JANAYA HENNESSY
Nowra
Summary
Empathetic, resilient, and purpose-driven First Nations community professional with 6+ years’ experience in trauma-informed case management, cultural identity support, and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. A proven track record of developing and delivering culturally safe programs across government and non-profit sectors. Passionate about breaking generational cycles through culturally grounded care, community engagement, and systemic change. Currently completing a Bachelor of Counselling with the goal of deepening my impact in therapeutic and advocacy roles.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Intensive Youth Worker Aboriginal Identified
Wadjak Northside Aboriginal Community Group
11.2024 - Current
- Established trusting relationships with young people through empathetic listening and genuine interest in their lives outside of program hours.
- Promoted a safe, inclusive environment by establishing clear expectations and reinforcing positive behaviors among participants who are involved in juvenile justice and youth court.
- Completed necessary reports and documentation to maintain thorough, accurate case records.
- Provided individualized support for at-risk youth, resulting in increased self-esteem and positive behavior changes.
- Developed and implemented range of lessons and resources to motivate young people.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to secure resources and opportunities for the youth served.
- Assisted in identifying and reducing barriers to youth engagement and development.
- Enhanced youth engagement by incorporating interactive activities and group discussions into programs.
- Led workshops on various topics such as cultural connection, intergenerational trauma, and healthy relationships, empowering youths to make informed decisions about their futures and breaking the cycle.
- Managed and led activities promoting growth in mental, emotional, and educational areas.
- Advocated for the unique needs of each young person by partnering with school personnel or other service providers when appropriate.
- Supported and mentored students in developing skills to become successful in community.
- Facilitated youth development and leadership programs for young people from indigenous backgrounds.
- Improved program effectiveness by collaborating with colleagues to develop innovative strategies for youth development.
- Promoted a safe, inclusive environment by establishing clear expectations and reinforcing positive behaviors among participants.
- Provided individualized support for at-risk youth, resulting in increased self-esteem and positive behavior changes.
- Provided guidance and advice to youth, supporting navigation of diverse personal and social issues.
- Provided key emotional support to special needs youth.
- Promoted positive peer interactions by facilitating group activities and modeling respectful communication techniques.
- Ensured program compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations through consistent record-keeping and reporting practices.
- Developed and maintained relationships with partner organizations to facilitate access to youth-related resources.
- Coordinated special events such as cultural celebrations or field trips that enriched participants'' experiences beyond traditional program offerings.
- Managed daily operations of programs including scheduling, budgeting, and staff supervision while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
- Implemented comprehensive assessments to identify areas of improvement and tailor intervention plans accordingly.
Support Coordinator /Recovery Support Worker/ Client Engagement
Auxilium Recovery Network
01.2023 - 11.2024
- Building on my career progression within the NDIS, I transitioned into roles as a Support Coordinator and Recovery Support Worker, where my focus has been on making a meaningful impact through person-centered and participant-led support plans. I have specialized in advocating for disability rights while ensuring First Nations cultural representation and inclusivity within the NDIS space. My work has centered on supporting Indigenous participants by facilitating access to culturally safe resources and programs. Through trauma-informed care, I create a safe and trusting environment that breaks down barriers, empowering individuals to achieve their goals and thrive within their communities.
- Managed high-volume caseloads, ensuring timely completion of tasks and effective communication with clients.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support services for clients, improving outcomes across multiple domains.
- Maintained detailed documentation of client interactions and progress toward goals, providing a clear record of care provided.
- Fostered partnerships with local service providers to enhance resource networks available to clients in need of specialized assistance or referrals.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and develop appropriate support interventions, resulting in improved client outcomes.
- Served as an advocate for clients within the community, working closely with external partners to facilitate access to resources and supports.
- Improved client satisfaction by efficiently addressing and resolving support issues.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Case Worker Aboriginal
New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Training, and sustainable employment pathways. With extensive experience in trauma-informed community work, I focus on supporting individuals in overcoming personal and systemic barriers to achieve economic independence. Skilled in culturally sensitive care, mentoring, and outreach, I work closely with Aboriginal leaders to foster cultural identity, build capacity, and support long-term success. Dedicated to improving access to vocational education and training (VET), I strive to create opportunities that enable Aboriginal people to thrive economically and socially.
- 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.
- Maintained up-to-date records on all clients, enabling accurate monitoring of progress and appropriate case planning adjustments.
- Maintained high level of client confidentiality, following strict guidelines, and recommendations.
- Facilitated client access to community resources, promoting self-sufficiency and independence.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for improved client outcomes and coordinated care.
- Streamlined documentation processes, increasing efficiency in caseload management.
- Developed strong partnerships with local organizations, expanding available resources for clientele.
- Enhanced client well-being by developing comprehensive case plans addressing individual needs.
- Advocated for client rights and represented clients through community organizations and barriers.
- Conducted thorough assessments to determine client eligibility for various programs and services.
- Assisted clients in preparing applications for social security benefits, housing and assistance programs.
- Provided crisis intervention services, ensuring the safety and stability of clients during challenging situations.
Case Manager Aboriginal Identified
Wesley Mission
05.2021 - 08.2022
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop coordinated care plans that addressed clients'' complex needs holistically.
- Improved client outcomes by developing comprehensive case plans and coordinating services with community partners.
- Developed strong relationships with community organizations in order to better serve clients'' needs within their local area.
- Managed high-risk cases to ensure safety and well-being of children through timely assessments and appropriate interventions.
- Increased access to resources by connecting clients to appropriate financial, housing, medical, and educational services.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Reviewed agency policies regularly so as to stay updated regarding changes affecting eligibility criteria, service offerings, or client rights.
- Exceeded performance metrics by consistently meeting and surpassing assigned caseload requirements while maintaining high-quality care standards.
- Maintained accurate records, adhering to strict documentation guidelines and confidentiality requirements for compliance purposes.
- Provided culturally competent services to diverse populations while maintaining sensitivity to cultural norms and values.
- Empowered clients towards self-sufficiency through goal-setting, skill-building exercises, and motivational interviewing techniques.
- Implemented evidence-based practices such as trauma-informed care when addressing the unique challenges faced by clients who experienced adversity or abuse.
- Conducted outreach activities to engage local stakeholders in programs.
Aboriginal Community Development Officer
Shoalhaven City Council
02.2019 - 10.2021
- Developed short- and long term community development strategies to draw businesses and consumers to rural areas.
- Managed grant applications, resulting in increased funding for vital community projects.
- Presented project updates regularly to boards or committees, ensuring transparency and accountability in all activities.
- Conducted ongoing research of best practices in community development, ensuring the implementation of innovative strategies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design comprehensive solutions addressing multidimensional challenges faced by Aboriginal communities within the Shoalhaven local government Area.
- Increased public awareness of available services by creating informational materials and managing social media accounts.
- Enhanced community partnerships through regular communication and coordination with local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies.
- Developed successful community programs by conducting needs assessments and engaging stakeholders.
- Improved community engagement by organizing outreach events and collaborating with local organizations.
- Contributed to strategic planning processes to support long-term goals for sustainable community development.
- Championed Aboriginal cultural awareness throughout all community development initiatives within Local government, fostering a sense of belonging among Aboriginal populations within the Shoalhaven Local government Area and further education and awareness to non indigenous staff.
Education
Diploma Community Services - Family And Community Services
TAFE NSW
NSW12-2019
Bachelors Counselling - Counselling And Pyschology
Australian College of Applied Pyschology
Online12-2026
High School Diploma -
Nowra Anglican College
Nowra, NSW12-2014
Skills
- Youth mentoring
- Motivational support
- Relationship-building
- Program design and implementation
- Advocacy
- Trauma Informed Care
- Program planning
- Behavioral modification strategies
- Crisis response expertise
- Program support
- Mentoring
- Collaborative networking abilities
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Youth engagement
- Cultural awareness
- Crisis intervention
- Mental health crisis response
- Maintaining client records
- Report preparation
Accomplishments
- Development Walking on Country NSW tourism Shoalhaven city council:
- Development of Reconciliation action plan within Shoalhaven city council
- Paid partnership- Aboriginal advertisement-anti racism campaign-SBS
- Working with Children Check
- Class C Drivers Licence
- ElementalHealth: Mental Health Training
- Winner South Coast - ABC Heywire
- 2019 -Invited to attend State Parliament and lunch with The Hon. Shelley Hancock member for South Coast & Mr Paul Green - 2017 -
- Shoalhaven 'Superheroes' Award - 2016
- Participant - AIME- Aboriginal Indigenous Mentoring Experience
- 2016 -Winner - International Youth Award of Inspiration
- 2016 -Finalist - Volunteering Service & Beyond Award
- 2016 - Attendee - Elevate Leadership Conference - 2015
- Participant - South Coast Leadership Forum - 2015 -
- Participant - Rotary Youth Camp of Enrichment - 2015 -
- The first Aboriginal student leader elected at Nowra Anglican College -2015
- Participant - Bunga Burra Leadership Program- 2015 -
- CRU Leadership Camp - 2015
Timeline
Intensive Youth Worker Aboriginal Identified
Wadjak Northside Aboriginal Community Group
11.2024 - Current
Support Coordinator /Recovery Support Worker/ Client Engagement
Auxilium Recovery Network
01.2023 - 11.2024
Case Worker Aboriginal
New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council
08.2022 - 07.2023
Case Manager Aboriginal Identified
Wesley Mission
05.2021 - 08.2022
Aboriginal Community Development Officer
Shoalhaven City Council
02.2019 - 10.2021
Diploma Community Services - Family And Community Services
TAFE NSW
Bachelors Counselling - Counselling And Pyschology
Australian College of Applied Pyschology
High School Diploma -
Nowra Anglican College
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