Brenda Shanganya
Evanston Gardens,SA
Summary
I read with strong interest the opportunity for Family Support Worker position with your organisation, which offers opportunity in line with my experience and qualifications. This opportunity provides me with a chance to make a difference in the lives of South Australian individuals and families who are facing challenges and those in crisis in a non-judgmental manner. This opportunity interests me greatly for several reasons, the foremost of which is my substantial experience working with vulnerable individuals. I am confident that I can make a significant contribution in this role based on the strength of my educational background and my experience. I am a holder of a Bachelor in Applied Social Science (Community Service), advanced diploma in community sector management, diploma in community services, and a Cert 3 in individual support. My main motivation in expressing my interest is my firm belief that this opportunity presents a unique learning experience for my professional growth and development as I am currently studying Master of Social work .
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Service Worker
Catherine House
- Current
- I provide a 24/7 crisis response to women at risk of homelessness
- I receive and assess referrals at Catherine House Inc in the intake space
- Women at risk of homelessness often have intersections with domestic and family violence, alcohol and drugs (AOD), religion and culture issues
- While awaiting housing allocation and some will be on their mental health recovering journey, I undertake risk assessments and safety planning with women and girls in a culturally responsive manner
- I link them with appropriate supports to reduce risk
- I use client-centred, human rights-based and trauma-informed approaches to support women and girls at Catherine House to improve their mental health, personal and economic well-being
- I facilitate suitable activities of the day
Emergency Service Worker
Lutheran Care
- Current
- I attended Family Zone and trained on how to work with Families, providing home visits and attending to the parenting education programs
Specialist Care Coordinator
OARS Community Transition
- Current
- I was supporting clients coming from prison together with their families to gain access back to the community by connecting them with different services through referrals
- This position has helped me to gain the experience to assess on the progress of clients during our home visits and provide suitable response and to have an idea on how NDIS system works
Community Support Worker
- Current
- I provided personal care and assistance to NDIS participants to enable them to live healthy, independent lives and feel safe in an inclusive environment
- My role was to support clients and empower them to lead their lives as they chose – balancing dignity of risk and duty of care
- I have worked with clients from prison together with their families in supporting them to connect with different services and feel confident to live in the community once again
- I would support them to attend appointments with their corrections officers from time to time
- I worked under the ambits of the Aged Care Quality Standards, Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Equal Opportunity Act 1984
- In helping clients, I strictly adhered to professional integrity, respect for persons and self-determination
- The major highlight of my career as a Community Support Worker has been implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People with Disability
- I also apply the Empowerment theory of social work to assist NDIS participants in realizing their full potential and achieving their developmental goals
Education
Bachelor - Applied Social Science (Community Service)
advanced diploma - community sector management
diploma - community services
Cert 3 - individual support
Master - Social work
02.2025
Skills
- Team player
- Out-of-the-box thinking
- Strong networking with service providers
- Culturally responsive support
- Empowerment theory application
Motivations
- Desire to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families
- Interest in professional growth and development
Application
Community Corrections Officer, 12/16/24
Timeline
Bachelor - Applied Social Science (Community Service)
advanced diploma - community sector management
diploma - community services
Cert 3 - individual support
Master - Social work
Community Service Worker
Catherine House
- Current
Emergency Service Worker
Lutheran Care
- Current
Specialist Care Coordinator
OARS Community Transition
- Current
Community Support Worker
- Current