Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Sara Canning

Summary

Dynamic and dedicated Youth AOD Outreach Clinician with extensive experience at YSAS and previous community service roles. Skilled in clinical assessment and advocacy. Proven ability to build rapport and deliver tailored therapeutic interventions, enhancing client outcomes. Committed to a multidisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration to support individuals and families facing complex challenges. Thorough understanding of trauma informed care, strength based approaches to support clients to reach their full potential. Experience with both voluntary and statutory clients and services.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Youth AOD Outreach Clinician

YSAS
05.2023 - Current
  • Intake & Assessment
  • Individual Treatment Planning
  • Risk Assessment & Safety Plans
  • Working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams supporting the client
  • Case Management and outreach support to young people aged 12-25 with complex needs including AOD, mental health, family violence, homelessness, family breakdown, trauma, DFFH and Justice Orders, exploitation and abuse, education and employment disengagement, criminal offending and other risk-taking behaviours
  • Family inclusive practice
  • Participation, support & advocacy in client Care Team Meetings
  • Accurate and timely case notes, treatment episodes, incident reports, forensic reporting
  • Provision of therapeutic interventions, education, strategies using a strength based approach
  • Supporting clients with Child Protection Orders, Youth Justice and Corrections Orders
  • Participation in regular Reflective Practice, Case Review, Supervision, Team Meetings and Clinical Assessments
  • Providing training and supervision to new staff and trainees
  • Referrals to external services as required
  • Providing support via scheduled appointments and crisis response

Shift Senior AOD Detox Residential Clinician

YSAS
04.2021 - 05.2023
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and develop tailored treatment plans.
  • Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions to promote emotional well-being and recovery.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care and effective service delivery.
  • Monitored client progress, adjusting treatment strategies based on feedback and observed outcomes.
  • Managed daily activities and program within the detox unit
  • Completed admission and discharge summaries
  • Provided referrals when required
  • Crisis intervention and conflict resolution

Case Manager Adult Detox

Windana
03.2016 - 12.2019
  • Coordinated client assessments to determine needs and develop personalised care plans.
  • Facilitated communication between clients, families, and service providers to ensure comprehensive support.
  • Monitored client progress and adjusted care plans based on evolving needs and feedback.
  • Advocated for clients' rights and access to appropriate resources within healthcare systems.
  • Complete Risk Assessments and monitor complex dynamics.
  • Supervise Drug Screens and complete withdrawal scales.
  • Dispensing of medications and documentation on medical charts.
  • Discharge planning and referrals.
  • Facilitation of individual and group education.

Home Duties Special Needs Child

N/A
09.2010 - 03.2016
  • Primary carer of child with Special Needs

Disability Employment Consultant

SkillsPlus
11.2009 - 08.2010
  • Developed individualized employment plans for clients with disabilities to enhance job readiness.
  • Collaborated with employers to identify suitable job opportunities and promote inclusive hiring practices.
  • Conducted skills assessments to match clients with potential employment positions effectively.
  • Provided ongoing support and training for clients, improving retention rates in the workplace.

Food and Beverage Attendant

Rye Hotel
01.2008 - 07.2010
  • Shift lead in bar and bistro.

Intensive Outreach Case Manager

Peninsula Support Services
01.2007 - 12.2007
  • Intensive outreach support to complex mental health adults experiencing Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Autism, Personality Disorders and co-morbidities
  • Regularly liaise with CATT, psyche triage and other community mental health supports

Youth AOD Outreach Clinician

PenDAP (now Known as FamDAS)
01.2005 - 01.2007
  • Case management of 12-21 year old AOD clients.
  • Manage Supported Accommodation Facilities.

Harm Reduction Clinician

SHARPS NSP
11.2000 - 12.2004
  • Provision and collection of safe injecting equipment
  • Education on BBVs and STIs and vein care
  • Crisis intervention and referral
  • Overdose response and First Aid
  • Secondary consultation and training for local community services
  • Author of monthly client newsletter
  • Planning and Production of local Overdose Awareness Day memorial activities
  • Facilitator of steering committee comprising of council, police, community stakeholders, AOD users and their families
  • Representation on development of pilot programs such as PUDDAL (Under Age Drinking Diversion Pilot Program)

Education

Diploma of Community Services & AOD - Family And Community Services

Chisholm Institute
Frankston, VIC
12-2003

Skills

  • Clinical documentation
  • Clinical assessment
  • Multidisciplinary approach
  • Therapeutic techniques
  • Strong work ethic & dedication
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Strong passion for advocacy and support
  • Extensive professional and life experience
  • Experience working with statutory clients and relevant services
  • Strength based approach
  • Ability to build rapport and respectful relationships
  • Excellent time management skills

Accomplishments

  • Senior clinician WayFinder Pilot Program - SECADA 2023
  • Assisted local police and council to develop Underage drinking diversion program - PUDDAL 2006
  • Assisted Frankston Council surveying local store owners and stakeholders to develop the Safer City Council agreement - 2003
  • Co-ordinated and planned major local event for National Overdose Awareness Day. Created steering committee for all stakeholders. Obtained sponsorship and service participation in event. Promoted event through local media and services. Arranged guest speakers, entertainment, catering, police escort, council permits. Event premiered on Channel 9 news. 2003-2005
  • Created presentation of AOD educational content to deliver in local schools - PenDAP 2004
  • Initiated and produced monthly client newsletter - SHARPS NSP 2002

Interests

Camping, nature, gym, family, music

Timeline

Youth AOD Outreach Clinician

YSAS
05.2023 - Current

Shift Senior AOD Detox Residential Clinician

YSAS
04.2021 - 05.2023

Case Manager Adult Detox

Windana
03.2016 - 12.2019

Home Duties Special Needs Child

N/A
09.2010 - 03.2016

Disability Employment Consultant

SkillsPlus
11.2009 - 08.2010

Food and Beverage Attendant

Rye Hotel
01.2008 - 07.2010

Intensive Outreach Case Manager

Peninsula Support Services
01.2007 - 12.2007

Youth AOD Outreach Clinician

PenDAP (now Known as FamDAS)
01.2005 - 01.2007

Harm Reduction Clinician

SHARPS NSP
11.2000 - 12.2004

Diploma of Community Services & AOD - Family And Community Services

Chisholm Institute
Sara Canning