Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Workplacement
References
Timeline
Generic

Porsha Lake

Shellharbour,NSW

Summary

I am best known for my people skills and interpersonal skills. Ability to build genuine and quick rapport with clients. Ability to build professional relationships and utilise these in my work. Professional writing Technology proficient.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Family Support Worker

Barnardos South Soast
03.2024 - Current
  • Reported child abuse in accordance with legal standards of mandatory reporters.
  • Empowered parents to create nurturing home environments by sharing best practices in positive discipline techniques.
  • Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
  • Visited home environments to help clients develop comprehensive life, technical, and job skills.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the provision of holistic care for families in need.
  • Coordinated services for children with special needs by collaborating closely with healthcare providers and school personnel.
  • Implemented evidence-based interventions designed to reduce risk factors associated with child abuse or neglect.
  • Contributed significantly towards client success stories by implementing customised support plans based on individual strengths.
  • Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring timely reporting to supervisors and compliance with agency requirements.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering trust necessary for effective intervention.
  • Connected families with community resources such as housing assistance, financial aid programs, and educational opportunities.
  • Strengthened families'' resilience through crisis intervention, counseling, and referral services.
  • Enhanced family stability by providing comprehensive support and resources tailored to individual needs.
  • Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.

Community Worker + Group Facilitator

Barnardos South Coast
08.2022 - 03.2024
  • Design and execute tailored programs, addressing the unique needs of clients based on thorough intake information
  • Emphasising a comprehensive and individualised approach, these programs aim to provide targeted support
  • Conduct informal case coordination-style consultations with clients, focusing on dedicated support for youth and families
  • These consultations are crafted to address unique circumstances, with follow-ups, including home visits, to ensure sustained assistance
  • Prioritise the well-being of children and families by fostering a safe and supportive environment during service delivery
  • Actively contributed to the creation and compilation of feedback and key features from the South Coast Child and Wellbeing conference
  • Specialise in addressing cultural aspects, particularly focusing on Aboriginal communities, to ensure culturally sensitive and inclusive service delivery
  • Demonstrate a steadfast commitment to interagency collaboration, cultivating strong working relationships with various organisations and stakeholders to enhance overall community support
  • Develop and implement in-school programs aimed at building the capacity of children
  • Engage in networking with key individuals within the community to foster effective collaboration and resource-sharing

Casual Youth Worker

Albion Park Youth and Community Care
02.2021 - 12.2021
  • Offered crucial support to youth and family members regarding concerns supplied by the client, demonstrating a keen ability to address their unique needs
  • Fostered a safe and supportive environment for youth and community members seeking assistance, prioritising their well-being
  • Provided participants with informed referrals to local services, drawing on comprehensive knowledge of the area
  • Delivered emotional support and guidance to clients navigating challenges in social interaction/connection and other impeding issues
  • Established effective networking connections with local community members, including schools, services, and councils, advocating for clients and fostering collaborative partnerships
  • Enhanced client support by adjusting pre-existing programs within the organisation, ensuring a higher level of personalised assistance
  • Developed and planned initiatives, aligning with organisational objectives, by establishing clear goals, managing finances, and ensuring successful implementation

Social Work Student

Barnardos South Coast
02.2023 - 06.2023
  • Developed family action plans in accordance with DCJ guidelines, tailoring them to individual client needs
  • Specialised in creating picture-based family action plans for individuals with intellectual and learning disabilities, receiving dedicated training in the process
  • Drafted cultural plans to address the unique needs of diverse families
  • Collaborated with the primary worker in supervising contacts, acquiring the skills to produce detailed contact reports suitable for court proceedings
  • Completed affidavit training through PSP Hub, supporting case managers in the preparation, verification, and filing of affidavits
  • Participated in case plan meetings, contributing to the development of subsequent case plans for children
  • Gained comprehensive knowledge of interim orders versus final orders in the court process
  • Conducted home visits, producing detailed reports/notes for children in care
  • Attended carer reviews and monthly supervisions, compiling annual and monthly reports for these sessions
  • Directly liaised with clients regarding contact arrangements, providing support to enhance their capacity and assisting in navigating challenging conversations
  • Contributed to permanency planning for children post-Final Orders, including exploring options such as guardianship and adoption
  • Participated in the Circle of Security Parenting group and expressed interest in becoming a trained facilitator
  • Co-facilitated a family-supported playgroup, actively building parents’ capacity through modeling, encouragement, prompting, and check-ins

Social Work Student

Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Nowra
02.2022 - 06.2022
  • Actively participated in and facilitated regular staff meetings, contributing to the collaborative and informed functioning of the organisation
  • Engaged in regular interagency meetings, fostering connections with external partners to enhance community support and legal advocacy
  • Demonstrated organisational skills by efficiently managing legal documentation and paperwork, ensuring accuracy and accessibility
  • Applied social theories and knowledge to provide comprehensive support to clients and families, tailoring interventions to meet their specific needs
  • Independently executed a trauma-informed approach, offering information and practical support with sensitivity and empathy
  • Competently managed complex ethical dilemmas, family dynamics, and navigated processes associated with mandatory reporting
  • Exhibited strong multitasking abilities and effective time management, ensuring productivity and timely completion of tasks
  • Provided service coordination and knowledge to clients, offering holistic support to address diverse needs
  • Consistently referred to relevant organisational policies to safeguard client rights and ensured personal accountability
  • Utilised culturally competent practices to support clients from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds in navigating the legal system
  • Collaborated seamlessly with solicitors, contributing to a holistic care approach that addressed both legal and social aspects of clients' needs
  • Conducted research and follow-up meetings to produce an updated contact directory for solicitors to provide suitable referrals
  • Participated in Community Legal Education programs and sessions

TAFE Diploma Student

Albion Park Rail Community Centre
10.2020 - 10.2020
  • Developed comprehensive organisational policies and procedures, including those related to Workplace Health and Safety (WHS), Occupational Violence, and Aggressive Behavior
  • Successfully conducted consultation meetings, generated documentation, and prepared reports to ensure a safe and secure working environment
  • Formulated WHS policies and procedures, actively participating in consultation meetings and adeptly producing detailed reports
  • Contributed to the 'SAVE EQUAL PAY' movement, advocating for fair and equal compensation
  • Planned and executed projects, setting clear goals, maintaining budgets, and meeting organisational targets
  • Played a key role in facilitating meetings across various areas, from developing agendas to taking minutes and running sessions efficiently
  • Collaborated seamlessly within a team, demonstrating effective delegation by assigning roles that complemented and strengthened individual skills
  • Utilised problem-solving and decision-making skills consistently to address challenges and enhance operational efficiency
  • Conducted regular meetings and interviews with clients, employing effective interviewing skills to gather information and provide support
  • Demonstrated the ability to maintain organisation and structure within any situation, ensuring smooth and effective project implementation
  • Undertook independent research and investigation regularly, staying proactive in staying informed and contributing to informed decision-making

Duty Manager

Kmart
09.2021 - 11.2022
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills and effectively managed complex retail tasks, ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities within the store
  • Played a pivotal role in training new employees across all store areas, fostering a supportive environment to reduce anxiety and facilitating effective learning
  • Developed into a multi-skilled worker, receiving training in every department across the store, showcasing adaptability and versatility
  • Possessed the ability to de-escalate aggressive situations, contributing to a safe and secure shopping environment for both customers and staff

Education

Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work

University of Wollongong
Wollongong, NSW
01.2024

Diploma of Community Services -

Shellharbour TAFE NSW
01.2020

Cert IV of Community Services -

Shellharbour TAFE NSW
01.2019

High School Certificate -

Corpus Christi Catholic High School
Oak Flats, NSW
01.2018

Skills

  • People skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Rapport building
  • Professional relationships
  • Professional writing
  • Technology proficient

Workplacement

  • Barnardos Temporary Family Care, Social Work Student, 02/01/23, 06/30/23, Developed family action plans, Drafted cultural plans, Collaborated with primary worker, Completed affidavit training, Participated in case plan meetings, Conducted home visits, Liaised with clients regarding contact arrangements, Contributed to permanency planning, Co-facilitated a family-supported playgroup
  • Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Nowra, Social Work Student, 02/01/22, 06/30/22, Participated in staff meetings, Engaged in interagency meetings, Managed legal documentation, Applied social theories, Executed a trauma-informed approach, Managed complex ethical dilemmas, Provided service coordination, Utilised culturally competent practices, Collaborated with solicitors, Conducted research and follow-up meetings
  • Albion Park Rail Community Centre, TAFE Diploma Student, 10/01/20, 10/31/20, Developed organisational policies, Formulated WHS policies, Contributed to the 'SAVE EQUAL PAY' movement, Planned and executed projects, Facilitated meetings, Collaborated within a team, Conducted regular meetings and interviews, Undertook independent research

References

  • Jessica Buchanan, Program Manager at Temporary Family Care Barnardos (OOHC), 0477 809 808, jbuchanan@barnardos.org.au
  • Lisa O’Grady, Coordinator Community Connections Anglicare SA, 0488 322 377
  • Melissa Andrews, Program Manager at Bundaleer and Communities For Children, 0427 119 348, melissaa@barnardos.org.au

Timeline

Family Support Worker

Barnardos South Soast
03.2024 - Current

Social Work Student

Barnardos South Coast
02.2023 - 06.2023

Community Worker + Group Facilitator

Barnardos South Coast
08.2022 - 03.2024

Social Work Student

Shoalcoast Community Legal Centre Nowra
02.2022 - 06.2022

Duty Manager

Kmart
09.2021 - 11.2022

Casual Youth Worker

Albion Park Youth and Community Care
02.2021 - 12.2021

TAFE Diploma Student

Albion Park Rail Community Centre
10.2020 - 10.2020

Diploma of Community Services -

Shellharbour TAFE NSW

Cert IV of Community Services -

Shellharbour TAFE NSW

High School Certificate -

Corpus Christi Catholic High School

Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work

University of Wollongong

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Porsha Lake