Melissa Briscoe
Hampton,Victoria
Summary
Compassionate Case Manager with background in social service environments. Equipped with exceptional skills in case management, coordination of services and relevant stakeholders, and client centered development of individualized and case plans. Strengths include excellent client engagement, problem-solving abilities, and advocacy for individuals. Previous work has resulted in positive outcomes for clients exhibiting disengagement and resistance, as well as improved living conditions and increased stability for many other individuals under care.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Pantry Volunteer
Father Bob McGuire Foundation
South Melbourne , Vic
07.2024 - Current
- Engage and serve customer's with care and compassion
- Provide guidance on healthy eating habits while shopping at the pantry.
- Maintain cleanliness of pantry facility, including floors, shelves, and units
- Inspect produce items for signs of rotting or perishing and packed into bags ready for customer pick-up.
- Determine needs (rough sleepers/large families/access to microwave and other appliances)
- Participated in training sessions designed to educate volunteers on relevant topics associated with working in a food pantry setting.
- Stocked shelves with donated food items
- Sort fresh food deliveries
Housing Case Manager and Crisis/Outreach Support
The Salvation Army
Portland And West Melbourne Locations, Vic
05.2022 - 07.2024
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed including mental health triage; emergency financial assistance and HEF funded accomodation, eviction prevention, material aid, emotional support and counselling; helping the client identify what triggered the crisis, activating and notifying existing supports
- Facilitate client led case management meetings, using a strength based approach to review progress towards goals and provide additional support as needed.
- Provided emotional support and advocacy for vulnerable populations facing discrimination due to financial status, race, presentation or sexual orientation.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions utilizing a computerized database system.
- Developed outreach strategies to engage homeless individuals resistant to supports and services
- Compiled monthly reports detailing program outcomes and successes achieved through case management efforts.
- Remained up-to-date on all relevant policies governing subsidized housing programs and homelessness strategies
- Participated in committees related to homelessness prevention initiatives within the community.
- Provided referral pathways to community resources such as mental health/Alcohol and other drugs services/culturally appropriate services/legal services/income support/employment programs/family violence services/psychosocial services
- Attend and provided support for court hearings
- Guided clients in development of skills and strategies for dealing with individual problems.
- Collaborated with other professionals to assess client needs.
Social Work Placement
Dhauwurd Wurrung Aboriginal Elderly and Community Health Organisation
Portland, Vic
08.2021 - 11.2021
- Bringing Social Work values and principles to client needs in a multi-disciplinary team
- Provided Counselling skills and therapeutic relationships;
- Culturally responsive and inclusive practice.
- Advocacy work
- Project management (researching and implementing a trauma informed working with children’s check for First Nations People)
Dance Studio Manager/Teacher
Dance Out Loud Studios
Warrnambool, Portland, Hamilton, Vic
09.2009 - 11.2021
- Facilitated communication between instructors, parents and guardians and administrative personnel.
- Scheduled rehearsals, performances and competitions.
- Developed marketing strategies to promote the studio's services.
- Recruited, trained and supervised dance instructors.
- Maintained accurate financial records including accounts receivable and payable, payroll and budgeting.
- Created choreography for performances and special events.
- Nurtured strong relationships with all students and parents
- Organized and managed a variety of classes for students of all ages and abilities.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Monash University
Caulfield 01-2025
Dance Teacher Diploma -
Sonshine Dance
01.2020
Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) -
Deakin University
01.2000
Skills
- Client Centred Case Management Skills
- Strong Client Advocacy
- Empathy and Compassion
- Community Resource Navigation
- Excellent Client Engagement
- Client Needs and Risks Assessment
- Individual Counselling skills
- Self Motivation
- Word Processing
- Creative Problem-solving abilities
- Crisis Response
Relevant training completed
- ASIST Training (Suicide prevention)
- Mental Health First Aid
- Working with BPD Clients in a Crisis Environment (Spectrum)
- Difficult and Necessary Conversations (Scott Dutton)
- First Aid (CPR)
- Naloxone Training
- Working with young people experiencing stress and resistance (CHP)
References
- Barry Clarke, Team Leader (Portland), The Salvation Army, 0428905739
- Emma Pullen, Mentor/Senior Social Worker, (West Melbourne) The Salvation Army, 0419380624
- Ian Peters, Manager, Dhuwurd Wurrung Aboriginal Elderly and Community Health Organisation, 0408389541
- Sarah Krolo, long-term friend 30+ years, (character/personality reference), Victoria Police Officer, 0407 108 089
Timeline
Food Pantry Volunteer
Father Bob McGuire Foundation
07.2024 - Current
Housing Case Manager and Crisis/Outreach Support
The Salvation Army
05.2022 - 07.2024
Social Work Placement
Dhauwurd Wurrung Aboriginal Elderly and Community Health Organisation
08.2021 - 11.2021
Dance Studio Manager/Teacher
Dance Out Loud Studios
09.2009 - 11.2021
Master of Social Work -
Monash University
Dance Teacher Diploma -
Sonshine Dance
Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) -
Deakin University
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