Daniel Dondo
VIC
Summary
Thorough Child Protective Specialist committed to keeping children safe and properly cared for by completing investigations and working hard to strengthen family units. Excellent communication skills with an organized and systematic approach. Ready to bring 14 years of experience to a dynamic new role.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Service Improvement Child Protection
Department Of Families, Farness And Housing Victor
2022.10 - Current
- Assisted 5 Child Protection Areas/Divisions within the state of Victoria build capacity, capability, and sustainability of child protection service in line with legislative and Departmental requirements.
- Improved local capacity to better manage service, identify opportunities to improve consistency and compliance and to promote reform.
- Provided direct support to areas and individuals when demand exceeded capacity to manage.
- Supported area and local managers improve performance, effectiveness and consistency of operations by introduction of service improvement methods, systems and approach.
- Provided direct support to operational leadership to build capacity, capability and sustainability of child protection service in line with legislative and departmental requirements and establishment of business and work processes to support local capacity improvements to better manage and identify opportunities to improve consistency and compliance and promote reform.
- Mentored junior Child Protection Workers, Team Managers and managers providing guidance on best practices and policy adherence.
- Contributed to development of agency policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with state regulations and standards.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through development of innovative solutions.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Identified issues, analysed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
Team Leader
Department Of Territory Families NT
2021.02 - 2022.10
- Responded to incidents of crisis relating to child maltreatment.
- Planned, implement and reviewed long and short-term strategies for children and their families for whom department had statutory responsibility.
- Identified and investigated levels of risk in relation to cases of maltreatment of children and young people.
- Established and maintained service networks and community liaison. Endorsed care/case plans seeing 8 Aboriginal children returning to family, 10 Aboriginal children returning to Country and increasing t number of Aboriginal children having contact with their parents and or family by 60%.
- Overseeing OOHC portfolio with ITRC providers
- Staff supervision and mentoring increased leading to 100 percent staff retention with two becoming team leaders.
- Operated within statutory framework and always adhered to statutory procedures.
- Conducted interviews in collection of information for legal proceedings in timely and professional manner.
- Provided accurate and informed advice to participants in legal proceedings.
- Prepared Application and Disposition reports for Children's Court within legal requirements.
- Facilitated effective decision-making processes within the group through open dialogue, active listening, and consensus-building techniques.
- Worked with team to identify areas of improvement and devised solutions based on findings.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Communicated KPIs outlined in annual plan to inform employees of expectations and deliverables.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
- Implemented employee recognition programs that boosted morale and increased retention rates within the team.
Child Protection Practitioner/senior /Team Manager
Department Of Human Services
2011.03 - 2021.02
- Monitored progress of individual cases closely, adjusting intervention strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
- Reduced case backlog significantly through proactive planning and efficient resource allocation.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for the team, outlining short-term and long-term goals to improve organizational effectiveness.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioural needs.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for team members, supporting professional growth and development opportunities.
- Oversaw budgetary planning and management, ensuring adequate funding was available for necessary resources while minimizing costs where possible.
- Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
- Increased family engagement rates through targeted outreach initiatives aimed at building trust within the community served by the Child Protection Team Leader role.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of best practices within the field of child protection, incorporating evidence-based approaches into daily operations.
- Managed high caseloads effectively, prioritizing urgent cases while maintaining attention to detail in all matters.
- Responded to claims of abuse, neglect or safety concerns.
- Improved team efficiency by implementing streamlined processes for case management and documentation.
- Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
- Facilitated ongoing communication between relevant stakeholders, promoting transparency and accountability throughout decision-making process.
- Implemented research-based interventions and strategies to support positive behaviour and social-emotional development.
- Maintained case records and legal documentation.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
- Developed and implemented strategies to reduce and prevent family conflict.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Mentored and supported team members, fostering a positive work environment and boosting staff retention rates.
- Arranged medical and psychiatric tests to identify difficulties and indicate potential remedial approaches.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Developed plans to strengthen family units.
- Enhanced child safety by conducting thorough investigations and assessments in compliance with state guidelines.
- Ensured timely completion of assessments by establishing clear expectations and providing ongoing supervision to staff members.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary efforts to address child welfare concerns, ensuring comprehensive support for children and families.
- Implemented training programs for new hires, increasing overall team competency levels and reducing onboarding time.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to facilitate collaboration and improve access to resources for clients.
- Advocated for policy changes that resulted in improved service delivery to vulnerable children and their families.
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
- Attended court proceedings, submitted documents and offered testimony.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning within the team by encouraging professional development opportunities and fostering open dialogue on challenges faced in daily practice.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Supported families involved in legal proceedings related to child welfare concerns, serving as an expert witness and providing necessary documentation.
- Visited homes, inspected surroundings and interviewed family members.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Led successful interagency collaborations that resulted in more comprehensive support systems for at-risk youth populations.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Residential Youth Worker
Wesley Mission Victoria
2009.09 - 2011.02
- Organized and facilitated recreational activities to engage youth in positive, team-building experiences.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies.
- Assisted residents with daily living activities, promoting self-sufficiency and independence.
- Provided guidance and advice to youth, supporting navigation of diverse personal and social issues.
- Improved residents'' emotional well-being through compassionate counseling and support during challenging situations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for resident needs and goals.
- Determined needed and relevant interventions based on each client's cognitive abilities and current needs.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities to enhance skills as a Residential Youth Worker and better serve the residents.
- Facilitated communication between clients and other service providers.
- Developed strong relationships with residents, fostering trust and open communication to address personal issues.
- Supervised youth in residential and community-based programs to minimize risks and offer support.
- Participated in meetings with stakeholders to discuss program objectives and strategies.
- Coordinated with educational institutions to ensure proper accommodations were made for each resident''s academic success.
- Developed and maintained relationships with partner organizations to facilitate access to youth-related resources.
- Contributed to development of individualized plans to support youth goal achievement.
- Maintained a safe living environment by enforcing house rules and addressing behavioural concerns promptly and effectively.
- Supported families through consistent communication about youth progress, offering guidance on additional resources available.
- Organized recreational outings for residents, encouraging positive social engagement within their local community.
- Managed medication administration according to prescribed schedules while maintaining accurate records of all medications dispensed.
- Implemented behaviour modification techniques, resulting in improved resident interactions and reduced conflicts.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, deescalating volatile situations while ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Completed necessary reports and documentation to maintain thorough, accurate case records.
International Student Services Assistant
RMIT University, Melbourne City Campus
2008.10 - 2010.01
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless transition for incoming international students during orientation week.
- Performed research to collect and record industry data.
- Mentored new staff members by sharing best practices for effective service delivery within International Student Services offices.
- Coordinated volunteer opportunities for international students, promoting community engagement and fostering connections with local organizations.
- Developed resources on coping strategies specifically tailored for international students dealing with homesickness and cultural shock.
- Facilitated conversational groups that encouraged language practice and fostered connections between participants.
- Managed social media platforms effectively, promoting International Student Services activities across campus communities.
- Monitored student satisfaction through regular surveys, analyzing data to implement targeted improvements.
- Enhanced international student experience by developing and implementing comprehensive support services.
- Built and maintained excellent customer relationships through timely response to inquiries and going above and beyond to accommodate unusual requests.
- Conducted informative workshops on topics such as employment authorization, health insurance, and cultural adjustment.
- Organized cultural events and programs that promoted cross-cultural understanding among students from diverse background.
- Coordinated peer mentoring programs that supported personal growth and development of both domestic and international students.
- Advised international students on maintaining visa status, assisting them in navigating complex immigration regulations successfully.
- Recorded new hires, transfers, terminations, changes in job classifications and merit increases to main human resources files.
- Identified and recommended changes to existing processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and quality service.
- Partnered with faculty members to address academic challenges faced by international students in specific courses or subjects.
- Developed strong relationships with campus partners to enhance resources available for international students'' success.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
Education
Bachelor of Social Science - Youth Work
RMIT University
Melbourne, VIC12.2010
Diploma - Community Development And Project Management
Nairobi Aviation College
Kenya02.2005
Peer Educator And Trainer - Peer Educator And Trainer
Kenya Alliance Advancement of Children's Rights
Kenya 01.2003
Skills
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Calm Under Pressure
- Documentation skills
- Family engagement
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Trauma Informed
- Case Management
- Client Needs Assessment
- Safety assessments
- Abuse and Neglect Investigation
- Multitasking Abilities
- Team Management
- Relationship Building
- Time Management
Timeline
Senior Service Improvement Child Protection
Department Of Families, Farness And Housing Victor
2022.10 - Current
Team Leader
Department Of Territory Families NT
2021.02 - 2022.10
Child Protection Practitioner/senior /Team Manager
Department Of Human Services
2011.03 - 2021.02
Residential Youth Worker
Wesley Mission Victoria
2009.09 - 2011.02
International Student Services Assistant
RMIT University, Melbourne City Campus
2008.10 - 2010.01
Bachelor of Social Science - Youth Work
RMIT University
Diploma - Community Development And Project Management
Nairobi Aviation College
Peer Educator And Trainer - Peer Educator And Trainer
Kenya Alliance Advancement of Children's Rights
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