Kylie Symonds

Focused Project Manager bringing Six years of developing continuous improvements throughout planning and implementation phases of projects. Demonstrated history of establishing and enforcing adherence to standards of excellence. Well-versed in mentoring and guiding associates to exceed client and stakeholder expectations. Accustomed to cultivating innovative ideas and encouraging new ideas that drive company growth. Insightful, focused and driven team player practiced in leading multiple simultaneous projects. Forward-thinking and confident in leading team members, managing schedules and coordinating resources. Keeps projects on-track with decisive supervision and quick problem-solving. Persuasive in communicating and negotiating with internal team members, vendors and other stakeholders.

• Discovering the Power in Me, Pacific Institute – Train the trainer, 2017
• Managing Mental Health at Work, mh@work – Train the trainer, 2017
• Writing Funding Applications, National Aging Research Institute, 2015
• Motivational Interviewing, VICSERVE, 2015
• Project Management Fundamentals, AIM (Aust Institute of Mgmt), 2010
• Reverse Marketing, Duality, 2007
• Recruitment and Selection, VECCI, 2006
• Discrimination and Privacy, VECCI, 2006
• Disability Awareness Training, Diversity@work, 2005

Nearly 30 year’s employment history ranging from Customer Service, Management, Advertising Production, Business Development, Recruitment, Community Engagement and varied roles within Disability Employment Services, Registered Training Organisation and Group Training Organisations. I enjoy collaborating with stakeholders to find the best solutions to support disadvantaged members of our community to thrive. My recent roles have allowed me to blend my diverse skills and experiences together.

• Camping and 4WDing
• Keeping fit/ Going to the gym
• Searching and Collecting pre-decimal coins

• Females in Trades (NAWIC Crystal Vision Award)
• Defence Trade Program (Prime Ministers Award 2020)
• Caring Careers recruitment model for traineeships in Cert III in Individual Support, published as a Case Study in the Jobs Qld Workability report: A guide to NDIS traineeships using Group Training (2022)
• Crown's Disability employment strategy published in serval publications which are still evolving today.
• Influenced the implantation of Disability Action Plans for Crown, Melbourne Water, South East Water, Programmed Services, Mercy Hospital and others. The strategy was also mentioned in the document submitted to parliament by WISE Employment relating to the Inquiry into social inclusion and Victorians with a disability
• The disability awareness and Managing Mental Health in the Workplace workshops I introduced at EPIC were an innovative step forward for EPIC which created a new revenue stream for the business.
• Developed a handbook for employment consultants to use in understanding how to work with people with disabilities, prepare them for employment and provide appropriate post placement support.
• Introduced another fee for service product for EPIC to support businesses to develop Disability Action Plans and Reconciliation Action Plans.
• Multiple awards in Excellence in Customer Service

Most recent direct manager - CEO WorkForce Connect / Five Bridges

Former Managers and colleagues East Coast Apprenticeships

Former Line Manager EPIC Assist

Former direct Manager/Mentor WISE Employment

Former direct Manager Latrobe Community Health

Other references available upon request.