Mia Caruso
Torquay
Summary
I am a compassionate and encouraging Youth Worker, with 10 years of experience working with young people from 16-25 from various backgrounds.
I am empathetic, passionate about providing meaningful support and services to clients. My skills thrive in a youth-focused environment, which include, effective communication, program development and most importantly coaching and mentoring. I am adaptable and have the ability to foster positive relationships in dynamic settings. Seeking to transition into new field, leveraging strong foundation in mentoring and guidance.
Dedicated and eager to help young people reach their full potential through positive and effective support.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Development Worker
MCM
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Providing holistic support and coaching to young people aged 16-25 with an experience of homelessness, into supported accommodation, facilitated through Melbourne City Missions, Youth Foyer program.
- Served as a positive role model for young people, demonstrating appropriate behavior, and boundaries in all interactions.
- Developed individualized care plans that identified goals, aspirations, strengths, with achievable steps toward the young person's desired goal, during one-on-one sessions with young people.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of implementing activities and obtaining resources needed for ongoing program sustainability.
- Led workshops on topics such as job readiness, financial literacy, and healthy relationships to empower participants with essential life skills.
- Participated in regular staff meetings to discuss best practices in youth development work while sharing insights on emerging trends affecting that affect the co-hort of young people.
- Evaluated program effectiveness, making necessary adjustments to better meet the evolving needs of participants.
- Facilitated group discussions on topics such as conflict resolution, communication skills, goal-setting, and coping mechanisms for stress management - with staff and young people.
- Promoted diversity within programming content by incorporating various cultural perspectives into lessons and discussions designed for maximum inclusivity.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop holistic approaches for addressing the specific challenges faced by at-risk youth.
- Supported young people''s social and emotional growth through empathetic listening and guidance.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed, immediately addressing conflicts or concerns arising among participants or within the group dynamic.
- Organized workshops and events that promoted healthy decision-making, self-confidence, and resilience in challenging situations.
- Created a welcoming atmosphere by maintaining neatness and organization within the youth center or facility space.
- Enhanced youth development by implementing innovative programs and activities tailored to individual needs.
- Partnered with community organizations to create opportunities for youth to engage in positive experiences outside their immediate surroundings.
- Established rapport with youths, fostering a safe and supportive environment conducive to personal growth and development.
- Completed necessary reports and documentation to maintain thorough, accurate case records.
- Provided key emotional support to all young people.
- Assisted in identifying and reducing barriers to youth engagement and development.
- Managed and led activities promoting growth in mental, emotional, and educational areas. Organized and facilitated recreational activities to engage youth in positive, team-building experiences.
- Supervised youth in residential and community-based programs to minimize risks and offer support.
- Encouraged youth clients to develop own activities and leadership skills through group discussions. (YAG)
- Developed and maintained relationships with partner organizations to facilitate access to youth-related resources.
- Assisted clients with obtaining housing, employment and support resources.
- Kept case files updated, accurate and aligned with requirements.
- Created educational materials to convey important information to service recipients.
- Tracked service activities and outcomes against outlined plans and goals.
- Helped clients navigate social services system and access needed resources.
- Facilitated community outreach to expand participation and support.
Better Futures Case Manager
MCM
03.2022 - 05.2022
- Providing care to young people aged 15 and 9 months through to 21 years, transitioning from out-of-home care.
- Providing holistic case management and individualized support to people in care and post-care, across a range of life areas including housing, health and wellbeing, education, employment, and community and cultural connections.
- Managing funding allocated to their case plan
- Following the ethos of advantage thinking and coaching.
- Case noting and case planning on appropriate platforms eg: CRISP
- Working closely with colleagues, and working as a team player
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
Youth Outreach Worker
MCM
03.2018 - 07.2018
- Implementing outreach support for young people experiencing homelessness in the North / West of Melbourne, ensuring the client is at the centre.
- Providing intensive case management to young people aged 16 -24 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness
- Meeting the needs of young people through interim support, with a holistic and client-centred approach to practice
- Addressing underlying causes of homelessness and prevent future homelessness
- Working alongside young people to guide them into finding long-term accommodation
- Referring young people to appropriate resources and services, such as access points for immediate support through services to support young people's health and wellbeing
- Advocated for the needs of young people at public meetings and community forums, amplifying their voices for positive change.
- Collaborated with local organizations to provide comprehensive community resources for at-risk youth.
- Tailored case management services according to specific needs, connecting youth with appropriate resources and services.
- Promoted a safe environment for open dialogue by establishing trust among participants in group settings.
- Implemented evidence-based best practices in program development to ensure maximum impact on youth outcomes.
Youth Refuge Worker
MCM
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Supporting young people experiencing homelessness through crisis accommodation support, providing holistic and strengths-based focus to practice
- Providing case management support for young people encompassing working on living skills and specific goals aligning with young people's case plan
- Completed intake into the refuge, assessing the young persons level of needs, history and case planning.
- Developed strong cooperative relationships with coworkers and managers.
- Referral to accommodation services for housing support
- Implement trauma-informed care in a holistic manner and a strengths-based focus
- Respond to crisis situations ensuring duty of care, containing level of crisis following policy and procedure
- Reporting and documenting information on SHIP, RISKMAN and Oncall
Education
Bachelor of Social Sciences And Youth Work - Youth Work
RMIT
Melbourne, VIC11.2017
Diploma of Community Services - Family And Community Services
RMIT
Melbourne, VIC11.2014
Certificate III & IV -
Swinburne University
Prahran, VIC11.2013
Skills
- Specialising in coaching and mentoring young people holistically
- Passion towards developing, implementing activities and workshops in consultation with young people
- Great knowledge of engagement, youth development and skill building
- High conflict resolution skill set
- Provides efficient and safe crisis response
- Teamwork, collaboration and trust, always
- Reliable and organised, works well autonomously
- Active listener, empathetic and compassionate
- Great emotional awareness, interpersonal skills and is self motivated
Timeline
Better Futures Case Manager
MCM
03.2022 - 05.2022
Youth Outreach Worker
MCM
03.2018 - 07.2018
Youth Development Worker
MCM
01.2018 - 01.2024
Youth Refuge Worker
MCM
01.2017 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Social Sciences And Youth Work - Youth Work
RMIT
Diploma of Community Services - Family And Community Services
RMIT
Certificate III & IV -
Swinburne University
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