Karina Harkness
Meadow Springs ,WA
Summary
For a long time I have wanted to work with children, I started my carer in aged care and loved it, I went on to have my own children (4). I became a student support officer for past 7 years. I have loved to be able to help children achieve goals. Recently things happened in my life that made me really want to work in mental health sector helping struggling people to find themselves. It's become a really big passion of mine. Seeing my daughter get bullied and my other daughter struggle with anxiety hit my heart. My mother has suffered mental health for years and currently have her in more positive circumstances. People need support not judgement, they need a great listener and someone that is willing to work with them to become better at managing themselves.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Support Officer
Owen Primary School
06.2016 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with community organizations to connect students with relevant external support services when needed.
- Collaborated with faculty members to identify at-risk students and develop personalized intervention plans for academic success.
- Acted as a liaison between students facing disciplinary issues and school administrators, providing guidance towards constructive resolutions.
- Reduced dropout rates by closely monitoring attendance records, reaching out to absentees in a timely manner to offer assistance.
- Implemented early warning systems that identified struggling students before they fell behind significantly.
- Contributed to the development of school policies and procedures regarding student well-being, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of orientation programs for new students to ensure smooth transitions into the school community.
- Managed confidential student records diligently, maintaining accuracy and privacy in accordance with legal requirements.
- Continuously updated knowledge of best practices for student support, attending relevant conferences and trainings to maintain a high level of expertise.
- Streamlined communication processes between students, parents, and staff, fostering a positive school environment.
- Provided resources to support students in achieving career goals.
Carer in Aged Care
Baptist Home Aged Care Facility
02.2003 - 07.2005
- Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Used adaptive equipment like lifts walkers wheelchairs safely efficiently improving accessibility mobility independence.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, documenting progress and any changes in condition.
- Implemented safety measures to prevent falls, accidents, and injuries within the home environment.
- Improved patient well-being by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Delivered personal hygiene assistance including bathing grooming dressing feeding toileting all while maintaining client privacy respect.
Education
Year 11 -
Certificate IV - Mental Health Services
Currently enrolled in cert lV in mental health
Skills
- Patience and Tolerance
- Leadership Qualities
- Creativity and Innovation
- Learning Strategies
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Critical Thinking
- Decision-Making
- Emotional Support
- Student Support
- Student Records Management
- Academic Support
- Policy and procedure improvements
- Student Performance Evaluations
- Individual and family support
- Individualized education programs
Timeline
Student Support Officer - Owen Primary School
06.2016 - Current
Carer in Aged Care - Baptist Home Aged Care Facility
02.2003 - 07.2005
Balaklava High School - Year 11,
Celtic Training - Certificate IV, Mental Health Services
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