Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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James Pickering

Marrickville,NSW

Summary

I am an organised person who builds positive rapport, inspires trust and guide teams toward the achievement of goals set. I believe I am an excellent mentor who helps to creates a dynamic, positive workplace culture. I have a lot of experience in both the disability and out of home care (OOHC) sector and bring with this a lot of knowledge. I also care a lot about my work and the people i work with and who I support and I enjoy advocating for those who i think need support.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Supported Foster Care Coordinator

Burdekin Association
10.2022 - Current
  • Leading the Supported Foster Care team which consisted of carers supports, team leader and case managers. This included regular supervisions, annual appraisals and ongoing support and guidance in crisis situations.
  • Involved in the planning and implementing of how the Foster care programme can grow sustainably and successfully which resulted in stable carer placements for the young people almost doubling in two years.
  • Assisted in recruiting new foster parents through targeted public presentations and markets to learn about the program''s benefits and requirements.
  • Conducted thorough carer assessments using the Step by Step assessment template and then supporting these carers through the approval process and into their first carer placements.
  • In collaboration with Case managers put in place comprehensive care plans for each child in the program, ensuring their needs were consistently met.
  • Collaborated with other agencies to provide a wide range of services for foster families and their children including DCJ and other foster care organisations
  • Enhanced the well-being of foster children by providing ongoing support, resources, and guidance to foster families.
  • Made sure that the programme stayed within budget and when applicable advocated for more funding for placements when required


Team Leader

Burdekin Association
10.2022 - 10.2022
  • Overseeing a team of youth workers in an ICM out of home care home where young people lived for you to three months whilst their long term care was organised.
  • Rostering of support within the property making sure that adequate level of support required is provided,
  • Supervisions and appraisals of the youth work team.
  • Being part of a 24/7 on call team.
  • Liaising with other organisations involved in the young peoples support including DCJ, medical professionals, schools, psychologists and family members.
  • Making sure all support was provided within approved budgets,
  • Liaising with Case Managers, OOHC Managers and therapeutic specialists to make sure that support of the young people was at the holistic level it should be.
  • Providing emotional support to the youth work team and the young people in the house.
  • Liaising with HR department around recruitment needs and being involved in interviewing, on-boarding and training of new staff.
  • Mentoring staff and making sure that their work life balance was being upheld.

Team Leader

The Housing Connection
10.2014 - 08.2022
  • Led a team of 10 equivalent full time team members to deliver person centred supports to the participants.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of company mission and goals and mentored employees in reaching objectives aligned with company core values.
  • Assisted in recruitment and implementing existing training models.
  • Planned and managed the support of approximately 25 participants making sure that each person was supported to achieve the NDIS goals that they set out in their plan.
  • Oversaw the budgets of each participant to make sure that their support was within their budget and assisted and supported them in the planning for their next NDIS planning meeting.
  • Completed the fortnightly rostering for all the participants I oversaw making sure that these supports were at the times and days requested by the participant and had the appropriate staff assigned to each support shift,
  • Participated in a 24 hour on call roster for out of hours support of all the participants in the organisation.
  • Coordinated team meetings, supervisions and yearly appraisals for the team members in my team.
  • Liaising daily with team members, participants, participants family members, other organisations and medical professionals and built positive and trusting relationships with all involved in the support.

Team Leader

Open Minds
01.2012 - 09.2014
  • Led team at a 24 hour accommodation service where 10 clients with acquired brain injures lived.
  • Participated in an 24 hour on call roster for the acquired brain injury department of the organisation.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of company mission and goals and mentored employees in reaching objectives aligned with company core values.
  • Coordinated weekly team meeting with the team
  • Completed the rosters for the accommodation service including sleepover and emergency supports.
  • Oversaw the day to day running of the accommodation support service and mentored the team members who worked there,
  • Assisted in setting up a yearly brain injury awareness music gig which raised money for the organisation to use for recreational and social events for all of the clients involved.

Project Coordinator

The Housing Connection
03.2007 - 12.2011
  • Led a team to deliver person centred supports to the participants.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of company mission and goals and mentored employees in reaching objectives aligned with company core values.
  • Assisted in recruitment and implementing existing training models.
  • Planned and managed the support of approximately 15 high level participants making sure that each person was supported to achieve their personal future plans.
  • Completed the fortnightly rostering for all the participants I oversaw making sure that these supports were at the times and days requested by the participant and had the appropriate staff assigned to each support shift,
  • Participated in a 24 hour on call roster for out of hours support of all the participants in the organisation.
  • Coordinated team meetings, supervisions and yearly appraisals for the team members in my team.
  • Liaising daily with team members, participants, participants family members, other organisations and medical professionals and built positive and trusting relationships with all involved in the support.

Education

Certificate IV - Disability Studies

Essentra
Sydney

Combined Honors Degree - Sociology/English

Nene University
Northampton, UK
08.2000

Skills

  • Very good verbal and Written Communication skills
  • Good sense of humour
  • Think outside of the box and able to stay calm in stressful situations
  • Enjoy a fast paced environment and enjoy the challenges that can come with this
  • Very personable and enjoy mentoring staff
  • Really enjoy leading a team and building positive relationships with those who i work with
  • Positive in my way of thinking and very adaptive

Timeline

Supported Foster Care Coordinator

Burdekin Association
10.2022 - Current

Team Leader

Burdekin Association
10.2022 - 10.2022

Team Leader

The Housing Connection
10.2014 - 08.2022

Team Leader

Open Minds
01.2012 - 09.2014

Project Coordinator

The Housing Connection
03.2007 - 12.2011

Certificate IV - Disability Studies

Essentra

Combined Honors Degree - Sociology/English

Nene University

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James Pickering