Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Narelle Whitney

Dubbo,Australia

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Assistant Project Officer Grade 5/6- Temporary

01.2025 - Current
  • The Assistant Project Officer undertakes a range of research, analysis and administrative activities to support the formulation of policy advice and recommendations and contribute to the development of policies that support Agency and/or Government commitments.
  • Key Achievements
  • Assisted the team with successful coordination of multi-stakeholder engagement initiatives
  • Collaborated with District staff and non-government organisations to align program delivery with community needs, resulting in improved service uptake and stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Assisted with the enhancement of programs performance reporting systems
  • Developed and implemented streamlined reporting tools that improved monitoring of program deliverables and outcomes, contributing to more data-driven decision-making.
  • Supported delivery of strategic reform programs
  • Played a key role in supporting evidence-based program design and implementation, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to diverse client groups across NSW.
  • Contributed to efficient project management practices
  • Applied project management methodologies to support timely delivery of program milestones, reducing delays and improving coordination across divisions.
  • Strengthened cross-functional collaboration and assisted with and facilitated effective communication enhancing the integration of policy, planning, and service design.
  • Assisted with improved procurement and contract management processes
  • Assisted in tendering and contracting activities, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines and achieving value for money in program delivery.
  • Promoted inclusive and ethical workplace culture
  • Actively supported diversity and inclusion initiatives and upheld public sector values, contributing to a respectful and professional team environment.

Assistant Project Officer Grade 5/6- Access and Demand Senior Specialist

05.2019 - 01.2025
  • The Estate Management Unit is a Western District lead initiative to address social disadvantage within the Social Housing Estates across 3 sites Dubbo, Bathurst and Orange.
  • The Department of Community & Justice delivers services to some of the most disadvantaged Individuals, Families and Communities in NSW.
  • Our Mission is to “Enable vulnerable people to participate fully in NSW social and economic life and build stronger, more sustainable and inclusive communities”.
  • There are many barriers to building independence and leaving social housing. These include access to education, finding work and having affordable housing options to transition to.
  • Senior Client Service Officers (Specialist) provides specialist advice and support service for clients with complex support and housing needs. Managing relationships, partnerships and networks between communities and the Department to improve communication on and access to services for clients and to support sustainable tenancies.
  • Mobile Outreach Team – The creation of a Mobile Outreach unit to improve knowledge of and access to DCJ Housing products. The primary focus of the outreach is townships outside of regional centres, including CHP managed areas within our District.
  • Key Achievements
  • Created and implemented the program to visit over 40 townships and run on-site community contact sessions equipped with mobile self-serve kiosks, and extensive communication material. Content and activities focused on improving access to Rent Choice and private rental products, access to the Pathways waitlist, knowledge of social housing policies relating to subsidy calculations, overcrowding, maintenance and allocation zones.
  • Facilitated specialised roles within the small business unit, to ensure all tasks were assigned, managed and completed in highly sensitive timeframes and to the highest standard ensuring clients were met with dignity and respect at all times. As a result, the unit achieved outstanding assessment completion rates, minimal errors and appeals, and were winners of the MaDe Awards
  • Superior skills in working with key partners and stakeholders in establishing and maintaining relationships that are mutually beneficial to meet the client’s needs, sharing resources and negotiating to meet the complex and high demands in a high-volume environment.
  • Over All Achievements
  • Supporting the design, implementation and coordination of projects that deliver effective business unit outcomes and meet client service delivery needs.
  • Assisting the project team with completing tasks and implement project plans as required to ensure agreed outcomes are achieved.
  • Updating project documentation, including registers, which support delivery of projects in compliance with agreed upon project management methodology.
  • Prepared standard project-related documents for key stakeholders as required, including status updates, reports, budgets and discussion papers to manage the flow of information.
  • Work effectively with team members towards mutual continued development and to seek feedback on project tasks undertaken.
  • Work effectively with tenants and families to achieve life goals

Housing Manager Access and Demand Grade 7/8- Temporary

04.2021 - 06.2021
  • Successfully coordinated the management of a highly effective quality client service team, and the delivery of application and assessments for social housing services to the Orana and Far West region responding to homelessness and complex needs.
  • Key Achievements
  • Development and implementation of procedures and processes to support continual service improvement strategies to the meet the increasing homeless and housing crisis across the district.
  • High level understanding of policy and legislation, finding housing solutions while supporting staff to make timely and accurate decisions with consideration to products available within the organisation and the community.
  • Comprehensive understanding and awareness of a suite of products, initiatives and their eligibility including HASI, Going Home and Staying Home the Specialist Homeless Services direct facilitation and partnership of these services.
  • Meeting and achieving quarterly key performance indicators in assessments, service delivery standards.

Housing Manager Access and Demand Grade 7/8

01.2019 - 05.2019
  • Successfully coordinated the management of a highly effective quality client service team, and the delivery of application and assessments for social housing services to the Orana and Far West region responding to homelessness and complex needs.
  • Key Achievements
  • Development and implementation of procedures and processes to support continual service improvement strategies to the meet the increasing homeless and housing crisis across the district.
  • High level understanding of policy and legislation, finding housing solutions while supporting staff to make timely and accurate decisions with consideration to products available within the organisation and the community.
  • Comprehensive understanding and awareness of a suite of products, initiatives and their eligibility including, Going Home and Staying Home the Specialist Homeless Services direct facilitation and partnership of these services.
  • Meeting and achieving quarterly key performance indicators in assessments, service delivery standards.

Senior Client Service Officer

Family and Community Services Housing Services
05.2011 - 01.2019
  • Lead a small team in the successful and high achieving delivery of housing assistance products for applicants and people presenting homeless or at risk of homelessness. While managing the team, we achieved the highest performance outcomes of the three teams in the district.
  • Key achievements
  • High level understanding of assessment and eligibility criteria for housing products and assistance to ensure clients are offered and made available to the most appropriate product to assist their needs.
  • Facilitated specialised roles within the small business unit, to ensure all tasks were assigned, managed and completed in highly sensitive timeframes and to the most highest standard ensuring clients were met with dignity and respect at all times. As a result, T703 achieved outstanding assessment completion rates, minimal errors and appeals.
  • Superior skills in working with key partners and stakeholders in establishing and maintaining relationships that are mutually beneficial to meet the client’s needs, sharing resources and negotiating to meet the complex and high demands in a high volume environment.

Rent Choice Youth Project Officer Clerk Grade 7/8

Family and Community Services Housing Services
01.2018 - 10.2018
  • The Youth Private Rental Subsidy has been established to provide an affordable housing option for eligible young people to access the private rental market in both single and share tenancies and to sustain their tenancies for a period of up to three years whilst undertaking training or seeking employment.
  • Key achievements
  • Identifying key stakeholders and partner services, briefed on the program and gained collective support to form a partner facilitation group that meets monthly to assess suitable applicants, provide appropriate support and deliver on the intended project objectives.
  • Implementation of the Start Safely product assistance across the Western District, providing product information to key stakeholders, gaining partnerships and delivery to victims of domestic and family violence.
  • Through established and maintained relationships, advocacy and support, Start Safely has seen 80% of referrals successfully supported to secure private rental assistance, while over 85% of the youth applicants are also suitably housed.

Skills

  • Resilient and adaptable in new environments, adjusting to competing priorities while continually identifying opportunities to achieve collaborative results with a strong customer focus in the human services sector
  • Respectful of diversity, possess excellent skills in engaging with diverse groups, particularly Aboriginal communities Engagement is tailored to the audience, ensuring communication and service delivery achieves collaborative solutions A proven track record of successfully establishing and maintaining mutually respectful relationships
  • Highly motivated and outcome driven with a proven record of delivering results in line with the organisations objectives whilst maintaining a high level of integrity and ethical practice ensuring legislative and policy compliance
  • An ability to provide proactive and evidence-based advice and reports to the business unit Team Leader to inform and drive service delivery improvement
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills, using extensive knowledge and experience to improve Homes NSW Housing service delivery, operations and contribute to better outcomes for individuals, families, groups and communities
  • Demonstrated empathy, commitment and passion in assisting individuals and teams achieve ongoing development and learning outcomes as identified in supervision and personal development planning
  • Proficient in the use of internal systems and software, highly adaptable and efficient in learning new programs and software as required including HOMES and TRIM

Timeline

Assistant Project Officer Grade 5/6- Temporary

01.2025 - Current

Housing Manager Access and Demand Grade 7/8- Temporary

04.2021 - 06.2021

Assistant Project Officer Grade 5/6- Access and Demand Senior Specialist

05.2019 - 01.2025

Housing Manager Access and Demand Grade 7/8

01.2019 - 05.2019

Rent Choice Youth Project Officer Clerk Grade 7/8

Family and Community Services Housing Services
01.2018 - 10.2018

Senior Client Service Officer

Family and Community Services Housing Services
05.2011 - 01.2019

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Narelle Whitney