Donna Cox
South Tamworth
Summary
Dynamic and engaging Youth Worker with 3 years career experience in youth support services settings. Highly competent in risk assessment, program implementation, and group leadership. Compassionate and self-motivated professional with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Previous 2 years in Disability support and 20 plus years experience in Aged Care
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Residential Youth Worker
Catholic Care
06.2022 - Current
- Enhanced youth engagement by incorporating interactive activities and group discussions into programs.
- Improved program effectiveness by collaborating with colleagues to develop innovative strategies for youth development.
- Provided individualized support for at-risk youth, resulting in increased self-esteem and positive behavior changes.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to secure resources and opportunities for the youth served.
- Promoted a safe, inclusive environment by establishing clear expectations and reinforcing positive behaviors among participants.
- Mentored new staff members to promote professional growth within the team and ensure consistent service quality across all programs.
- Coordinated special events such as cultural celebrations or field trips that enriched participants'' experiences beyond traditional program offerings.
- Advocated for the unique needs of each young person by partnering with school personnel or other service providers when appropriate.
- Established trusting relationships with young people through empathetic listening and genuine interest in their lives outside of program hours.
- Organized and facilitated recreational activities to engage youth in positive, team-building experiences.
- Provided key emotional support to special needs youth.
- Provided guidance and advice to youth, supporting navigation of diverse personal and social issues.
- Supervised youth in residential and community-based programs to minimize risks and offer support.
- Contributed to development of individualized plans to support youth goal achievement.
- Completed necessary reports and documentation to maintain thorough, accurate case records.
- Improved clients' coping with routine life activities such as food budgeting and rental payments.
- Determined needed and relevant interventions based on each client's cognitive abilities and current needs.
- Participated in meetings with stakeholders to discuss program objectives and strategies.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with community members to facilitate outreach activities.
- Assisted in conducting needs assessments to identify key areas of service needs.
- Encouraged youth clients to develop own activities and leadership skills through group discussions.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities to enhance skills as a Residential Youth Worker and better serve the residents.
- Served as a positive role model by exhibiting appropriate behavior management strategies during difficult situations.
- Managed medication administration according to prescribed schedules while maintaining accurate records of all medications dispensed.
- Participated in regular staff meetings, sharing insights on resident progress and contributing to program improvements.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, deescalating volatile situations while ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Assisted residents with daily living activities, promoting self-sufficiency and independence.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques, resulting in improved resident interactions and reduced conflicts.
- Maintained a safe living environment by enforcing house rules and addressing behavioral concerns promptly and effectively.
- Developed strong relationships with residents, fostering trust and open communication to address personal issues.
- Improved residents'' emotional well-being through compassionate counseling and support during challenging situations.
- Enhanced youth development by implementing individualized care plans and engaging in therapeutic activities.
Disability Support Worker
Brighter Access
11.2020 - 11.2023
- Enhanced quality of life for clients with physical and intellectual disabilities through compassionate care and assistance.
- Assisted clients in reaching personal goals through targeted skill-building activities and therapeutic interventions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, ensuring optimal client wellbeing.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress, adjusting support strategies as needed to maximize outcomes.
- Promoted safe and inclusive environment for all clients by enforcing policies and procedures consistently.
- Provided emotional support to clients during challenging times, fostering resilience and coping skills.
- Delivered exceptional personal care services, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding assistance.
- Developed strong interpersonal relationships with clients, earning their trust and respect through consistent empathy and understanding.
- Supported clients in maintaining clean living space by assisting with household tasks such as laundry, meal preparation, and general tidying.
- Managed medications effectively for clients under strict supervision from healthcare professionals, ensuring adherence to prescribed treatment plans.
- Implemented behavior management techniques when required for safety of both clients and staff members involved.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within disability support field.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for clients to attend medical appointments or partake in social activities safely.
- Worked closely with therapists and other specialists to implement prescribed interventions consistently, leading to measurable improvements in client functioning.
- Provided assistance in daily living activities by dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting patients.
- Drove clients safely to social activities and appointments.
- Kept detailed daily logs with care actions, patient behaviors, and incidents.
- Prepared nutritious meals to meet individual dietary needs for clients.
- Adhered to company requirements for patient interactions and care standards.
- Provided high level of physical support by lifting, adjusting, and moving clients.
- Transported patients via wheelchair to and from rehabilitation and daily activities.
- Monitored client vital signs, administered medications, and tracked behaviors to keep healthcare supervisor well-informed.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to drive continuity of care.
Residential Youth Worker
Trilogy Disability Services
06.2021 - 05.2022
- Enhanced youth development by implementing individualized care plans and engaging in therapeutic activities.
- Improved residents'' emotional well-being through compassionate counseling and support during challenging situations.
- Developed strong relationships with residents, fostering trust and open communication to address personal issues.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for resident needs and goals.
- Maintained safe living environment by enforcing house rules and addressing behavioral concerns promptly and effectively.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques, resulting in improved resident interactions and reduced conflicts.
- Assisted residents with daily living activities, promoting self-sufficiency and independence.
- Participated in regular staff meetings, sharing insights on resident progress and contributing to program improvements.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, deescalating volatile situations while ensuring safety of all involved parties.
- Organized recreational outings for residents, encouraging positive social engagement within their local community.
- Contributed to supportive residential atmosphere by modeling healthy behaviors and boundaries for residents to emulate.
- Managed medication administration according to prescribed schedules while maintaining accurate records of all medications dispensed.
- Provided key emotional support to special needs youth.
- Contributed to development of individualized plans to support youth goal achievement.
- Determined needed and relevant interventions based on each client's cognitive abilities and current needs.
Personal Care Assistant
Catholic Healthcare Our Lady Loretto Gardens
06.2004 - 08.2021
- Improved client comfort by providing exceptional personal care and maintaining clean, safe environment.
- Enhanced client well-being by assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Promoted independence with structured routines and clear communication to support clients in their daily lives.
- Ensured timely medication administration, managing accurate records of dosages and schedules for multiple clients.
- Contributed to positive home atmosphere by engaging clients in conversation and recreational activities tailored to their interests.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans addressing each client's specific needs.
- Monitored vital signs regularly, promptly reporting any abnormal findings to medical professionals for further evaluation.
- Prevented injuries through diligent observation of environment and prompt intervention when needed during mobility assistance tasks.
- Facilitated client transportation to appointments, ensuring punctuality while providing emotional support during visits.
- Supported clients'' mental health by actively listening to concerns and offering compassionate companionship during challenging times.
- Maintained detailed documentation of client progress, sharing updates with family members and healthcare providers as necessary.
- Assisted clients with meal planning and preparation, taking into consideration dietary restrictions and preferences for optimal nutrition.
- Provided respite care for families, allowing them opportunity to recharge while ensuring their loved one received consistent quality care.
- Adapted quickly to new client situations, building rapport through active listening skills and empathetic approach towards individual needs.
- Developed creative strategies for overcoming obstacles related to mobility or cognitive limitations while promoting maximum functionality in daily tasks.
- Fostered open communication between all parties involved in client's care plan, resulting in cohesive team efforts and improved client outcomes.
- Maintained current knowledge of best practices in personal care through ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Assisted with transferring and positioning clients, ensuring proper body mechanics to reduce risk of injury for both parties.
- Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Planned, prepared, and served meals and snacks according to prescribed diets.
- Recognized and reported abnormalities or changes in patients' health status to case manager.
- Turned and positioned bedbound patients to prevent bedsores and maintain comfort levels.
- Documented residents' mental status, sleep, and eating patterns in medical record books.
- Recorded temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate as directed by medical or nursing staff.
- Conferred with supervisor to discuss patient condition and medical care.
- Changed dressings, bandages, and binders to maintain proper healing and sanitary measures.
- Supported daily hygiene needs of patients by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming.
- Identified needs and coordinated plans for travel and out-of-town functions.
- Provided staff coaching, mentoring, and consultation to enhance performance and professional development.
Certified Nursing Assistant AIN
Toukley Lakeside Nursing Home
01.2000 - 06.2010
- Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Collaborated with nursing staff to create individualized care plans tailored to each patient''s needs.
- Built rapport with patients and families, providing emotional support during difficult times.
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
- Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
- Enhanced team efficiency by promptly responding to call lights and reporting changes in patient condition to nurses.
- Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.
- Promoted independence in patients through walking exercises or assisting them with mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
- Served as an advocate for each patient's needs during shift handoffs or interdisciplinary conferences with other healthcare professionals.
- Assisted nurses with wound care procedures ensuring proper healing processes took place.
- Adhered strictly to infection control policies while performing tasks such as administering medications or changing dressings.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
- Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Participated in fun group activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory, and provide light entertainment.
- Supported ambulation and physical therapy needs by conducting planned exercise routines.
- Completed activities of daily living for patients unable to self-care, and assisted those with limited mobility in completing tasks.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
- Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
- Provided care to patients throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture.
- Followed directions of licensed nurses to administer medications and treatments.
- Supported needs of 16 + residents under long-term care.
- Monitored patient specimen samples and test results to effectively alert supervisors of potentially unhealthy changes.
Retail Store Manager
In Time Jewellers
06.1987 - 06.1991
- Improved store sales by implementing effective marketing strategies and attractive visual merchandising.
- Optimized inventory management with regular audits, forecasting demands, and adjusting orders accordingly.
- Reduced shrinkage levels by closely monitoring security measures, conducting staff training, and implementing loss prevention initiatives.
- Collaborated with upper management to develop strategic plans for store growth and expansion.
- Increased average transaction value by upselling products, promoting add-ons, and cross-selling complementary items.
- Maintained clean and organized store appearance to enhance overall shopping experience for customers.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of products while negotiating favorable terms for payments or discounts on bulk purchases.
- Continuously assessed store layout to optimize product placement for enhanced visibility and impulse purchases from customers.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly provided constructive feedback coaching opportunities improvement recognition outstanding achievements.
- Optimized store displays and appearance via strategic merchandising.
- Completed routine store inventories.
- Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues, and difficult customers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through training staff on exceptional customer service practices and conflict resolution techniques.
Education
Certificate IV - Disability Studies
Intercare Training
Keysborough, VIC06.2022
Understanding And Managing Dementia -
NSW Tafe
Wyong, NSW10.2019
Confirm Physical Health Status -
NSW Tafe
Wyong, NSW10.2019
Respond Effectively To Behaviours -
NSW Tafe
Wyong, NSW10.2019
Some College (No Degree) - Buddy Training Workshop
NSW Tafe
Gosford, NSWAssistant In Nursing - Certificate III Care Support Services
WORKTRAIN PRY LTD
Newcastle, NSW07.2001
Year 11 - School Certificate And Completed Year 11
Barraba Central School
Barraba, NSW11.1985
Skills
- Assess client needs and assist with implementing support programs
- Monitor and report on client progress
- Assess community resources for health, training and social activities
- Compassion and Empathy
- Trauma based support
- Medication Administration
- Wound Care
- Tube feedings
- Patient focused care
- Recording of Vital signs
- Documenting behaviors
- Observing responses
Certification
Certificate IV in Disability
Certificate 3 in Nursing
First Aid Certificate including CPR
Nationally recognised Medication Administration
Other Certificates available on request
Timeline
Residential Youth Worker
Catholic Care
06.2022 - Current
Residential Youth Worker
Trilogy Disability Services
06.2021 - 05.2022
Disability Support Worker
Brighter Access
11.2020 - 11.2023
Personal Care Assistant
Catholic Healthcare Our Lady Loretto Gardens
06.2004 - 08.2021
Certified Nursing Assistant AIN
Toukley Lakeside Nursing Home
01.2000 - 06.2010
Retail Store Manager
In Time Jewellers
06.1987 - 06.1991
Certificate IV - Disability Studies
Intercare Training
Understanding And Managing Dementia -
NSW Tafe
Confirm Physical Health Status -
NSW Tafe
Respond Effectively To Behaviours -
NSW Tafe
Some College (No Degree) - Buddy Training Workshop
NSW Tafe
Assistant In Nursing - Certificate III Care Support Services
WORKTRAIN PRY LTD
Year 11 - School Certificate And Completed Year 11
Barraba Central School
Similar Profiles
EVE COZZARINEVE COZZARIN
Support Facilitator at Catholic CareSupport Facilitator at Catholic Care
Naomi JeptooNaomi Jeptoo
Youth Worker at Catholic CareYouth Worker at Catholic Care
Vincent MusindaloVincent Musindalo
Residential Youth Worker at Catholic CareResidential Youth Worker at Catholic Care