Leonie Jefferson
Summary
I have been committed to health and education all my life. I have been fortunate enough to have had some very incredible, inspiring people at key points in my life.
Family, community, people you meet in the journey of life. Going to university for me was a privilege, I had 3 years of high school education and 2 TAFE degrees.
Adapting what has been learned to work in community so it is respectful of all
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
School Counsellor
Community Controlled School/HeadmasterLes Hegity
Woorabinda, QLD
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- let the kids at the school get to know who I was and where I came from
- let them know I was there to listen and to advocate for them on issues that may arise in school, home or community.
Flood Recovery Support Worker
Bullinah -Aboriginal Medical Service
Ballina, NSW
06.2023 - Current
- Enhanced client well-being by providing emotional support and implementing individualized recovery plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive support for clients during their recovery process.
- Conducted regular assessments of client progress, adjusting recovery plans as needed to maximize success in meeting their goals.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, effectively deescalating situations and connecting clients with appropriate resources.
- Worked closely with medical professionals, including psychiatrists and nurses, to coordinate medication management plans as part of a comprehensive approach to client care.
- Evaluated individual strengths and challenges to identify appropriate interventions best suited for each client''s unique situation, maximizing the likelihood of recovery success.
- Advocated on behalf of clients when necessary, ensuring access to essential services and assistance required for sustained progress in their recovery journey.
- Promoted an environment of mutual respect and empathy within group sessions, creating a safe space conducive to honest sharing and personal growth among participants engaged in recovery support activities.
- Offered guidance on community resources available to clients, including housing options, employment opportunities, educational programs, or additional treatment services as needed.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication to facilitate progress in their recovery journey.
- Implemented motivational interviewing techniques to encourage active engagement in the recovery process by helping clients identify barriers or obstacles hindering progress toward their goals.
- Assisted clients in identifying personal goals for recovery and developing actionable plans to achieve them.
- Supported clients with compassionate, empathetic face-to-face counselling.
- Documented case management activity for accurate, reliable records.
- Planned appropriate treatment and discharge schedules to maximize success.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies.
- Facilitated communication between clients and other service providers.
- Monitored progress towards service plan goals.
- Collaborated with various stakeholders to promote social services.
Specialist AOD Indigenous Counsellor
North Coast Area Health Service
North Coast
03.2014 - Current
- Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication and attentive service.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
- Interpreted clients' needs and introduced services to fit specific requirements.
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
- Worked in collaborations with local First Nations communities, to get the best possible outcome.
- When a client is applying for detox, make sure they are supported.
- Listen to family.
- Mentored junior team members, fostering professional growth through guidance on best practices in the industry.
Aboriginal Health Coordinator (secondment)
Western NSW-Local Health District
Bathurst, NSW
04.2014 - 04.2015
- Provided ongoing support to both patients and families throughout their healthcare journey, addressing concerns or challenges as they arose.
- Conducted regular assessments of patient needs and coordinated services accordingly with relevant healthcare professionals.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure seamless transitions across different levels of care.
- Organized health fairs and community events to raise awareness on various health topics and available services.
- Established a patient-centric approach to care coordination, resulting in increased satisfaction and improved health outcomes.
- Promoted preventive healthcare measures, leading to decreased instances of chronic conditions among patients.
- Facilitated partnerships with local organizations to expand service offerings and improve community access to healthcare resources.
- Managed budgets for health programs, ensuring cost-effective implementation without compromising quality of care.
- Implemented evidence-based practices in developing individualized care plans, leading to improved clinical outcomes for patients.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the organization.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using key performance indicators and implemented necessary changes for continuous improvement in health coordination efforts.
Indigenous Mental Health Clinical Liaison
Hunter New England
Moree, NSW And Narrabri NSW
02.2004 - 02.2006
- Responded to and investigated complaints and concerns of patients.
- Educated health care professionals on ways to humanize patients' experiences.
- Evaluated patient satisfaction and made suggestions for changes or improvements.
- Enriched patient experience by coordinating multidisciplinary team meetings to review individualized goals and progress updates regularly.
Aboriginal Health Team Leader
North Coast Area Health Service
Grafton, NSW And Maclean Local Health
02.2000 - 05.2004
- Supervised team members to confirm compliance with set procedures and quality requirements.
- Monitored team performance and provided constructive feedback to increase productivity and maintain quality standards.
- Built strong relationships with customers through positive attitude and attentive response.
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
- Work with Team to develop their individual skills and pathways with in the health service.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Behavioral Sciences
Southern Cross University
Lismore, NSWAssociate of Science - Aboriginal Health And Community Development
Southern Cross University
Lismore, NSWAssociate of Arts - Paralegal Studies
Southern Cross University
Lismore, NSWBachelor of Arts - Small Business Management
TAFE NSW
Ballina, NSWSkills
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Flexible and Adaptable
Timeline
Flood Recovery Support Worker
Bullinah -Aboriginal Medical Service
06.2023 - Current
Aboriginal Health Coordinator (secondment)
Western NSW-Local Health District
04.2014 - 04.2015
Specialist AOD Indigenous Counsellor
North Coast Area Health Service
03.2014 - Current
Indigenous Mental Health Clinical Liaison
Hunter New England
02.2004 - 02.2006
Aboriginal Health Team Leader
North Coast Area Health Service
02.2000 - 05.2004
School Counsellor
Community Controlled School/HeadmasterLes Hegity
Bachelor of Science - Behavioral Sciences
Southern Cross University
Associate of Science - Aboriginal Health And Community Development
Southern Cross University
Associate of Arts - Paralegal Studies
Southern Cross University
Bachelor of Arts - Small Business Management
TAFE NSW