Karen Racher
Point Cook,Australia
Summary
I am a professional and resourceful case manager in the Court Practice stream with significant case management experience . I have worked various roles and positions encompassing a wide range of capabilities including as a Court Duty Officer, Offender Manager, Programme Delivery Lead, and Case Manager.
I have experience in managing a caseload of high risk and complex individuals on community correction orders and I am passionate about facilitating positive change in individuals' lives.
I effectively manage risk, identifying and mitigating this by conducting full risk assessments. I am well-versed in preparing reports for the Court in a timely manner.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Case Manager/Acting Advanced Practitioner
Community Correctional Services
07.2017 - Current
- Started in an acting up position as an Advanced Practitioner in April 2023 and have worked at both the Broadmeadows and Werribee community correction offices.
- Managing a caseload of high risk and complex individuals on their community correction orders.
- Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address individual needs and goals.
- Referral and liaison with other agencies for assistance in accommodation, employment, mental health and substance misuse
- Assessing and managing risk by conducting risk assessments.
- Preparation of Court reports
- Keeping accurate case records
6-month Parole Officer
Community Correctional Services
10.2018 - 04.2019
- Secondment (0.6 FTE)
- Conducted thorough pre-release investigations, ensuring seamless transition from incarceration to community reintegration.
- Developed comprehensive case plans for parolees, resulting in improved rehabilitation outcomes.
- Leveraged strong communication skills to maintain rapport between parole officers, clients, and community partners throughout the supervision period.
- Coordinated multi-agency meetings for complex cases involving mental health or substance abuse issues, ensuring a comprehensive approach to client support.
Probation Officer/Court Duty Officer
Norfolk and Suffolk Probation Trust
10.2003 - 11.2016
- Managing a caseload of approximately 50 individuals with a variety of requirements of their community orders.
- Referral and liaison with other agencies for assistance in accommodation, employment, mental health and substance misuse
- Supervising individuals on community sentences, licences and during custodial sentences
- Assessing and managing risk to the public, of reoffending and to themselves
- Helping individuals address the issues that led them to offend
- Completing offence focused work in supervision sessions
- Information gathering and interviewing offenders
- Preparing Court reports – Pre-Sentence, Drug Rehabilitation Reports, Breach Reports and Home Detention Curfew Reports
- Enforcement of Community Orders
- Keeping accurate case records
Third Party Claims Handler
Norwich Union Direct
10.2000 - 10.2003
- Claims case management assessing liability and recovery
- Liaising with other insurance agencies, insurance brokers, approved repairers, the policyholders and third party insured
Education
Cert III - Probation Studies
NVQ
01.2018
National Vocational Qualification - Probation Studies
De Montfort University
01.2014
Higher National Diploma - Community and Criminal Justice
De Montfort University
01.2005
General National Vocational Qualification - Hospitality and Catering
Norwich City College
01.1997
Nine GCSE’s -
Thorpe St Andrew High School
07-1994
Skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent team player
- Excellent organisational skills
- Active listening
- Organization and multitasking
- Positive attitude
- Case planning
References
- Marissa Simoglou, Manager Court Practice, Broadmeadows Justice Service Centre, marissa.simoglou@justice.vic.gov.au
- Tanya Zita, Manager Court Practice, tanya.zita@justice.vic.gov.au
Timeline
6-month Parole Officer
Community Correctional Services
10.2018 - 04.2019
Case Manager/Acting Advanced Practitioner
Community Correctional Services
07.2017 - Current
Probation Officer/Court Duty Officer
Norfolk and Suffolk Probation Trust
10.2003 - 11.2016
Third Party Claims Handler
Norwich Union Direct
10.2000 - 10.2003
Cert III - Probation Studies
NVQ
National Vocational Qualification - Probation Studies
De Montfort University
Higher National Diploma - Community and Criminal Justice
De Montfort University
General National Vocational Qualification - Hospitality and Catering
Norwich City College
Nine GCSE’s -
Thorpe St Andrew High School
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