MADDISON SANDERSON
Cairns,QLD
Summary
Experienced and compassionate Social Worker with a strong background in advocating for clients and connecting them with essential services, including healthcare, legal aid, housing, and NDIS support. Skilled in implementing crisis intervention strategies to ensure immediate safety for at-risk clients, providing ongoing support in challenging circumstances. Expertise in delivering culturally appropriate services to remote and very remote communities, helping families access resources, and fostering connections to vital community services. Adept at de-escalating stressful situations, facilitating support groups, and collaborating with schools to address students' social-emotional needs. Committed to empowering individuals and families while promoting social justice and well-being.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Client Officer – Strengthening Family Connections
RAATSIC
Cairns, QLD
02.2026 - Current
- Developed and implemented Family Time Plans to support safe and meaningful contact between children and their families, while ensuring ongoing connection to family, culture, community, and Country in accordance with culturally responsive practice.
- Supported the implementation of Delegated Authority arrangements in partnership with Child Safety and relevant stakeholders to ensure culturally informed decision-making for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
- Worked collaboratively with families, carers, and community networks to strengthen family connections and support reunification where appropriate.
- Facilitated culturally responsive work aligned with child protection legislation and organisational practice standards.
- Provided intensive outreach and wrap-around support services using strengths-based approaches.
- Participated in family meetings, and decision-making processes relating to the care and protection of children.
- Maintained accurate case notes, client records, and documentation in line with confidentiality, legislative, and organisational requirements.
- Worked collaboratively with Child Safety Officers, carers, community services, and multidisciplinary teams to achieve positive outcomes for children and families
Wellbeing Clinician
North West Remote Health
Mount Isa, QLD
07.2024 - 10.2025
- Advocated on behalf of clients to secure access to essential services, including healthcare, legal assistance, housing, and NDIS, ensuring their needs were met effectively and efficiently.
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies, ensuring immediate safety and arranging support for at-risk clients, such as housing solutions, psychologists, and ongoing care.
- Supported individuals and families in remote and very remote communities to receive culturally appropriate NDIS services, helping bridge the gap between clients and vital resources.
- Assisted families in navigating and accessing community resources, including housing assistance, financial aid, and healthcare services, empowering them to overcome barriers.
- De-escalated high-stress situations through individual and family crisis interventions, promoting conflict resolution and emotional stability.
- Developed and facilitated support groups, promoting healthy coping mechanisms and fostering a sense of community and peer support among participants.
- Collaborated with schools to address students' social-emotional needs, working closely with educators and counselors to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Stagpole Street Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation Unit
Townsville, QLD
- Predominately working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in building their reciliations and education around stopping the use of Alcohol and Other Drugs.
- Working collaboratively with government departments and NGO departments including the Department of child safety and the Department of Housing, in addressing client needs
- Working within a multidisciplinary team including nurses and family therapists.
- Coordinated referrals to community resources, including housing, medical care, legal assistance, and job services.
- Facilitated group education sessions which focused on issues such as understanding emotions, substance abuse, family connection, and relapse prevention in a culturally aware environment.
- Provided psychoeducation regarding mental health diagnoses and medications used to treat them.
- Maintained confidential case documentation.
- Establish treatment plans, Relapse prevention plans, and progress reports.
Disability Support Worker
Bedford Port Lincoln Day Options
Port Lincoln, SA
04.2022 - 01.2023
- Assisted individuals with disabilities in developing independence and self-care skills.
- Designed and implemented structured programs tailored to individual goals.
- Provided emotional and behavioral support, fostering skill development.
- Monitored client progress, reporting any behavioral or health-related concerns.
Board Member
Barkly Region and Drug Abuse Advisory Group (BRADAAG)
Tennant Creek, NT
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Collaborated with community stakeholders to develop strategic initiatives.
- Advocated for client well-being and participated in policy development.
Aftercare Engagement Coordinator
Barkly Region and Drug Abuse Advisory Group (BRADAAG)
Tennant Creek, NT
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Provide assessments, individualized case management, Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation support, and purposeful transition planning to resolve Drug and Alcohol Addiction Homelessness and Support Mental Health Recovery and Stability
- Delivery of treatment interventions that include short-term engagement to longer-term counseling involving coordination of care and accessing a range of services to support the client
- Comprehensive assessment of individual care planning, service facilitation, outcome monitoring, and advocacy
- Working closely with BRADAAG Aftercare Nurse.
Employment Consultant
Julalikari
Tennant Creek, NT
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Assisted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in achieving sustainable employment.
- Identified and addressed employment barriers to enhance job readiness.
- Provided career development guidance and job placement support.
Administration Officer
Catholic Care
Tennant Creek, NT
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Managed and maintained office filing systems, ensuring all documents were accurately stored and easily retrievable.
- Organized meetings and conferences for internal staff members, as well as external stakeholders.
- Processed invoices, purchase orders, and other financial paperwork according to company policies.
- Answered incoming telephone calls and responded to clients promptly and courteously.
Education
Community Services
Dovaston Training
Certificate IV - Community Services
Certificate IV - Alcohol and Drug
Skills
- Case Management: Expertise in coordinating services for individuals and families, ensuring they receive the resources and support needed for successful outcomes
- Client Advocacy: Skilled in advocating on behalf of clients to access healthcare, legal services, housing, and NDIS support
- Crisis Intervention: Proficient in implementing effective crisis intervention strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of at-risk individuals
- Cultural Competency: Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, ensuring that services are delivered in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner
- Support Group Facilitation: Experience in developing and leading support groups to promote emotional resilience, healthy coping strategies, and peer support
- Family Support: Proficient in working with families to help them navigate and access community resources and services
Certification
- Apply First Aid – Valid
- NAPCAN Love Bites facilitator
- Blue card
- NDIS clearance
Timeline
Client Officer – Strengthening Family Connections
RAATSIC
02.2026 - Current
Wellbeing Clinician
North West Remote Health
07.2024 - 10.2025
Disability Support Worker
Bedford Port Lincoln Day Options
04.2022 - 01.2023
Board Member
Barkly Region and Drug Abuse Advisory Group (BRADAAG)
01.2021 - 01.2023
Aftercare Engagement Coordinator
Barkly Region and Drug Abuse Advisory Group (BRADAAG)
01.2021 - 01.2023
Employment Consultant
Julalikari
01.2017 - 01.2018
Administration Officer
Catholic Care
01.2014 - 01.2017
Stagpole Street Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation Unit
Certificate IV - Community Services
Certificate IV - Alcohol and Drug
Community Services
Dovaston Training