Sara Slimen
Sydney,NSW
Summary
Compassionate and skilled mental health professional with extensive experience in trauma-informed care, counseling, and support for diverse populations. Expert in designing and implementing effective strategies for trauma recovery, including work with survivors of domestic and family violence across various cultural and faith backgrounds. Holds a strong academic foundation with a Master's in Psychology and currently pursuing a Diploma in Counseling. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, with a deep commitment to applying a culturally sensitive approach to empower individuals and facilitate healing. Proven leadership in high-impact projects within international NGOs, leveraging lived experience and professional expertise to contribute to community resilience and well-being.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Retail Associate
TK Maxx
08.2022 - Current
- Successfully transitioned to the retail sector in Australia, securing stable employment and acquiring significant local work experience.
- Developed expertise in customer service, honing skills in active listening, empathy, and effective communication.
- Gained proficiency in conflict resolution, learning to navigate and defuse potential disputes with a calm and constructive approach.
- Enhanced teamwork abilities, working collaboratively with diverse groups to achieve common goals and improve overall team performance.
- Managed training and development programs, demonstrating strong leadership and the ability to mentor and motivate team members.
- Led visual merchandising projects, showcasing creativity in presentation and understanding of strategic product placement to maximize sales and customer Demonstrated Demonstratedrated strong organizational skills, effectively balancing multiple tasks and priorities to meet deadlines and achieve objectives.
Organizational Psychologist (Consultant)
Sagemcom Software & Technologies
04.2020 - 07.2022
- Spearheaded mental health initiatives, offering comprehensive support through counselling services, stress management workshops, and resilience training, enhancing overall employee well-being.
- Led performance enhancement projects by integrating motivation, job satisfaction, and engagement strategies, resulting in measurable improvements in employee performance metrics.
- Facilitated organizational development through change management processes and team dynamics improvement, significantly enhancing the work environment and employee satisfaction.
- Collaborated with HR to refine talent management processes, incorporating psychological assessments in recruitment and development, which optimized talent acquisition and retention.
- Developed and executed targeted training programs in soft skills, leadership, and problem-solving, employing psychological methods to ensure effective learning and application.
- Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives, conducting awareness training that cultivated a more respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
- Conducted internal research and data analysis on key organizational metrics, providing insights that informed strategic decisions and demonstrated the positive impact of psychological interventions.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Manager
Doctors Of The World - Section Of Belgium
10.2020 - 10.2021
- Led the design and execution of MHPSS programs, ensuring alignment with international standards and community needs.
- Managed a team of professionals and volunteers, emphasizing support, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Fostered partnerships with medical staff and local stakeholders for integrated health services.
- Developed and implemented M&E frameworks to assess program impact, informing strategic adjustments.
- Enhanced local MHPSS capabilities through targeted training and support initiatives.
- Advocated for MHPSS integration into national health systems and raised awareness of mental health issues.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer
Doctors Of The World - Section Of Belgium
10.2019 - 10.2020
- Implemented MHPSS programs in line with international standards and organizational goals, directly supporting affected communities.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to deliver integrated MHPSS services, ensuring a holistic approach to beneficiary health.
- Conducted assessments and provided psychosocial support to individuals and groups, adapting interventions to meet diverse needs.
- Participated in the development and delivery of training sessions for local healthcare providers, volunteers, and community workers to enhance local MHPSS capacity.
- Assisted in monitoring and evaluation activities, collecting data and contributing to reports on program impact and outcomes.
- Engaged with community leaders and stakeholders to advocate for mental health awareness and the importance of psychosocial support.
Protection Officer (for Migrants and Refugees)
Doctors Of The World - Section Of Belgium
10.2017 - 10.2019
- Led initiatives to identify, monitor, and address protection needs of migrants and refugees, ensuring their rights and safety.
- Conducted vulnerability assessments and provided targeted support to at-risk individuals, including legal aid, psychosocial support, and referral to specialized services.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with community groups, NGOs, and governmental bodies to advocate for the rights and well-being of migrants and refugees.
- Designed and delivered training sessions for staff, partners, and community members on protection principles, rights awareness, and sensitivity towards the needs of migrants and refugees.
- Contributed to the development and implementation of protection strategies and policies, aligning with international human rights standards.
- Prepared and submitted detailed reports on protection issues, interventions, and outcomes, informing organizational strategy and response plans.
Clinical Psychologist
Doctors Without Borders - Section Of Belgium
01.2017 - 10.2017
- Provided direct psychological support and therapy to a primarily migrant population, addressing complex trauma, stress, and other mental health challenges exacerbated by migration and displacement.
- Conducted thorough psychological assessments to identify the mental health needs of migrants, developing tailored intervention plans to support their recovery and well-being.
- Worked closely with a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, field workers, and support staff, ensuring a holistic and culturally sensitive approach to patient care.
- Led the creation and delivery of mental health workshops and training sessions for MSF staff, local healthcare providers, and community leaders, focusing on the specific psychological needs of migrants and effective support techniques.
- Played a key role in the planning, adaptation, and implementation of mental health programs, ensuring responsiveness to the unique challenges faced by the migrant community within the project's scope.
- Actively contributed to project reporting and evaluation efforts, providing detailed analysis on the effectiveness of psychological interventions for migrants and offering recommendations for service enhancements.
Education
Diploma - Counselling
Tafe NSW
Bankstown, NSW06.2024
Postgraduate Diploma - Health Communication Sciences
Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences of Tunis
Tunis, Tunisia 06.2019
Postgraduate Diploma - Addiction Care
Faculty of Medicine of Tunis
Tunis, Tunisia 06.2018
Master 2 of Clinical Psychology - Clinical Neuropsychology
Faculty Of Humanities of Tunis
Tunis, Tunisia 06.2016
Bachelor of Psychology - Fundamental Psychology
Faculty Of Humanities of Tunis
Tunis, Tunisia 06.2014
Skills
- Expertise in Mental Health Support
- Organizational Psychology
- Project Management
- Team Leadership and Development
- Conflict Resolution and Customer Service
- Training and Workshop Facilitation
- Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion
- Adaptability and Resilience
- Research and Data Analysis
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Communication
Languages
Arabic
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Certification
Professional Development (In Progress)
AVERT Family Violence Training
Provided by the Australian Institute of Social Relations
Online Courses
- Family Violence Basics Course
AVERT Family Violence
An introductory course exploring the historical and legal contexts of family violence, understanding relationship dynamics, the impacts on victims, and service responses.
Status: In Progress - Responding to Perpetrators of Family Violence
AVERT Family Violence
This course is designed for workers in the family law system, focusing on effective strategies and responsibilities when responding to perpetrators of family violence.
Status: In Progress - Screening and Safety Planning
AVERT Family Violence
Aimed at professionals with significant client contact, this course emphasizes the importance of risk assessment, screening, and safety planning in the context of family violence.
Status: In Progress
Timeline
Retail Associate
TK Maxx
08.2022 - Current
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Manager
Doctors Of The World - Section Of Belgium
10.2020 - 10.2021
Organizational Psychologist (Consultant)
Sagemcom Software & Technologies
04.2020 - 07.2022
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer
Doctors Of The World - Section Of Belgium
10.2019 - 10.2020
Protection Officer (for Migrants and Refugees)
Doctors Of The World - Section Of Belgium
10.2017 - 10.2019
Clinical Psychologist
Doctors Without Borders - Section Of Belgium
01.2017 - 10.2017
Diploma - Counselling
Tafe NSW
Postgraduate Diploma - Health Communication Sciences
Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences of Tunis
Postgraduate Diploma - Addiction Care
Faculty of Medicine of Tunis
Master 2 of Clinical Psychology - Clinical Neuropsychology
Faculty Of Humanities of Tunis
Bachelor of Psychology - Fundamental Psychology
Faculty Of Humanities of Tunis
Professional Development (In Progress)
AVERT Family Violence Training
Provided by the Australian Institute of Social Relations
Online Courses
- Family Violence Basics Course
AVERT Family Violence
An introductory course exploring the historical and legal contexts of family violence, understanding relationship dynamics, the impacts on victims, and service responses.
Status: In Progress - Responding to Perpetrators of Family Violence
AVERT Family Violence
This course is designed for workers in the family law system, focusing on effective strategies and responsibilities when responding to perpetrators of family violence.
Status: In Progress - Screening and Safety Planning
AVERT Family Violence
Aimed at professionals with significant client contact, this course emphasizes the importance of risk assessment, screening, and safety planning in the context of family violence.
Status: In Progress
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