Raquel Oakes
Pimpama,Australia
Summary
Dynamic and compassionate Social Worker and Case Manager committed to empowering clients while pursuing personal and professional growth. Expertise in delivering exceptional support and implementing tailored interventions, leveraging a diverse array of resources to address the unique needs of vulnerable populations. Skilled in building strong rapport with individuals and families from various backgrounds, fostering trusting relationships, and advocating for their best interests. Passionate about serving communities by providing essential guidance to families in need, particularly those from refugee backgrounds.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Case Worker (HSP and SETS)
Multicultural Community Council Gold Coast (MCCGC)
10.2023 - 06.2024
- Supporting Humanitarian / Refugee Clients
- Complete Pre - Arrival Assessments, open bank accounts, correspond with Metro South / Refugee Health, book bank appointment, Comprehensive Health Assessments, Tafe registration / Interviews, school enrolments / Interviews, book LSW to support clients to all initial appointments, claim services on CSnet and HSP portal.
- Ongoing Case Management and welfare checks
- Client Referrals to external organisations
- Knowledge and Education (Life Skills)
- Followed instructions and procedures to complete assigned tasks.
- Established strong working relationships with clients through excellent communication skills, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust.
- Assisted clients with navigating and accessing social services such as housing and medical care.
- Support clients with renewal of Immi Cards, passports and to complete Citizenship applications.
- Working in a culturally sensitive manner while building rapport with the client or family.
- A crucial part of my role included training, leading, and mentoring Language Support Workers.
Case Manager (SETS)
Multicultural Australia (MA), Toowoomba
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Complete comprehensive Psychosocial Needs Assessments, provide emotional support, maintain case management records, work collaboratively with Bicultural Support Workers, identify mental health risk factors, provide culture orientation and life skills development, provide crisis intervention support, maintain collaborative working relationships with stakeholders, deliver client focused advocacy and liaison, carry out general administrative functions
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Assisted clients with navigating and accessing social services such as housing and medical care.
- Support clients with renewal of Immi Cards, passports and to complete Citizenship applications.
Case Manager (HSP)
Multicultural Australia (MA), Toowoomba
04.2021 - 09.2021
- Supporting Humanitarian / Refugee Clients, complete Comprehensive Psychosocial Needs Assessments, provide emotional support, maintain case management records, work collaboratively with Bicultural Support Workers, identify mental health risk factors, provide culture orientation and life skills development, provide crisis intervention support, maintain collaborative working relationships with stakeholders, deliver client-focused advocacy and liaison, carry out general administrative functions
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
Child Safety Officer - Out of Home Care
Department of Child Safety, Seniors, and Disability Services
Toowoomba
08.2016 - 02.2017
- Undertake roles of an authorised officer, deliver services in accordance with legislation, policy, and practice guidelines, work jointly with approved carers and service providers, ensure safety, belonging, and wellbeing of children and young people, deliver statutory child protection services, provide prevention and early intervention support services, support positive family connection and referrals, provide high quality case work support and advice, maintain good working relationships with stakeholders, carry out casework and financial applications, home visits, and family contact, develop and implement case plans, support colleagues and promote a positive working environment, maintain record keeping
- Facilitated family meetings, mediating discussions focused on creating safer environments for children in the household.
- Evaluated progress toward established goals within safety plans, adjusting strategies as needed based on changing circumstances.
- Enhanced child safety by conducting thorough home visits and assessments.
- Efficiently managed high caseloads while maintaining quality service delivery through effective time management skills.
- Improved community awareness of child safety issues through organizing and leading educational workshops.
- Assisted in reunification processes, providing guidance and support to families working towards a safe home environment for their children.
- Promoted positive parenting strategies through individual consultations and group workshops, empowering parents to build nurturing home environments.
- Provided crisis intervention during emergency situations, offering immediate assistance and support to affected children and families.
- Reduced risk factors by providing support and resources to parents, addressing underlying issues contributing to unsafe environments.
Social Worker
Papatoetoe Intermediate School Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
09.2013 - 12.2013
- Conduct assessments and facilitate referrals to governmental and non-governmental organisations.
- Demonstrate a commitment to Kaupapa Māori practices and possess introductory proficiency in Te Reo and its cultural practices.
- Engage effectively with at-risk children and their whānau.
- Provide practical solutions to various issues while adhering to best practices.
- Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation and demonstrate IT competence, especially in Microsoft Windows.
- Exhibit strong personal management skills and perform well under pressure.
- Accurately maintain service files and collaborate effectively with team members and external agencies.
Social Worker
Eastern Women's Refuge Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
09.2012 - 12.2012
- Connect whānau and individuals to relevant life skills services, providing comprehensive wraparound support.
- Uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi with a strong understanding of Te Ao Māori concepts.
- Apply Treaty of Waitangi principles for parallel development.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance service delivery, demonstrating cultural competence.
- Manage caseloads effectively and maintain organized records; assess risks and needs for early intervention in family harm situations.
- Work independently within a cohesive team; strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.
- Engage whānau in services that promote a violence-free lifestyle.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work -
Manukau Institute of Technology
Auckland, New Zealand National Certificate in Business Administration L3 -
Unitec New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand Diploma of Mental Health
AIPC Australia
Gold Coast, QLDSkills
- Problem-Solving
- Case Management
- Relationship Building
- Client Advocacy
- Needs Assessment
- Written and verbal communication
- Self Awareness
- Boundary Setting
- Case Coordination
- Analytical Thinking
- Risk Assessment
- Client Confidentiality
- Referrals and networking
- Capacity Building
Affiliations
Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Certification
- Lifeline, Australia - DV Alert Certificate
- QPASTT Toowoomba - Torture and Trauma Training
- Queensland - Blue Card
Timeline
Case Worker (HSP and SETS)
Multicultural Community Council Gold Coast (MCCGC)
10.2023 - 06.2024
Case Manager (SETS)
Multicultural Australia (MA), Toowoomba
09.2021 - 06.2022
Case Manager (HSP)
Multicultural Australia (MA), Toowoomba
04.2021 - 09.2021
Child Safety Officer - Out of Home Care
Department of Child Safety, Seniors, and Disability Services
08.2016 - 02.2017
Social Worker
Papatoetoe Intermediate School Auckland
09.2013 - 12.2013
Social Worker
Eastern Women's Refuge Auckland
09.2012 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Social Work -
Manukau Institute of Technology
National Certificate in Business Administration L3 -
Unitec New Zealand
Diploma of Mental Health
AIPC Australia