Christie Sunderland
Burdell
Summary
Experienced human services professional with over 13 years’ expertise in case management, child protection roles including investigations, stakeholder engagement, and policy compliance in complex, sensitive, and high-volume environments. Proven ability to conduct thorough risk assessments, review standards of care relating to foster carers, manage multiple complex cases at a time and deliver measurable outcomes regarding case planning goals and actions. Skilled at leading and mentoring colleagues, managing competing priorities, and applying legislation and policy with integrity and cultural sensitivity.
Reliable and flexible in meeting changing work loads while still maintaining a high standard of work and time management skills.
Committed to inclusion, empowerment, and continuous improvement, with a strong track record in achieving positive outcomes for children, families, and vulnerable community members.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Safety Officer
Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services
05.2012 - Current
- Undertake investigations in accordance with the Child Protection Act 1999, assessing allegations of harm, gathering evidence, interviewing children, families, and stakeholders, and making determinations on safety and wellbeing.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments, including immediate harm assessments, and ongoing intervention planning.
- Lead and contribute to Standards of Care reviews, assessing the quality of care provided in out-of-home care placements, identifying gaps or breaches, and developing remedial action plans to ensure compliance with legislation and policy.
- Work closely with foster and kinship carers, residential care providers, and agencies to monitor placement quality and improve outcomes.
- Carry out day-to-day case management using a strengths-based approach within the practice framework. Case planning which is culturally appropriate, and family focused to ensure best outcomes for the most vulnerable members of the community.
- Prepare detailed written reports, including investigation outcomes, case summaries, and court affidavits, for internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage high caseloads within strict legislative timeframes, ensuring all interventions meet statutory and quality standards.
- Collaborate with Queensland Police and the Child Protection Investigation Unit for joint investigations where required.
- Ensure culturally safe practice and engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agencies in decision-making for First Nations children.
- Mentor and support new and existing team members to develop consistent, high-quality practice.
- Key Achievements
- Successfully completed numerous complex investigations, leading to improved safety outcomes for children at risk.
- Led Standards of Care reviews that resulted in targeted improvements to placement environments and increased compliance with care regulations.
- Recognised for high-quality investigative reports that supported timely and appropriate decision-making.
Family Childcare Provider
Family Childcare Services
01.2007 - 07.2011
- Provided high-quality care and learning programs for children from diverse cultural and family backgrounds.
- Developed individualised educational programs and ensured a safe, nurturing environment in line with regulatory frameworks.
- Built strong, trusting relationships with families and maintained compliance with all licensing requirements.
Education
Vocational Graduate Certificate - Community Services Practice (Statutory Child Protection)
Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE
01.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
James Cook University
01.2010
Certificate III - Children’s Services
01.2009
Skills
- Investigation & Assessment – Skilled in conducting investigations under legislative authority, gathering and analysing evidence, and assessing risk and protective factors to determine appropriate interventions
- Experience in conducting Standard of Care Reviews & monitoring compliance – Experienced in assessing the quality of care provided to children in foster care, kinship care, and residential placements; implementing actions to address concerns; and monitoring outcomes
- Client-Centred Planning – Collaborative approach to identifying goals and implementing practical solutions tailored to individual needs
- Stakeholder Engagement – Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships across community, government, and non-government sectors
- Legislation & Policy Application – Sound knowledge of relevant human services frameworks and compliance requirements regarding child protection
- Cultural Competence – Skilled at providing culturally responsive services, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Conflict Resolution & Problem-Solving – Effective in managing challenging situations with discretion, empathy, and professionalism
- Technology & Systems – Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and multiple case management platforms
- Exceptional ability to work as part of a team and experience in acting team leader roles
- Great problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex cases and situation
Timeline
Child Safety Officer
Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services
05.2012 - Current
Family Childcare Provider
Family Childcare Services
01.2007 - 07.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
James Cook University
Certificate III - Children’s Services
Vocational Graduate Certificate - Community Services Practice (Statutory Child Protection)
Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE
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