sense of belonging and joy amidst their circumstances.
• Daily Support and Record Keeping: I maintained detailed daily task notes to track progress and activities, ensuring continuity of care. I also trained relief staff on the girls’ routines, emphasizing the importance of their well-being and happiness for anyone entering their home.

This experience not only deepened my understanding of complex behaviours and individual needs but also reinforced my commitment to creating a nurturing environment where each girl could thrive.

This role was truly transformative, for me, as I learned invaluable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the power of supportive relationships.

As a Youth Worker in Alice Springs, I had the rewarding yet challenging opportunity to support young people in care, navigating their complex behaviours and unique needs. This role was cantered around fostering a safe and nurturing environment, enabling each individual to thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Overnight Support: I organized and facilitated sleepovers to provide a sense of security and community for the young people, helping to build trust and strengthen relationships.
• Daily Outings and Excursions: I coordinated daily outings and excursions, creating enriching experiences that promoted social interaction and personal growth. These activities were designed to cater to the diverse interests and needs of the young people, allowing them to explore their surroundings in a supportive environment.
• School Support: I assisted with school-related activities, including transportation and homework support, ensuring that each young person had the resources they needed to succeed academically.
• Complex Behaviour Management: I worked closely with each young person to understand and address their complex behaviours. By employing trauma-informed approaches, I tailored my strategies to meet their individual emotional and behavioural needs, fostering resilience and encouraging positive outcomes.
• Celebrating Wins: Despite the challenges inherent in this role, each success—no matter how small—was incredibly rewarding. Celebrating these wins reinforced my commitment to supporting the young people in their journeys toward stability and growth.

This position was instrumental in shaping my understanding of the unique challenges faced by young people in care. It allowed me to cultivate meaningful relationships and contribute positively to their lives, making each day an opportunity for growth and connection.

Position: Classroom Support Worker
Location: Alice Springs

In my role as a Classroom Support Worker in Alice Springs, I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in Aboriginal culture, deepening my passion for understanding the diverse language groups in the region. This experience profoundly shaped my appreciation for cultural diversity and its vital role in education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Resource Management: distributed classroom materials to ensure all students had the necessary resources for their learning activities.
• Classroom Maintenance: I contributed to creating an organized and welcoming environment that fostered a positive learning atmosphere.
• Lesson Preparation: Collaborating closely with teachers, I prepared lessons in a culturally safe and holistic manner, facilitating their delivery to ensure an effective educational experience.
• Support for Complex Behaviours: I provided tailored support for students, particularly those experiencing emotional deregulation and behavioural challenges. I worked to understand each child’s unique triggers and needs, employing strategies to help them navigate daily ups and downs.
• Cultural Sensitivity: I recognized the importance of cultural differences, ensuring that my approach was respectful and responsive to the backgrounds of the students, which often played a critical role in their behaviour.
• Class Schedule Coordination: Working alongside the lead teacher, I helped create culturally appropriate activities that engaged students and reflected their heritage.
• One-on-One Literacy and Numeracy Instruction: I provided individualized support in literacy and numeracy, focusing on building each child's confidence and competence while addressing their specific learning needs.

This role was incredibly rewarding, as it not only enhanced my educational skills but also deepened my understanding of the complex behaviours of each child. I learned to navigate daily challenges with empathy and patience, contributing positively to their academic and personal development while fostering a sense of belonging in the classroom.