Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Other Courses And Workshops
Academic And Community Contributions
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Ciara Browns

Melbourne,Australia

Summary

A dedicated and compassionate professional seeking challenging and rewarding role where I can continue using my skills to empower individuals, promote positive mental health and well-being, and support people toward achieving stability and independence. I bring strong case management experience across mental health, homelessness, youth services, and forensic care.

A highly skilled, experienced and trauma-informed professional with a broad range of exposure to various sectors with highly advanced expertise in Out-of-Home Care (OoHC), Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), Homelessness, Case management, Mental Health, Disability Services, and Forensic Case Management. Proven ability to build trust, provide targeted mental health support, and deliver holistic case planning in complex environments. Compassionate Housing Case Manager with background in social service environments. Equipped with exceptional skills in case management, coordination of housing services, and development of individualized housing plans. Strengths include strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and advocacy for individuals facing homelessness or housing instability. Previous work has resulted in improved living conditions and increased stability for many individuals under care.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Housing Case Manager (Part Time)

Uniting Wyndham
Melbourne, Australia
03.2019 - 01.2025
  • Company Overview: Uniting Wyndham Housing program provides access to stable, affordable and safe housing for people experiencing homelessness.
  • Provide case management to families and Single Adults 26 years and over who are homeless or at risk of homelessness within the City of Wyndham, or have links to Wyndham through support networks such as family, friends, education or employment.
  • Undertake assessment and referral functions in accordance with Specialist Homelessness Information Platform (SHIP) principles.
  • Ensure support vacancies are advertised appropriately.
  • Monitor expenditure and budget of housing brokerage to ensure accurate record keeping and equitable access to funds.
  • Meet the specified program performance goals and indicators.
  • Ensure data systems are maintained, up to date and information is reported accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Conducted mental health assessments and assisted clients to access appropriate services (e.g., GPs, psychologists, community mental health services).
  • Developed recovery-focused care plans for clients with disclosed or diagnosed mental health issues.
  • Worked in collaboration with clinical mental health services to support ongoing engagement and treatment.
  • Provided mental health crisis intervention and safety planning.
  • Advocated for clients in housing systems while addressing co-occurring mental health and AOD issues.
  • Attend team meetings.
  • Engage in regular formal supervision.
  • Work closely with other relevant community groups to develop a collaborative approach to service delivery.
  • Provide outreach support when required.
  • Attend network meetings when required.
  • Maintain and develop effective relationships with other services and/or programs where appropriate.
  • Uniting Wyndham Housing program provides access to stable, affordable and safe housing for people experiencing homelessness.
  • I have helped linked clients with emergency food relief services, costs support with getting on top of finances and advocacy for tenants.
  • Successfully connected high-needs clients to mental health and community support services.
  • Supported numerous clients in stabilizing mental health through coordinated referrals and collaborative planning.
  • Delivered outreach and emotional support to vulnerable clients navigating trauma, abuse, or severe mental illness.
  • Successfully provided a comprehensive case management service, including creating goal plans and connecting clients and families to appropriate community resources.

Flood Emergency Rapid Response Worker

Windermere Child & Family Services
, Australia
03.2024 - 05.2024
  • Company Overview: Windermere is a leading not-for-profit community service organisation supporting children, families, and individuals across Victoria.
  • Provided trauma-informed crisis support to individuals and families affected by the floods.
  • Conducted rapid psychosocial assessments and connected clients to essential services, including housing, mental health, financial aid, and material relief.
  • Collaborated with local councils, emergency services, and other community organisations to ensure a coordinated response.
  • Maintained accurate client records and reporting in accordance with DHHS guidelines.
  • Delivered culturally sensitive support to diverse populations in high-stress environments.
  • Windermere is a leading not-for-profit community service organisation supporting children, families, and individuals across Victoria.
  • Assisted clients in accessing immediate and longer-term support services during the recovery phase.
  • Successfully linked vulnerable individuals to temporary housing and counselling supports within short timeframes.
  • Contributed to a fast-paced, high-pressure emergency response team with professionalism and empathy.

Youth Residential Support Worker (Casual)

Anglicare Victoria
Melbourne, Australia
01.2017 - 01.2024
  • Company Overview: Anglicare Victoria’s Out of Home Care (OoHC) youth residential program provides safe and supportive environments for children and young people.
  • Supervising and supporting young people placed within the residential units.
  • Ensuring that the safety and protection of the young people in the residential units are upheld.
  • Conducting the daily domestic duties required whilst caring for young people to ensure that the unit is regularly and consistently cleaned and maintained in a tidy manner.
  • Transporting and supporting young people in various activities or appointments that are important to their development and growth.
  • Attending to young people’s hygiene, health, nutrition and daily living needs.
  • Engaging young people in activities that are of both a social and learning opportunity to advance their skills.
  • Supported high-risk young people in Out-of-Home Care using trauma-informed and therapeutic frameworks.
  • Responded to crises involving mental health deterioration, including suicidal ideation and self-harm.
  • Completed mental health first aid and engaged with mental health inpatient units when required.
  • Provided emotional regulation support and connected youth to services like Headspace and Kids Helpline.
  • Follow the unit policies and procedures, and management plans in place for the young people.
  • Other duties given by unit team leader and/or permanent staff.
  • Anglicare Victoria’s Out of Home Care (OoHC) youth residential program provides safe and supportive environments for children and young people.
  • Successfully managed a group of 4-5 young people in a residential care facility, with high behaviours of concerns and also different age group.
  • Maintained stability in a highly complex residential unit.
  • Developed trusted relationships with young people experiencing severe trauma and mental health disorders.

Therapeutic Residential Youth Worker

Transitions Community Care Solutions
, Australia
06.2016 - 07.2019
  • Company Overview: Transitions Community Care Solutions is a labour hire / staffing agency that supports Community Service Organisations (CSOs) by providing therapeutically trained staff to support children, youth and adolescents residing in out-of-home care.
  • Supervise and support young people placed within the residential units.
  • Provide support and a high quality of direct care to young people who reside in Residential Care, ensuring their needs are met as outlined in their individual placement plans.
  • Ensure that the safety and protection of young people in the residential units are upheld at all times.
  • Work collaboratively with the Residential team members and broader care team to ensure the young.
  • Delivered trauma-informed care to young people in residential facilities.
  • Contributed to care planning under the LAC framework, with a focus on emotional and mental health development.
  • Built therapeutic relationships to reduce risk-taking behaviour and promote wellbeing.
  • Transitions Community Care Solutions is a labour hire / staffing agency that supports Community Service Organisations (CSOs) by providing therapeutically trained staff to support children, youth and adolescents residing in out-of-home care.
  • Re-engaged disengaged youth with education and employment services through emotional and mental health support.
  • Helped young people build self-esteem and resilience after complex trauma exposure.
  • Successfully supporting complex clients in gaining employment.

Reconnect Forensic Case Worker

Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO)
, Australia
12.2018 - 06.2019
  • Company Overview: ACSO aims at strengthening the wellbeing of communities by advocating for and delivering services which divert people away from the justice system.
  • Facilitate community reintegration and reduce re-offending.
  • Refer participants to specialist interventions & support for people with an acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and high complex needs who may interface with the criminal justice system.
  • Address housing and material supports.
  • Assist with family reunification.
  • Refer people to a range of specialist health and well-being services (including drug, alcohol and mental health).
  • Supported justice-involved individuals with complex needs transitioning from prison.
  • Referred clients to AOD and mental health programs, including those with involuntary treatment orders.
  • Liaised with mental health clinicians to support compliance and recovery.
  • Provided direct support and psychoeducation around mental health, trauma, and offending behaviour.
  • ACSO aims at strengthening the wellbeing of communities by advocating for and delivering services which divert people away from the justice system.
  • Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients, law enforcement, and other key stakeholders.
  • Played a key role in helping clients reintegrate with community-based mental health support.
  • Ensured treatment continuity for clients with severe and persistent mental illness post-incarceration.

Youth Refuge Case Manager

Melbourne City Mission (MCM)
Melbourne, Australia
04.2017 - 11.2018
  • Company Overview: Melbourne City Mission (MCM) provides a range of supportive accommodation options to young people who are at risk of, or currently experiencing homelessness.
  • Supported young people aged 16–25 in crisis accommodation with housing, mental health, and safety planning.
  • Attended to mental health crises and coordinated service referrals.
  • Facilitated access to Kids Helpline and provided psychoeducation on self-care and emotional wellbeing.
  • Supported young people admitted to psychiatric facilities and maintained care coordination post-discharge.
  • Working with law enforcement in supporting the young people with the community.
  • To provide support and assistance to young people and their children within the program.
  • Provide information to young people, to assist them to understand themselves and respond to the crisis needs of young people as they arise.
  • Engaging young people in activities that are of both a social and learning opportunity to advance their skills.
  • Transporting and supporting young people in various activities or appointments that are important to their development and growth.
  • Melbourne City Mission (MCM) provides a range of supportive accommodation options to young people who are at risk of, or currently experiencing homelessness.
  • Secured stable long-term housing for at-risk young families.
  • Advocated successfully for mental health treatment and wraparound supports during periods of instability.
  • I also managed to assist the family with outsourcing a founding for white goods materials for the family to settle in their new housing.

Disability Support Worker

Edmen community staffing solutions
Adelaide , South Australia
02.2013 - 01.2016

Education

Bachelor of Social Work -

University of South Australia
Magill, SA
01.2016

South Australian Certificate of Education – Year 12 -

Kildare College
Adelaide, South Australia
01.2011

Skills

  • Case management
  • Crisis intervention
  • Housing advocacy
  • Mental health assessment
  • Housing assessment
  • Assessing needs
  • Community outreach
  • Progress monitoring

References

Available upon request.

Other Courses And Workshops

  • Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice, Entry Education South Melbourne, 2023
  • Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention, Melbourne Polytechnic, 2018
  • Child Safety Environments – Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect, Melbourne City Mission, 2018
  • Certificate III in Children’s Services, HBA Learning Centre, 2014
  • Certificate IV in Community Services, Relationships Australia, 2014
  • Empowering African Women’s Training (certificate), Relationships Australia, 2013
  • Certificate III in Aged Care, 4 Life Personal Medical Training, 2012
  • Certificate III in Disability, 4 Life Personal Medical Training, 2012
  • Certificate III in Home and Community Care, 4 Life Personal Medical Training, 2012

Academic And Community Contributions

  • Work Experience, Wilitja Boarding school, Adelaide (SA), 2015
  • Work Experience, ICAN Program Centacare Catholic Family Services, Adelaide (SA), 2014
  • Volunteer, African Migrant Resource Centre Relationships Australia, Adelaide (SA), 2013
  • Volunteer-Youth Leadership, Multicultural Services, Adelaide (SA), 2011

Accomplishments

Youth Leadership training – Multicultural Services

Camp Quality Certificate - Charles Campbell Secondary School

Service to the community - Charles Campbell Secondary School,

Timeline

Flood Emergency Rapid Response Worker

Windermere Child & Family Services
03.2024 - 05.2024

Housing Case Manager (Part Time)

Uniting Wyndham
03.2019 - 01.2025

Reconnect Forensic Case Worker

Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO)
12.2018 - 06.2019

Youth Refuge Case Manager

Melbourne City Mission (MCM)
04.2017 - 11.2018

Youth Residential Support Worker (Casual)

Anglicare Victoria
01.2017 - 01.2024

Therapeutic Residential Youth Worker

Transitions Community Care Solutions
06.2016 - 07.2019

Disability Support Worker

Edmen community staffing solutions
02.2013 - 01.2016

Bachelor of Social Work -

University of South Australia

South Australian Certificate of Education – Year 12 -

Kildare College

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Ciara Browns