Michelle Schmeltzer
City Beach,WA
Summary
I have over six years of experience working with children and their families, during which I have developed a deep understanding of trauma, trauma-related behaviours, neurodiversity, family domestic violence, as well as the challenges posed by drug and alcohol use and mental health concerns. I am deeply passionate about promoting the inclusion of all children, advocating for their right to feel safe, cared for, loved, heard, and valued within their home environment. I believe every child is unique and has something valuable to contribute to the world.
Throughout my career, I have honed my ability to provide high-quality care, always striving to create positive and supportive environments for those I work with. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Science and Communication, alongside a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, which have equipped me with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
I am a dedicated, respectful, and hardworking professional with a strong sense of integrity. As an enthusiastic and fast learner, I excel in teamwork and consistently strive for excellence in all my endeavors. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my experience and values align with your organization’s goals during an interview.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
SENIOR CARE COORDINATOR, OUT OF HOME CARE
Helping Community Solutions Pty Ltd
09.2023 - Current
- Collaborating with a team of Care Coordinators and key stakeholders to optimize service delivery for young people and children, while promoting continuous improvement and the implementation of contemporary, evidence-based support strategies.
- Coordinate and manage the scheduling of Youth Workers across various households to ensure consistent and effective support for young people in care.
- Build and sustain strong, collaborative relationships with the Funding HUB, Districts and Case Managers to ensure seamless communication and alignment in service delivery and resource allocation.
- Provide direct oversight and supervision to a team of two care coordinators, and 30 youth workers across 4 households.
- Be the main point of contact for all stakeholders supporting the young person.
- Consistently communicate, engage and collaborate frequently with the Department of Communities to ensure the best outcomes for each young person, fostering a coordinated approach to support and care.
- Develop and review individualised care plans for the young person, tailored to their physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
- Coordinate and facilitate regular meetings with the young person and their care team, consisting of Youth Workers, Psychologists, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Behaviour Support Therapists and Counsellors.
- Ensure that all reporting (Critical Incident Reporting and Monthly Reporting) is done in a timely manner.
- Advocate for the wellbeing of the young person in care and ensure they receive appropriate support.
- Respond promptly to crises, emergencies or escalations involving the young person and subsequently implement appropriate interventions and supports to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
- Provide the Department of Communities with monthly reports for each young person.
- Support the young person with family contact.
ACTING OUT OF HOME CARE MANAGER
Helping Community Solutions
07.2024 - 08.2024
- Overseeing Care Coordinators with daily tasks: Scheduling management of houses, performance management of staff, and ensuring the needs and safety of the young people are met. Ensuring that risk and incident reporting is completed in a timely manner and that the Department of Communities are informed.
- Attending all executive leadership meetings and human resource meetings within the organisation.
- Attending all meetings with the Department of Communities and collaborating around the needs of the young people and placement transitions.
- Managed budget and resources effectively, reducing overall costs while maintaining high-quality care standards.
- Assist in the recruitment of Youth Workers, providing day-to-day support and developing their capacity, skills, and understanding.
- Liaising with people and culture team regarding on boarding and off boarding youth workers.
- Conducting performance development meetings with coordinators.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular staff meetings and open communication channels, fostering a positive work environment.
- Support the ongoing assessment of the child's progress across the 9 dimensions of wellbeing and achieve positive outcomes in their lives.
- Conduct regular visits to care placements to monitor the wellbeing and progress of children and young people.
- Work in partnership with key service providers to coordinate and deliver activities and support to engage vulnerable young people.
- Develop and implement individual care plans for children and young people in out-of-home care, in collaboration with case managers, carers, and other professionals.
- Manage a case load ensuring that casework practice, including documentation, is responsive to individual needs and reflects the organisation's values, policies, and practice frameworks, as well as Departmental expectations.
FOSTERING CASE WORKER
Churches of Christ Care QLD (Children, Youth and Families)
07.2022 - 09.2023
- Undertake carer recruitment, training and the writing of assessments including, initial foster carer assessments and renewal foster carer assessments
- Collaborate with key community support services to negotiate family support plans
- Placement coordination of activities that meet the individual needs of the child
- Compile home visit case notes, contact records and phone files that align with policy and procedures
- Complete incident reports in accordance to reporting time frames
- Utilise a range of assessment, crisis intervention and short-term intervention skills coupled with therapeutic approaches to provide both therapeutic and practical support services to children and carers
- Provide direct-in home support and flexible support services to families
- This includes; afterhours work and on call services on a rotational basis
- Work sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff, children, families and communities to provide cultural inclusive services in a culturally safe environment whilst achieving sustainable outcomes
- Work collaboratively with Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services, Headspace, Department of Housing, Centacare and other stakeholders and community services
- Respect Cultural beliefs and traditional practices within the workplace and foster carer homes
- Travel to remote communities including; Dajarra and Boulia
- Actively participate as a team member whilst supporting the achievement of organisational strategies
- Assist in developing Foster Carer’s education and development around trauma, behavioural management strategies, as well as help Foster Carer’s develop an understanding of the complexities of caring for family members and the change in family roles and dynamics
- Uphold strict confidentiality and professional boundaries
- Adhere to organisational policies and procedures and comply with all legislation and regulations in relation to my role, including workplace health and safety practices
BEHAVIOURAL SPECIALIST
MIDNK – Mount Isa Day Nursery & Kindergarten
01.2021 - 05.2022
- Support children with their behavioural and emotional needs and encourage inclusion within their classroom setting
- Provide counsel to children by listening to and supporting them through situations
- Develop and implement supportive treatment plans to address the children’s behavioural issues
- Communicate with children, other teachers, caregivers and families to implement treatment plans
- Provide a positive, supportive experience for all children within my care
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR ASSISTANT
MIDNK - Mount Isa Day Nursery & Kindergarten
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Assist the class teacher to care for, guide, and educate children including during planned learning activities and educational programs, ensuring all students can participate fully in all activities
- Support a safe and educational environment and the teacher by leading storytelling or songs and preparing learning and craft materials
- Assist children with personal care including serving meals, eating, dressing, and toileting
- Promote good health, sun safety, hygiene, and general wellness for all students, including leading hygiene routines
- Build and maintain cooperative relationships with teachers, children, carers, and other nursery staff by building trust and behaving professionally
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Providing high level administrative assistance to the Director, including drafting legal content, e-mails, memos, and communications on the Director’s behalf
- Manage the priorities and calendar of the Director with discretion and attention to detail, scheduling appointments, organising venues, and coordinating company or team events
- Provide a positive customer experience as first point of contact for clients, using empathy and interpersonal skills to manage professional priorities
- Build and sustain a close professional relationship with the Director and positive working relationships with the broader team to support efficient and effective branch operations
- Maintain comprehensive and complete records and client case files in line with organisational requirements and director preferences
- Accounts management including receivables, collections, reconciliations, capturing and allocation
- Selected as number one secretary for the year in 2015 based on revenue and overall performance
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Improvair Environmental Solutions
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Duties similar to the above
- Successfully managed hospitality for high profile national and international clients ensuring a positive experience leading to positive feedback from management
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
South African Express Line
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Duties similar to the above
- Acted as the health and safety officer as well as the first aid officer for the branch
Education
Working with Children Check -
Western Australia
10.2026
Certificate III - Early Childhood Learning
TAFE Queensland
01.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences & Communications
University of South Africa
01.2013
Skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Professionalism
- Time management abilities
- Adaptability
- Growth-orientated
- Empathetic
References
Referees provided upon request.
Professional Development
- Understanding Autism, Amaze Online Training, 2024
- Understanding ADHD, Open Universities, 2024
- Developing Collaborative Teams, Evolve WA Training, 2024
- Leading Others, New Managers & Supervisors, Evolve WA Training, 2024
- Trauma Informed Supervision, Australian Childhood Foundation, 2024
- 'Nuts and Bolts' Training, Sexual Health Quarters, 2024
- Safeguarding Children, Australian Childhood Foundation, 2024
- Harm Reduction & Sustained behaviour change with young people, Mental Health Commission, 2024
- Fire Safety & Management Training (Online), Urban E-Learning, 2024
- Preserving Identity & Family Connections in Child Protection, QLD Foster & Kinship Care Conference, 2023
- Legal Considerations in Child Protection Applications, QLD Foster & Kinship Care Conference, 2023
- Diagnoses that impact Children’s jungle behaviour, QLD Foster & Kinship Care Conference, 2023
- Making the most of Carer Connect, QLD Foster & Kinship Care Conference, 2023
- Water Safety Awareness, QLD Foster & Kinship Care Conference, 2023
- Quality Care – Foster Care Training (Pre-service), Department of Children, Youth Justice & Multicultural Affairs, 2023
- Quality Care – Foster Care Training (Standard), Department of Children, Youth Justice & Multicultural Affairs, 2023
- Understanding Trauma, Onpoint Learning, 2023
- Impact of Trauma on the child, Emerging Minds, 2023
- Cyber bullying & bullying training, Parentline, 2023
- Introduction to QLD Human Rights Act 2019, QLD Human Rights Commission, 2023
Timeline
ACTING OUT OF HOME CARE MANAGER
Helping Community Solutions
07.2024 - 08.2024
SENIOR CARE COORDINATOR, OUT OF HOME CARE
Helping Community Solutions Pty Ltd
09.2023 - Current
FOSTERING CASE WORKER
Churches of Christ Care QLD (Children, Youth and Families)
07.2022 - 09.2023
BEHAVIOURAL SPECIALIST
MIDNK – Mount Isa Day Nursery & Kindergarten
01.2021 - 05.2022
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR ASSISTANT
MIDNK - Mount Isa Day Nursery & Kindergarten
01.2018 - 01.2021
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys
01.2014 - 01.2015
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Improvair Environmental Solutions
01.2012 - 01.2013
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
South African Express Line
01.2011 - 01.2012
Certificate III - Early Childhood Learning
TAFE Queensland
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences & Communications
University of South Africa
Working with Children Check -
Western Australia
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