Kaylee McKenzie
Mount Peter,Queensland
Summary
- I have worked in a wide range of different employment options that have shaped the person I am today.
- I have upheld my professional capabilities to adapt and solely focus on my current and past opportunities within the workforce.
- I am able to work with external stakeholders and complete appropriate referrals to a high standard.
- I have developed appropriate skills to work with culturally diverse people and have experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as First Nations.
- I uphold my personal values and professional values, which at times can clash; but through my background and past experiences, I have learned the ability to put aside my personal values and adapt to suit my professional ones.
- While completing my Bachelor of Social Work, I gained the opportunity to go overseas to India to apply the social work skills of Australia to the country of India. This really contributed to my passion for social work while being culturally appropriate, yet sensitive.
- Child safety professional with strong background in safeguarding children through thorough assessments and protective strategies. Known for working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve safety goals and adapt to changing circumstances. Skilled in crisis management and risk assessment with reliable and flexible approach.
- Experienced with assessing child safety risks and implementing protective measures. Utilizes crisis intervention techniques to manage high-stress situations effectively. Knowledge of case management and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child Safety Officer (PO3)
Department Of Child Safety (DCSSDS)
02.2023 - Current
- Contributed to case conferences by sharing insights from casework experience, supporting overall decision-making process regarding child welfare matters.
- Utilised clear communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with citizens.
- Ensured timely interventions by maintaining accurate documentation and reporting concerns promptly to appropriate authorities.
- Efficiently managed high caseloads while maintaining quality service delivery through effective time management skills.
- Participate and contribute productively as a team member to form culturally appropriate, professional working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, including children, young people and families, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), and other service providers.
- As part of a multi-disciplinary team (which may include representation from other agencies), undertake high quality strengths-based child protection practice including assessment, intervention, casework, and complex case management.
- Foster a culture and philosophy of quality frontline service delivery based on collaboration, cooperation, commitment to excellence and professional ethics.
- Maintain high quality case records in accordance with departmental case management requirements.
- Participate and contribute to a culture of continuous learning, training and professional development to ensure practice knowledge and skills are contemporary and evidence based.
- Contribute to continuous quality improvement strategies.
- Draw on professional practice experience in relevant child protection fields to provide coaching and mentoring to new and less experienced Child Safety Officers, to develop their skills and knowledge.
- Extended Experience within Intervention with Parental Agreements (IPA) and Long Term Guardianship Orders (LTG/ LTG SP)
Child Safety Officer (PO2)
Department Of Child Safety
11.2021 - 02.2023
- Developed strong relationships with community partners, collaborating on initiatives aimed at promoting child well-being and reducing risk factors.
- Reduced risk factors by providing support and resources to parents, addressing underlying issues contributing to unsafe environments.
- Participated in continuous firearms proficiency, defensive driving and arrest technique training.
- Facilitated family meetings, mediating discussions focused on creating safer environments for children in the household.
- Delver accountable and collaborative integrated child protection services that respect the culture and context of each child, young person, family and community in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, statutory responsibilities and the child protection practice framework.
- Working appropriately under the Child Protection Act 1999.
Disability Support Worker
FlexiChoice Mareeba
03.2019 - 10.2021
- Supporting and monitoring their healthcare needs, including administering medication and temperature checks.
- Supporting them to pursue hobbies and interests.
- Provide debriefing, practice leadership, coaching and feedback on positive behaviour support to team workers.
- Navigating and supporting the NDIS system.
- Understanding and completing plan management.
Child Safety Support Officer (contract)
Department Of Child Safety, Youth And Women
03.2021 - 06.2021
- Ensure that service delivery is consistent with departmental policies and procedures, departmental objectives and current trends.
- Provide culturally appropriate prevention, early intervention, and family support strategies to children and families including referral, provision of information, advocacy and consultation.
- Consult with relevant stakeholders and negotiate with service providers to design, implement and maintain appropriate casework and individualised service plans that link clients to the services and supports they require.
- Liaise and develop links with relevant stakeholders including families, community agencies and relevant government departments.
- Participate effectively as a team member in a multidisciplinary team.
- Develop and maintain knowledge relevant to the role, and actively participate in appropriate learning and development processes.
- Prepare reports and maintain accessible and clear case records consistent with departmental case management requirements.
- Enhance the local regional community by actively practicing and promoting excellence in service delivery and public administration and identifying opportunities for improving regional client service.
Customer Service Supervisor
Coles Supermarkets
05.2011 - 02.2019
- High skills of customer service by engaging with customers and ensuring their satisfaction.
- 2IC role which included team leading, completion of rosters and problem solving.
- High money handling skills which included a trustworthy personal.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
James Cook University
Cairns11.2021
Certificate 3 in Community Services -
Tafe North
01.2015
Year 8 - Year 12 -
Mareeba State High School
01.2014
Primary School -
St Thomas’s Mareeba
01.2009
Skills
Skills developed at Department of Child Safety
- Effective communication and written skills
- Abide to ethical practices, code of ethics and policy
- Experience working under an Act - Government policies
- Experience in Educational Support Plans and Referral to other professional agencies
- Patience and Empathy
- Client-focused and child development focus
- Interpersonal skills and leadership skills
- Care and compassion
- Problem solving and relationship building
- Working under and with the NDIS including plan management and the completion of personal support plans
- Training and education, Multicultural sensitivity and working with diverse children and adults
- Child development and Child protection expertise
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving, Attention to detail and Problem-solving abilities
- Team building and development
- Critical thinking, Active listening and Decision-making
- Relationship building and Investigative procedures
- Interpersonal skills and Analytical thinking
- Criminal investigation and Investigative reports
Certification
- Certificate 1 in Business Technology and Information
- Certificate 1 in Business Education
- Certificate 1 in Work Education
- Certificate 3 in Community Services
- Bachelor of Social Work
Previous Experience
- Coles Mareeba - Checkout Services and Second in Charge.
- FlexiChoice Mareeba - Disability Support Work
- Child Safety Support Officer/ Child Safety Officer (PO2/ PO3)
- 4th Year Placement for Bachelor of Social Work at Department of Child Safety Atherton.
References
Professional References:
- Donna Honychurch, Senior Team Leader, Atherton, (07) 4096 9600 or 0412 831 060.
- Therese De Zilva, Senior Team Leader, Edmonton, 0437 014 659.
Personal References:
- Micala Bridge, Friend, 0488 927 111.
- Matthew Di Salvo, Head of Sport St Augustine's, 0439 115 731.
Skills
Social Work/Department of Child Safety:
- Understanding and abiding by the Australian Standards of Social Work (AASW);
- Understating and abiding towards the Child Protection Act 1999.
- Working alongside the Child Protection Act 1999 to apply appropriate interventions and decision making skills.
- Being a reflective practitioner and implementing knowledge gained from professional development (training) and regular supervision;
- Honesty, transparency and dedication to completing work-related tasks in a timely manner;
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with intent;
- Promotes and advocates for change within the workplace for the benefit of colleagues and clientele;
- Upholding role responsibilities and acknowledging delegation and power within certain job roles and across the Child Protection continuum;
- Supporting colleagues on a professional level (peer support);
- Understanding and acknowledging cultural capability and awareness to ensure that my work is culturally appropriate, responsive and inclusive; and
- A highly motivated, ambitious and focused individual in both a professional and personal sense.
- Effective in Supervision.
Professional Description
Compassionate and dedicated Social Worker with 4 years of experience providing support to individuals and families in need Skilled in crisis intervention, case management, and community outreach, with a proven track record of improving clients' well-being
I appropriately engage with clients, listen to their concerns, and create a plan to better help and manage the problems in their lives
I am very enthusiastic and outgoing, and I like building positive relationships with new and existing clients
Highly organized, hard-working, great with technology, and also outstanding in telephone and documentation skills
I have completed three different business certificates during my years of high school: a Certificate III in the area of Community Services at TAFE in 2015, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work full-time at James Cook University in Cairns
Additional Information
AASW:
Member of the Australian Association of Social Work
Timeline
Child Safety Officer (PO3)
Department Of Child Safety (DCSSDS)
02.2023 - Current
Child Safety Officer (PO2)
Department Of Child Safety
11.2021 - 02.2023
Child Safety Support Officer (contract)
Department Of Child Safety, Youth And Women
03.2021 - 06.2021
Disability Support Worker
FlexiChoice Mareeba
03.2019 - 10.2021
Customer Service Supervisor
Coles Supermarkets
05.2011 - 02.2019
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
James Cook University
Certificate 3 in Community Services -
Tafe North
Year 8 - Year 12 -
Mareeba State High School
Primary School -
St Thomas’s Mareeba
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