Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

MANISHA SHAKYA

Mount Kuring-gai,Australia

Summary

Passionate and committed social work graduate with frontline placement experience supporting diverse communities through family services, housing, and homelessness programs. Skilled in client engagement, intake, case management, and group facilitation, with a strong foundation in trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches. Experienced in working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) families, women, and children, and confident in navigating complex systems to advocate for equitable access to services. Dedicated to ethical practice, continuous learning, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities. Ready to contribute to a multidisciplinary team with professionalism, empathy, and cultural humility.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Community Service Worker (Casual)

Mission Australia
06.2024 - Current
  • Company Overview: HASI Plus Program
  • Supported individuals from CALD backgrounds with budgeting, technology use, travel training, and booking medical appointments.
  • Assisted consumers with mental and physical health needs by ensuring attendance at medical appointments.
  • Managed safe storage, administration, and documentation of medications.
  • Collaborated with consumers to develop and implement Individual Support Plans aligned with recovery goals.
  • Promoted social engagement and connected consumers to community resources.
  • Supported consumers in maintaining tenancies and transitioning to independent living.
  • Contributed to team forums, service planning, and quality improvement initiatives within the HASI Plus program.
  • Maintained accurate records, case notes, and reports in line with Mission Australia (HASI Plus program) protocols.
  • Built strong relationships with service partners, agencies, and families to support consumer recovery.
  • Followed WHS procedures and contributed to a safe, supportive environment.
  • Actively participated in training and professional development.
  • HASI Plus Program

Mental Health Disability Support Worker

Sahara Services
Hornsby
02.2022 - Current
  • Implement crisis intervention techniques when required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of clients.
  • Administer medications as prescribed and monitor medication compliance.
  • Assist clients with daily living activities, including personal care and hygiene.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate and enhance the overall care and support provided to clients.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential client records and progress notes.
  • Foster a supportive and therapeutic environment for clients by promoting a sense of community and belonging.
  • Act as an advocate for clients, ensuring their rights and preferences are respected in all aspects of care.
  • Continuously assess and reassess clients' needs and progress, adjusting care plans accordingly.
  • Stay updated on current best practices and developments in the field of mental health and disability support through training and professional development opportunities.
  • Offering support and concentrating on ways to increase the individual's quality of life as a key worker to one of the clients.
  • Actively checking patient needs and medication schedules to ensure proper medication administration.

Student Placement

The Northern Centre
02.2025 - 05.2025
  • Co-facilitated parenting programs, such as supported playgroups, with a strong focus on empowering families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
  • Independently conducted family intakes, assessed client needs, and referred individuals and families to appropriate services, ensuring timely and culturally sensitive support.
  • Assisted in the intake process for family support programs, including preparing detailed case notes, conducting psychosocial assessments, and contributing to holistic intervention plans.
  • Took the lead in primary casework for clients experiencing housing insecurity, including participating in initial housing assessments, assisting with applications, and advocating for clients’ access to essential resources.
  • Engaged directly with clients to build rapport, provide guidance, and support them in navigating complex systems, including family services and homelessness supports.
  • Collaborated in interagency meetings with multidisciplinary professionals to coordinate wraparound services and ensure integrated care planning.
  • Managed referrals and service coordination effectively, addressing client vulnerabilities such as mental health, family violence, and financial hardship.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development and training in trauma-informed care, child protection, LGBTQIA+ youth engagement, and culturally responsive practice.
  • Developed strong skills in case management, strengths-based and anti-oppressive practice, systems theory application, and culturally safe client engagement.
  • Built confidence in program facilitation, active listening, advocacy, and reflective practice, preparing for transition into an entry-level social work role.

Student Placement

Mission Australia
02.2024 - 05.2024
  • Company Overview: HASI Plus Program
  • Assisted senior to work closely with consumers to achieve their recovery goals through personalised Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
  • Assisted clients in accessing health services and attending medical appointments, ensuring their mental and physical health needs were addressed.
  • Facilitated consumer participation in social and community activities, helping to strengthen social connections and improve their quality of life.
  • Gained insight into the mental health system, including the step-up and step-down process for transitioning consumers in and out of care.
  • Witnessed and participated in the entry and exit process of consumers, becoming an active part of their recovery journey.
  • Maintained accurate case notes and records while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with program protocols.
  • Collaborated in team meetings and supervision sessions to reflect on practice and improve service delivery.
  • Enhanced knowledge of mental health recovery models and gained valuable hands-on experience in supporting psychosocial rehabilitation.
  • HASI Plus Program

Team Member

Women for Human Rights (WHR)
Kathmandu, Nepal
01.2017 - 01.2018
  • Provided operational and technical support to Implementing Partners, government bodies, and development partners as per project plans.
  • Monitored project progress to ensure timely completion in line with MdM standards.
  • Conducted regular field visits to ensure quality implementation.
  • Assisted in planning and facilitating evaluations with government, sponsors, and MdM HQ.
  • Performed data entry and maintained accurate project records.

Communication Officer

Sahara - An Organisation for Old Age
, Nepal
01.2016 - 01.2017
  • Developed and distributed high-quality content for social media, websites, reports, and promotional materials.
  • Edited communication materials in line with organisational standards for donors and stakeholders.
  • Implemented communication campaigns targeting donors, partners, and supporters.
  • Collected and analysed project data to produce reports, publications, and website content.
  • Translated Nepali reports and surveys into English and maintained accurate records.

Education

Masters of Social Work -

Australian College of Applied Professions
Sydney
06-2025

Masters of Sustainable Development -

Macquarie University
Sydney
07.2021

Bachelor of Development Studies -

National College For Development Studies, Kathmandu University
Nepal
01.2018

Skills

  • Case Management
  • Client Intake and Assessment
  • Cultural Competence
  • Trauma-Informed Practice
  • Strengths-Based Approach
  • Effective Communication
  • Advocacy and Referral
  • Interagency Collaboration
  • Group Facilitation
  • Professional Boundaries and Ethics
  • Reflective Practice
  • Time Management
  • Crisis Response Awareness
  • Report and Case Note Writing
  • Digital Literacy

Certification

  • First Aid Certificate.
  • AASW graduate membership (Australian Association of Social Workers)
  • Working with children check.
  • NDIS check.
  • Police check.
  • Australian full driving license.

References

Reference provided on request.

Timeline

Student Placement

The Northern Centre
02.2025 - 05.2025

Community Service Worker (Casual)

Mission Australia
06.2024 - Current

Student Placement

Mission Australia
02.2024 - 05.2024

Mental Health Disability Support Worker

Sahara Services
02.2022 - Current

Team Member

Women for Human Rights (WHR)
01.2017 - 01.2018

Communication Officer

Sahara - An Organisation for Old Age
01.2016 - 01.2017

Masters of Social Work -

Australian College of Applied Professions

Masters of Sustainable Development -

Macquarie University

Bachelor of Development Studies -

National College For Development Studies, Kathmandu University
MANISHA SHAKYA