Kathryn Shields

• Psychosocial support coordination for individuals who have experienced suicidal crisis – referred by Queensland Health facilities, in line with state and national mental health policy.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments and measures to identify client needs and develop appropriate strengths-based goals and support interventions.
• Collaboratively develop robust safety plans.
• Create referral pathways according to diverse and complex needs including alcohol and other drug, homelessness, complex mental health, and domestic violence.
• Liaise with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Interagency collaboration and networking across Queensland services. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive client support, improving outcomes across multiple domains.
• Manage high-volume caseloads, ensuring timely completion of tasks and effective communication.
• Maintain detailed documentation of client interactions, safety and progress toward goals.
• Serve as an advocate for clients within the community, working closely with external partners to facilitate access to resources and support.
• Use lived experience to inform work practices.

MEMBER OF LIVED EXPERIENCE FRAMEWORK REFERENCE GROUP

• Development and implementation of lived experience workforce within Communify.
• Internal and external consultations.
• Document and policy development.
• Managed high-volume caseloads, ensuring timely completion of tasks and effective communication with clients.

• Conducted phone assessments to ascertain suitability for and smooth entry into both the withdrawal unit and residential program.
• Managed and coordinated bookings in the withdrawal unit.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of the withdrawal unit and residential rehabilitation centre.
• Admissions - withdrawal unit and residential program.
• Provided brief intervention when necessary, effectively de-escalating challenging situations while maintaining safety.
• Provided regular reports to management.
• Developed strong rapport with clients through active listening, consistently demonstrating unconditional positive regard, understanding, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
• Maintained detailed records of client progress, interventions, and outcomes to ensure continuity of support.
• Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
• Facilitated group sessions to support clients develop coping skills and improve communication.
• Mentored new support workers by providing guidance, sharing best practices, and modelling effective client-centred care techniques.
• Participated in interagency network meetings in collaboration with the Community Team Leader.
• Member of The Disability Action and Inclusion Plan Working Party.

FOUNDING MEMBER OF YOUNG PERSON'S PROGRAM - WITHDRAWAL UNIT - JANUARY - OCTOBER, 2023

• Supported the implementation of a specialised support program for individuals under 25 years.
• Utilised evidence-based data collection, motivational interviewing, inter-agency collaboration, data analysis, and continuous feedback to enhance the detoxification experience.
• Conducted research and interagency visits.
• Provided support for young individuals experiencing their first intervention or having additional mental health needs.

• Primarily worked with clients grappling with mental health and addiction challenges, delivering tailored care and support.
• Provided leadership to team of support workers from diverse backgrounds.
• Provided person-centred support services to empower individuals to achieve independent living and realise their life aspirations.
• Attended and conducted stakeholder meetings, facilitating effective communication and seamless service provision.
• Created and supported referral pathways.
• Coordinated community outings and activities, enriching lives of clients through social engagement opportunities.
• Mentored and provided training to new employees, providing comprehensive training that resulted in faster skill acquisition and higher job performance and confidence.
• Devised and implemented communication systems, processes and procedures to streamline operations.
• Optimised inventory management by implementing an organised system for tracking stock levels and ordering supplies.
• Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
• Maintained strict confidentiality regarding client information, adhering to all relevant privacy laws and organisational guidelines.

• Self-employed manager, appointed by tender.
• Managed a team of 10-12 including overseeing all recruiting, onboarding, training and development, mandatory requirements, rostering and payroll.
• Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development and community outreach.
• Developed a strong organisational culture, focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
• Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
• Demonstrated strong management skills in overseeing all aspects of the business, including record-keeping, reporting, and data collection
• Developed and implemented various document templates, adopted by the council for official use.
• Maintained workplace health and safety for small business operations according to relevant policy.
• Community engagement to build working relationships and collaborate with local organisations, community, and social services.
• This role provided a solid foundation in leadership and management, which I carried forward into my subsequent positions.

• Managed large team of Group Fitness instructors, fostering a collaborative environment, resulting in increased class attendance and individual satisfaction.
• Rostering.
• Served as Assistant Manager of gym floor, ensuring health and safety compliance in fast-paced, high-risk setting
• Successfully operated personal training business, working with diverse individuals to attain their specific objectives.
• Utilised problem-solving skills to address individual needs, integrating experience and knowledge effectively.
• Organised staff meetings for ongoing communication about policy updates or best practices.
• Fostered a positive workout environment by addressing member concerns promptly and professionally.
• Mentored and trained new employees, fostering their growth within the organisation over time.
• Ensured instructor quality through regular performance evaluations and targeted professional development opportunities.
• Developed strong relationships with members through active listening skills and personalised attention, enhancing client loyalty.