Ruth Evans
Brisbane,QLD
Summary
I am committed to advising patients their support persons, family,carers and other support persons of their rights under the MHA 2016.
I have seven years experience working in Metro North Mental Health Service as an IPRA.I possess a detailed working knowledge of the application and requirements of the Mental Health Act 2016 .I also have over twenty years working as a social worker with vulnerable groups ,predominantly those with a mental illness.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Patient Rights Adviser
Stride
05.2017 - Current
- Ensure that consumers, nominated support persons family ,carers and other support persons have been advised of their rights and responsibilities under Mental Health Act 2016.
- Assist consumers ,nominated support persons, family, carers and other support persons to communicate their views wishes and preferences about a consumer's treatment and care.
- Advise consumers, nominated support persons , family, carers and other support persons of their rights at the MHRT. Advise consumers of their right to appoint legal representative and to assist to engage representative if requested.
- Advise consumers of their right to complete self report for MHRT and assist to complete if requested.
- Advise consumers of the benefits of appointing a nominated support person and to assist with completion of this, if requested.
- Direct consumers to appeals processes for decisions made by MHRT and support through process.
- Accompany consumers to MHRT hearings, if requested.
- Accompany consumers to meetings with treating team, if requested ,to assist consumer to effectively communicate their views wishes and preferences about treatment and care.
- Work cooperatively with Community Visitor.
- Work cooperatively with decision makers: EPOA, adult guardian and other attorneys ,to promote best interests of the consumer.
- Work collaboratively with variety of stakeholders including authorised mental health practitioners ,authorised doctors and administrator to ensure rights of consumers and their families, carers and support persons under Act are upheld.
- Consult with delegate of authorised mental health service to effectively assess and address compliance issues with Act .
- Advise consumers of the benefits of completing an Advance Health Directive and assist to complete if requested.
- Explain the Complaints Process to consumers and their support persons and ensure that they are managed in accordance with the CPP Management of Complaints and second opinion.
- Provide information on the external complaints processes for example Office of the Health Ombudsman and The Human Rights Commission.
- Provide consultation to at regular forums with executive and administrator of mental health service to discuss patient issues as part of issues register.
- Deliver quality service improvement by monitoring ,evaluating and improving processes.
- Consult and and to work collaboratively with consumer consultant/ lived experience workforce on regular basis to achieve best outcomes for consumers and their support persons.
- Uphold the rights of consumers, regardless of cultural,religious,ethnic and linguistic background, gender ,identity age or ability, by engaging mental health indigenous services and multicultural services .
- Engage the use of interpreters if required.
- Provide training to new staff of AMHS as well as ongoing mandatory training in relation to IPRA role. Also ongoing in- service training for nursing staff, doctors and registrars
- Provide training to new IPRA's. Contributed to development of training package for new IPRA's.
- Resource development. Develop user friendly resources to assist consumers to exercise their rights.
- Facilitate information and discussion groups on MHA 2016 for consumers in both inpatient setting and community ,in collaboration with the lived experience workforce.
- Develop ongoing policies and procedures for IPRA role, including the development of Service model guidelines, issues register and IPRA protocols.
- Participate in Subject Matter Expert groups ( SMEG) facilitated by Chief psychiatrist Office to review current Chief Psychiatrist Policies.
- Maintain detailed file notes for advice provided for each consumer interaction. Records are kept on a separate database to ensure consumer confidentiality.
- Adhere to safety protocols, especially whilst working in inpatient setting.
Social Worker
Queensland Health
07.2011 - 05.2017
- Developed resources and facilitated groups for patients living at CCU as part of rehabilitation programme under recovery model of care ,empowering individuals with valuable knowledge and tools for self advocacy.
- Facilitated successful client transitions from residential facilities to independent living situations with appropriate supports in place.
- Advocated for clients rights, navigating complex systems to secure necessary resources and benefits.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
- Responsible for high level rehabilitation social work service for 20 patients at CCU facility.
- Directly responsible for completing comprehensive psychosocial assessments for each patient ,evaluating social , emotional and psychological needs to create treatment plans
- Management of patients with complex needs: dual disabilities ,cognitive impairment , brain injuries , drug and alcohol issues and chronic health conditions.
- Maintained detailed patient clinical records on CIMHA as well as risk assessments , recovery plans and ongoing outcomes, in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Multi -disciplinary working. As member of larger multidisciplinary team , regularly consult with other stakeholders within immediate team eg doctors OT's ,as well as those outside of team eg community visitor, adult guardians, case managers to continually improve patient care.
- Participated in development of clinical practices, procedures and protocols to continually improve customer care.
- Applied Mental Health legislation and policy to facilitate delivery of coordinated services within Metro North service.
- Utilised well developed advocacy, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Utilised evidence-based practices to provide effective interventions for clients.
- Assisted clients in developing and setting realistic goals to promote positive change.
- Participated in safety and Quality initiatives.
- Worked collaboratively with treating team to work effectively with consumers family/carers as well as non -government agencies to support individualised care plans for consumers.
- High level professional judgement and decision making required with complex case load involving minimal clinical direction.
Social Worker Adults
Rochdale Borough Council
09.2008 - 09.2009
- Responsible for large caseload of community clients over age of 65.Many had complex needs : dementia, chronic health conditions and mental health requirements . Carried out comprehensive psycho social assessments to identify services / resources to meet those needs and to implement care plan.
- Responsible for formulating risk assessments, setting up care packages with care agencies and reviewing them on regular basis.
- Liaising with broad range of stakeholders.
Social Worker Community Mental Health Team
Rochdale Borough Council
02.2007 - 09.2008
- Responsible for large caseload of adults with severe and enduring mental health needs in community. Carried out comprehensive psycho social assessments to identify services /resources to meet those needs and to implement care plan.
- Responsible for formulating risk assessments ,monitoring clients mental health whilst at home. and implementing therapeutic interventions for clients struggling with mental health challenges.
- Liaising with abroad range of stakeholders.
Social Worker Community Mental Health Team
Bury Metropolitan Borough Council
09.2006 - 01.2007
- Responsible for large caseload of adults with severe and enduring mental health needs in community. Carried out comprehensive psycho social assessments to identify services/resources to meet those needs and to implement care plan.
- Responsible for formulating risk assessments, monitoring clients mental health whilst at home and implementing therapeutic interventions for clients struggling with mental health challenges.
- Liaising with broad range of stakeholders.
Social Worker Adults
Bury Metropolitan Borough Council
04.2004 - 08.2006
- Responsible for large caseload of community clients over age of 65. Many had complex needs: dementia ,chronic health conditions and mental health requirements. Carried out comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify services/resources to meet these needs and to implement care plans.
- Responsible for formulating risk assessments, setting up care packages with care agencies and reviewing them on regular basis.
- Liaising with broad range of stakeholders
Hospital Social Worker
Bury Metropolitan Borough Council
11.2003 - 06.2004
- Responsible for completing psychosocial assessments for patients in hospital ,across many different wards.
- Responsible for discharge planning of patients back into community.
- Worked as part of multidisciplinary team to coordinate care plan for patients ,especially older persons who required care packages to be set up upon discharge or ongoing rehabilitation services.
Adult Placement Social Worker
London Borough Of Lewisham
02.2001 - 03.2003
- Responsible for recruiting ,assessing ,training and supporting carers for adult placement scheme.
- Responsible for suitability of client referrals
- Responsible for matching adult clients to carers in community.
- Responsible for monitoring and review of placement.
Social Worker Adults With Learning Difficulties
London Borough Of Croydon
04.1998 - 02.2001
- Responsible for case management of adults with learning difficulties living in community.
- Responsible for ongoing assessment, care planning and reviewing of clients needs.
- Liaised with broad range of stakeholders
Social Worker Adults
Westminster City Council
08.1996 - 03.1998
- Responsible for case management of older people.
- Responsible for assessment ,care planning and monitoring in respect to care packages for older people in community.
- Liaised with broad range of stakeholders
Hospital Social Worker
Manchester City Council
10.1995 - 07.1996
- Worked as part of multidisciplinary team to coordinate discharge plans for people in hospital setting.
- Liaised with broad range of stakeholders
Social Worker Community Mental Health Team
Manchester City Council
06.1994 - 02.1995
- Responsible for case management of adults with severe and enduring mental health needs in community .Carried out comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify services/resources to meet those needs and to implement care plans.
- Responsible for formulating risk assessments, monitoring clients mental health whilst at home and implementing therapeutic interventions for clients struggling with mental health challenges.
- Liaised with broad range of stakeholders.
Senior Residential Social Worker
Manchester City Council
04.1989 - 05.1991
- Responsible for supervision of team of Residential Social Workers as part of community network scheme for adults with learning difficulties.
- Responsible for ongoing daily care and support of adults with learning difficulties living in their own homes in community.
Day Centre Officer
Grampian Council
03.1987 - 03.1989
- Responsible for key group of adults with learning difficulties at day centre in Aberdeen, Scotland
- Responsible for developing and implementing daily activities and programmes for clients , to promote independence and improve daily living skills.
English Language Teacher
English Executive Programs
07.1985 - 07.1986
- Responsible for teaching English as foreign language to Indonesian Students in Jakarta ,Indonesia.
English Teacher
Ministry Of Education, Singapore
10.1984 - 07.1985
- Teacher of English language and literature at Chinese High school in Singapore.
Education
Diploma of Social Work - Social Work
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester ,England.RSA Certificate in TEFL - Teaching English As A Foreign Language
Angloschool, London
Crystal Palace, LondonPost Graduate Certificate in Education - English And Drama
The University of Sheffield
Sheffield, EnglandBachelor of Arts - English Literature
The University of Sheffield
Sheffield,EnglandProfessional Development
MHA 2016 -Authorised doctor training, e-learning
Safe Talk-Suicide Awareness training,Living Works
Mental Health First Aid training
OVP ( occupational violence prevention) training
Motivational Interviewing workshop
Mental State Examination training
Aboriginal Cultural awareness training
Trauma Informed Care training ,Blue Knot Foundation
Advance health Directive training, Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia
Sensory Modulation in mental health training
Eating Disorder training ,QUEDS
Values training
Supervision training
Teambuilding
CIMHA training
IPRA Forum ( twice yearly)
Presentation/workshops:
Office of the Public Guardian-community visitor service
Mental Health Court
Mental Health Review Tribunal
QAI (Queensland Advocacy Inclusion) Legal Service
LGBTQI Legal Service
ATSILS (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service)
QUEDS (Queensland Eating Disorder Service)
The office of the Chief Psychiatrist
The Public Advocate
Referees
Carl Mast
Service Lead and Line manager-Stride
Ph: 0431711689
Email:Carl.Mast1@stride.com.au
Scott James
Statewide Coordinator for IPRA-Dept of Health
Ph:0472846365
Email: scott.james2@health.qld.gov.au
Timeline
Independent Patient Rights Adviser
Stride
05.2017 - Current
Social Worker
Queensland Health
07.2011 - 05.2017
Social Worker Adults
Rochdale Borough Council
09.2008 - 09.2009
Social Worker Community Mental Health Team
Rochdale Borough Council
02.2007 - 09.2008
Social Worker Community Mental Health Team
Bury Metropolitan Borough Council
09.2006 - 01.2007
Social Worker Adults
Bury Metropolitan Borough Council
04.2004 - 08.2006
Hospital Social Worker
Bury Metropolitan Borough Council
11.2003 - 06.2004
Adult Placement Social Worker
London Borough Of Lewisham
02.2001 - 03.2003
Social Worker Adults With Learning Difficulties
London Borough Of Croydon
04.1998 - 02.2001
Social Worker Adults
Westminster City Council
08.1996 - 03.1998
Hospital Social Worker
Manchester City Council
10.1995 - 07.1996
Social Worker Community Mental Health Team
Manchester City Council
06.1994 - 02.1995
Senior Residential Social Worker
Manchester City Council
04.1989 - 05.1991
Day Centre Officer
Grampian Council
03.1987 - 03.1989
English Language Teacher
English Executive Programs
07.1985 - 07.1986
English Teacher
Ministry Of Education, Singapore
10.1984 - 07.1985
Diploma of Social Work - Social Work
Manchester Metropolitan University
RSA Certificate in TEFL - Teaching English As A Foreign Language
Angloschool, London
Post Graduate Certificate in Education - English And Drama
The University of Sheffield
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
The University of Sheffield
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