Narelle Culpan
Neutral Bay,NSW
Summary
Experienced Child Protection Practitioner with a proven track record of safeguarding and advocating for the safety and well-being of vulnerable clients. Possessing a deep understanding of child protection laws, policies, and best practices and applying them in often challenging and complex situations. Highly communicative, with extensive experience interviewing, discussing sensitive information, conducting thorough assessments, developing comprehensive intervention plans and coordinating multi-agency collaborations. Skilled in crisis management, case management and trauma-informed care, Committed to upholding the highest ethical standards while working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Sensitive to the customs, practices, cultures and beliefs of others. An empathetic, conscientious and resilient professional.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Caseworker; Helpline, JCPRP and District
Department of Communities and Justice
07.2014 - Current
- Investigating allegations of child abuse or neglect by visiting homes, interviewing family members and gathering information and evidence.
- Developing and implementing care plans, safety plans and family action plans in collaboration with family's to address child safety concerns.
- Research, gather and analyse information and make recommendations to Children's Court.
- Monitoring well-being of children through regular home visits and communication with extended family and professionals.
- Providing support, information, education, resources and referrals.
- Maintaining thorough and accurate case records, including documentation of all contact with the child, family and stake holders, as well as safety plans, care plans, assessments, home visits and family action plans.
- Participating in briefings and debriefings and working collaboratively with colleagues and professionals from various disciplines, including, police, educators, psychologists, social workers, and medical professionals.
- Participating in training and professional development to stay up-to-date with child protection laws, procedures, and best practice.
- Maintaining high level of client confidentiality, following strict guidelines, and recommendations.
- Monitoring case progress for timely completion in compliance with regulations.
- Advocating for the rights and welfare of children and raising awareness about child abuse and neglect prevention.
- Facilitating family group conferencing and gathered information to complete family finding.
- Building strong and collaborative working relationships with indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
- Completed 6 to 8 assessments per day at Child Protection Helpline.
Team Leader
Settlement Services Australia
04.2013 - 06.2014
- Led team of six culturally and linguistically diverse caseworkers who managed up to 30 asylum seekers who had arrived in Australia by boat and were now living in the community and seeking permanent residency in Australia.
- Reviewed and approved 150 client assessments per month and submitted these assessments to Department of Home Affairs as per operational guidelines.
- Fostered cohesive team environment and modelled respect and acceptance between team members.
- Provided individual supervision and coaching to ensure the team had a thorough understanding of asylum seeker policy and to ensure we met all guidelines.
- Monitored team performance and provided constructive feedback to increase productivity and maintain quality standards.
- Supervised team members to confirm compliance with organisational procedures and quality requirements.
- Conducted training and mentored team members to promote productivity and commitment to best practise.
Caseworker
Australian Red Cross
02.2012 - 01.2013
- Assisted asylum seekers who being released from detention centres across Australia by providing assistance to settle in the community. The program ran for a 10 week period.
- Participated in events and workshops to raise awareness about available services and resources, as well as to identify new needs or gaps in assistance.
- Developed individualised case plans to address each clients needs and made referrals to medical and health services as required.
- Researched cultural, religious and social groups and made introductions to ensure clients were supported in their community at the completion of the program.
- Advocated for clients, helped them navigate complex systems and access the services they require. This involved liaising with government agencies, healthcare providers, or landlords to ensure clients' needs are met.
- Maintained detailed case files, documented client interactions, and regularly followed up with clients to ensure their progress and adjust plans as necessary.
- Provided emotional support to clients who were often experiencing distress and facing difficult circumstances.
- Assisted to establish the Community Kitchen in Auburn. A voluntary service which is run by members of the community and provides hospitality to newly arrived asylum seekers.
- Successfully advocated to the Department of Home Affairs for the financial allowance allocated to asylum seekers be increased to 75% of the allowance provided to Australian citizens.
Child Protection Caseworker
Department of Communities and Justice
03.2008 - 01.2011
- See current role for description of duties.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English And Communications
University of New England
Armidale, NSWNo Degree - Masters of Criminology
Sydney University
Sydney, NSWSkills
- Records management
- Conflict mediation
- Regulations and policies
- Highly effective interpersonal and written communication
- Case information confidentiality
- Researching, gathering and analysing Information
- Ability to form strong working relationships with people from different backgrounds
- Comfortable discussing sensitive and personal information
- Completing assessments and making recommendations
Qualifications And Training
- Bachelor of Arts | Majors - Social Science/ English/Communications
- Partial completion of Masters of Criminology
Referees
Taryn Muser
Team Manager, Child Protection Helpline
Department of Communities and Justice
taryn.muser@dcj.nsw.gov.au
Megan Payne
Manager Client Services, Central Metropolitan Joint Child Protection Response Program
Department of Communities and Justice
megan.payne@dcj.nsw.gov.au
Timeline
Senior Caseworker; Helpline, JCPRP and District
Department of Communities and Justice
07.2014 - Current
Team Leader
Settlement Services Australia
04.2013 - 06.2014
Caseworker
Australian Red Cross
02.2012 - 01.2013
Child Protection Caseworker
Department of Communities and Justice
03.2008 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - English And Communications
University of New England
No Degree - Masters of Criminology
Sydney University
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