Jean Te Ao Curtis-Hicks
Tarneit,Victoria
Summary
Dedicated mental health support professional with proven experience in crisis intervention and client advocacy. Skilled in developing tailored support plans and collaborating with community agencies to enhance service delivery and address critical gaps in bereavement support for families affected by suicide.
Overview
1
1
Certification
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Local Response Team Hawkes Bay
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Rep
Napier/Hastings, New Zealand
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Provided post-suicide support for families and friends affected by loss.
- Evaluated immediate needs and recommended further services, including counseling and home visits.
- Coordinated referrals to appropriate agencies, ensuring clients received timely and relevant support.
- Facilitated discussions among clinicians, health managers, and educators to address and learn from recent suicide incidents.
- Developed reintegration plans for youth transitioning back to family environments.
- Collaborated with agencies to ensure comprehensive support for youth and guardians.
- Conducted follow-ups post-assistance to monitor wellbeing and identify ongoing needs.
- Protected client privacy by adhering to confidentiality protocols. throughout all processes and interactions.
Lived Experience Team Hawkes Bay
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Rep
Hastings, NZ
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Collaborated with group to provide support for individuals impacted by suicide loss across all ages, enhancing community resilience.
- Facilitated discussions identifying critical gaps in bereavement support for families, leading to targeted recommendations.
- Promoted dialogue among community members to advocate for improved bereavement support systems. proposing necessary changes in support systems.
Hawkes Bay Community Support Group
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Hauora Rep
Napier/Hastings, NZ
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Collaborated with clinicians, social workers, and community agencies to enhance youth safety protocols.
- Developed informational materials for public distribution to raise community awareness.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Community Worker - Youth Worker
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Hauora Trust
Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Partnered with local organizations to expand community outreach and increase access to resources.
- Engaged in workshops focused on mental health, addiction, and suicide prevention to improve support strategies.
- Provided support to individuals navigating social services and healthcare options.
- Developed actionable plans with clients and families for effective support.
- Assessed client performance and monitored progress regularly.
- Documented community interactions and service referrals to ensure comprehensive support and follow-up.
Fast Food Manager
McDonalds Homestead Restaurant
Rotorua, NZ
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Managed daily operations to optimize restaurant performance.
- Trained new staff on service standards and food safety protocols.
- Trained new employees on food preparation, cash handling, and customer service techniques.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining excellent customer relations.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly to uphold satisfaction levels.
- Regularly inspected restaurant premises to ensure cleanliness standards were met.
- Conducted employee performance reviews and coordinated promotions and advertising.
Supervisor/Cleaner
Tempo Services Limited
ROTORUA, NZ
01.1994 - 1996
- Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Managed workflow schedules to optimize team efficiency and productivity.
- Conducted regular inspections to maintain quality standards across processes.
- Coordinated with management to implement process improvements and initiatives.
- Resolved employee issues and maintained positive team dynamics.
- Recruiting and training staff
- Trained new staff on company procedures and equipment usage.
Support Worker - Health Person - Full Time
Health Care of New Zealand
Rotorua
- Assisted with patient care and support in daily activities.
- Empowered clients to achieve personal goals and make informed decisions.
- Communicated effectively with patients to provide information and guidance.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure quality service delivery.
- Transported clients to programs, enhancing their engagement and participation in community activities.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records.
- Developed and implemented safety protocols, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations for client wellbeing.
Contact Supervisor
Barnardos
Rotorua
- Documented interactions and maintained accurate records in database systems.
- Implemented social service interventions to achieve treatment goals and address client needs.
- Supervised team of support staff in providing quality care services.
- Coordinated communication between families and service providers effectively.
- Implemented training programs for new staff on organizational policies.
Residential Social Worker
Princess of Wales Health Camp, NZ Foundation for the Child & Family Health & Development
Rotorua, NZ
- Delivered programs to promote personal growth and development of tamariki, fostering resilience and self-esteem.
- Adhered to established protocols for safeguarding vulnerable children, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Provided support during family therapy sessions to enhance communication skills.
- Engaged in training sessions to refine intervention strategies and techniques, enhancing effectiveness in support roles.
Sorter Packer
Apollo Apples Whakatu
Hastings
Grader, Packer
Kiwi Coast Growers
Te Puke
Student Social Worker
Te Roopu a Iwi o Te Arawa/Maataua Whangai, Community Charitable Trust
Rotorua, NZ
- Supported clients in navigating challenges by engaging them in discussions to identify personal problems and potential solutions.
- Advised individuals on social services rights and available opportunities to enhance their access to support.
- Linked clients with community resources for benefits and housing assistance to facilitate improved living conditions.
Social Worker
Awhina Activity Centre
Rotorua, NZ
- Provided support to individuals facing mental health challenges and social issues.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to enhance community engagement and personal development.
- Maintained lists of resources helpful to clients.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (BASS) - Kaupepa Maori Social Practice
Waiariki Institute of Technology
Rotorua01-2004
National Certificate - Community and Social Work
Waiariki Institute of Technology
RotoruaDiploma - Accounting
TE WANANGA O RAUKAWA
RotoruaDiploma - Mātāuranga Māori / ACCOUNTING
TE WANANGA O RAUKAWA
Otaki NZNational Certificate - Security L2
TE WANANGA O AOTEAROA
Rotorua NZNational Certificate - Business Administration & Computing - Level 3
Practical Education Institute NZ Limited
RotoruaSkills
- Crisis support
- Trauma-informed care
- Client advocacy
- Case management
- Client documentation
- Community outreach
- Resource networking
- Support group facilitation
- Team collaboration
- Team building
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
Certification
Licences: Car Full – Child Check
Community Volunteer Work
- Mangaroa Corrections Hawkes Bay NZ, Coordinator, 2025, Voluntary Kaiwhakamana / Support Worker, Meeting inmates of all categories when requested, listening to their story and needs. Assisting them where appropriate., Reporting back to Kaiwhakamana Coordinator., Karyn Teddy
- Red Badge Security Napier NZ, Coordinator, 2025, Security Officer Events Concerts, Alex
- Lifelink Samaritans, Coordinator, Rotorua, 2004, 2007, Counsellor – Casual / On Call, Suicide Line All Ages, Greif & Loss, Trauma, Loneliness, Elderly, Effective listening and communication - verbal and non-verbal, Eclectic counselling therapies, Room's duty, Paperwork, Note Taking..., Joan Taikato
Disclaimer
In accordance with the Privacy Act 1993, you have permission to contact the above referees in regards to my suitability for employment. Thank you.
Workshop Achievements
- 2023 Addiction 101 - Blueprint
- 2023 Mental Health MH101 – Blueprint
- 2023 Suicide Prevention – Taylor Made Training
- 2023 Mates for Life Suicide Prevention
- 2024 The Waves Postvention Suicide Greif & Loss – Ministry of Health
- 2024 ASSIST Prevention Suicide
Custom
- “During her time with the Trust, Jean demonstrated an unwavering commitment to whānau wellbeing, community advocacy, and social equity. Of Te Arawa descent, she brought deep cultural insight and lived experience to her role, working passionately to preserve whakapapa and to ensure that all people; particularly those facing structural health and social barriers, received the support, guidance, and empowerment necessary to thrive.”
- Stacy Apiata CEO KWTHI
Timeline
Local Response Team Hawkes Bay
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Rep
01.2023 - 01.2025
Lived Experience Team Hawkes Bay
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Rep
01.2023 - 01.2025
Hawkes Bay Community Support Group
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Hauora Rep
01.2023 - 01.2025
Community Worker - Youth Worker
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Hauora Trust
01.2022 - 01.2025
Fast Food Manager
McDonalds Homestead Restaurant
01.1996 - 01.1999
Supervisor/Cleaner
Tempo Services Limited
01.1994 - 1996
Support Worker - Health Person - Full Time
Health Care of New Zealand
Contact Supervisor
Barnardos
Residential Social Worker
Princess of Wales Health Camp, NZ Foundation for the Child & Family Health & Development
Sorter Packer
Apollo Apples Whakatu
Grader, Packer
Kiwi Coast Growers
Student Social Worker
Te Roopu a Iwi o Te Arawa/Maataua Whangai, Community Charitable Trust
Social Worker
Awhina Activity Centre
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (BASS) - Kaupepa Maori Social Practice
Waiariki Institute of Technology
National Certificate - Community and Social Work
Waiariki Institute of Technology
Diploma - Accounting
TE WANANGA O RAUKAWA
Diploma - Mātāuranga Māori / ACCOUNTING
TE WANANGA O RAUKAWA
National Certificate - Security L2
TE WANANGA O AOTEAROA
National Certificate - Business Administration & Computing - Level 3
Practical Education Institute NZ Limited