Mercy Mushoke
Springvale
Summary
Experienced with child welfare and protection, ensuring safety and well-being of vulnerable children. Utilizes crisis intervention and risk assessment techniques to address complex situations. Knowledge of legal frameworks and support services to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Protection Officer
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
04.2023 - Current
- Working with families, communities, other agencies and professionals to protect children and young persons, manage young offenders, ensure safety and security for children and young persons in the custody of the Chief Executive of Ministry for Children and to provide adoption and adult adoption information services.
- Following legislative requirements, and policies and practices at all times.
- Participation in the provision of a 24-hour service which includes working after hours, on weekends and Public Holiday as required.
- Seeking approval for funding of interventions on a case by case basis within defined parameters.
- Accepting responsibility for accurate entering of data required for casework recording.
- Complying with all lawful and reasonable instructions given by supervisor and line managers, including delegations from Coordinators.
- Information gathering and analysis at intake and investigation phases.
- Planning, implementation and review of appropriate interventions, in conjunction with the supervisor, and where appropriate, an assigned co-worker.
- Preparing reports as required, based on extensive and accurate information gathering and analysis.
- Using existing professional practice tools and those which may from time to time be introduced by the Ministry.
- Providing appropriate information to clients, professionals, colleagues and others in order to maximise good decision-making processes.
- Participating in the processes of the Family Group Conference (FGC) and those tasks which follow an FGC.
- Completing tasks associated with the Family and Youth Court, including preparing and presenting a range of reports for Court.
- Providing case management in conjunction with the supervisor and other relevant parties.
- Keeping factual and timely formal records through the use of computer based and other information systems.
- Co-operating with any agreed quality assurance process operated by the Ministry.
Disability Support Worker Casual
OC Connections
07.2019 - 04.2023
- Working as part of a team to deliver high quality care to people living with disabilities in residential care facilities.
- Providing in-home supports and daily living activities such as cleaning, washing, dressing, cooking, feeding, shopping, transport and budgeting assistance.
- Administering appropriate medication on clients where it is required.
- Participating in client behavior observation and offering appropriate support.
- Participating in the maintenance of records for clients’ progress.
- Participating in the assistance of building client self-image, self-confidence, strong social skills and encouraging independence whenever possible.
- Assisting clients with personal care, showering, dressing, feeding.
- Providing support with community access, educational and recreational activities.
Student Intern - Child & Youth Support Worker
Quantum Support Services
02.2022 - 06.2022
- Managing a case load of young people with complex needs to support them to set and achieve their goals across all domains and to support their overall safety, wellbeing and development.
- Intensity of service may vary depending on whether the young person is on active hold, limited support, or active support.
- Maintaining a good standard of electronic records in line with case management systems and DFFH legislative and Quantum policy requirements.
- Support and advocate for the young people.
- Providing mentoring and support to team members.
- Organizing and participating youth to attend positive group activities and camps to support their connection to culture.
Disability Support Worker Casual
ONCALL Group Australia
02.2019 - 03.2020
- Implementing care programs for clients in residential establishments.
- Administering medication to clients where it is necessary.
- Working in collaboration with health professionals, family, friends and allied health to implement programs of support for clients in care.
- Supporting clients with minimum supervision as they carry out daily living activities to develop their existing skills, abilities and confidence.
- Assisting with domestic tasks, shopping, menu planning, cooking, washing, cleaning and personal care.
- Supporting participants with community access to promote social connections and build their confidence.
Cultural Teacher/consultant – Casual
CERES Community Environment Park
02.2019 - 02.2020
- Delivering cultural diversity educational programs to visiting schools located in Metropolitan Melbourne.
- Providing consultancy services to the institution requiring African cultural educational support.
- Working with School Staff to assist in student engagement and understanding of diversity.
Education
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) - Social Work
Federation University
Ballarat, VIC01.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Public Administration
University of Zambia
Lusaka07-2016
Certificate IV - Disability
OnCALL Training College
Surrey Hills, VIC01.2019
Skills
- An ability to engage with clients and to establish working relationship with agencies, voluntary groups and individuals
- An ability to elicit basic information and probe for further facts through a wide range of information gathering skills
- A demonstrated ability to persevere through periods of heavy workloads in stressful situations
- The ability to understand a situation by breaking it into smaller pieces, to be systematic, to trace cause and effect implications, and to set priorities
- The ability to organize work through an efficient use of time, setting targets and achieving them
- A commitment to work co-operatively as part of a team, and to be flexible in a changing work environment
- Capacity and commitment to work effectively with people living with disabilities in residential care settings to assist them achieve their goals
- Ability to maintain a high standard of supportive and therapeutic care that meets the physical, emotional, and social needs of the young people to ensure their safety and wellbeing
- Ability to communicate appropriately and professionally with young people
- Hold a positive attitude with keen interest to learn new skills
- Ability and willingness to work effectively as part of a team, to meet program goals and objectives
- Current Working with the Children check and First Aid Certificate
- Victorian Driver’s License
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Psychosocial assessments
- Professional boundaries
- Training and facilitation
- Child welfare laws
- Goal setting and achievement
Hobbies and Interests
Reading, Listening to music, Making friends, Site seeing, Watching documentaries
AVAILABILITY
- Readily available for immediate start.
- Willing to undergo any relevant training.
- A demonstrated ability to persevere through periods of heavy workloads in stressful situations.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Child Protection Officer
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
04.2023 - Current
Student Intern - Child & Youth Support Worker
Quantum Support Services
02.2022 - 06.2022
Disability Support Worker Casual
OC Connections
07.2019 - 04.2023
Disability Support Worker Casual
ONCALL Group Australia
02.2019 - 03.2020
Cultural Teacher/consultant – Casual
CERES Community Environment Park
02.2019 - 02.2020
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) - Social Work
Federation University
Bachelor of Arts - Public Administration
University of Zambia
Certificate IV - Disability
OnCALL Training College
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