Karena Mitchell
Mount Eliza
Summary
Skilled in diversity engagement and inclusive disability advocacy, significantly contributing to team and client success. Proven track record in client engagement and strategic work organization. Excellent program coordination and team leadership, enhancing service delivery and client satisfaction.
Adept at team collaboration, adapting to changing needs, and delivering exceptional customer service. Known for reliability, effective communication, and strategic problem-solving.
Experienced with client relationship management and negotiation skills to achieve successful outcomes. Track record of effective communication and problem-solving in dynamic environments.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
New Homes Consultant
GJ Gardner Homes Mornington
11.2021 - 11.2022
- Developed strong relationships with potential clients. Creation of initial sales estimates and contracts on behalf of clients for custom home builds, achieving favourable terms while adhering to clients budget constraints.
- Collaboration with town planning departments, in house estimating team, external architects, design consultants, engineers and construction managers to assess project feasibility.
- Relayed updates to clients regarding their new home plan creation and progress of build contracts.
- Regular use of technical building industry software plus onsite initial feasibility visits
- Maintained detailed records of client interactions and effective communication among team members.
- Contributed to sales growth by effectively showcasing new builds, floor plans, and design options.
Program Coordinator: Employment Supports
Catalyst Training and Disability Service
02.2018 - 11.2021
- Recruitment of service users into NDIS funded preparation for employment programs
- Group and individual delivery of employment programs for young adults with high support needs.
- Establishment of strategic partnerships with external organizations and social enterprises, expanding program reach and impact.
- Facilitation of regular meetings with team members to discuss progress updates, address challenges, and identify solutions for ongoing success
- Maintained detailed records of program activities and participant data, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations required by NDIA.
- Led training sessions for staff, fostering a knowledgeable and cohesive team environment.
- Organized events and workshops to engage participants, enhancing their learning experience within the program framework.
- Designed program implementation and maintenance plan.
- Managed budgets and resources for successful execution of multiple programs simultaneously.
Community Consultation and Mentoring (Social Work)
Self-employeed
01.2016 - 02.2018
- Mentoring social work students in areas relating to ethics, social work theory and intervention, inclusive service provision, risk assessment, safeguarding and family violence.
- Consultation with community groups in relation to safeguarding children and safe supervision practices
Senior Social Worker: Team Leader Case Management
Doncare Community Care
03.2014 - 11.2016
- Promoted family safety through effective case management and advocacy efforts.
- Mentored student social workers, enhancing their professional development and skills growth and producing final placement reports for their respective Universities.
- Trained student Social workers in best practices related to casework and crisis intervention techniques
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create holistic care plans addressing physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of clients.
- Supervised evidence-based interventions tailored to client needs, specifically in relation to elder abuse and family violence
- Provided crisis intervention services to clients, addressing immediate needs and ensuring safety.
- Advocated on behalf of vulnerable individuals in court proceedings, contributing to fair outcomes aligned with client interests.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven measures, leading to continuous improvements in service delivery.
- Increased efficiency and accessibility of services for clients.
- Conducted home visits to assess safety and living conditions and provide personalized support for families.
Career Break
Self
05.2005 - 03.2014
- Planned Career break to bring up young family
- Voluntary work with Kindergarten and Primary school in relation to safeguarding development
- Various community organisations
Senior Social Worker - Fostering and Adoption
Anglicare Victoria
06.2002 - 05.2005
Senior Social Worker -Fostering and Adoption
Hammersmith And Fulham Council
03.1999 - 03.2002
Locum Social Worker - Children and Families
Angela Shaw Associates Locum Agency
01.1997 - 02.1998
Social Worker - Children and Families
States of Guernsey Children Board
06.1995 - 06.1997
Student Social Worker - Children and Families
States Of Guernsey Children Board
06.1992 - 06.1995
- Trainee social worker with funded post graduate university studies to gain professional accreditation
Social Work Assistant - Mental Health & Disability
States of Guernsey Board of Health
01.1987 - 09.1989
Education
Post Graduate Diploma of Social Work - Social Work
University of Bristol
Bristol England06-1997
Higher National Diploma Business Studies - Business
New College Durham
Durham England05-1991
Skills
- Proactive Goal Achievement
- Program Coordination
- Supervisory Skills
- Client Needs Analysis
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Work Organization
- Resource Coordination
- Disability and Diversity Advocacy
- Guidance and Development
- Problem solving
- Reporting Expertise
Timeline
New Homes Consultant
GJ Gardner Homes Mornington
11.2021 - 11.2022
Program Coordinator: Employment Supports
Catalyst Training and Disability Service
02.2018 - 11.2021
Community Consultation and Mentoring (Social Work)
Self-employeed
01.2016 - 02.2018
Senior Social Worker: Team Leader Case Management
Doncare Community Care
03.2014 - 11.2016
Career Break
Self
05.2005 - 03.2014
Senior Social Worker - Fostering and Adoption
Anglicare Victoria
06.2002 - 05.2005
Senior Social Worker -Fostering and Adoption
Hammersmith And Fulham Council
03.1999 - 03.2002
Locum Social Worker - Children and Families
Angela Shaw Associates Locum Agency
01.1997 - 02.1998
Social Worker - Children and Families
States of Guernsey Children Board
06.1995 - 06.1997
Student Social Worker - Children and Families
States Of Guernsey Children Board
06.1992 - 06.1995
Social Work Assistant - Mental Health & Disability
States of Guernsey Board of Health
01.1987 - 09.1989
Post Graduate Diploma of Social Work - Social Work
University of Bristol
Higher National Diploma Business Studies - Business
New College Durham
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