Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sarah Macdonald

Thomastown ,Australia

Summary

Current role requires a capacity of a high level to ensure staff remain within the DJCS policies and procedures, adhering to child safe standards. Also ensure all staff across the site are following the guidelines.

Experience is managing both young people 15-25 years and staff employed through DJCS.

The ability to work under high pressure, and stressful environments while managing the precinct in a professional manner.

Communication with clear directives and reporting throughout the day is paramount to the role.

Experience in managing conflict between young people, staff and stakeholders, engaging in restorative practices and skills developed over the years.

During the initial COVID outbreak, managing the first Infection control unit in youth justice, training staff but also flexible and adjustable as the understanding of the pandemic changed and adapted.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Operations Manager

Department Of Justice And Community Safety Victoria
05.2022 - Current
  • Working closely with Parkville’s College, supporting them and implementing any schooling needs.
  • Assisted in successful change, seamless transitions during organisational restructuring during decommissioning of another precinct.
  • Oversight of performance for managers of multiple units and their staffing groups.
  • Actively engaged with young people in units, ensuring safety of staff was communicated with young people.
  • Attended training off and onsite where required.
  • Implemented restorative practice within daily operations.
  • Personal understanding and knowledge of DJCS policy and procedures and its I implementation on daily basis.
  • Ensure transition of ‘dual-track’ 18-25 year olds was supported by operational space and competed any necessary follow up.
  • Coordination of pre-parole programs, including pre-release programs to community and training/education.
  • Ensured safety protocols are met to maintain secure and safe working environment.
  • Supervised staff and kept employees compliant with department policies and procedures.
  • Mitigated risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
  • Ensure young people have access to any schooling needs and all human rights while in custody.

Parkville Unit Manager

Department Of Justice And Community Safety Victoria
08.2020 - 05.2022
  • Individually managed up to 10 staff including performance, PDPs and supervision
  • Individually managed units which housed youths 15-21 years of age.
  • Attended care teams, assessment panels and completed referrals for young people in care.
  • Liaised with external stakeholders including lawyers, parole board and community youth justice workers.
  • Supported and assisted young people to attend training / prerelease programs external of precinct to prepare for their parole / release terms.
  • Assisted in development of Youth Justice first Infection Control Unit and training of staffing group.
  • Streamlined daily operations for increased performance by ensuring management and supervision of unit staff.
  • stakeholder liaising with prompt and accurate communication through care teams, mandatory reporting and case note oversight.
  • Ensured compliance with regulations and standards through regular auditing and staff education.
  • Developed strong working relationships with teachers, nurses, therapists, and support staff for united functioning.
  • Mentored new staff during probation periods for professional integration into team while maintaining relational and situational security.
  • Resolved conflicts among team members quickly to maintain positive working environment and continued care for youths.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of activities, staff schedules, incidents and mandatory reporting for transparency.

Youth Justice Worker and Supervisor

Department Of Justice And Community Safety Victoria
04.2019 - 08.2020
  • Assisted young people to attend daily classes whilst complying with legal requirements of school attendance.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.

Community Development Worker

North East Community Initiatives
02.2014 - 04.2018
  • Community engagement by organising and implementing outreach programs.
  • developed partnerships with local organisations for collaborative projects, resulting in improved community resources.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify areas of improvement and develop targeted intervention strategies.
  • Assisted in managing grant applications and funding proposals, securing financial support for essential community development initiatives.
  • Organised workshops and training sessions.
  • Implemented programs and initiatives for local stakeholders, ensuring sustainable growth, economic and development within community.
  • Coordinated volunteer activities, utilising stakeholders and available resources, hence maximising impact on community development goals.

Education

Level 2 - First Aid And CPR

CPR
Melbourne, VIC
2023

Certificate - Fire Safety Training

Professional Development And Training
Melbourne
2023

Certificate - Suicide And Self Harm (SASH)

Professional Development And Training
Melbourne, VIC
2023

Certificate - Child Safe Standards

Professional Development And Training
Melbourne, VIC
2023

Certificate - Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid Australia
Melbourne, VIC
2021

Certificate - Ongoing - Mental Health

Chisolm TAFE
Melbourne
2028

Certificate - Mentoring Youth

Kildonan Uniting Care
Melbourne
2011

Skills

  • Health and Safety Compliance
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Stakeholder Relationship Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Policies and Procedures Implementation
  • Time Management Skills
  • Restorative Practice
  • Conflict Management
  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Performance Management

Timeline

Operations Manager

Department Of Justice And Community Safety Victoria
05.2022 - Current

Parkville Unit Manager

Department Of Justice And Community Safety Victoria
08.2020 - 05.2022

Youth Justice Worker and Supervisor

Department Of Justice And Community Safety Victoria
04.2019 - 08.2020

Community Development Worker

North East Community Initiatives
02.2014 - 04.2018

Level 2 - First Aid And CPR

CPR

Certificate - Fire Safety Training

Professional Development And Training

Certificate - Suicide And Self Harm (SASH)

Professional Development And Training

Certificate - Child Safe Standards

Professional Development And Training

Certificate - Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid Australia

Certificate - Ongoing - Mental Health

Chisolm TAFE

Certificate - Mentoring Youth

Kildonan Uniting Care
Sarah Macdonald