Linda Smith
Minden,QLD
Summary
As observed throughout my work and employment history I have a dedicated passion for the right of children and young people to not only be free from harm but to just as importantly be able to access resources and services to help them discover their full potential now and in the future. Building and leading successful managers and their teams that focus on the core need of the organisation to attain successful outcome focused goals. Undertaking a strategic management focus to build existing and new programs that fit the aspirations and goals of the organisation. Encouraging manager analytical problem-solver skills exploring managers talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance. Understanding and applying cultural difference within the workplace and applying this to various work groups.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Director
Mercy Community
2023.12 - Current
- Streamlined operations for improved efficiency by evaluating existing processes and introducing innovative solutions.
- Strategic oversight and senior management of 17 child and family based programs encompassing more than 100 staff.
- Lead team of managers to achieve consistent consistent strength outcomes through effective leadership and strategic planning.
- Developed and executed successful business plans, resulting in increased market share and profitability.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new products and services, meeting customer demands while driving revenue growth.
- Implemented robust performance management systems to identify areas for improvement and support employee development.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal resource allocation for maximum return on investment.
- Spearheaded expansion into new territories, conducting thorough market research to identify opportunities and devise entry strategies.
- Established strong partnerships with industry stakeholders, enhancing the company's reputation and creating mutually beneficial collaborations.
- Delivered comprehensive training programs to build highly skilled teams capable of delivering on company goals and objectives.
- Motivated employees through effective communication, recognition programs, and tailored incentive structures that aligned with corporate objectives.
- Championed organizational culture change initiatives that fostered collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across all levels of the organisation.
- Promoted safety-first culture within the region, implementing best practices that reduce workplace incidents significantly.
- Managed integration of new acquisitions, ensuring smooth transition and alignment with overall strategic vision of the organisation.
- Served as mentor to emerging leaders, sharing knowledge and expertise while fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth.
- Attended weekly meetings to discuss and optimize strategies.
- Visited sites periodically to view service levels and adherence to global service standards.
- Monitored staff performance by actively engaging in and observing day-to-day activities.
- Recruited talented individuals bringing relevant skills to child and family programs.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
State Manager
Family Based Care Services in Queensland
2022.07 - 2023.12
- Covering services in Cape, Gulf, Cairns, Mount Isa, Townsville, Mackay, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Brisbane/Moreton, South West, South East
- This position challenged my strategic and organisational thinking. While never losing sight of overall goals and practice outcomes I remained focused on the overall needs of our children and young people and their families.
- Being able to bring together the organisations philosophies and combining with safe, consistent practice brings about strength based outcomes for our children and their families.
- Enhancing staff competency and sense of team is always a goal and the more effective a teams skills and ability to work as a team has a direct impact of the children and families.
Regional Manager
2020.06 - 2022.07
- Covering services in Mackay, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Maryborough in the Central QLD region
Regional Manager
Churches Of Christ Care
2019.05 - 2020.06
Service Manager
2009.01 - 2019.01
- South East Foster and Kinship Service, South-East
Manager
2008.01 - 2009.01
- Spiritus, TRACC, Strengthening Families, Morayfield
Foster & Kinship Care Caseworker - Coordinator
2006.01 - 2008.01
- TRACC Logan Fostering Service, Spiritus Care Services TRACC Logan
Fee for Service Worker
Alternative care
2004.01 - 2006.01
Co-Facilitator Department of Child Safety Team Leader Training
Dept Of Child Safety
2003.01 - 2006.01
- CSO Induction Training, Quality Care Pre Service Training Package rollout
Education
Human Services -
Charles Stuart University
South Australia2011
Skills
- Team player
- Management
- Strength-based leadership
- Budgets
- Supervision
- Excellent communication skills - written and verbal (public speaking, training, supervision, reports and documentation, computer skills, relationship management)
Accomplishments
- Developed Staff Carer Assessment Training
- Developed Kinship Model of Care and onboarding training
- Transitioned a service of carers, staff and children with significant disabilities seamlessly over to Churches of Christ in a two-week timeframe on the Gold Coast
- Streamlined service delivery across the state of Queensland
- Established a child focused team across the state with a shared vision of holistic service provision
- Lead a team of Over 500 staff who support 1358 Foster or Kinship Carers caring for over 2729 children and young people in Queensland
- Reviewed over 30 policies and procedures that reduce red tape and unnecessary processes. This review enhanced the work we do creating focused, purposeful and outcome focused responses from staff
Attributes
- Maintains confidentiality
- High level of personal integrity
- Creative
- Considerate, caring and kind
- Emotionally intelligent
- Culturally sensitive
- Loyal
Goals
- To develop and guide strategic leadership throughout the region based on organizational and personal values that both develop strong, flexible management and enhanced program outcomes.
- To consult and enhance culturally valued outcomes that not only enhance the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children but also focus on the over representation of first nations children in the Child Protection system.
- To develop, manage and lead teams of dedicated individuals who have a passion for strength based positive outcomes for children, young people and families.
- Develop strength based and outcome focused programs that enhance the lives of families and children and young people.
- To manage teams of likeminded individuals who have a passion for the work of the organization in ensuring children and young people get the very best opportunities they can.
- To promote child focused outcomes for children, young people and their families that enhance their safety and wellbeing.
- To manage and develop training programs to assist carers and staff in understanding the complex needs of children in care, how to manage these complexities and to assist staff working in the field to understand the impact out of home care has on families.
- To consolidate and increase my professional development opportunities by pursuing new challenges as well as continuing study within the Human Services sector.
References
References can be provided on request
Timeline
Regional Director
Mercy Community
2023.12 - Current
State Manager
Family Based Care Services in Queensland
2022.07 - 2023.12
Regional Manager
2020.06 - 2022.07
Regional Manager
Churches Of Christ Care
2019.05 - 2020.06
Service Manager
2009.01 - 2019.01
Manager
2008.01 - 2009.01
Foster & Kinship Care Caseworker - Coordinator
2006.01 - 2008.01
Fee for Service Worker
Alternative care
2004.01 - 2006.01
Co-Facilitator Department of Child Safety Team Leader Training
Dept Of Child Safety
2003.01 - 2006.01
Human Services -
Charles Stuart University
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