Nikita Schmidt
NARANGBA
Summary
I am a dedicated and compassionate professional with over 10 years of experience in caregiving, coupled with recent hands-on expertise in financial resilience, community development, and program management. As a Financial Resilience Worker and Program Lead for the Queensland Financial Resilience Program (QFRP) and No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), I have developed a strong foundation in financial literacy, client support, and program coordination. In my current role at Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre, I design and facilitate workshops, lead outreach programs, and advocate for clients in need, helping them achieve financial stability and resilience.
My experience as a primary caregiver for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has honed my crisis management skills, emotional resilience, and ability to navigate complex, high-stress situations with patience and empathy. I bring a person-centred approach to all my work, collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for individuals and families. I am committed to continuous learning and personal development, with a passion for making a positive impact in my community.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Lead & Financial Resilience Worker
Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre
02.2023 - Current
- Financial Resilience Worker & Program Lead for Qld Financial Resilience Program (QFRP) & No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)
- Design, develop, and facilitate financial literacy workshops tailored to individuals and families, promoting long-term financial resilience.
- Conduct comprehensive client intake assessments, identifying needs and providing appropriate referrals to relevant services and programs.
- Provide ongoing support to individuals and families with complex and high needs, ensuring a person-centred approach to their financial and social well-being.
- Planned, coordinated, and facilitated outreach programs, ensuring accessibility for remote communities and vulnerable populations.
- Lead community development initiatives to empower local communities, fostering inclusive and sustainable support networks.
- Create and develop tailored resources for clients, enhancing their understanding of financial resilience, budgeting, and support options.
- Oversee and manage front-of-house duties as required, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations and client satisfaction.
- Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with local stakeholders, enhancing program outreach and impact.
- Perform administrative tasks, including data entry, program documentation, and reporting, ensuring the smooth functioning of program operations.
- Supervise and provide guidance to volunteer staff, fostering a collaborative and effective team environment.
- Manage the QFRP and NILS programs, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services that meet program objectives and client needs.
- Prepare and submit detailed monthly reports to the CEO, highlighting program activities, client outcomes, and achievements against KPIs.
- Ensure compliance with program contracts, consistently meeting or exceeding key performance indicators and contractual obligations.
- Assist clients in creating accurate and realistic budgets, helping them achieve financial stability and independence.
- Advocate for clients in their NILS applications, ensuring they understand eligibility criteria, providing support throughout the application process, and helping them access the financial assistance they need.
- Refer clients to a range of internal and external services, including Women’s Legal, Financial Counselling, and other relevant community support programs.
- Support clients in navigating grant application processes, providing guidance and resources to access financial assistance.
- Work collaboratively with clients to achieve the best possible outcomes, advocating for their needs and empowering them through informed decision-making.
- Attend monthly team meetings, providing updates on program progress, client engagement, and upcoming initiatives.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with local organisations, ensuring effective service delivery to clients in remote areas.
Volunteer Receptionist
Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre
08.2022 - 02.2023
- Greeted visitors upon arrival, directing them to the appropriate departments and ensuring a seamless visitor experience.
- Managed phone communications, including checking messages and relaying information to relevant staff members in a timely manner.
- Monitored and managed the Centre’s email inbox, responding to inquiries or escalating to the appropriate personnel when necessary.
- Coordinated appointment confirmations by sending reminder text messages and tracking responses, ensuring accurate scheduling.
- Maintained a clean and organised reception area in compliance with Workplace Health and Safety policies.
- Conducted research to identify relevant documents for client distribution and download, providing helpful resources as needed.
- Developed and maintained a spreadsheet to track office stationery supplies, ensuring adequate inventory levels and initiating orders as required.
- Assisted clients with general inquiries, providing information or referrals to appropriate external organisations.
- Maintained confidentiality of information regarding clients and company.
- Routed incoming mail and messages to relevant personnel without delay.
- Managed appointment scheduling, ensuring that all necessary resources and spaces were available for client meetings.
- Operated office equipment (e.g., photocopiers, fax machines, etc.) to support daily administrative tasks.
- Processed online orders for cleaning supplies, maintaining stock levels and ensuring the Centre’s needs were met.
- Completed intake forms for the Counselling Service, ensuring all client information was accurately recorded.
- Verified room bookings for the following day, confirming that meeting spaces were appropriately set up and prepared.
- Handled incoming and outgoing mail, ensuring timely distribution and collection.
- Provided event support by assisting in preparation and logistical coordination for Centre-hosted activities.
- Ensured the secure disposal of confidential documents, adhering to Centre policies and procedures for data privacy.
Carer / Homemaker
.
06.2014 - 08.2022
- For the past 18 Years I have been the sole carer for my child who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
- Managing daily routines, appointments, therapy sessions, and educational needs requires high-level organisation and scheduling skills.
- Navigating challenges related to behaviour, communication, and emotional regulation in a child with ASD and ADHD involves constant adaptation and creative problem-solving.
- Coordinating with teachers, therapists, doctors, and support networks requires clear and effective communication.
- Demonstrated patience and emotional resilience in high-stress situations, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for my child.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers, educators, and support staff to develop and implement an individualised care plan, ensuring holistic support for my child.
- Successfully juggled multiple responsibilities, including caregiving, household management, and educational support, while adapting to ever-changing daily needs.
- Applied de-escalation techniques to effectively manage challenging behaviours, reducing stress and fostering a more peaceful environment.
- Researched and implemented evidence-based strategies for supporting children with ASD and ADHD, improving both behaviour and developmental outcomes.
- Self-motivated to continuously explore new resources and techniques to support my child’s development, demonstrating strong initiative and commitment.
- Effectively managed conflicts with empathy and respect, ensuring positive outcomes and maintaining strong relationships with support systems.
- Developed strong financial management skills by budgeting for household needs, educational expenses, and therapy sessions, ensuring financial stability.
- Monitored and documented progress across multiple developmental areas, maintaining detailed records for healthcare providers and educational staff.
Administration Officer
No BS Diesel
07.2012 - 06.2014
- Drafted and distributed invoices for outstanding payments.
- Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
- Streamlined office operations by effectively monitoring and addressing client correspondence and data communications.
- Proofread and edited documents for accuracy and grammar.
- Managed multiple tasks and met time-sensitive deadlines.
- Corresponded with clients through email, telephone, or postal mail.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
- Provided clerical support to company employees by copying, faxing, and filing documents.
- Handled assignments independently with good judgement and critical thinking skills.
- Organised, maintained and updated information in computer databases.
- Assisted internal staff with clerical and administrative needs to maximize efficiency and team productivity.
- Maintained confidentiality of information regarding clients and company.
Assistant Manager & Shop Assistant
Foodworks
02.2007 - 06.2011
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Restocked and organised merchandise.
- Assisted customers with returns, refunds and resolving transaction issues.
- Conducted inventory counts by adding each item in stock and documenting in computer system.
- Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
- Handled cash with high accuracy.
- Used POS system to enter orders, process payments and issue receipts.
- Operated cash register to record transactions accurately and efficiently.
- Reconciled cash drawer at start and end of each shift, accounting for errors, and resolving discrepancies.
- Maintained current knowledge of store promotions and highlighted sales to customers.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Operated pallet jacks, take delivery of stock and storage.
- Monitored and tracked inventory to achieve prompt order fulfillment.
Cleaner
Gunnadoo Caravan Park
03.2006 - 01.2007
- Emptied trashcans and transported waste to collection areas.
- Used time management and efficient cleaning methods to meet deadlines.
- Confirmed all cleaning tools and equipment were stored properly after use.
- Cleaned and sanitized bathrooms, kitchens and other similar areas according to established protocols.
- Cleaned and polished glass doors, mirrors and other surfaces to maintain professional appearance.
- Identified repair needs and major maintenance concerns, and escalated issues to management.
- Handled equipment, chemicals, and materials properly and with caution.
- Provided assistance to other staff members with cleaning of difficult areas.
- Followed safety standards and established SOPs when handling, mixing and storing hazardous chemicals.
- Cleaned cabins and public toilet blocks.
Admin Officer (Traineeship)
Longreach Shire Council
03.2005 - 03.2006
- General Administration for the Mechanical Team
- Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
- Maintained inventory of office supplies and placed orders.
- Performed wide-ranging administrative, financial and service-related functions.
- Managed data and correspondence to secure information across organisational departments.
- Drafted common document templates to reduce time spent creating documents from scratch.
- Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to other staff.
- Proofread and edited documents for accuracy and grammar.
- Updated MDSD sheets and Workplace Health and Safety documents.
- Inventory tracking and stocktaking.
- Order of parts for mechanics.
- Maintained first aid supplies.
- Maintain plant records.
- Created and prepared documents for assets going up for tender.
Shop Assistant
Cornett’s IGA
08.2004 - 03.2005
- Completed daily tasks accurately and on-time to support shop needs.
- Greeted customers entering store and offered assistance with requirements.
- Collected payment by cash, debit or credit card and used Point of Sale system to process transaction.
- Swept and mopped floor, wiped windows and fixtures after closing to support cleanliness and maintain organised store.
- Assisted customers in finding items.
- Wrapped, boxed and weighed fruit & veg department products.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labelling items, and arranging displays.
- Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
Education
Diploma of Financial Counselling -
Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
01-2027
Certificate III Community Service -
Aspire To Succeed
10-2022
Certificate II in Skills for Work & Vocational Pathways -
Look Now Training
09-2022
Certificate III in Business Administration -
Central Queensland Institute of TAFE
04-2006
Certificate I & II - Information Technology
Longreach State High School
11-2004
Senior Certificate -
Longreach State High School
11-2004
Skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Verbal and written communication
- Confidential information management
- Documentation and reporting
- Professional communication skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Time management abilities
- Case management
- Ethical standards of conduct
Certifications Training
- National Police check (May 2025), Australian Federal Police
- MoneyBusiness Coach Training, iCan Learn
- First Response & General Evacuation Fire Training, Fire EMT
- Identifying Gambling Harm in Help Seekers, Lives Lived Well
- GIVIT Portal Training, GIVIT
- Recognising and Responding to Distress in the Community, Wesley Mission Qld
- Understanding & responding to domestic and family violence (DFV), Good Shepherd
- Family violence awareness, identification and response in NILS, Good Shepherd
- NAB Personal Cyber Security, NAB
- Supporting clients with everyday money management, Good Shepherd
- NAB Financial Hardship Support, NAB
- Financial Independence Hub for Community NILs workers, Good Shepherd
- MoneyMinded Financial Capability, Brotherhood of St Lawrence
- Navigating Burnout, Good Shepherd
- Victims services Briefing: New Victim Assist Application options, Good Shepherd
- Savers Plus Information Session, Fern / Brotherhood of St Lawrence
- What loan assessors are looking for, Good Shepherd NILS
- Suicide Prevention Workshop, Wesley Mission Qld
- Supporting children’s mental health when working with separated parents, Good Shepherd
- No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) Worker Modules 1-6, Good Shepherd
- MoneyMinded Coach Training, Brotherhood of St Lawrence
- NDIS Worker Screening Card (V), NDIS
- 2027, Working with Children Card, Qld Government
- NDIS Worker Orientation Module, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
- Infection Control Training – Covid-19, Australian Government Department of Health
- First Aid & CPR, Marlee Training
- Covid-19 Vaccinations
Training
National Police check (May 2025) Australian Federal Police
MoneyBusiness Coach Training iCan Learn
First Response & General Evacuation Fire Training Fire EMT
Identifying Gambling Harm in Help Seekers Lives Lived Well
GIVIT Portal Training GIVIT
Recognising and Responding to Distress in the Community Wesley Mission Qld
Understanding & responding to domestic and family violence (DFV) Good Shepherd
Family violence awareness, identification and response in NILS Good Shepherd
NAB Personal Cyber Security NAB
Supporting clients with everyday money management Good Shepherd
NAB Financial Hardship Support NAB
Financial Independence Hub for Community NILs workers Good Shepherd
MoneyMinded Financial Capability Brotherhood of St Lawrence
Navigating Burnout Good Shepherd
Victims services Briefing: New Victim Assist Application options Good Shepherd
Training / Certifications
National Police check (May 2025) - Australian Federal Police
MoneyBusiness Coach Training - iCan Learn
First Response & General Evacuation Fire Training - Fire EMT
Identifying Gambling Harm in Help Seekers - Lives Lived Well
GIVIT Portal Training - GIVIT
Recognising and Responding to Distress in the Community - Wesley Mission Qld
Understanding & responding to domestic and family violence (DFV) - Good Shepherd
Family violence awareness, identification and response in NILS - Good Shepherd
NAB Personal Cyber Security - NAB
Supporting clients with everyday money management - Good Shepherd
NAB Financial Hardship Support - NAB
Financial Independence Hub for Community NILs workers - Good Shepherd
MoneyMinded Financial Capability - Brotherhood of St Lawrence
Navigating Burnout - Good Shepherd
Victims services Briefing: New Victim Assist Application options - Good Shepherd
Savers Plus Information Session - Fern / Brotherhood of St Lawrence
What loan assessors are looking for Good Shepherd NILS
Suicide Prevention Workshop - Wesley Mission Qld
Supporting children’s mental health when working with separated parents - Good Shepherd
No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) Worker Modules 1-6 - Good Shepherd
MoneyMinded Coach Training - Brotherhood of St Lawrence
NDIS Worker Screening Card (V)
Working with Children Card (Exp. 2027) (P)
NDIS Worker Orientation Module - NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Infection Control Training – Covid-19 - Australian Government Department of Health
First Aid (Exp. 29/08/2025) - Marlee Training
Covid- 19 Vaccinations
Timeline
Program Lead & Financial Resilience Worker
Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre
02.2023 - Current
Volunteer Receptionist
Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre
08.2022 - 02.2023
Carer / Homemaker
.
06.2014 - 08.2022
Administration Officer
No BS Diesel
07.2012 - 06.2014
Assistant Manager & Shop Assistant
Foodworks
02.2007 - 06.2011
Cleaner
Gunnadoo Caravan Park
03.2006 - 01.2007
Admin Officer (Traineeship)
Longreach Shire Council
03.2005 - 03.2006
Shop Assistant
Cornett’s IGA
08.2004 - 03.2005
Diploma of Financial Counselling -
Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
Certificate III Community Service -
Aspire To Succeed
Certificate II in Skills for Work & Vocational Pathways -
Look Now Training
Certificate III in Business Administration -
Central Queensland Institute of TAFE
Certificate I & II - Information Technology
Longreach State High School
Senior Certificate -
Longreach State High School
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