Karen Walters
Winchelsea,VIC
Summary
Proactive Operations Manager with extensive experience in Support Coordination, Planning, Staff management in the disability sector. Skilled in optimizing operational efficiency, fostering stakeholder relationships, and leading successful change initiatives. Bringing strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, a drive for continuous improvement to advance organizational goals, supporting growth of services interstate and the ability to support staff remotely.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager - Support Coordination
GenU
03.2017 - Current
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Led Recruitment, onboarding and training of new staff to fulfill the role requirements.
- Networked and maintained relationships with external stakeholders for organisational growth.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
- Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
- Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
- Led successful change initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions during organizational restructuring efforts.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and meet key performance indicator targets.
- Interacted well with clients/families to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Ensured employees were compliant with company policies and procedures.
Senior Planner VPS6
National Disability Insurance Agency
02.2015 - 03.2017
- Developed NDIS plans to support people with living with disabilities in alignment with reasonable and necessary decision making to determine supports required.
- Team lead planner for the Colanda project, ensuring plans were completed to support transition into living life in the community for 65 clients.
- Mentored junior planners in the use of advanced planning tools and techniques, Knowledge sharing work environment that compliments a professional approach..
- Established strong relationships with participants and families to develop capacity building, goal based plans.
- Increased collaboration among team members with effective communication strategies and regular progress meetings.
- Complex planner, sitting within the complex team at NDIA and participated in team meetings to understand clients with multiple disabilities.
- Conducted regular reviews of clients plans informed and evidenced by therapist reports.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to understand participants with multiple disabilities and behaviour of concern.
Unit Manager Colanda Residential Services
Department of Families Fairness and Housing
09.1992 - 01.2015
- I worked as a Deputy Unit Manager for 8years and acted as a Unit Manager for the past year and on one occasion had the opportunity to act as Operations Manager overseeing 6 Supported Accommodation Homes in Colac.
- I have vast experience in working with people with multiple complex disabilities, families for positive outcomes.
- I have also implemented Behaviour Support Plans, health care plans, created person centred plans, gaining insight, knowledge and understanding the benefits of a individualised approach.
- Supervised direct care staff, cleaners and performed staff rostering duties.
- Developed strong working relationships with care teams including medical professionals, therapists and clients and families.
- Developed person centred plans collaboratively with client family and key workers.
- Optimized staffing levels by monitoring unit needs and making adjustments to rosters as necessary.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the unit by enforcing strict adherence to protocols, guidelines, and infection control measures.
- Reduced medication errors by diligently overseeing the administration of medications to client.
- Fostered a positive culture organizing regular team-building activities.
- Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both clients and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
Trainee Intellectual Disability Support Officer
Department of Human Services
10.1990 - 09.1992
- Learned how to provide support and care to people with disabilities living in residential care.
- Participated in on-the-job training, working closely with supervisors and coworkers and asking appropriate questions.
- Attended training courses to build understanding of processes, techniques, and industry.
- Built relationships with peers, leadership and clients/families using strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Filled out timesheets and completed case notes.
- Shadowed senior staff, gaining valuable insights into client management strategies.
- Participated in weekly team meetings to offer insights, fostering collaborative work environment.
- Employed proven problem-solving techniques to resolve issues quickly and with minimal disruption.
- Exhibited high energy and professionalism when dealing with clients and staff.
Education
Advanced Diploma of Management
Customised Training
Bacchus Marsh, VIC2014
Advanced Diploma of Disability Work
RMIT University
Ballarat, VIC2005
Advanced Certificate in Residential, Community
Disability Services Training Unit, Colanda
Colac1993
Intellectual Disabilities Services Officers Cert
Broadmeadows College
Broadmeadows, VIC1992
Skills
- Operations Management
- Planning and Implementation
- Staff Training
- Staff Management
- Staff Development
- Interpersonal Communication
- Client Relationships
- Performance Management
- Superb time management skills
- Onboarding and Orientation
- Unsurpassed work ethic
- Incidents management
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
References
Schree Barry - Manager Integrated Planning and Specialist Services (Current Manager)
Phone - 0437915005
Email - schree.barry@genu.org.au
Organisation - genU
Noel Bates - Personal Referee ( Clients Father)
Phone - 0438612419
Email - noelbates3@gmail.com
Timeline
Operations Manager - Support Coordination
GenU
03.2017 - Current
Senior Planner VPS6
National Disability Insurance Agency
02.2015 - 03.2017
Unit Manager Colanda Residential Services
Department of Families Fairness and Housing
09.1992 - 01.2015
Trainee Intellectual Disability Support Officer
Department of Human Services
10.1990 - 09.1992
Advanced Diploma of Management
Customised Training
Advanced Diploma of Disability Work
RMIT University
Advanced Certificate in Residential, Community
Disability Services Training Unit, Colanda
Intellectual Disabilities Services Officers Cert
Broadmeadows College
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