Somia Farooq
Botanic Ridge
Summary
Dedicated Community Mental Health Practitioner using different evidence-based therapies. Facilitated client’s well-being and personal goal achievement by providing insight, establishing clear objectives, and outlining execution strategies. Compassionate person with high levels of communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Mental Health Practitioner
The Locals – MIND Australia
01.2023 - Current
- Provide one-on-one psychosocial support, intake and assessment, and outreach services to individuals experiencing mental health and/or alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges.
- Deliver individualized care planning, service navigation and care coordination within a recovery-oriented and trauma-informed framework.
- Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team within the “Locals” model to deliver integrated clinical and wellbeing services for adults and older adults.
- Support clients through staged approaches to recovery, including building capacity for independent living, strengthening community connections, and enhancing wellbeing.
- Develop and maintain strong referral pathways and local service linkages to provide holistic, wraparound support.
- Actively contributes to inclusive service delivery, respecting and responding to cultural, spiritual, and lived experience diversity.
- Educate clients and their families on mental health issues, treatment options, and coping strategies.
- Maintain accurate and confidential client records, including assessment findings, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
EPARC Recovery Worker
Well Ways
01.2022 - Current
- Using evidence-based therapies such as solution-based, crisis intervention, CBT, and narrative therapy.
- Case management and referrals through NDIS, DSP, AOD services, education, housing supports, and legal matters.
- Facilitating multiple psychosocial programs such as anxiety, depression, goal setting, journalling, exercise, and healthy eating.
- Case noting, handover, and documentation in Well ways and Monash systems.
Family Therapy Intern
The Bouverie Centre, La Trobe University – in Partnership With MIND Australia
03.2025 - 06.2025
- Completed a structured clinical internship in systemic family therapy at the Bouverie Centre, an integrated practice-research-training Centre affiliated with LaTrobe University.
- Delivered therapeutic interventions to individuals, couples, and families affected by complex mental health challenges, under the supervision of experienced family therapists.
- Applied evidence-based approaches, including narrative therapy, structural family therapy, and trauma-informed care.
- Worked collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, including psychologists, social workers, and case managers, to support clients through MIND Australia services.
- Participated in regular case conferences, clinical supervision, and reflective practice groups to enhance therapeutic skills and self-awareness.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation and adhered to ethical standards and confidentiality protocols in line with AASW guidelines.
- Gained hands-on experience with culturally responsive and inclusive practices, supporting diverse families including those from CALD and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds.
Claims Manager/Claims Assessor
TAL
01.2020 - 03.2024
- Managed a portfolio of life insurance/death portfolio, income protection, and total and permanent disability claims, ensuring prompt and accurate assessment and resolution.
- Conducted thorough investigations, including reviewing medical records, assessing policy provisions, and analyzing claimants' financial information.
- Collaborated with medical professionals, including doctors and specialists, to obtain expert opinions and evaluate disability and impairment levels.
- Interpreted complex policy provisions and coverage limitations to determine claim eligibility and entitlements.
- Provided compassionate and personalized support to claimants, guiding them through the claims process, explaining coverage details, and addressing inquiries and concerns.
- Evaluated and calculated benefit entitlements, including death benefits, monthly income payments, and lump-sum disability settlements.
- Prepared detailed claim reports, documentation, and settlement agreements, ensuring accuracy and adherence to regulatory standards.
- Negotiated claim settlements with claimants and their legal representatives, striving for fair and equitable resolutions.
- Monitored claim activities, including reserves, payments, and expenses, to ensure compliance with established guidelines and budgets.
- Stayed abreast of industry trends, changes in legislation, and medical advancements to enhance claim management practices and maintain expertise.
Youth Support Worker
Allambi Care
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Working with teens and pre-teens, developing, and implementing new social development programs, and organizing and coordinating various activities and events.
- Provides beneficial individual and group counseling, encouraging participants to socialize more, and maintain confidential documents and records.
- Attending various workshops and conferences, assisting young people in daily activities when needed, and completing detailed monthly reports.
- Developing and maintaining an all-time enjoyable environment, planning and coordinating trips on the creation of new educational materials on social and cognitive behavior.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Federation University
Berwick, VIC11-2024
Diploma -
Mental Health
Dandenong, VIC01.2021
Certificate 4 -
Mental Health
Frankston01.2020
Skills
- Facilitating Group Programs
- Biopsychosocial Assessments
- Intervention Planning
- Health Service Referrals
- Multilingual in Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and English
- Trauma Trained
- Suicide First Aid Trained
- Individual Counselling
- Psychosocial Education and Support
- Conflict Resolution and De-escalation
Certification
- Full Driver’s License
- First Aid Certification
- Working with Children Check
- Reliable Vehicle and Full Comprehensive Insurance
Languages
Arabic
Hindi
English
Urdu
Timeline
Family Therapy Intern
The Bouverie Centre, La Trobe University – in Partnership With MIND Australia
03.2025 - 06.2025
Community Mental Health Practitioner
The Locals – MIND Australia
01.2023 - Current
EPARC Recovery Worker
Well Ways
01.2022 - Current
Claims Manager/Claims Assessor
TAL
01.2020 - 03.2024
Youth Support Worker
Allambi Care
01.2020 - 01.2021
Master of Social Work -
Federation University
Diploma -
Mental Health
Certificate 4 -
Mental Health
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