Melissa Kirk
Brisbane,QLD
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience as a Student Support Officer at Music Industry College, adept in trauma-informed care and multidisciplinary collaboration. Proven track record in developing individualized support plans and facilitating impactful group sessions, enhancing student wellbeing and advocacy efforts. Strong communicator with a commitment to inclusive practices and effective event management.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Student Support Officer
Music Industry College
01.2016 - Current
- Delivered onsite support and counselling to students and families.
- Developed individualized support plans for disability and mental health needs.
- Facilitated group sessions on mental health, consent, and life skills.
- Collaborated with families, educators, and students to create preventive strategies.
- Maintained accurate records in compliance with policy and confidentiality standards.
- Completed child protection assessments and managed external referrals.
- Led multidisciplinary collaborations for effective advocacy and service continuity.
- Organized school events, including formal gatherings and R U OK Day activities.
Community Visitor
Office of Public Guardian/CCYPCG
01.2005 - 01.2016
- Assessed wellbeing and care standards for children in out-of-home care.
- Developed trusted relationships with children, caregivers, and service providers.
- Provided advocacy focused on children's needs and rights.
- Produced detailed reports within established deadlines.
- Applied relevant child protection legislation to support advocacy efforts.
Hub Manager
Office of Public Guardian
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Supervised a team of 10 staff members to ensure optimal performance and accountability.
- Oversaw case allocations to enhance workflow efficiency and productivity.
- Facilitated team meetings to encourage collaboration and resolve challenges.
Southside Coordinator
Aunties and Uncles
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Assessed and monitored child-volunteer matches to ensure effective pairing.
- Delivered training sessions, coordinated seminars, and developed resource materials.
- Managed case files and presented insights at panel meetings.
Youth Support Coordinator/Team Leader
The Spot Youth Services
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Supported students across three schools via tailored care plans.
- Facilitated youth programs and developed educational resources.
Independent Foster Care Recruiter
Foster First UK
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Conducted comprehensive assessments and reference checks on prospective carers.
- Presented detailed reports and evaluations during panel reviews.
Child Safety Officer
Kensington and Chelsea Social Services, UK
, UK
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Managed cases related to Emergency Protection, Supervision, and Adoption Orders.
- Participated in court proceedings while collaborating with various stakeholders.
- Advocated for children in care, ensuring service quality and compliance with UK legislation.
Education
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK -
University of Queensland
01.2003
BACHELOR OF ARTS - EDUCATION MAJOR
Griffith University
01.2000
Skills
- Evidence-based practice
- Client-centered approach
- Trauma-informed care
- Strength-based framework
- Crisis intervention
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Empathy and advocacy
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Prioritization
- Case management proficiency
- Team leadership
- Staff supervision
- Cultural sensitivity
- Inclusive practices
- Event management
Certification
- 2025, NDIS New Worker Induction Training, Child and Youth Mental Health Conference, First Aid and CPR Refresher
- 2024, Supporting sexual and gender identities in the workforce, Bravehearts Child Protection in Schools, Workplace Sexual Harassment, Autism and Mental Health Refresher, Youth Leadership Conference
- 2023, Postvention Planning, Youth Mental Health First Aid, NDIS Introductory Training, Autism and Mental Health Refresher, Child Protection for Non School Staff, School Refusal, QCIA Training, Child and Youth Mental Health Training, TASS training
- 2022, Suicide Awareness, Aboriginal Students and Their Communities, Be You, Eating Disorder Support Training
- 2021, Autism QLD, QTAC, Resilience and Risk Assessment Trainings, Ethics, Cultural Awareness and EVOLVE Therapeutic Services
References
Available upon request
Registrations - Certifications
- AASW MEMBER
- Blue Card, 11/18/26, 355775/8
- First AID and CPR, 01/01/25
- NDIS Yellow Card, Acquirable
Timeline
Student Support Officer
Music Industry College
01.2016 - Current
Hub Manager
Office of Public Guardian
01.2014 - 01.2015
Southside Coordinator
Aunties and Uncles
01.2010 - 01.2012
Community Visitor
Office of Public Guardian/CCYPCG
01.2005 - 01.2016
Youth Support Coordinator/Team Leader
The Spot Youth Services
01.2005 - 01.2007
Independent Foster Care Recruiter
Foster First UK
01.2003 - 01.2005
Child Safety Officer
Kensington and Chelsea Social Services, UK
01.2003 - 01.2005
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK -
University of Queensland
BACHELOR OF ARTS - EDUCATION MAJOR
Griffith University