Craig Wager
Warakurna,Australia
Summary
Professional with strong background in child welfare and protection. Adept at assessing risk, conducting investigations, and implementing safety plans. Known for fostering collaboration within multidisciplinary teams and maintaining flexibility in dynamic environments. Skilled in crisis intervention, case management, and advocating for children's best interests.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Community Child Protection Worker
Department of Communities Western Australia
Warakurna, Western Australia
06.2024 - Current
- Case manager on the remote Ngaanyatjarra lands team for the Department of Communities in Warakurna Western Australia. I work in a generic team.
- Conducted thorough assessments of child protection cases to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.
- Developed and implemented safety plans tailored to individual family needs, promoting children's wellbeing.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate services for at-risk children and families.
- Provided crisis intervention support, effectively managing complex situations involving vulnerable populations.
- Advocated for children's rights within the community, fostering partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders.
- Maintained detailed documentation of all case activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with agency policies and procedures.
- Maintained confidentiality at all times, adhering to strict ethical guidelines governing the handling of sensitive client information.
- Increased positive outcomes for children by establishing strong working relationships with families, schools, and community resources.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices in child protection work.
- Managed caseloads efficiently, prioritizing cases based on urgency and risk level.
- Established rapport with clients quickly, fostering trust and creating a supportive environment conducive to open dialogue about sensitive issues affecting their lives.
- Involvement in community development programs such as engaging in cultural practices with community elders and leaders to build trust and open communication with community members.
Case Manager Reintegration Program
Centrecare Kalgoorlie
Kalgoorlie
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Case work with male prisoner’s prerelease from Eastern Goldfields regional Prison in Kalgoorlie-Boulder in Western Australia. My duties included following up referrals from the prison for clients wanting assistance with housing, finding employment or transportation to their residences in the Ngaanyatjarra lands. Attending regular staff and stakeholder meetings and referral to services such as counselling for AOD or behavioral programs. Completion case noting in a concise and timely manner. Planning and driving clients from Kalgoorlie to their communities in the Ngaanyatjarra lands.
- Facilitated client assessments to identify needs and develop personalized service plans.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care delivery for clients.
- Monitored client progress and adjusted service plans to optimize outcomes and resource utilization.
- Implemented best practices for case management, enhancing operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
Case Worker
Training Alliance Group Kalgoorlie
Kalgoorlie
05.2022 - 06.2023
- I was employed as a customer advocate for a job network provider. Duties included making appointments with and for clients, consulting with local businesses and educational institutions to assist jobseekers to obtain long term employment. Daily use of Job ready live and Workforce Australia to book interviews, record appointments, and fix client compliance.
- Facilitated client assessments to determine eligibility for support services.
- Coordinated case management plans to ensure holistic client support and resource access.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community organizations to enhance service delivery.
- Analyzed client feedback to identify service gaps and inform program development strategies.
- Assessed needs of each client and recommended appropriate services and resources.
- Assessed and evaluated clients' needs, determined eligibility for services, and developed individualized plans.
- Maintained high level of client confidentiality, following strict guidelines, and recommendations.
- Facilitated client access to community resources, promoting self-sufficiency and independence.
Child and Family Practitioner
Life Without Barriers Kalgoorlie
Kalgoorlie
08.2020 - 04.2022
- My role as a practitioner involved managing a caseload of children in care. I also managed the staff and houses in which the children reside. Most clients identified as Indigenous, and I have had intensive cultural training for this reason. My role included having therapeutic crisis intervention training. The role required me to be a positive role model, assisting with the everyday running of the house. Taking young people to appointments such as doctors or to court and Youth Justice appointments. Use of TCI techniques before, during and after a crisis or critical incidents.
- Advocacy and keeping accurate and up to date case notes, ABSP’s and risk assessments daily. Working in a team environment, attending regular team meetings and stakeholder meetings. Consult with police and being and advocate for young people.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary team meetings to ensure integrated care for patients with complex health conditions.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to expand service offerings for families.
- Strengthened parent-child relationships through facilitating supervised visitations and coaching on effective communication skills.
- Promoted family stability by connecting clients with appropriate community resources and services.
Recovery Support Worker
Richmond Fellowship Warwick QLD
Warwick, QLD
04.2019 - 07.2020
- Entry level case work position assisting clients with varying mental health issues. My role included helping clients’ complete mental health plans. Taking clients to appointments. Supporting clients access community services. I ran workshops for clients to learn skills in woodwork, welding, and handyman skills.
- Developed tailored support plans to address unique needs and goals of clients.
- Supported individuals in recovery journey, fostering independence and personal growth.
- Facilitated group workshops, promoting peer support and shared experiences among participants.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive care strategies.
- Monitored client progress, providing feedback and adjusting plans as necessary for effectiveness.
- Advocated for clients' rights and access to necessary resources within the community.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions, enhancing overall program quality and client outcomes.
- Served as a positive role model for healthy living practices by maintaining a professional demeanor and exemplifying self-care habits essential for long-term recovery success.
- Maintained detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring accurate records for each client''s history and progress within the program.
- Organized recreational activities designed to promote holistic wellness through building camaraderie among participants while imparting important life skills related to healthful behaviors outside of treatment settings.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication to facilitate progress in their recovery journey.
Youth Support Worker
IFYS-Sarina QLD
Sarina, QLD
05.2016 - 04.2019
- Working in a group home in Sarina with male and female teenagers with complex trauma issues. Duties included writing timely and accurate case notes. Cooking and cleaning home. Taking young people to school and appointments. Facilitating and being present for family visits. Assisting with homework. Being a positive role model. Utilizing trauma informed care practices such as Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. Attending regular staff meetings.
Residential Youth Worker
Youth Off The Streets (New Pathways)
05.2015 - 04.2016
- I began working for New Pathways through Drake Medox Sydney with a view to transition to full time with YOTS which came to fruition in October 2015. My role was to provide support to youth with sexualized behaviors in a residential setting. Duties include writing case notes, incident reports, administering medications, taking young people on outings and to appointments. Cooking healthy meals and cleaning residences. Assisting teaching staff with delivering schoolwork during school hours. Being a mentor and role model on life skills, health, and hygiene. All this is encompassed by using a holistic approach. I have had therapeutic; crisis intervention and good way training to deliver this service to young people.
- Mentored at-risk youth, fostering resilience and emotional growth through structured support programs.
- Facilitated group discussions and activities, promoting social skills and peer relationship building among participants.
- Advocated for youth rights and access to resources, ensuring equitable opportunities for personal development.
- Maintained a safe living environment by enforcing house rules and addressing behavioral concerns promptly and effectively.
- Assisted residents with daily living activities, promoting self-sufficiency and independence.
- Managed medication administration according to prescribed schedules while maintaining accurate records of all medications dispensed.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, deescalating volatile situations while ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Developed strong relationships with residents, fostering trust and open communication to address personal issues.
- Organized recreational outings for residents, encouraging positive social engagement within their local community.
- Participated in regular staff meetings, sharing insights on resident progress and contributing to program improvements.
- Served as a positive role model by exhibiting appropriate behavior management strategies during difficult situations.
Youth Support Worker
Marymead Canberra for Drake Medox
Canberra
05.2015 - 04.2016
- Working with children and young people in residential settings, the young people in the residential houses were waiting for foster placement. Cooking healthy meals, cleaning residences, taking young people to appointments and school. Working with children as young as seven and as old as seventeen. Daily tasks included taking young people to school, shopping, or appointments. Assisting young people to plan weekly activities such as outings and sporting schedules.
- Occasionally I was required to attend school with some young people and assist them with schoolwork.
- Facilitated positive interactions between youth and community resources.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care approaches.
- Monitored progress and adjusted interventions to enhance outcomes for clients.
- Advocated for youth rights, ensuring access to essential services and supports.
- Established a positive rapport with participants by maintaining open lines of communication and actively listening to their concerns.
- Managed crisis interventions when required by assessing risks while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams.
- Reduced behavioral issues by establishing clear expectations and consistent consequences for actions.
- Empowered youth by fostering a sense of self-worth and confidence, ultimately equipping them for future success.
Volunteer Youth Worker
Queensland Youth Service Townsville
Townsville
04.2015 - 04.2015
- Provide support to youth in the THYARS (Townsville Youth Housing and Reintegration) program. This program provides support for young people at risk of becoming homeless, using a holistic approach. Meeting needs of youth in crisis. Assist clients to meet youth justice orders and assist clients with transportation to appointments such as Centrelink, probation officer or headspace and the like for counselling. Upkeep case notes on a regular basis and provide input at regular meetings with stakeholders.
- Coordinated youth engagement activities, fostering community involvement and personal development.
- Collaborated with local organizations to expand resource networks for youth support initiatives.
- Advocated for youth voices in community discussions, enhancing visibility of their perspectives and needs.
- Coordinated activities providing safety requirements for participation.
- Provided guidance and support to participants to promote memorable experiences.
- Provided positive role modeling for youngsters through dress and personal behavior.
- Maintained confidentiality of children and medical conditions or issues.
Disability Support Worker
Westhaven Dubbo NSW
Dubbo, NSW
02.2013 - 06.2014
- My role included supporting disability clients of various ages and disabilities in group homes in Dubbo NSW. Duties included taking clients to appointments or shopping. Administering of medication, cooking/ feeding, toileting and showering of clients. Supporting clients to access social events.
- Supported individuals with disabilities in daily living activities, enhancing independence and quality of life.
- Developed and implemented personalized care plans to meet diverse client needs effectively.
- Monitored client progress and adjusted support strategies based on individual feedback and outcomes.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to clients, fostering a positive living environment.
- Drove clients safely to social activities and appointments.
- Developed strong interpersonal relationships with clients, earning their trust and respect through consistent empathy and understanding.
- Supported clients in maintaining a clean living space by assisting with household tasks such as laundry, meal preparation, and general tidying.
- Enhanced quality of life for clients with physical and intellectual disabilities through compassionate care and assistance.
- Maintained safety with tidy, clean, and hazard-free home environments.
- Delivered exceptional personal care services, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding assistance.
- Kept detailed daily logs with care actions, patient behaviors, and incidents.
- Prepared nutritious meals to meet individual dietary needs for clients.
Apprentice Boilermaker
Devilles Refrigeration- Mildura VIC
Mildura, VIC
01.2009 - 12.2012
- Duties included learning all aspects of metal fabrication in both a workshop and onsite environments. Working autonomously and teamwork. Ability to read and follow drawings to fabricate sheet metal into air conditioning duct.
- Interpreted blueprints and technical drawings to ensure compliance with specifications.
- Conducted routine inspections of equipment for safety and operational efficiency.
- Sharpened skills in welding techniques for stronger boiler structures and improved durability.
- Acquired competency in working with various metals to create strong bonds and welds for long-lasting boiler installations.
- Applied critical thinking skills when faced with challenging situations on job sites, supporting overall project success.
- Supported team members in maintaining a clean and organized workspace, promoting efficiency and safety.
Sailor
Royal Australian Navy
01.1989 - 01.2009
- Helicopter Technician. Preventative maintenance to frames and panels on Seahawk helicopters.
- Clearance Diver.
- General sea going roles included. Ship’s husbandry. Duty watch and cleaning of the ship.
- Conducted regular maintenance checks on equipment, enhancing operational readiness.
- Led training sessions for junior sailors, improving team performance and safety awareness.
- Monitored environmental compliance during operations, ensuring adherence to regulations.
- Developed risk assessment protocols to enhance safety measures aboard vessels.
- Developed valuable skills in seamanship, navigation, firefighting, damage control, security measures, and first aid through rigorous training programs aboard the vessel.
- Provided first aid treatment to injured personnel when necessary, stabilizing patients until medical professionals arrived on scene.
- Promoted a clean and well-organized living environment for crew members through regular cleaning routines and inspections of berthing spaces.
Education
Diploma - Youth Work
Community Training Australia Townsville
Townsville01.2015
Certificate 3 - Metal Fabrication Engineering
Sunraysia Institute of TAFE Mildura Victoria
Mildura, Victoria01.2010
Skills
- Current C Class license
- Current First Aid and CPR
- Current Working with Children check
- Team player
- Ability to work in a team or autonomously
- Culturally aware
- Boiler making trade skills
- Competent with computers and programs such as Word and PowerPoint
- Safety awareness
- Great communicator
- People management skills
- Behavioral observation
- Self-awareness
- Caseload management
- Family assessment
- Substance abuse awareness
- Confidentiality adherence
- Motivational interviewing
- Multicultural competence
- Ethical practice
- Crisis intervention
- De-escalation techniques
- Cross-departmental collaboration
- Cultural sensitivity
- Community networking
- Boundary setting
- Disability awareness
- Assertiveness
- Community outreach
- Child protection
- Mental health
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Goal setting and achievement
Timeline
Senior Community Child Protection Worker
Department of Communities Western Australia
06.2024 - Current
Case Manager Reintegration Program
Centrecare Kalgoorlie
06.2023 - 06.2024
Case Worker
Training Alliance Group Kalgoorlie
05.2022 - 06.2023
Child and Family Practitioner
Life Without Barriers Kalgoorlie
08.2020 - 04.2022
Recovery Support Worker
Richmond Fellowship Warwick QLD
04.2019 - 07.2020
Youth Support Worker
IFYS-Sarina QLD
05.2016 - 04.2019
Residential Youth Worker
Youth Off The Streets (New Pathways)
05.2015 - 04.2016
Youth Support Worker
Marymead Canberra for Drake Medox
05.2015 - 04.2016
Volunteer Youth Worker
Queensland Youth Service Townsville
04.2015 - 04.2015
Disability Support Worker
Westhaven Dubbo NSW
02.2013 - 06.2014
Apprentice Boilermaker
Devilles Refrigeration- Mildura VIC
01.2009 - 12.2012
Sailor
Royal Australian Navy
01.1989 - 01.2009
Certificate 3 - Metal Fabrication Engineering
Sunraysia Institute of TAFE Mildura Victoria
Diploma - Youth Work
Community Training Australia Townsville