MARIE JOAN DOUCE
Summary
A Research Officer with a proven track record in facilitating legislative processes, providing expert advice on parliamentary procedures, and driving process improvements. I have demonstrated expertise in research, analytical problem-solving, and effective communication, underpinned by a strong ability to interpret and apply legislation.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Officer
Legislative Assembly Committees
02.2025 - Current
- Undertaken research projects and prepared written material including briefing notes discussion papers, minutes, correspondence, media releases and documentation for inclusion in committee reports to assist in the conduct of committee inquiries within the terms of reference
- Researched and prepared draft questions for the Chair and committee members to facilitate the examination of witnesses at hearings.
- Provided advice to members on committee practice and procedure to ensure the committee operates according to standing orders, the terms of reference and any relevant authority, as required.
- Assisted the Committee Manager to ensure the effective functioning of committees and inquiries, organise public and private hearings, briefings and committee travel.
- Maintained relationships with stakeholders including representatives of government agencies, statutory offices, oversight bodies and other relevant groups by preparing correspondence and other documentation.
- Designed and produced material to support the Parliament's and Department's community engagement and communication strategies and initiatives, including social media.
- Proactively identified opportunities to improve processes and actively engage with colleagues and Directors to implement improvements.
SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY OFFICER
Legislative Assembly
11.2023 - Current
- Undertook research on parliamentary law and procedure and completed documents such as briefing notes and other submissions
- Provided advice and information to members and members' staff on procedures and practices relating to the House and its documents
- Efficiently facilitated the passage of legislation (i.e.., prepared messages and schedules of amendments to bills, vellums and registration of bills)
- Identified opportunities to improve processes and actively engaged with colleagues and superiors to implement improvements (e.g., review of internal practice notes, drafting of factsheet for members)
- Regularly liaised with key stakeholders such as the Parliamentary Counsel Office and Governor's Office for the facilitation of the passage of legislation
- Conducted research and exchanged information, to keep up to date with developments in other jurisdictions
- Oversaw the management of systems and processes required for the facilitation of the passage of legislation and other operations of the Table Office
- Liaised with key stakeholders to research or complete particular projects, exchange information, and keep up to date with developments in other jurisdictions
- Established and maintain positive working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
- Prepared detailed risk assessment reports under the statutory National Disability Insurance Scheme Worker's Check
- Used evidence-based approaches to make recommendations either verbally or in writing to upper management
- Evaluated and assessed information from a variety of sources and stakeholder (internal and external) to complete tasks within short time frames
- Reviewed decisions of other colleagues as part of the internal review team to determine whether decisions made should be upheld or varied
- Discussed and participated in meetings and projects to contribute to the overall improvements and policies within the agency
- Maintained appropriate record systems to ensure accurate and safe storage of confidential information
- Interpreted and applied legislation to make sound recommendations and respond to inquiries by government and non-government stakeholders
- Collaborated with team members to develop best practice reports and frameworks to improve and maintain quality service delivery
- Mentored and trained peers and junior staff
ASSESSMENT OFFICER
Office of the Children's Guardian
06.2021 - 10.2023
- Prepared detailed risk assessment reports under the statutory National Disability Insurance Scheme Worker's Check.
- Used evidence-based approaches to make recommendations both in writing and in the form of oral presentations to management teams and stakeholders.
- Evaluated and assessed information from a variety of sources and stakeholders.
- Reviewed decisions of other colleagues as part of the internal review team to determine whether decisions made should be upheld or varied.
- Discussed and participated in meetings and projects to contribute to the overall improvements and policies within the agency.
- Maintained appropriate record systems to ensure accurate and safe storage of confidential information.
- Interpreted and applied legislation to make sound recommendations and respond to inquires by Government and non-Government stakeholders.
- Collaborated with team members to develop best practice reports an frameworks to improve and maintain quality service delivery
- Mentored and trained peers and junior staff.
INVESTIGATION OFFICER
NSW Ombudsman
03.2020 - 06.2021
- Assessed information and inquiries to prepare sound recommendations and compiled reports and briefs in accordance with the policies and legislative frameworks underpinning the NSW Ombudsman
- Completed preliminary inquiries and fact-finding investigations into custodial complaints and reports
- Interpreted and applied legislation to make sound recommendations and respond to inquiries by government and non-government stakeholders.
- Conducted site visits in custodial settings to assess and review processes, and procedures to ensure that services are delivered in policies and legislative frameworks.
- Effectively communicated and engaged internal and external stakeholders during cross-disciplinary meetings and collaborative projects.
- Prepared knowledge articles and best practice frameworks for internal use and to train new staff.
SENIOR CLINICAL CONSULTANT
Ageing Disability and Home Care | Disability Services Australia
08.2016 - 03.2020
- Conducted and implemented case management of clients with complex needs
- Completed assessment and drafted behaviours analysis with support of Clinical Consultants to assist in the care and support of forensic clients
- Provided advocacy services in courts, tribunals (mental health), Public Guardianship hearings, and Child protection restoration
- Prepared, completed and led inter-agency collaborative work to produce effective integrated case management plans
- Interviewed clients in both community and custodial settings
- Chaired and participation in internal and stakeholder meetings
- Referred and linked clients to other community services for support
- Successfully applied counselling techniques such brief intervention and motivational interviewing to assist clients
- Trained and mentored junior and new staff
- Presented complex cases to upper management in weekly Case Management meetings
- Prepared advice and formal correspondence to complainants and government and non-government stakeholders
- Conducted site visits in custodial settings to assess and review processes, and procedures to ensure that services are delivered in accordance with the current policies and legislative frameworks
- Effectively communicated and engaged internal and external stakeholders during cross-disciplinary meetings and collaborative projects
- Prepared knowledge articles and best practice frameworks for internal use and to train new staff
CASE MANAGER
Ageing Disability and Home Care
03.2016 - 08.2016
- Conducted and implemented case management of clients with complex needs.
- Completed assessment and drafted behaviours analysis with support of Cinical Consultants to assist in the care and support of forensic clients.
- Provided advocacy services in courts, tribunals (mental health), Public Guardianship hearings, and Child protection restoration
- Prepared, completed and led inter-agency collaborative work to produce effective and integrated case management plans.
- Interviewed clients in both community and custodial settings.
- Chaired and participated in internal and stakeholders meetings.
- Referred and linked clients to other community services for support.
- Successfully applied counselling techniques such brief intervention and motivational interviewing to assist clients
- Trained and mentored junior and new staff.
- Presented complex cases to upper management in weekly Case Management
SENIOR CASE MANAGER
Outcare
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Conducted and implemented case management of offenders with complex needs, pre and post custodial sentences
- Specialised in case management of sex offenders in custody and community settings
- Advocated for clients at Parole Board decision hearings and inter-agency meetings
- Advocated for clients in courts for the purpose of pre-sentencing, application of ADVO and mediation
- Screened and risk assessed clients to provide evidence-based recommendations and interventions
- Interviewed offenders in both community and custodial settings
- Provided outreach support to offenders and participated in the establishment of programs in the community to upskill clients
- Trained and mentored junior and new staff
- Presented complex cases to upper management in weekly Case Management meetings
- Completed forensic assessments and behavioural analysis to make sound recommendations and implement strategies for the well-being of forensic clients and patients and broader safety of the community
- Prepared well written reports and support plans tailored for support workers and stakeholders to assist and risk manage forensic clients
- Completed Ministerial briefings regarding the management of dangerous offenders with intellectual disabilities and or mental disorders
- Conducted interviews with forensic clients in community, custodial and forensic settings
- Successfully managed and supported staff in assisting clients in three supported accommodations
- Prepared and delivered training packages to support staff and stakeholders engaged in the support of forensic clients
- Provided clinical support to forensic clients with complex needs and challenging behaviours
- Advocated for forensic clients in court, mediation and other services involved in the care of clients
- Provided crisis intervention to clients and incident management strategies and advice to support staff as needed
- Engaged in projects to make broader recommendations to improve the services offered
- Contributed and delivered presentation at industry forums
COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS OFFICER (Probation and Parole)
Department of Corrective Services
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Supervised and monitored medium to high risk adult offenders subject to court and parole orders, bail and compliance monitoring
- Completed written and verbal advices to courts and Parole Review Board
- Written advices included preparation and submission of 2-3 reports per week (e.g., Pre-sentence reports, Parole Assessments, and Home Detention Bail Assessments)
- Undertook screening and risk assessment of offenders in both custodial and community settings to determine risk and needs and develop viable intervention plans
- Prepared Breach Briefs for breach orders and presentation to the Breach Unit and Parole Review Board
- Liaised successfully with relevant services and agencies including Victim Mediation Unit, Prisoner Review Board, Courts, Lawyers, Department for Child Protection and Family Services and WA Police
- Liaised with community work project personnel and negotiated with stakeholders in order to recruit and maintain community work projects
- Researched and provided data on performance of community work and compliance
- Trained and mentored junior and new staff
- Presented complex cases to upper management in weekly Case Management meetings
Education
Practical Legal Training -
College of Law
Juris Doctor -
University Technology Sydney
Bachelor Of Criminology and Justice Studies -
Edith Cowan University
Skills
- Interviewing skills
- Research procedures
- Time management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Detail-oriented
- Analytical thinking
Languages
English
French
Professional Development And Certifications
- 2025, Great Managers
- 2024, Project Management Fundamentals
- 2024, Introduction to Policy Workshop
- 2024, In depth Report Writing
- 2024, Presentation with Confidence
- 2023, Investigating Workplace Misconduct
- 2022, Plain English, Day Training
- 2021, Fixated Person Management
- 2021, Interviewing Child Witness
- 2020, Mental Health First Aid (Refresher)
- 2019, Trauma Informed Training for Practitioners
- 2019, Intimate Partner Violence
- 2018, The Abusive Personality and Intimate Partner Violence
- 2018, Static-99 - Online training
- 2018, Problematic Sexual Behaviour Therapy Training
- 2017, Applied Behaviour Analysis - Positive behaviour plan
- 2016, Risk Assessment Tools Training: ARMIDILO-G, ARMIDILO-S, HCR-20, ASK, QACSO
- 2016, Mental Health First Aid- Mental Health Training Australia
- 2014, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workshop, WA
- 2014, Cultural Awareness Workshop, WA
- 2014, Alcohol and other Drugs Symposium, WA
- 2014, The Mental Health Services Conference, WA
- 2014, Working with complex clients, WACOSS, WA
- 2012, Domestic Violence training (SARA), Department of Corrective Services, WA
- 2012, Dealing with Aggressive clients, Department of Corrective Services, WA
- 2011, Motivational Interviewing, Department of Corrective Services, WA
- 2011, Conflict Management, Department of Corrective Services, WA
Timeline
Research Officer
Legislative Assembly Committees
02.2025 - Current
SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY OFFICER
Legislative Assembly
11.2023 - Current
ASSESSMENT OFFICER
Office of the Children's Guardian
06.2021 - 10.2023
INVESTIGATION OFFICER
NSW Ombudsman
03.2020 - 06.2021
SENIOR CLINICAL CONSULTANT
Ageing Disability and Home Care | Disability Services Australia
08.2016 - 03.2020
CASE MANAGER
Ageing Disability and Home Care
03.2016 - 08.2016
SENIOR CASE MANAGER
Outcare
01.2014 - 01.2016
COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS OFFICER (Probation and Parole)
Department of Corrective Services
01.2011 - 01.2014
Practical Legal Training -
College of Law
Juris Doctor -
University Technology Sydney
Bachelor Of Criminology and Justice Studies -
Edith Cowan University
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