Sarah Swenson
Sydney,NSW
Summary
Dedicated and passionate social worker with a strong commitment to client-centered and trauma-informed care. Experienced in supporting vulnerable individuals and families from diverse backgrounds with complex needs, including homelessness, mental health, addictions, and domestic violence. Skilled in reflective practice, case management, and interagency collaboration. Proven ability to enhance client well-being through strengths-based approaches, crisis intervention, and advocacy. Equally confident working autonomously or within multidisciplinary teams to achieve meaningful, sustainable outcomes for clients.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Women's Homelessness Outreach Case Manager
The Salvation Army Australia Territory
06.2024 - Current
- Conducting comprehensive risk, safety, and needs assessments to best support women experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
- Providing women who are sleeping rough with specialized female toiletry packs, socks, underwear, jackets, and sleeping bags to ensure hygiene and dignity are maintained.
- Developing and implementing individual case plans that address the needs and goals of clients.
- Providing assertive outreach to women living in the community, or transitioning from crisis accommodation.
- Supporting clients to access appropriate housing, legal, domestic violence, financial, and health services.
- Strengthening partnerships with other service providers to improve referral pathways.
- Advocating for clients within relevant systems, such as courts, housing, and social services.
- Participating in community engagement activities, and contributing to service development.
- Facilitated communication between clients, families, caregivers, social services and other agencies to ensure client needs were met.
Aro Mai Housing First Kaimahi
Downtown Community Ministry
Wellington, New Zealand
12.2022 - 01.2024
- Supported individuals from diverse and marginalized backgrounds in transitioning from homelessness to long-term, stable accommodation under the Housing First model.
- Provided consistent, strengths-based support mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally - through weekly engagement to help clients sustain tenancies and enhance overall well-being.
- Engaged with and supported individuals who were visibly experiencing homelessness or street begging within central Wellington, offering immediate support and pathways to services.
- Delivered practical, day-to-day assistance, including grocery shopping, running errands, bill payments, and facilitating social inclusion.
- Supported clients with a range of disabilities, including autism, mental health conditions, visual and hearing impairments, and intellectual disabilities.
- Managed a steady case load, ensuring compliance with contractual goals, and delivering tailored, client-focused outcomes.
- Collaborated with multiple community organizations and service providers to coordinate care and optimize support for each individual.
Fourth Year Social Work Placement
The Salvation Army New Zealand Territory
Porirua, Wellington
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Developed and implemented realistic, client centred treatment plans to enhance the well-being of youth aged 12–18 years old, with a focus on individualised goals and strengths-based approaches.
- Provided one-on-one guidance to young people on accessing appropriate community resources, including internal and external referral pathways.
- Designed and facilitated weekly developmental programs aligned with funding requirements, and underpinned by theoretical knowledge from the Bachelor of Social Work curriculum.
- Applied culturally responsive practice through a strong understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi, working collaboratively with Māori, and other Indigenous communities.
- Demonstrated a sound understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and ethical obligations of social workers, guided by relevant legislation, policy frameworks, and professional standards.
- Practiced the social work process under supervision, engaging in critical reflection to inform and improve professional practice.
- Developed self-awareness and a strong professional identity as an emerging social worker through regular supervision, reflective practice, and engagement with diverse client groups.
- Ensured safe and ethical practice under supervision, prioritizing client safety, confidentiality, and professional boundaries in all aspects of social work engagement.
Third Year Social Work Placement
The Opportunity Centre
Porirua, Wellington
08.2020 - 12.2020
- Provided supervision and meaningful engagement for groups of up to 50 children and young people (ages 5–18 years old) through structured recreational and educational programs.
- Developed rapport through trusting, strengths-based relationships with children, young people, and interdisciplinary staff, fostering a safe and supportive environment.
- Initiated and led recurring activities, including culturally responsive holiday celebrations, current events, and inclusive community outings.
- Integrated Indigenous theories and culturally grounded models of practice into program planning and service delivery to enhance relevance, belonging, and equity.
- Encouraged teamwork among the children and young people through group projects, discussions, and problem-solving exercises.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work -
Whitireia
New ZealandNCEA Levels 1, 2 & 3 -
St Mary’s College
WellingtonSkills
- Trauma-informed and strength-based practices
- Case management and advocacy
- Crisis intervention and conflict resolution
- Interagency collaboration
- Active listening and culturally competent
- Report writing and documentation
- Self-awareness
- Empathy and patience
Certification
- Working With Children Check
- Co-occurring Mental Health and Alcohol & Other Drug Disorders
Centre for Community Welfare Training - Domestic and Family Violence: Survivor-Centred Practice
Centre for Training in Social Housing - Foundations in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence
Centre for Cultural Competence Australia - Foundations for Building Trauma Awareness
Blue Knot Foundation - safeTALK: Suicide Alertness for Everyone
LivingWorks Australia - Reflective Practice Workshop
SAL Consulting - Mental Health and Addictions Workshop
Atareira Mental Health Support - De-escalation Techniques Workshop
Impac Services - Severe Trauma & Stress Recovery Workshop
Grow New Zealand - Certificate in Introduction to Health & Safety Management
ServiceIQ Wellington
Certificate in Methods to Prevent Back Injuries
ServiceIQ Wellington
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Women's Homelessness Outreach Case Manager
The Salvation Army Australia Territory
06.2024 - Current
Aro Mai Housing First Kaimahi
Downtown Community Ministry
12.2022 - 01.2024
Fourth Year Social Work Placement
The Salvation Army New Zealand Territory
08.2021 - 12.2021
Third Year Social Work Placement
The Opportunity Centre
08.2020 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Social Work -
Whitireia
NCEA Levels 1, 2 & 3 -
St Mary’s College