Sina Toleafoa
NSW
Summary
Dynamic and motivational leader dedicated to driving team success and exceeding organizational objectives. Proven track record in fostering collaboration, strategic planning, and effective problem-solving. Recognized for exceptional communication skills, adaptability, and unwavering reliability. Committed to cultivating a productive and positive work environment while adeptly navigating evolving demands.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Team Leader / Shift Mentor – DCJ Sherwood Program
Pegasus Community Care
Campbelltown, NSW
07.2023 - Current
- Directed daily programs for young people in out-of-home care, ensuring adherence to routines and appointments.
- Trained and mentored staff in therapeutic strategies for complex youth needs.
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
- Oversee safety protocols, administered medications, and documented incidents, behavioral challenges.
- Supported youth in building independent living skills, social development, and conflict resolution.
- Supervised contact visits between children and parents, ensuring safe and nurturing interactions.
- Responded to crisis situations using trauma-informed and de-escalation techniques.
- Coordinated with external agencies, including schools, courts, and protective services.
- Maintained strict compliance with regulations and documented all interactions.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
Community Awareness & Engagement Coordinator
Headspace
Liverpool, NSW
01.2025 - 07.2025
- Planned and delivered community projects and presentations across multicultural groups, schools, clubs, and community organizations for Young people 12-25 years old.
- Managed budgets for engagement and awareness initiatives, ensuring cost-effective delivery.
- Organized fundraising and promotional events to support Headspace programs targeting Youth Mental Health initiatives.
- Led youth development projects with the Liverpool Youth Reference Group.
- Streamlined event planning processes for increased efficiency and improved attendee satisfaction.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas of improvement and implement necessary changes for future success.
- Developed creative marketing materials to promote engagement initiatives and drive attendance rates.
- Organized volunteer programs for clients'' employees or community members, promoting corporate social responsibility initiatives.
- Established clear communication channels with stakeholders, facilitating smooth coordination of all event aspects.
- Enhanced client relationships by organizing and coordinating engaging events and activities.
People, Culture & Compliance Manager
Level Up Youth Services
Narellan, NSW
02.2023 - 01.2025
- Developed and implemented training programs to ensure compliance with legislation and organizational standards.
- Conducted audits, investigations, and risk assessments to enhance operational integrity.
- Coordinated cultural initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Addressed and investigated allegations, complaints, and compliance issues promptly.
- Organized staff wellbeing and team-building initiatives.
- Reduced risk exposure by conducting regular risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies.
- Educated employees by conducting compliance training programs and issuing periodic communications to refresh knowledge of compliant work practices.
- Collected detailed notes on investigations and other communication to adhere to legal requirements and enhance recordkeeping.
- Developed risk assessment models to identify potential compliance risks.
- Provided training to employees on essential compliance topics, increasing overall awareness and understanding.
- Served as liaison between management and staff on matters related to ethics, integrity, and compliance concerns or inquiries.
ITC House Manager
Anglicare NSW Goulburn – St Saviours
Liverpool, NSW
07.2018 - 01.2023
- Managed daily residential operations, budgets, and staff supervision.
- Championed the Sanctuary Model and promoted child-safe therapeutic practices.
- Ensured compliance with statutory child protection requirements were adhered to.
- Responded to crisis situations including aggression, self-harm, and trauma responses.
- Ensured program compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations through consistent record-keeping and reporting practices.
- Promoted a safe, inclusive environment by establishing clear expectations and reinforcing positive behaviours among participants.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Oversaw budget to manage expenditures and control costs.
- Managed day-to-day operation of home to comply with regulations and agency standards.
- Established an atmosphere of trust, respect, and professionalism within the household, fostering a positive environment for both young people and staff.
- Improved household safety, conducting regular safety drills and updating emergency preparedness plans.
- Fostered positive and productive working environment for all household staff through regular training and performance feedback.
- Recommended or arranged for painting, repair work, renovations and replacement of furnishings and equipment.
- Prepared and submitted reports to demonstrate staff productivity and areas of improvement.
ITC Senior Youth Worker
Anglicare NSW Goulburn – St Saviours
West Sydney, NSW
06.2016 - 07.2018
- Assisted in roster development, staff supervision, and compliance with award conditions.
- Delivered therapeutic programs and life skills activities tailored to young people.
- Supported youth with trauma-informed interventions and case planning.
- Oversee medication administration, household management, and safety monitoring.
- Coached staff on best practices in youth engagement and behaviour management.
- Collaborated with DCJ, courts, and external stakeholders on case planning.
- Managed crisis interventions, including suicide ideation, aggression, and self-harm incidents.
- Facilitated weekly house meetings and promoted democratic participation.
- Promoted a safe and inclusive environment by addressing conflicts and facilitating open communication among participants.
- Organized field trips and other experiential learning opportunities that broadened horizons for participants beyond their immediate communities.
- Served as an advocate on behalf of young people within the broader community, championing their needs and interests through policy initiatives and public outreach efforts.
Family Restoration Worker
ZestCare
Blacktown, NSW
01.2017 - 04.2018
- Supported family reunification by coaching parents in parenting skills and routines.
- Monitored child-parent interactions, recording observations and progress.
- Provided trauma-informed support to children and families.
- Advocated for children's needs, assisted parents in community network meetings and facilitated case planning.
- Delivered living skills training, including feeding, hygiene, and home management.
- Supported mandatory reporting and liaised with stakeholders on child safety.
- Connected families with community resources such as housing assistance, financial aid programs, and educational opportunities.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering trust necessary for effective intervention.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions designed to reduce risk factors associated with child abuse or neglect.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring timely reporting to supervisors and compliance with agency requirements.
- Empowered parents to create nurturing home environments by sharing best practices in positive discipline techniques.
- Conducted thorough assessments of family dynamics and needs, developing detailed case plans to address challenges effectively.
Residential Youth Worker
SHS Youth Services- Parramatta Mission
Parramatta, NSW
07.2015 - 08.2017
- Assessed needs of young people requiring crisis accommodation and support.
- Managed referrals from FACs and CSC service providers.
- Delivered targeted programs in education, AOD, life skills, and employment readiness.
- Supervised young people in crisis, managing difficult behaviours and safety risks.
- Responded to police, hospital, and emergency referrals.
- Advocated for young people facing homelessness, trauma, and family breakdown.
- Maintained a safe living environment by enforcing house rules and addressing behavioral concerns promptly and effectively.
- Assisted residents with daily living activities, promoting self-sufficiency and independence.
- Developed strong relationships with residents, fostering trust and open communication to address personal issues.
- Completed necessary reports and documentation to maintain thorough, accurate case records.
- Supported and mentored students in developing skills to become successful in community.
Crisis Intervention Worker
Lifestyle Solutions
NSW
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Delivered crisis intervention support to youth with complex trauma and behavioural needs.
- Taught life skills, cooking, and independent living strategies.
- Provided trauma-informed care and de-escalated violent or high-risk situations.
- Maintained detailed case notes and compliance documentation.
- Provided ongoing support to clients following a crisis event, facilitating recovery and stabilization.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement to improve overall response to crisis situations, ensuring timely interventions.
- Streamlined documentation processes related to client cases, allowing for more efficient information sharing among team members.
Mental Health Worker - Shift Leader
HASI Plus, Parramatta Mission
Carlingford, NSW
02.2014 - 06.2016
- Led shift operations for clients with complex mental health needs.
- Delivered trauma-informed care, case management, and crisis support.
- Administered medication administration and reported health concerns.
- Facilitated group programs and community engagement activities.
- Supported clients in daily living, education, and employment pathways.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Promoted client independence by assisting them in obtaining housing, employment, or educational opportunities relevant to their goals.
- Developed rapport with diverse clientele from varying backgrounds, fostering trust and open communication throughout the therapeutic process.
Education
Grad Cert in Neurobiology of Developmental Trauma - Developmental Trauma
Australian Childhood Foundation
Sydney, NSW01.2021
Diploma in Early Childhood Care And Education - Childcare
TPG College
01.2014
Diploma - Community Services Work
TMG College
01.2013
Associate Degree in Social Science - Social Sciences
Swinburne University
Hawthorn, VIC01.1996
Skills
- Community Engagement
- Program Development
- Staff Leadership
- Youth Development
- Compliance Oversight
- Risk Management
- Crisis Response
- Conflict Mediation
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Team motivation
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
Accomplishments
- Leadership Award – Level Up Youth Services (2024)
- ITC House Manager of the Year – Sanctuary (2021, 2022)
- ITC House of the Year – Sanctuary (2022)
Certification
- CPR (2025)
- Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) Model Training (2024)
- Therapeutic Mentoring (2024)
- Youth Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid (2023)
- TCI Training (2023)
- Power to Kids Training (2023)
LANGUAGES
English – Professional Proficiency
Samoan – Proficient
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- Spearheaded cultural diversity and inclusion initiatives at Level Up Youth Services, fostering a more inclusive workplace.
- Awarded ITC House Manager of the Year (2021, 2022) and ITC House of the Year (2022) for excellence in residential care leadership.
- Successfully led compliance audits and investigations, improving organizational accountability and safety standards.
- Delivered impactful community engagement projects through Headspace, bridging service gaps in youth mental health.
- Championed the Sanctuary Model across multiple organizations, embedding trauma-informed, child-safe practices.
- Recognized with Leadership Award at Level Up Youth Services (2024) for outstanding contributions to staff development and program delivery.
Timeline
Community Awareness & Engagement Coordinator
Headspace
01.2025 - 07.2025
Team Leader / Shift Mentor – DCJ Sherwood Program
Pegasus Community Care
07.2023 - Current
People, Culture & Compliance Manager
Level Up Youth Services
02.2023 - 01.2025
ITC House Manager
Anglicare NSW Goulburn – St Saviours
07.2018 - 01.2023
Family Restoration Worker
ZestCare
01.2017 - 04.2018
ITC Senior Youth Worker
Anglicare NSW Goulburn – St Saviours
06.2016 - 07.2018
Crisis Intervention Worker
Lifestyle Solutions
01.2016 - 01.2017
Residential Youth Worker
SHS Youth Services- Parramatta Mission
07.2015 - 08.2017
Mental Health Worker - Shift Leader
HASI Plus, Parramatta Mission
02.2014 - 06.2016
Diploma - Community Services Work
TMG College
Grad Cert in Neurobiology of Developmental Trauma - Developmental Trauma
Australian Childhood Foundation
Diploma in Early Childhood Care And Education - Childcare
TPG College
Associate Degree in Social Science - Social Sciences
Swinburne University