Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Cindy Brooks

Armidale

Summary

Local Area Coordinator - Motivated Caseworker with high-level integrity and strong desire to help resolve challenges. Compassionate individual offering extensive knowledge in treatment options and issue resolution methods in mental health and NDIS support services.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Local Area Coordinator

Uniting
11.2024 - Current
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and best practices in the field of disability services.
  • Implemented tailored support plans for individuals, addressing their specific needs and goals.
  • Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely follow-ups and accurate documentation of progress.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness through regular monitoring and reporting on key performance indicators.
  • Promoted a person-centered approach to service provision, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their lives.
  • Improved overall quality of life for individuals through personalized goal-setting processes that catered to their unique abilities.
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals in developing comprehensive health management plans for clients.
  • Initiated referrals to external agencies when necessary, ensuring seamless service transitions.
  • Maintained accurate records of client interactions and service provision, ensuring compliance with audit requirements.
  • Developed strong partnerships with community organizations for improved service delivery and collaboration.
  • Established positive working relationships with families, carers, and other support networks to ensure holistic care provision.

Caseworker

Department of Communities and Justice
10.2023 - 11.2024
  • Established trusting relationships with clients, fostering open communication and rapport building.
  • Assessed needs of each client and recommended appropriate services and resources.
  • Collaborating with agencies and engaging in complex problem solving.
  • Assisting families in formulating goals aligned with their needs.
  • Addressing safety and well-being concerns and providing appropriate assistance through interactions with children and families.
  • Completing safety and risk assessment and developing safety plans.
  • Involvement in court processes, preparing court documents, and attending court.
  • Monitored case progress for timely completion and compliance with applicable regulations.

NDIS Support Coordinator - Complex Mental Health

Stride Mental Health
05.2022 - 10.2023
  • Supporting individuals with complex psychosocial disability to build their social and community networks, build capacity, and encourage community, social, and economic participation and engagement.
  • Liaising with diverse stakeholders to obtain relevant information to provide accurate risk assessments and evaluate the intervention of various supports.
  • Conduct thorough assessments to identify client needs and develop appropriate support interventions.
  • Supported individuals to manage and reach individual goals and independent progression.
  • Maintained detailed documentation of client interactions and progress toward goals, providing a clear record of care provided.
  • Supporting individuals to manage their NDIS funding.
  • Identifying, presenting, and organizing supports that will assist individuals to build their capacity.
  • Collaboratively supporting engagement with formal and informal supports as well as mainstream service providers.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory guidelines by diligently monitoring case documentation and maintaining accurate records for audit purposes.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support services for clients, improving outcomes across multiple domains.
  • Managed caseloads, ensuring timely completion of tasks and effective communication with clients.

Business Owner and Principal

Cindy Brooks Yoga + Yoga Therapist
06.2010 - 07.2022
  • Established strong customer relationships through excellent communication and attentive service.
  • Strengthened company reputation by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of quality products/services offered.
  • Conducted market research to inform product development decisions and identify potential growth areas.

Crisis Support

Lifeline Australia
01.2021 - 12.2021
  • Supported clients in crisis situations by remaining calm under pressure and utilising appropriate intervention techniques when necessary.
  • Delivered crisis intervention support and de-escalation for clients experiencing mental health, emotional and behavioral symptoms.
  • Assisted with crisis intervention services when necessary, providing immediate support and connecting clients with appropriate resources and services.

Youth Mentor

Raise Foundation
01.2021 - 12.2021
  • Increased youth engagement by incorporating interactive activities and group discussions in mentoring sessions.
  • Developed strong communication skills in youths by providing constructive feedback and regularly engaging them in reflective conversations about their progress.
  • Encouraged the exploration of personal interests by guiding youths in identifying their strengths and passions.
  • Served as a positive role model by exhibiting strong work ethic, time management skills, and commitment to personal growth throughout the mentoring relationship.
  • Established a safe and supportive environment for open discussion, fostering strong relationships mentees.

Office Manager and Executive Assistant

Kim Jones Architects
01.2009 - 11.2018
  • Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports from company database.
  • Developed and maintained successful relationships with vendors, suppliers and contractors.
  • Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants.
  • Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and organizational strategies.
  • Assisted in the recruitment process, conducting interviews and onboarding new employees to promote a seamless integration into the team dynamic.
  • Managed compliance to keep organization operating within legal and regulatory guidelines.
  • Developed comprehensive policy manuals outlining procedures and guidelines, contributing to a well-organized workplace culture.
  • Contributed to workplace safety by ensuring compliance with established emergency protocols and conducting regular equipment inspections.

Education

Bachelor of Psychology - Psychology

Macquarie University
Macquarie Park, NSW
12.2021

Caseworker Development Program - Child Protection

Department of Communities & Justice
Armidale, NSW
04.2024

Mental Health First Aid - Mental Health Services

Mental Health Australia
Rozelle, NSW
01.2023

Foundations for Building Trauma Awareness - Mental Health

Blue Knot Foundation
Rozelle, NSW
01.2023

Borderline Personality Disorder: Translating Evidence into Practice - Psychology

Black Dog Institute
Sydney, NSW
01.2023

SafeTALK - Mental Health

Lifeline
Parramatta, NSW
01.2022

Lifeline Crisis Support Training - Counselling

Lifeline
Parramatta, NSW
01.2021

Accidental Counsellor Training - Counselling

Lifeline
Parramatta, NSW
01.2021

Child Protection Training - Child Protection

Department of Communities & Justice
Parramatta, NSW
01.2021

Raise Foundation Mentoring Training - Mental Health And Suicide Prevention

Raise Foundation Australia
Lindfield, NSW
01.2021

DV Alert Workshop - CHCDFV001 - Domestic Violence

Lifeline
Parramatta, NSW
01.2022

1800 Respect Training - Domestic Violence

Lifeline
Parramatta, NSW
01.2021

VHF Graduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy - Yoga Therapy And Teacher Training

Yoga Therapy Australia
Sydney, NSW
12.2013

Yoga Teacher Training - Eastern Philosophy

Samadhi Yoga
Newtown, NSW
01.2009

Skills

  • Case information confidentiality
  • Client interaction and engagement
  • Highly effective communication
  • Client Advocacy
  • Professional boundaries and ethical practice
  • Interpersonal and written communication
  • Assessment skills
  • Records Management
  • Self-awareness
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Resilience building
  • Trauma Informed Care Framework

References

  • Jane Guilfoyle - Manager - Department of Communities and Justice, Email: jane.guilfoyle@dcj.nsw.gov.au, Mobile: 0455 599 207


  • Genna Hindmarch Team Leader at Stride, Email: genbo742@gmail.com, Mobile: 0410 429 690


  • Jimmy Acosta Senior Operations Manager Community Corrections, Email: Jimmy.acosta@unitedforcare.com.au, Mobile: 0491 753 823


  • Siobhan Harnan Team Leader at Stride, Email: siobhan.harnan@stride.com.au, Mobile: 0402 547 229

Timeline

Local Area Coordinator

Uniting
11.2024 - Current

Caseworker

Department of Communities and Justice
10.2023 - 11.2024

NDIS Support Coordinator - Complex Mental Health

Stride Mental Health
05.2022 - 10.2023

Crisis Support

Lifeline Australia
01.2021 - 12.2021

Youth Mentor

Raise Foundation
01.2021 - 12.2021

Business Owner and Principal

Cindy Brooks Yoga + Yoga Therapist
06.2010 - 07.2022

Office Manager and Executive Assistant

Kim Jones Architects
01.2009 - 11.2018

Bachelor of Psychology - Psychology

Macquarie University

Caseworker Development Program - Child Protection

Department of Communities & Justice

Mental Health First Aid - Mental Health Services

Mental Health Australia

Foundations for Building Trauma Awareness - Mental Health

Blue Knot Foundation

Borderline Personality Disorder: Translating Evidence into Practice - Psychology

Black Dog Institute

SafeTALK - Mental Health

Lifeline

Lifeline Crisis Support Training - Counselling

Lifeline

Accidental Counsellor Training - Counselling

Lifeline

Child Protection Training - Child Protection

Department of Communities & Justice

Raise Foundation Mentoring Training - Mental Health And Suicide Prevention

Raise Foundation Australia

DV Alert Workshop - CHCDFV001 - Domestic Violence

Lifeline

1800 Respect Training - Domestic Violence

Lifeline

VHF Graduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy - Yoga Therapy And Teacher Training

Yoga Therapy Australia

Yoga Teacher Training - Eastern Philosophy

Samadhi Yoga
Cindy Brooks