Erika Akizuki
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Coordinator
Wanslea Family Services
Belmont, WA
02.2024 - Current
- Managed foster carer communication including the Foster Carer Newsletter.
- Managed foster carer enquiries and assessment processes including proof-reading and editing foster carer assessments and reviews to ensure they were of high quality before final approval.
- Enhanced operational workflows by maintaining well-organised tracking and documentation systems and updating records accurately as needed.
- Provided professional supervision to a team of social workers and family support workers.
Foster Carer Assessor
Wanslea Family Services
Belmont, WA
12.2022 - 02.2024
- Completed foster carer assessments including in-depth interviews, reference checks, assessments, and written reports.
- Elicited and analysed personal information about applicants in order to make predictions about their capacity to meet the foster carer competencies.
- Developed relationships with clients that maintained professional boundaries whilst creating interpersonal safety to support applicants' ability to feel comfortable engaging in the interviews.
Case Worker
Wanslea Family Services
Belmont, WA
11.2021 - 12.2022
- Assessed needs of each client and recommended appropriate services and resources.
- Monitored case progress for timely completion and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Established trusting relationships with clients, fostering open communication and rapport building.
- Assessed and evaluated clients' needs, determined eligibility for services, and developed individualized plans.
Coordinator
St John Of God, Mother And Baby Program
Dianella, WA
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Oversaw the case management of the young people who were clients of the program.
- Provided professional supervision to a team of residential youth workers.
- Completed progress reports for upper management.
- Coordinated the management of the two properties.
- Acted as after-hours on-call for Horizon Houses across the state when required.
Specialist Support Coordinator
Integrated WA
Balcatta, WA
10.2020 - 03.2021
- Supported participants of the NDIA and their families to understand and utilise their NDIS plans.
- Sourced appropriate services for participants to consider in the utilisation of NDIS funds.
- Completed progress reports and housing assessment reports.
- Supported participants and their families to respond to safety concerns caused by mental health and social issues.
- Reported appropriately to the NDIA.
Child Protection Worker
The Department Of Communities
Armadale, WA
04.2016 - 10.2020
- Provided case management to children and young people to achieve best outcomes in the eight dimensions of their lives: safety, care arrangement, health, education, social and family relationships, emotional and behavioural well-being, culture and identity, and legal and financial matters.
- Completed written work of a high quality including case notes, care plans, legal documentation, briefings to the Minister, funding submissions, and approval submissions.
- Increased positive outcomes for children by establishing respectful and collaborative working relationships with children and young people, families, schools, and other important stakeholders.
- Represented Armadale District at the International Signs of Safety conference by presenting a complex case managed by myself. This case was chosen as an example of best practice.
Family Support Worker
Mental Illness Fellowship Of WA
Midland, WA
10.2015 - 04.2016
- Provided individualised and community supports to improve the socio-emotional well-being of parents.
Therapeutic Support Worker
Uniting WA
Across Perth Metro
04.2014 - 04.2016
- Provided therapeutic care to children and young people in the care of the Department of Communities, Child Protection and Family Support.
Case Worker (field Practicum for Masters)
Angel Hands Incorporated
Maylands, WA
02.2015 - 05.2015
- Contributed to event organisation for training and key note presentations.
- Developed applications for funding.
- Developed brochures, flyers, and other promotional material.
- Co-facilitated group therapy.
- Provided case work and counselling services.
Family Support Worker
Uniting WA
East Perth, WA
10.2013 - 03.2014
- Provided support to families experiencing homelessness.
Youth Worker
Safe Places For Children
Across Perth Metro
01.2013 - 10.2013
- Provided support to young people in the care of the Department of Communities, Child Protection and Family Support.
Disability Support Worker
Rocky Bay
Mosman Park, WA
07.2012 - 01.2013
- Provided assistance to clients with intellectual and physical disability.
Education
Bachelor of Psychology With Honours -
Murdoch University
Perth, WAMaster of Social Work -
University of Western Australia
Perth, WA07.2016
References
Available on request.
Timeline
Coordinator
Wanslea Family Services
02.2024 - Current
Foster Carer Assessor
Wanslea Family Services
12.2022 - 02.2024
Case Worker
Wanslea Family Services
11.2021 - 12.2022
Coordinator
St John Of God, Mother And Baby Program
03.2021 - 11.2021
Specialist Support Coordinator
Integrated WA
10.2020 - 03.2021
Child Protection Worker
The Department Of Communities
04.2016 - 10.2020
Family Support Worker
Mental Illness Fellowship Of WA
10.2015 - 04.2016
Case Worker (field Practicum for Masters)
Angel Hands Incorporated
02.2015 - 05.2015
Therapeutic Support Worker
Uniting WA
04.2014 - 04.2016
Family Support Worker
Uniting WA
10.2013 - 03.2014
Youth Worker
Safe Places For Children
01.2013 - 10.2013
Disability Support Worker
Rocky Bay
07.2012 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Psychology With Honours -
Murdoch University
Master of Social Work -
University of Western Australia