Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Melanie Burke

Redan,Victoria

Summary

Proven to enhance client well-being and independence, my tenure at Melba Support Services showcased my adeptness in daily living support and emotional resilience. Leveraging skills in documentation and active listening, I fostered significant client progress and community integration, achieving a notable increase in client satisfaction rates. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Disability Development Support Worker

Melba Support Services
01.2018 - Current
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Helped clients manage and reach individual goals, supporting independent progression and social skills.
  • Enhanced the quality of care for clients by providing personalized support and assistance with daily living activities.
  • Transported clients to appointments, shopping venues and entertainment events according to determined schedule.
  • Established trusting relationships with clients and their families through empathetic communication and active listening.
  • Kept clients engaged in social networks and communities for personal health and growth.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients by consistently demonstrating respect, understanding, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
  • Safeguarded client well-being by monitoring health conditions, administering medications, and reporting any changes to appropriate medical professionals.
  • Coordinated appointments for clients with healthcare providers to promote consistent access to essential medical services.
  • Maintained detailed records of client progress, interventions, and outcomes to ensure continuity of care across service providers.
  • Promoted independence among clients through skill-building exercises and goal-setting initiatives.
  • Adapted quickly to changing work environments while maintaining high levels of productivity and professionalism under pressure.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, effectively de-escalating challenging situations while maintaining client safety.

Support Worker

Wellways
01.2018 - 03.2018
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Helped clients manage and reach individual goals, supporting independent progression and social skills.
  • Enhanced the quality of care for clients by providing personalized support and assistance with daily living activities.
  • Transported clients to appointments, shopping venues and entertainment events according to determined schedule.
  • Established trusting relationships with clients and their families through empathetic communication and active listening.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients by consistently demonstrating respect, understanding, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
  • Safeguarded client well-being by monitoring health conditions, administering medications, and reporting any changes to appropriate medical professionals.
  • Kept clients engaged in social networks and communities for personal health and growth.
  • Coordinated appointments for clients with healthcare providers to promote consistent access to essential medical services.
  • Maintained detailed records of client progress, interventions, and outcomes to ensure continuity of care across service providers.
  • Promoted independence among clients through skill-building exercises and goal-setting initiatives.
  • Adapted quickly to changing work environments while maintaining high levels of productivity and professionalism under pressure.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, effectively de-escalating challenging situations while maintaining client safety.
  • Mentored new support workers by providing guidance, sharing best practices, and modeling effective client-centered care techniques.
  • Promoted community integration by providing extensive physical, emotional and social support.
  • Improved client satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and implementing feedback in a timely manner.
  • Assisted clients in accessing available resources such as housing options, financial supports, and healthcare services.
  • Facilitated community integration for clients by organizing social outings, recreational activities, and educational opportunities.
  • Advocated for client rights and preferences in interactions with external service providers to ensure equitable access to necessary supports.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for each client.

Disability Support Worker

Merrimu Services
10.2016 - 01.2018
  • Drove clients safely to social activities and appointments.
  • Developed strong interpersonal relationships with clients, earning their trust and respect through consistent empathy and understanding.
  • Enhanced quality of life for clients with physical and intellectual disabilities through compassionate care and assistance.
  • Delivered exceptional personal care services, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding assistance.
  • Kept detailed daily logs with care actions, patient behaviors, and incidents.
  • Prepared nutritious meals to meet individual dietary needs for clients.
  • Provided high level of physical support by lifting, adjusting, and moving clients.
  • Provided emotional support to clients during challenging times, fostering resilience and coping skills.
  • Communicated regularly with family members about client progress, addressing any concerns or questions promptly.
  • Assisted clients in reaching personal goals through targeted skill-building activities and therapeutic interventions.
  • Transported patients via wheelchair to and from rehabilitation and daily activities.
  • Promoted a safe and inclusive environment for all clients by enforcing policies and procedures consistently.
  • Implemented behavior management techniques when required for the safety of both clients and staff members involved.
  • Coordinated transportation arrangements for clients to attend medical appointments or partake in social activities safely.
  • Managed medications effectively for clients under strict supervision from healthcare professionals, ensuring adherence to prescribed treatment plans.
  • Facilitated community integration for clients by organizing outings, social events, and other opportunities for engagement.
  • Improved client independence by developing personalized support plans tailored to individual needs and goals.
  • Kept accurate records for client files and handled related paperwork.
  • Monitored client vital signs, administered medications, and tracked behaviors to keep healthcare supervisor well-informed.
  • Maintained accurate records of client progress, adjusting support strategies as needed to maximize outcomes.
  • Advocated fiercely on behalf of clients when necessary to ensure their rights were respected in various settings such as education or healthcare environments.
  • Checked medication schedules and patient needs to enforce medication administration standards team-wide.
  • Worked closely with therapists and other specialists to implement prescribed interventions consistently, leading to measurable improvements in client functioning.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the disability support field.
  • Conducted regular assessments of client needs to identify potential areas of growth or improvement within their care plan structure.
  • Worked with children and parents to closely monitor and record social, behavioral and academic growth.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans, ensuring optimal client wellbeing.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry best practices.
  • Maintained detailed records of patient progress, documentation of services and case notes.
  • Conducted in-home visits to provide supportive services.
  • Assessed risk factors of patients and made referrals for further services.
  • Assisted patients in accessing housing, financial assistance and other community resources.
  • Collaborated with healthcare providers to drive continuity of care.
  • Worked with medical teams, patients and families to implement effective treatment plans.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to individuals facing medical, emotional and mental health challenges in hospital setting.
  • Facilitated family meetings to discuss patient care plans.
  • Completed psychosocial evaluations and needs assessments.
  • Developed partnerships with community organizations to expand services and referrals.
  • Updated treatment plans on monthly basis with latest intervention strategies and progress notes.

Personal Care Assistant

Carer
06.2014 - 10.2016
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Assisted with transferring and positioning clients, ensuring proper body mechanics to reduce the risk of injury for both parties.
  • Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
  • Adapted quickly to new client situations, building rapport through active listening skills and an empathetic approach towards individual needs.
  • Supported clients with mental support and physical activities to accomplish quality of life and sustain needs.
  • Supported clients'' mental health by actively listening to concerns and offering compassionate companionship during challenging times.
  • Transported individuals to events and activities, medical appointments, and shopping trips.
  • Ensured timely medication administration, managing accurate records of dosages and schedules for multiple clients.
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans addressing each client''s specific needs.
  • Developed creative strategies for overcoming obstacles related to mobility or cognitive limitations while promoting maximum functionality in daily tasks.
  • Empowered clients by providing education on self-care strategies and encouraging them to take an active role in their own health management.
  • Built and maintained rapport with clients and family members to facilitate trusting caregiver relationship.

Chef

Various Restaurants
02.1990 - 01.2014
  • Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
  • Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Cultivated a positive work culture among kitchen staff through open communication lines and mutual respect within the team.
  • Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
  • Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
  • Continually improved kitchen safety by enforcing strict hygiene protocols and staff training on equipment usage.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
  • Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
  • Adapted menus seasonally, incorporating fresh produce to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.
  • Managed food costs, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers to support community partnerships and sustainable practices.
  • Collaborated effectively with front-of-house team for seamless dining experience and positive customer feedback.
  • Developed innovative recipes, attracting new clientele and increasing overall sales.
  • Mentored junior chefs in culinary techniques, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused work environment.
  • Negotiated with vendors for better pricing on high-quality ingredients, balancing costs without compromising standards.
  • Improved kitchen safety, conducting comprehensive training on proper equipment use and emergency procedures.
  • Boosted team morale and productivity with regular training sessions on culinary techniques and customer service standards.
  • Instituted mentorship program for junior chefs, providing guidance and support to nurture their professional development.
  • Achieved consistent on-time service, optimizing kitchen workflows and staff scheduling.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency, implementing new inventory management system.
  • Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.

Education

Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management - Family And Community Services

New Futures Training
Coburg, VIC
05.2024

Graduate Diploma - Community Services

Partners In Training
Ballarat, VIC
03.2023

Certificate IV - Disability Studies

Ashley Institute of Training
Ballarat, VIC
04.2017

Trade Qualification - Cookery

Frankston Institute of TAFE
Frankston, VIC
03.1993

Skills

  • Daily living support
  • Housekeeping tasks
  • Health and safety awareness
  • Emotional Support
  • Confidentiality and Privacy
  • Behavioral support
  • Meal Planning and Preparation
  • Transportation Assistance
  • Life Skills Development
  • Documentation abilities
  • Professional boundaries
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Clean Driving Record
  • Mobility support
  • Skill Development
  • Community Integration
  • Budgeting and financial management
  • Troubleshooting
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Multitasking
  • Problem-Solving
  • Excellent Communication
  • Time Management
  • Active Listening
  • Relationship Building
  • Organizational Skills
  • Client Advocacy
  • Decision-Making
  • Written Communication
  • Emergency response training
  • Case Documentation
  • Knowledge of medical and psychiatric terminology
  • Treatment Planning
  • Team building
  • Administrative Management
  • Trauma Informed Care Framework
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Task Prioritization
  • High-Risk Populations Identification
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Referral Coordination
  • Reliability
  • Team Collaboration
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Self Motivation

Timeline

Disability Development Support Worker

Melba Support Services
01.2018 - Current

Support Worker

Wellways
01.2018 - 03.2018

Disability Support Worker

Merrimu Services
10.2016 - 01.2018

Personal Care Assistant

Carer
06.2014 - 10.2016

Chef

Various Restaurants
02.1990 - 01.2014

Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management - Family And Community Services

New Futures Training

Graduate Diploma - Community Services

Partners In Training

Certificate IV - Disability Studies

Ashley Institute of Training

Trade Qualification - Cookery

Frankston Institute of TAFE
Melanie Burke