Bridie Shilton

Please consider this my formal expression of interest for the case worker role as an OPS4. I’d like to tell you a little about myself. My name is Bridie Shilton, I am a wife and mother of three gorgeous boys aged 7 and 5 and 15 months old. My family moved to Murray Bridge from Port Augusta in January 2022. My husband’s employment as a line pilot for the Royal Flying Doctor Service had us transferred to the Adelaide base however he commutes from Murray Bridge daily. I have had to move around a lot in the past 10+ years for my husband’s career in aviation, which at times has been a challenge but I consider myself lucky. I have acquired knowledge through these life experiences and the confidence that I have gained being out of my comfort zone I believe to be a positive. We are very happy in Murray Bridge and glad to call it home. We are settled with our two oldest boys attending school and purchasing our family home in town. We also are enjoying being closer to family and friends.

I had been eager to find a new career path as my passion from hairdressing had shifted. I started working for The Department for Child Protection in Port Augusta as a Business Support Officer. I enjoyed my role and the team however sadly I was only there for 3 months when we were transferred and had to relocate to Murray Bridge. I currently hold a position as an OPS4 Care and Protection worker at the Department for Child Protection office in Murray Bridge. I thoroughly enjoy working in a challenging work environment. I feel I have positively contributed to my team and feel I have adapted well in the time I have been there.

I am enjoying all the learning/training I am able to undertake within the department to ensure I am meeting all the departmental guidelines and legislative requirements. I attend and participate in my supervision, team meetings, training programs and planning days as required. I have really enjoyed all training provided and eager to attend many more. I currently just attended the on boarding training in Adelaide which opened my eyes to how broad the department exceeds. I was able to provide feedback to our practice leader from the day in which she was greatly appreciative of.

The experience I have gained in my working career to date I believe coincides with the current role as it requires excellent people skills. Being able to show and provide compassion, understanding and listen to our young people and families is evident in being able to successfully manage a case. Providing a space where no judgement is shown ensures you gain the trust needed to have successful child focus outcomes. Not only in my current role but in previous workplaces I have learnt to effectively deal with conflict situations and manage difficult and aggressive behaviours. When providing sensitive advice and assistance to our young people, families and all members of the community I always conducted in a professional, positive, compassionate and safe manner.

I have am able to work well in a team environment or solo and unsupervised. I have been able to adapt well to changes as each day is different and comes with unexpected challenges. I have at times worked outside of the guardian space providing support to the assessment team when conducting home visits, hospital visits, safety plans and after hour calls outs. This is nothing new to our office as we pride ourselves on supporting each other when needed for the best outcomes for the children and families.

I am confident in making regular case discussions and am able to communicate well with appropriate professional and non-professional team members and other parties when needed. This is done daily when case managing. I communicate daily with health professionals, members within the education field, first responders and members of the community and the list goes on. I am able to communicate well both verbally and written.

I am able to write and action case plans and maintain client files. I conduct myself in a professional manner and work with cultural awareness and sensitivity. Within my role and feel privileged to work closely with our children and families and I have shown that I have the ability to establish good working relationships with children of all ages, their parents and extended families and their caregivers. I have respectful working relationships with all people I deal with and demonstrated knowledge and commitment to promoting and creating a safe and inclusive work environment.

I attend regular home visits, school meetings, care team meetings, medical appointments to ensure all matters of the case are being managed.

Being able to supporting our families and enhance family relationships through family contact to ensure we maintain family connections is one of the reason I chose to work in the field. Focusing on our young people being able to maintain a healthy understand of who they are and their identity it key to positive outcomes. I am confident in being mindful of culturally appropriate services and am able to seek the appropriate cultural advice and assistance from DCP workers and units when needed.

I am confident in requesting consults with my Supervisor, Senior Practitioner, Practice leader and even Psych to better the outcomes of my cases. I enjoy being involved in consults and listening to each person’s point of view when discussing a case matter. Being able to discuss my thoughts and case direction with others keeps me feeling motivated and driven.

I believe it is important to work in a workplace where you contribute and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. I am confident in identifying and reporting incidents, hazards and injuries within the DCP policy & procedures. I am able to cooperate and complying with reasonable instructions of DCP line management and WHS Officers. I have knowledge of the Children and Young People (Safety) Act (CYPS) Act, and Families and Communities Act is implemented in daily.

Although my time within my care and protection role may seem short being shy of 12months I feel privileged and honoured to be able to work in such a experienced, professional and caring team. Everyday regardless of what my tasks may consist of I am learning and developing my skills. I am dedicated, driven and eager but most of all I am thankful. I am thankful I am able to share a small part in many lives whether that's the young people or families members involved that needed that support and guidance to succeed.

I currently hold a Australian driver’s license, WWCH and Police Check.

I currently hold:

• Australian driver’s license,
• WWCH
• Police Check.

Renee Clarkson

DHHS Practice Leader 

0400 833483

Tara Blaikie

Manager Department for Child Protection 

Port Augusta

08 86485070