Chidumeje Okonkwo
Alice Springs,NT
Summary
A Social work professional with 11 years' robust background in providing comprehensive support to individuals and families community service experience in Carer Recruitment, Training and Assessment, Child protection, Out of Home Care (OOHC), mental health, disability support, youth work, working with children and their families, and case management.
Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers. . Skilled in developing and implementing tailored intervention plans to address specific needs. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving impactful outcomes, adaptable to evolving circumstances.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Protection Practitioner
Department of Children and Families
01.2025 - Current
- Facilitated successful reunification of children with their families by implementing effective interventions and services.
- Developed individualized service plans to address the unique needs of each child and family in the caseload.
- Conducted home visits regularly, assessing living conditions and monitoring progress towards case plan goals.
- Promoted a positive work environment within the agency through active participation in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and peer support initiatives.
- Established strong working relationships with community partners to enhance service delivery for children and families in need.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive case management and better outcomes for children.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with state regulations and agency policies.
- Participated in court hearings, providing testimony on behalf of the agency regarding case findings and recommendations.
- Demonstrated cultural competence by effectively engaging clients from diverse backgrounds, fostering trust, rapport, and open communication.
- Reduced risk factors associated with child maltreatment through targeted prevention efforts aimed at strengthening parental capacity.
- Achieved high levels of client satisfaction by consistently delivering compassionate and responsive service to families in crisis.
- Ensured timely referrals to specialized services such as mental health treatment or educational support based on identified needs during assessments.
- Engaged youth in goal-setting processes, promoting self-advocacy skills necessary for a successful transition into adulthood upon leaving foster care.
- Utilized trauma-informed care practices to promote healing among children who experienced abuse or neglect.
- Supported successful transitions between placements for children, facilitating seamless communication among all involved parties.
- Empowered families by identifying strengths within their systems that could be leveraged to improve overall functioning.
- Enhanced family stability by providing support, resources, and guidance to parents and guardians.
Disability Support Worker
Aruma Disability
12.2022 - Current
- Provided care and support to people with mental health living in community-based group homes and respite centres.
- Improved client independence by developing personalized support plans tailored to individual needs and goals.
- Enhanced quality of life for clients with physical and intellectual disabilities through compassionate care and assistance.
- Assisted clients in reaching personal goals through targeted skill-building activities and therapeutic interventions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, ensuring optimal client wellbeing.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress, adjusting support strategies as needed to maximize outcomes.
- Promoted a safe and inclusive environment for all clients by enforcing policies and procedures consistently.
- Provided emotional support to clients during challenging times, fostering resilience and coping skills.
- Facilitated community integration for clients by organizing outings, social events, and other opportunities for engagement.
Out of Home Care/Youth Worker (Part-Time)
BRC Recruitment
05.2019 - Current
- Enhanced youth engagement by incorporating interactive activities and group discussions into programs.
- Improved program effectiveness by collaborating with colleagues to develop innovative strategies for youth development.
- Provided individualized support for at-risk youth, resulting in increased self-esteem and positive behavior changes.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to secure resources and opportunities for youth served.
- Organized successful fundraising events to support program initiatives and increase community awareness of organization's mission.
- Implemented comprehensive assessments to identify areas of improvement and tailor intervention plans accordingly.
- Promoted safe, inclusive environment by establishing clear expectations and reinforcing positive behaviours among participants.
Disability Support Worker
Unisson Disability
01.2020 - 06.2023
- Provided care and support to people with mental health living in community-based group homes and respite centres.
- Improved client independence by developing personalized support plans tailored to individual needs and goals.
- Enhanced quality of life for clients with physical and intellectual disabilities through compassionate care and assistance.
- Assisted clients in reaching personal goals through targeted skill-building activities and therapeutic interventions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, ensuring optimal client wellbeing.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress, adjusting support strategies as needed to maximize outcomes.
- Promoted a safe and inclusive environment for all clients by enforcing policies and procedures consistently.
- Provided emotional support to clients during challenging times, fostering resilience and coping skills.
Case Manager, Carer Recruitment and Intake
Barnardos Australia
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Responsible for carer recruitment, training, assessment, placement referral, intake/triage, and initial placement matching.
Lifestyle Assistant
Allevia Disability Services
11.2018 - 01.2021
- Provided care and support to people with mental health living in community-based group homes and respite centres.
Social Work Student (Intern)
Department of Communities and Justice
08.2020 - 12.2020
- Conducted evaluations, participated in meetings, conducted safety and risk assessments, developed action plans, and worked with Indigenous families.
- Enhanced client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored care plans.
- Improved family functioning by providing supportive counseling and connecting them with community resources.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for individuals dealing with addiction, promoting self-awareness and healthy coping strategies.
- Strengthened child-parent relationships through the implementation of evidence-based parenting interventions.
- Reduced risk factors for vulnerable populations by coordinating multidisciplinary case management services.
Social Work Student (Intern)
Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agencies
08.2019 - 12.2019
- Co-facilitated recovery groups, facilitated mentorship program, conducted assessments, and provided interventions for clients with complex needs.
Disability Support Worker
The Ascent Group
05.2014 - 04.2018
- Provided support with personal care, implemented behavior support plans, facilitated community access, and maintained case work records.
Lecturer / Youth Officer
Federal Polytechnic Oko
09.2013 - 08.2016
- Taught/lectured fisheries and agriculture courses, administered assessments, worked with youth, and collaborated with community organizations.
- Enhanced youth engagement by developing and executing interactive programs and activities
- Contributed to the improvement of community outreach strategies for better youth participation
- Provided guidance and support to at-risk youth, resulting in decreased truancy rates among program participants
- Mentored young individuals, fostering a sense of personal responsibility and accountability
Senior Inspector of Education
Anambra State Ministry of Education
11.2002 - 08.2011
- Responsible for inspection, registration, and accreditation of schools, providing professional advice, curriculum design, and educational research.
- Improved overall project quality by conducting thorough inspections and identifying potential issues
- Managed a team of inspectors, ensuring adherence to safety guidelines and regulatory requirements
- Increased project completion rates by effectively prioritizing inspections based on risk factors and deadlines
- Contributed to successful project handovers by diligently completing all required documentation and records related to inspections
- Championed quality assurance initiatives, leading to reduced defects and improved customer satisfaction ratings
- Supported company growth by assisting in the development of proposals for new contracts that highlight the organization''s commitment to quality assurance measures
- Maintained up-to-date inspection and audit records for improved reporting and analysis
- Improved quality assurance procedures to minimize errors and increase effectiveness of inspections
- Identified repair and upgrade requirements needed to meet safety and quality standards
- Prepared reports detailing findings of inspections, investigations, and tests
- Inspected and examined materials and finished parts and products for defects and wear to verify conformance with blueprints, diagrams, and template specifications
- Assessed safety and compliance concerns through diligent buildings, rooms and equipment inspections
- Conducted detailed building structure inspections to identify and resolve potential risks
- Performed inspections of vehicles, containers and equipment to check for compliance, safety, tampering and evidence of illegal activities
- Developed safety plans, procedures and policies in collaboration with business leaders
- Checked color, shape, texture and grade of products and materials against established templates, charts, and samples
- Repaired faults, reassembled products, and completed additional tests
- Investigated customer complaints to take necessary corrective actions
- Used analyzers, multimeters and power supplies to conduct diagnostic procedures
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Australian Catholic University
Sydney, NSW12.2020
Master of Science - Agriculture
Odumegwu Ojukwu University
Nigeria08.2016
Master of Science -
Delta State University
Nigeria05.2011
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Education
Delta State University
Nigeria01.1999
Skills
- Case management
- Advocacy
- Communication
- Cultural competence
- Empathetic
- Enhance wellbeing
- Client Needs Assessment
- Client Education
- Personal Care
- Family Communication
- Daily Living Requirements
- Home Healthcare Services
- Incident Reports
- Behavior Support Plans
Affiliations
Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers
Timeline
Child Protection Practitioner
Department of Children and Families
01.2025 - Current
Disability Support Worker
Aruma Disability
12.2022 - Current
Case Manager, Carer Recruitment and Intake
Barnardos Australia
08.2021 - 01.2022
Social Work Student (Intern)
Department of Communities and Justice
08.2020 - 12.2020
Disability Support Worker
Unisson Disability
01.2020 - 06.2023
Social Work Student (Intern)
Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agencies
08.2019 - 12.2019
Out of Home Care/Youth Worker (Part-Time)
BRC Recruitment
05.2019 - Current
Lifestyle Assistant
Allevia Disability Services
11.2018 - 01.2021
Disability Support Worker
The Ascent Group
05.2014 - 04.2018
Lecturer / Youth Officer
Federal Polytechnic Oko
09.2013 - 08.2016
Senior Inspector of Education
Anambra State Ministry of Education
11.2002 - 08.2011
Master of Science - Social Work
Australian Catholic University
Master of Science - Agriculture
Odumegwu Ojukwu University
Master of Science -
Delta State University
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Education
Delta State University
Licenses And Checks
Australian Citizen
SAFE NT OChre Card
NSW WWCC
Queensland Blue Card
Police Check
References Available
True
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