Helene Gornell
Mindarie,WA
Summary
Senior Social Worker with extensive experience of working with young people and families, excelling in building positive relationships, multidisciplinary collaboration and crisis intervention.
Strong assessment skills and understanding of the complexities of family dynamics.
Committed to trauma informed practice and safety for vulnerable children and families.
Experienced in mentoring staff and strong teamwork, supporting colleagues.
Strong advocate for the best interests of the child and supporting families.
Known for empathy, reliability, honesty, transparency and effective communication.
Skilled at managing multiple priorities and problem solving.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Social Worker - Fostering
Key Assets
11.2018 - Current
- Case management of foster carers and children in out of home care.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with children and families.
- Maintain frequent and on going communication with foster carers in relation to the care of the child in placement.
- Manage complex cases.
- Support and coach families to develop further insight and understanding around the needs of the child in their care.
- Upskill carers by coaching and providing information to address gaps in their knowledge and understanding. Support with carers personal development.
- Advocate for the needs of the child and carers.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams to meet the needs of children and families .
- Facilitate multidisciplinary meetings with the child's key care team to ensure effective communication service planning and review.
- Facilitate carer support groups.
- Support children and foster families, demonstrating empathy and understanding during challenging times.
- Support social workers and student social workers in a mentoring capacity to enhance their professional development and skills growth
- Step into Fostering Team Manager role when required.
Child and Family Practitioner
Goodstart Early Learning
04.2017 - 11.2018
- Mentored Early Education staff to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the children in their care, helping them gain an awareness of trauma informed care.
- Assisted with the implementation of practices within the centre that supported children's development and positive connections.
- Worked as part of multidisciplinary team.
Early Intervention Service Coordinator
Uniting Care West
09.2015 - 04.2017
- Facilitated early intervention program for Mothers and children at risk.
- Supported Mothers with personal growth, understanding and personal development facilitating group work and group discussion.
- Provided ongoing support to families through participation, communication and inclusion.
- Mentored program volunteers.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by team work, sharing tasks, good communication and sharing best practices.
- Strengthened families resilience through crisis intervention, counselling, and referral to services.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust necessary for effective intervention.
Caseworker Family Group Homes
Uniting Care West
10.2013 - 09.2015
- Managed caseload of young people living in out of home care within a group home environment.
- Supported and mentored agency carers to care for the young people.
- Ensured that the young person's care plan needs were addressed.
- Developed safety plans.
- Facilitated multi disciplinary meetings.
- Managed crisis and challenging situations.
Child Protection Caseworker
Department For Child Protection And Family Support
05.2007 - 07.2008
- Managed caseload of children in out of home care living in a foster care arrangement.
- Worked directly with biological families and foster carers to facilitate contact and reunification planning.
- Participated in court proceedings gathering evidence for affidavits.
- Facilitated multi disciplinary meetings.
- Provided crisis intervention to children and families, addressing immediate safety concerns and connecting them with appropriate services.
- Demonstrated cultural competence by engaging clients from diverse backgrounds, fostering rapport, and open communication.
Social Worker Learning Disabilities Team
Social Services
07.2002 - 11.2005
- Conducted assessments of need for vulnerable adults and their carers.
- Implemented care plans and monitored and reviewed services to meet the needs of the clients and carers.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and regularly reviewed services, adapting care plans when required to meet changing needs.
- Maintained accurate case documentation.
- Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
Education
Post Qualifying Award in Social Work
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester UK11-2005
Diploma - Social Work
Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool, UK06-2002
Skills
- Case management
- Communication
- Building positive relationships with families and stakeholders
- Advocacy
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Assessment skills
- Crisis intervention
- Safety planning
- Staff mentoring and support
- Reflective
- Flexibility
Certification
Eligible for membership to AASW
Timeline
Senior Social Worker - Fostering
Key Assets
11.2018 - Current
Child and Family Practitioner
Goodstart Early Learning
04.2017 - 11.2018
Early Intervention Service Coordinator
Uniting Care West
09.2015 - 04.2017
Caseworker Family Group Homes
Uniting Care West
10.2013 - 09.2015
Child Protection Caseworker
Department For Child Protection And Family Support
05.2007 - 07.2008
Social Worker Learning Disabilities Team
Social Services
07.2002 - 11.2005
Post Qualifying Award in Social Work
Manchester Metropolitan University
Diploma - Social Work
Liverpool John Moores University
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