Smiti Behal
Sydney
Summary
Experienced and highly compassionate Social Worker with a strong background in case work, school counselling, and supervised contact, offering well-developed clinical skills and a deep commitment to client-centred care. Proficient in delivering trauma-informed and solution-focused interventions across diverse and complex cases, with a demonstrated ability to engage clients with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and respect. Skilled in psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, care coordination, and advocacy within multidisciplinary teams. Brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to supporting individuals and families through periods of vulnerability, loss, illness, or transition. Committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical practice and promoting dignity, empowerment, and holistic wellbeing in all aspects of social work.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counsellor
CatholicCare
NSW
01.2025 - Current
- Provided individual and group counselling to primary and/or secondary school students experiencing emotional, behavioural, social, or family-related challenges.
- Applied a range of clinical approaches including trauma-informed, solution-focused, and strengths-based practices to support student wellbeing and development.
- Conducted risk assessments and safety planning in response to disclosures of self-harm, abuse, family violence, or mental health concerns, in line with child protection protocols.
- Collaborated with school staff, parents/carers, and external services to develop holistic support plans tailored to individual student needs.
- Facilitated referrals to internal and external support services, including mental health, family support, and youth services.
- Maintained accurate and confidential case notes, reports, and records in accordance with professional and ethical standards.
- Participated in regular clinical supervision, reflective practice, and continuous professional development to ensure safe and effective practice.
- Promoted emotional literacy, resilience, and positive behavior through psychoeducation, well-being programs, and classroom-based interventions.
- Supported a safe, inclusive, and respectful school culture aligned with CatholicCare values and safeguarding principles.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop individualized education plans for students.
- Implemented intervention strategies to improve student learning outcomes and behaviors.
Case Support Worker
Relationships Australia
NSW
02.2023 - 01.2025
- Facilitated safe and structured supervised contact visits between children and non-residential parents in high-conflict or court-ordered family situations.
- Ensured the physical and emotional safety of children at all times through trauma-informed, child-centred supervision and observation.
- Provided neutral, observational reports on contact visits, documenting behaviours, interactions, and safety concerns in a clear and professional manner.
- Delivered pre-visit intake assessments and orientation sessions to parents, assessing risks and ensuring adherence to service agreements.
- Engaged with families experiencing complex issues such as family violence, separation, trauma, substance use, and mental health challenges.
- Collaborated with legal and child protection services to ensure child safety and compliance with family law court orders.
- Managed conflict calmly and professionally, maintaining clear boundaries and de-escalating situations when necessary.
- Maintained accurate case notes, risk alerts, and written reports in line with legal and ethical standards.
- Participated in team meetings, debriefings, and reflective practice to ensure high-quality and safe service delivery.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop tailored support plans for clients.
- Conducted intake assessments to identify client needs and service eligibility.
- Educated clients about available resources and how to use them effectively.
Internship Student
Blacktown Women’s and Girl’s Health Centre
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Supported women and girls experiencing family violence, trauma, and mental health challenges through a client-centred and trauma-informed lens.
- Observed and assisted in intake processes, psychosocial assessments, and the development of individual support plans under qualified supervision.
- Co-facilitated therapeutic and psychoeducational group programs focused on empowerment, wellbeing, and healthy relationships.
- Gained experience in safety planning, risk identification, and the provision of appropriate referrals to domestic violence, housing, and legal services.
- Worked within a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic care that addressed physical, emotional, and social determinants of health.
- Maintained confidential and professional documentation, adhering to ethical and organisational standards.
- Engaged in reflective practice, supervision, and critical analysis of practice frameworks such as feminist theory, empowerment approaches, and intersectionality.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and respect when supporting clients from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and migrant women.
- Assisted in planning and organizing community health workshops for women and girls.
Family Time Worker
Department of Communities and Justice
03.2022 - 02.2023
- Supported safe and meaningful contact between children in statutory care and their families by facilitating supervised visits in line with case goals.
- Provided emotional support and consistency for children during visits, promoting a sense of stability and safety in often complex family circumstances.
- Observed parent–child interactions, noting behavioural cues, engagement levels, and parenting capacity to inform caseworkers and permanency planning.
- Contributed to the assessment process by producing clear, factual reports and observations used in court or case review contexts.
- Worked collaboratively with DCJ caseworkers, carers, and service providers to support family restoration where appropriate.
- Applied trauma-informed strategies to manage behavioural challenges and support children’s emotional regulation throughout transitions.
- Maintained professional boundaries while building rapport with children and families from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Participated in debriefing, reflective practice, and ongoing training to support ethical, safe, and culturally responsive service delivery.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for individuals in need of assistance.
- Communicated regularly with supervisors regarding progress of projects and completed tasks.
Education
Bachelor of Social work Degree -
Australian College of Applied Professions
Sydney, NSW09-2024
Higher school certificate -
Canterbury Girls’ High School
09-2017
Skills
- Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Practice
- Knowledge of solution-focused and strengths-based interventions
- Knowledge of evidence-based interventions
- Case Management skills
- Counselling and Emotional Support
- Supervised Contact and Family Work experience
- Child Protection and Risk Assessment
- Advocacy and Navigation of Support Systems
- Cultural Competence
- Collaborative Practice
- Professional Boundaries and Ethics
- Accurate Documentation and Report Writing
- Strong communication skills
- Compassionate
- Play therapy techniques
- Individual support
- Emotional regulation
Certification
- AASW registration
- Working with children check
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Hindi
Full Professional
Punjabi
Full Professional
Timeline
School Counsellor
CatholicCare
01.2025 - Current
Internship Student
Blacktown Women’s and Girl’s Health Centre
06.2023 - 09.2023
Case Support Worker
Relationships Australia
02.2023 - 01.2025
Family Time Worker
Department of Communities and Justice
03.2022 - 02.2023
Bachelor of Social work Degree -
Australian College of Applied Professions
Higher school certificate -
Canterbury Girls’ High School