Jessica Ferguson
Oakleigh South,Australia
Summary
Accomplished social work leader with over 18 years of progressive experience across community health, mental health, settlement services, and family support. Proven expertise in operational management, clinical supervision, stakeholder engagement, and delivering client-focused, evidence-based services. Known for building high-performing, multidisciplinary teams and leading complex programs across public health and community sectors. Committed to social justice, trauma-informed practice, and cultural safety.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Lead – Counselling Programs
Better Health Network (BHN)
Melbourne
11.2023 - Current
- Lead a multi-site therapeutic counselling program across Bayside, Glen Eira, and Kingston, supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities.
- Oversee evidence-based interventions and staff leadership across adult, youth, child, and family counselling services.
- Manage service delivery across API, IFS, TOD and IHSHY programs.
- Supervise multidisciplinary teams and coach staff for professional growth.
- Ensure programs meet compliance, funding, and accreditation standards.
- Partner with stakeholders and peak bodies to improve client outcomes.
Social Work Field Education Liaison Officer (FELO)
Victoria University- College of Sport, Health & Engineering
Footscray, VIC
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Monitored compliance with AASW/ASWE standards by evaluating responsibilities of students and supervisors.
Conducted three liaison meetings per placement, promoting clear communication among all parties.
Compiled detailed reports based on checklists to track progress of Liaison Reports.
Acted as central point of contact between university and placement organizations, ensuring smooth interactions.
Applied extensive social work experience to improve quality of student field placements.
Senior Practitioner Mental Health, Youth & Family
Connect Health and Community
Melbourne
11.2020 - 10.2023
- Led multidisciplinary teams delivering counselling and mental health services to children, youth, and families.
- Provided operational oversight, supervision, and performance support.
- Ensured governance, intake systems, clinical quality, and audit compliance.
- Developed and implemented program plans and strategic initiatives.
- Offered secondary consultation and promoted interagency collaboration.
Team Leader – Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP)
AMES Australia
Melbourne
12.2019 - 08.2020
- Managed settlement support teams across Melbourne’s southeast, helping newly arrived humanitarian entrants navigate health, housing, employment, and community integration.
- Supervised Senior Case Managers and client support staff.
- Oversaw compliance, KPIs, crisis management, and staff development.
- Engaged with funding bodies and service networks to support service delivery.
Senior Case Manager- Settlement Program (HSP)
AMES Australia
Melbourne
01.2016 - 12.2019
- Provided intensive case management for refugees and asylum seekers with complex needs.
- Led case planning, referrals, and supervision of HSP team.
- Supported clients across areas including health, housing, and mental health.
After Hours Coordinator – Disability & Youth Welfare
Care Choice
Melbourne
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Managed emergency response and after-hours service coordination.
- Liaised with emergency services and DHHS to ensure client and staff safety.
Case Manager – SRSS
AMES Australia
Melbourne
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Delivered crisis intervention and case management to asylum seekers.
- Monitored risk and developed individualised care and safety plans.
Community Participation Coordinator & Consumer Liaison
Royal Women’s Hospital
Melbourne
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Delivered community engagement strategies and facilitated consumer input.
- Managed patient feedback and liaised with clinical teams to resolve complaints.
Student Support Advisor
RMIT University
Melbourne
01.2012 - 12.2014
- Supported students facing housing, visa, and financial crises.
- Managed volunteer programs and orientation event logistics.
Senior Case Manager
London Borough of Islington
UK
01.2010 - 12.2012
- Case managed vulnerable populations within housing and social services.
- Assessed homelessness applications under UK Housing Act.
Education
From Clinician To Manager: Leadership Course
Australasian College of Health Service Management
Melbourne07-2024
Certificate of Foundational Management Skills -
Aptitude Management
Melbourne, VIC01.2022
Master of Social Work -
RMIT University
Melbourne01.2015
Diploma of Youth Work -
Chisholm TAFE
Berwick01.2010
Diploma of Community Services -
Chisholm TAFE
Dandenong, VIC01.2009
Certificate IV in Community Services & Protective Care -
Chisholm TAFE
Berwick, VIC01.2006
Certificate III in Business and Administration -
MEGT
Dandenong, VIC01.2005
Skills
- Program & Service Management
- Team management
- Organization and time management
- Crisis intervention
- Clinical Supervision & Team Leadership
- Client-Centred Practice
- Mental Health & Family Services
- Refugee & Asylum Seeker Support
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Risk, Compliance & Quality Management
- Policy & Program Development
- Cultural Diversity & Inclusion
- Trauma-Informed Care
Professional References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Social Work Field Education Liaison Officer (FELO)
Victoria University- College of Sport, Health & Engineering
01.2024 - 01.2025
Program Lead – Counselling Programs
Better Health Network (BHN)
11.2023 - Current
Senior Practitioner Mental Health, Youth & Family
Connect Health and Community
11.2020 - 10.2023
Team Leader – Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP)
AMES Australia
12.2019 - 08.2020
Senior Case Manager- Settlement Program (HSP)
AMES Australia
01.2016 - 12.2019
After Hours Coordinator – Disability & Youth Welfare
Care Choice
01.2016 - 12.2017
Case Manager – SRSS
AMES Australia
01.2015 - 12.2016
Community Participation Coordinator & Consumer Liaison
Royal Women’s Hospital
01.2014 - 12.2015
Student Support Advisor
RMIT University
01.2012 - 12.2014
Senior Case Manager
London Borough of Islington
01.2010 - 12.2012
From Clinician To Manager: Leadership Course
Australasian College of Health Service Management
Certificate of Foundational Management Skills -
Aptitude Management
Master of Social Work -
RMIT University
Diploma of Youth Work -
Chisholm TAFE
Diploma of Community Services -
Chisholm TAFE
Certificate IV in Community Services & Protective Care -
Chisholm TAFE
Certificate III in Business and Administration -
MEGT
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