Jerry John
Cairns,Australia
Summary
Dedicated Principal Advocate experienced in leading advocacy initiatives for individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges. Developed policies and frameworks that enhanced service delivery and empowered clients while ensuring compliance with ethical standards and legal requirements. Focused on securing positive outcomes through strategic collaboration with stakeholders and effective team leadership.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Advocate
Rights In Action
Cairns, Australia
07.2024 - Current
- Represented clients in high-impact and systemic advocacy cases, collaborating with multiple agencies to secure positive outcomes.
- Led advocacy initiatives by developing policies, reflective practice frameworks, and strategies for supported decision-making to enhance service delivery and reinforce client autonomy.
- Advised management on organizational risk, recommending strategic prevention measures to enhance advocacy operations.
- Assessed risks for clients and the organisation, providing resolution plans and guidance to staff for effective case management.
- Acted as line manager to advocates and social work students fostering professional growth, accountability, and adherence to ethical, culturally responsive, and strengths-based practice.
- Supervised staff to support individuals with disabilities in expressing advocacy goals and views.
- Provide a high level of skill and research, using initiative in structuring creative, successful solutions adapted to the person’s capacity to achieve client advocacy goals.
- Ascertain, establish, and educate on potential human rights complaints or disclosed discriminatory practices by facilitating positive actions such as internal and external referrals to reduce the disadvantage of people with disabilities.
- Align ongoing compliance with data reportable compliance requirements.
Field Educator - Social Work Placement Students
James Cook University
Cairns, Australia
06.2024 - 07.2025
- Supervised, guided, and created structured learning opportunities for social work students during field education placements to enhance their practical skills.
- Conducted regular supervision sessions and collaborated with university field education teams to monitor student progress and align feedback with learning goals.
- Fostered supportive learning environment promoting ethical, culturally responsive, and strengths-based practices to ensure compliance with AASW standards.
Advocate
Rights In Action
Cairns, Australia
01.2022 - 06.2024
- Engaged with statutory bodies, government departments, and stakeholders to advocate for clients' rights and ensure access to essential services.
- Delivered systemic & individual advocacy services for individuals with disabilities & mental health concerns, ensuring equitable access to essential services.
- Provided support in cases of abuse, neglect, and legal appeals, advocating for fair resolutions and empowering clients.
- Conducted outreach initiatives to raise awareness of advocacy services, enhancing community engagement and client access.
Social Worker (voluntary internship)
Queensland Health
Cairns, Australia
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Completed 500 hours of practical experience, providing comprehensive case management and psychosocial support to enhance patient well-being.
- Developed targeted interventions and collaborated with teams to ensure ethical, policy-aligned healthcare delivery for vulnerable populations.
- Facilitated counseling sessions for individuals and families in crisis situations.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans.
- Conducted assessments to identify client needs and appropriate resources.
Relations Officer
Bless Homes Retirement Living
Kerala, India
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Coordinated recreational programs and social activities, enhancing residents' quality of life through individualized care planning.
- Liaised between residents, families, and stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and support for all parties involved.
- Coordinated resident activities and events to enhance community engagement.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of retirement living services.
- Assisted residents with personal needs, promoting well-being and comfort.
Community Social Worker
Koode - Flood Rehabilitation Project
Kerala, India
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Led flood rehabilitation initiatives through data collection, assessments, and strategic planning, enhancing support for affected communities.
- Led stakeholder engagement and developed community programs with local partners, strengthening rehabilitation efforts and fostering social resilience.
- Facilitated community meetings to assess flood recovery needs and resources.
- Coordinated support services for affected families during rehabilitation efforts.
- Developed outreach programs to connect residents with available assistance.
Medical Social Worker
Rajagiri Hospital
Kerala, India
01.2019 - 11.2019
- Delivered crisis intervention and counseling to patients and families in emergency and MICU settings, supporting emotional and social adaptation to illness and treatment.
- Coordinated discharge planning and collaborated with healthcare teams to facilitate seamless care transitions and ensure accuracy in clinical records.
- Assessed patient needs through comprehensive social evaluations and consultations.
- Developed care plans in collaboration with healthcare teams and families.
- Provided counseling support to patients facing medical and emotional challenges.
Education
Master of Social Work -
James Cook University
Australia01-2021
Bachelor of Social Work -
Rajagiri College of Social Science
India01-2018
Skills
- Advocacy & Client Representation
- Case Management & Crisis Intervention
- Policy planning
- Regulatory Compliance
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Stakeholder engagement
- Community outreach
- Community development
- Leadership
- Performance Management
- Client empowerment
- Ethical decision making
Languages Skills
English (native), Malayalam (native), Advocacy & Client Representation, Case Management & Crisis Intervention, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, Community Engagement & Program Development, Policy Development & Strategic Planning
Professional Engagement Initiatives
- Community Engagement: Led the Age-Friendly Project (U3A), enhancing senior community participation and support.
- Advocacy Development: Developed a Reflective Practice Framework to improve the effectiveness of advocacy services.
- Research & Analysis: Conducted research on youth sedentary lifestyles and food consumption patterns, contributing to health awareness initiatives.
- Community Worker: Qualified Positive Skill Assessment by ACWA 2025 - ANZSCO 411711
Timeline
Principal Advocate
Rights In Action
07.2024 - Current
Field Educator - Social Work Placement Students
James Cook University
06.2024 - 07.2025
Advocate
Rights In Action
01.2022 - 06.2024
Social Worker (voluntary internship)
Queensland Health
08.2021 - 12.2021
Relations Officer
Bless Homes Retirement Living
01.2020 - 12.2020
Community Social Worker
Koode - Flood Rehabilitation Project
01.2020 - 12.2020
Medical Social Worker
Rajagiri Hospital
01.2019 - 11.2019
Master of Social Work -
James Cook University
Bachelor of Social Work -
Rajagiri College of Social Science