KERENSA DAWN CONNELL
Palmview,QLD
Summary
I have a Bachelor degree in Community Services - Applied Social Science with over seven years in experience in the Child Protection field. Prior to this I was a proud business owner and mum of 4 beautiful children. Child Protection has always been my passion and I strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and their families
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Safety Officer
Dept of Child Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs
01.2021 - Current
- Undertake investigations, provide statutory child protection services, including assessment, intervention, Casework and case management in accordance with legislation and practice guidelines.
Case Practice Support Worker
Dept of Health and Human Services
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Undertake supervision of access visits between children/young people and their families, Record cases notes on family observations and assessments of contact sessions, consistent with Best Interest Principles
- Other Duties: Assisting with the Working with Children’s project, transporting children to services and providing in home support to families
Owner – Operator
Ballarat Colonic Hydrotherapy
01.2005 - 01.2017
- Colonic Hydro therapist - Treatment of bowel dysfunctions & other health issues
- Other duties: Office administration, sales, customer service, advertising, banking, accounts, reception
Joint Owner – Manager
Bethel Chiropractic Centre, Ballarat
01.2003 - 01.2009
- Colonic Hydro therapist - Treatment of bowel dysfunctions & other health issues
- Other duties: Office administration, payroll, sales, customer service, advertising, banking, accounts, reception
Chiropractic Assistant
Bethel Chiropractic Centre, Ballarat
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Managing accounts, wages, appointments, reception
Crew Trainer
McDonalds, Collingwood, Vic
01.1995 - 01.2000
Team Member
McDonalds, Mildura, Vic
01.1992 - 01.1994
Education
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Community Services) -
Jansen Newman Institute, NSW
12.2018
Colonic Hydrotherapy -
12.2005
Certificate III, Business Management -
12.1999
Victorian Certificate of Education -
12.1994
Skills
- Child development expertise
- Problem-solving abilities
- Excellent Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
- Case management proficiency
- Child Advocacy
- Mental health awareness
- Behavior management techniques
- Report Writing
- Organisational Skills
- Time management abilities
- Goal Setting
- Critical Thinking
- Collaborative Teamwork
Work Placement
- 2018-09-01, 2018-12-31, Department of Health and Human Services, Child Protection – Investigation and Response, Engage with complex clients, Deescalate heightened clients, Attending investigations, Attend Case Plan meetings, Attend Care team Meetings, Home visits to clients, Case Noting, Supervising contacts between parents and children, Attend Court hearings
- 2017-02-01, 2017-05-31, Community Services Placement, Child Health program and Youth Housing Program (Youth Services Department), Assessment and case management of clients, Case noting, Advocating on behalf of clients, Support with short term housing and Office housing, Assisting with living skills, Provide parenting support and advice, Provide outreach and practical support, Skill development
Key Skills And Attributes
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to liaise with people on all levels
- Good organisational and networking skills
- Time management – Able to Manage Competing Priorities
- Ability to effectively work independently and within a team environment
- Initiative and leadership qualities with the ability to relate to young people
- Case management experience
- Knowledge of ICMS database and IDocs
- Experienced in Microsoft Word & Excel
- Understanding CAD Systems
- Current Blue Card
- Current Driver’s License
- Current Police Check
References
- Ms Rachael Dryden, Team Leader, Dept of Children Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs,
Mob: 0408474466, Email: Rachael.Dryden@cyjma.qld.gov.au
- Ms Alanah Chambers, Team Leader, Dept of Children Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs
Mob: 0437158251, Email: Alanah.Chambers@cyjma.qld.gov.au
- Ms Juanita Parker, Acting Manager, Dept of Children Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs.
Mob: 0447 903 323. Email: Juanita.Parker@cyjma.qld.gov.au
Training
- Diabetes Training at Royal Children’s Hospital
- Working with Children and Families affected by Sexual Abuse
- Recognise and Respond to Family Violence
- Alcohol and other Drugs
- Development Attachment and Trauma
- Mental Health First Aid
- Case Planning Training
- Building a Positive Workplace Culture
- Resilience training
- Recommendation 29 training
- MARAM Intermediate, Stage 1
- David Mandel - Safe and Together
Timeline
Child Safety Officer
Dept of Child Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs
01.2021 - Current
Case Practice Support Worker
Dept of Health and Human Services
01.2017 - 01.2021
Owner – Operator
Ballarat Colonic Hydrotherapy
01.2005 - 01.2017
Joint Owner – Manager
Bethel Chiropractic Centre, Ballarat
01.2003 - 01.2009
Chiropractic Assistant
Bethel Chiropractic Centre, Ballarat
01.2000 - 01.2002
Crew Trainer
McDonalds, Collingwood, Vic
01.1995 - 01.2000
Team Member
McDonalds, Mildura, Vic
01.1992 - 01.1994
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Community Services) -
Jansen Newman Institute, NSW
Colonic Hydrotherapy -
Certificate III, Business Management -
Victorian Certificate of Education -
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