Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Jennifer Dodd

Brisbane,QLD

Summary

Encouraging manager and problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.

Over 15 years experience in the Community and Disability sector, working both in local government and regional communities. Understanding of the value and importance of building a culture that continuously seeks quality improvement, while managing risk and complying with accreditation standards. Committed to advancing the rights and opportunities for the most vulnerable members of society, their families, and to enhancing the quality of life for all.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Area Manager

Carers Queensland
  • Strategically lead and drive the delivery of the LATC PITC program in new scheme roll out areas by providing supervision, coordination and leadership to the LAC team while maintain transparent communication throughout the team.
  • Oversee quality audits to ensure the LAC programs are operating within Bilateral Agreement, NDIS Standard Operating Requirements and Carers Queensland Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Support management team to ensure consistent process resulting in exceptional performance of the program, monitoring and support the NDIS Services Grant Agreement, contractual, quality, statutory and legislative requirements.
  • Led a team to achieve contractual KPI's and exceed targets consistently, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring timely completion of tasks and projects.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
  • Continuously improved operational procedures through ongoing evaluation of existing practices, incorporating feedback from team members and adopting organisational best practices.
  • Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations, maintaining detailed records and documentation as required.

Team Leader

Carers Queensland
03.2017 - Current
  • Leading the delivery of the NDIS Local Area Coordinator Partners in the Community (LAC) program in the Ipswich Area while overseeing a team of LAC, Senior LAC and administrative staff.
  • Supporting the strategic implementation of the NDIS in one of Queensland’s first NDIS roll-out sites.
  • Implementing quality audits and program frameworks operating within the Bilateral Agreement and NDIS Standard Operating Requirements.
  • Ensuring the exceptional performance of the NDIS LAC program, and that all NDIS Grant Agreements, contractual, quality, statutory and legislative requirements with their delegation are met.
  • Managing, investigating and responding to high-level complaints and incidents.
  • Project managing the transition of the Child Safety Cohort and Early Intervention Cohort into the NDIS through key partnerships with multidisciplinary agencies.
  • Supervised team members to confirm compliance with set procedures and quality requirements.
  • Monitored team performance and provided constructive feedback to increase productivity and maintain quality standards.
  • Built strong relationships with customers through positive attitude and attentive response.
  • Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.

Transition Specialist

Carers Queensland
04.2021 - 04.2022
  • Conducted thorough assessments of service delivery and participant needs prior to developing tailored transition plans and resources, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and objectives.
  • Consultation and collaboration with the NDIS Early Childhood Approach Department and the Partner Performance Team.
  • Established relationships with key NDIS partners, fostering a collaborative environment that enhanced service offerings for participants undergoing transition.
  • Implemented change management strategies which reduced employee and participant resistance during organisational transitions.
  • Developed and facilitated organisation training sessions for staff members across South East Queensland, enhancing their understanding of company policies and procedures.
  • Assessed risks associated with each individual project, allowing proactive planning measures for potential challenges within participant transitions.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to facilitate smooth transitions while minimizing disruptions to existing operations.
  • Streamlined communication between stakeholders, resulting in more efficient collaboration during the transition period.

Specialist Inclusion Coordinator

YMCA Of Brisbane
03.2014 - 03.2017
  • Member of the YMCA National Disability Leadership group. This group is implementing the strategic direction in the area of disability for all Australian YMCA services including strategies to prepare for NDIS.
  • Project managing the establishment of Y-Care South East Queensland’s two disability services. I am featured in a video of the service here: http://www.ycare.org.au/specialst-oshc . This program accepted numerous awards and recognition, including: NAB School’s First Award, Mary MacKillop Foundation Grant, Gambling Community Benefit Fund, and is has been nominated for Australian Child Care Week Inclusion award, National Disability Award and Early Childhood Intervention Australia Award.
  • Area Manager of YMCA’s specialist disability services. This role included ensuring legislative compliance, policy compliance and conducting professional development workshops for staff on discrimination, inclusion, and workplace health and safety.
  • Develop and track program budget including set up costs, staffing and resource requirements when tendering for new YMCA services.
  • Overseeing department accreditation processes, including the implementation of a new quality improvement plan format. During my time in the role, one of the services underwent the accreditation process and achieved an ‘Exceeding’ standard.
  • Queensland Children’s Activity Network Action Research Project author for the Department of Education reviewing the importance and impact of Outside School Hours Care services to young people and families living with a disability.
  • Implementing and supporting 28 services in the smooth transition of inclusion support agencies and liaising with leading inclusion management professionals.
  • Implementing disability training across 28 children’s services for over 750 Educators including, the implementation of a Disability Action Plan, conducting professional development workshops on inclusive practices, providing in-service training and conducting audits on service facilities.
  • As an extension of the Specialist OSHC program and in liaison with Aspley Special School, facilitating a transition program for graduating Year 12’s who need support over the Summer holiday period to access post-school employment or post-school programs. This program aligned with the Queensland disability plan 2014 -19 and is a key focus within the implementation of NDIS.

Program Coordinator

YMCA Of Brisbane
04.2013 - 03.2014
  • Ensure the safe supervision of young people with regards to the duty of care. In a parent survey the service and service staff received 100% positive feedback from families/carers.
  • Liaise and communicate with young people accessing the service, their families and the school.
  • Facilitator of the Aspley Special School’s My Time, a program designed to provide parents of children with a disability with a supportive network and resilience programs.
  • National Out of School Hours Association (NOSHSA) Action Research author. The project researched the challenges and benefits of opening a unique Specialist OSHC project. I presented at the NOSHSA leadership symposium in Sydney and Queensland Children’s Activity Network to share the findings of the project.
  • Established a working relationship with the state Disability Minister.
  • Extensive experience in the areas of marketing, budgets and management, professional networking, advocacy, recruitment and policy development.
  • Utilise the theories of positive psychology to ensure that all staff are fully commitment and engaged with the working environment.

Activities Coordinator – Community Inclusion

Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre - Sefton Council
02.2010 - 03.2013
  • Administration and coordination of booking and initiatives. This centre was the first of its kind within the UK due to the fully inclusive nature of the building’s design.
  • Planning and delivering activity sessions for people living with a disability to help build confidence and social interaction.
  • Development of a youth academy for water sports in which young people were selected to participate in youth competitions held both nationally and internationally.
  • Implement, co-ordinate and review residential respite care for young people and adults with a disability – including completion of care packages during their stay and contact visits to their family before their visit. As part of my marketing drive we accepted and supported respite opportunities and special school care from across the United Kingdom.
  • Managing high risk activities for vulnerable populations in a manner that promoted positive engagement and dignity of risk.
  • Working with internal, external and government agencies to promote disability awareness.
  • Working with a wide variety of sports organisations, such as Sport England and Royal Yacht Association, to promote sports to people, both able and disabled.
  • Always ensuring excellent customer service and safe environments for all service users.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Music & Theatre Studies

University of Liverpool, UK
Liverpool, United Kingdom
07.2005

High School Diploma -

Chesterfield 6th Form College
Liverpool, UK
07.2001

Skills

  • Project management development and research analysis
  • Excellent communication and active listening skills
  • Flexible and willing to work hours to meet with business demands
  • Friendly and supportive disposition with excellent customer service skills
  • Understanding and implementation of risk and incident management frameworks
  • Positive management style to empower and guide team members
  • Firm believer in equality and the social model of inclusion
  • Aware of the importance of confidentiality in line with data protection
  • Ready to take on new opportunities to further develop my skills and knowledge
  • Customer- Orientated to provide the best care for a person centred approach

Timeline

Transition Specialist

Carers Queensland
04.2021 - 04.2022

Team Leader

Carers Queensland
03.2017 - Current

Specialist Inclusion Coordinator

YMCA Of Brisbane
03.2014 - 03.2017

Program Coordinator

YMCA Of Brisbane
04.2013 - 03.2014

Activities Coordinator – Community Inclusion

Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre - Sefton Council
02.2010 - 03.2013

Area Manager

Carers Queensland

Bachelor of Arts - Music & Theatre Studies

University of Liverpool, UK

High School Diploma -

Chesterfield 6th Form College
Jennifer Dodd