SURAJ PREMKUMAR
Wollert
Summary
Dedicated public health professional with a fervent commitment to designing, implementing, and evaluating community health programs. Experienced in health promotion and program evaluation, with a versatile skill set and a strong motivation to enhance community well-being through evidence-based research and practices.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ACTING PROGRAM FACILITATOR - DISASTER RECOVERY SUPPORT
COHEALTH
04.2024
TEAM LEADER - DISASTER RECOVERY SUPPORT
COHEALTH
10.2022 - Current
- Managed a multidisciplinary team to provide trauma informed support to vulnerable individuals affected by severe floods in Victoria
- Trained staff to deliver trauma informed case management support for the individuals facing homelessness, family violence, mental health issues, AOD and Insurance issues, etc
- Collaborated with partners to support the delivery of plans and strategies for the Maribyrnong community, Moonee Valley residents and other LGAs across the state of Victoria
- Established and maintained community networks, facilitate partnership that connects people and organisations to improve the outcomes for flood affected communities
- Liaise with the DFFH, Emergency recovery Victoria, local governments including Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley council to promote the health and well-being of the flood affected residents
- Proficient in collaborating with diverse stake holders, coordinating community events and sessions, and offering personalized consultations aligned with individual client requirements
- Recognise barriers to community engagement and create strategies to enhance opportunities for vulnerable communities to contribute and actively participate in various community events
- Collaborated with funding bodies to secure contract agreements for programs and managing monthly invoicing in a timely manner coordinating with the accounts teams
- Participated in Subcommittee council meetings to assess and address community needs, contributing to discussions and strategies aimed at enhancing local support and services.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WORKER
LCS
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Provided psychosocial and recovery supports to the clients with various mental health issues including suicidal thoughts, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression
- Delivered one on one case managements to enhance daily living skills and community connections.
COVID CARE PATHWAY TEAM LEADER
COHEALTH
06.2021 - 09.2022
- To manage the team, supervise and provide secondary consultation to the staff who notify people of their COVID positive status, to advise self-isolation guidelines, and refer people to appropriate health care services
- Conducted in-depth health and welfare assessments for complex clients including those dealing with AOD, homelessness and refugee background, etc
- Maintain good working relationships and care pathways with internal stakeholders and external health agencies
- To work collaboratively with the peer team members to develop and improve working processes, system changes, codesigning, implementation and evaluation leading to continuous quality improvements
- Gained expertise in data collection and data management, Financial management including brokerage for services.
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR
COHEALTH
03.2021 - 06.2021
- Supported isolated and vulnerable individuals in establishing new social connections in their local communities
- Promoted health and well-being, gender equality, disability inclusion by organising and leading diverse community engagement events
- Identified opportunities for initiatives that maintain and create social connections
- Managed community programs to encourage and support social interaction.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WORKER
STAR HEALTH
11.2020 - 05.2021
- Engaged with communities at higher risk for COVID 19, providing information and support at health hubs and outreach services
- Collaborated with stakeholders to promote COVID 19 practices to promote the health and safe living practices for the vulnerable individuals
- Maintained a positive and collaborative work environment.
BICULTURAL INCLUSION WORKER
IPC HEALTH
11.2020 - 03.2021
- Assisted the team with community engagement activities focusing on health education and culturally appropriate COVID safe practices for CALD communities
- Conducted basic needs assessment, referred clients to relevant services and designed approaches to overcome barriers to participation
- Built strong and effective partnerships across local government authorities, department and community leaders
- Maintained a high level of confidentiality when managing client information.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV), Australia
07.2019 - 06.2020
- Topic: "Methods of assessing unwarranted variation in healthcare" Developed advanced writing skills with clear and succinct verbal communication skills for diverse people
- Possess skill to work in teams to achieve common goals, time management and manage any disagreements between researchers through negotiation and discussions.
Education
Master of Public Health - Health Program Evaluation, Health Promotion
The University of Melbourne
07.2020
Bachelor of Dental Surgery -
Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital
Chennai, India11.2017
Skills
- Community Engagement
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Program Evaluation
- Project Management
Certification
- Certificate in Foundations in Disaster Recovery: Impacts to People and Communities, The University of Melbourne, 09/2023
- Licensed to practice Outcomes Star, Unique Outcomes, 08/2023
- Certificate in Negotiation and crisis intervention, Manage aggressive customers, Conflict Resolution Training and Consulting, 06/2023
- Certificate in Psychological First Aid, Phoenix Australia, 06/2023
- Got selected as an ambassador for Master of Public Health admission campaign at The University of Melbourne
Volunteer Experience
Volunteered Department of Physiotherapy students – Evaluation Consultant, 07/2019, 10/2019, Ability to collaborate with the team in designing, implementing and delivering of the evaluation of the connected communities. Ability to manage projects that includes data collection and data analysis and communicating the findings. Ability to provide acquired evaluation knowledge and provide timely technical advice and support to the team related to the community development.
References
Available on request
Timeline
ACTING PROGRAM FACILITATOR - DISASTER RECOVERY SUPPORT
COHEALTH
04.2024
TEAM LEADER - DISASTER RECOVERY SUPPORT
COHEALTH
10.2022 - Current
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WORKER
LCS
10.2022 - 05.2023
COVID CARE PATHWAY TEAM LEADER
COHEALTH
06.2021 - 09.2022
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR
COHEALTH
03.2021 - 06.2021
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WORKER
STAR HEALTH
11.2020 - 05.2021
BICULTURAL INCLUSION WORKER
IPC HEALTH
11.2020 - 03.2021
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV), Australia
07.2019 - 06.2020
Master of Public Health - Health Program Evaluation, Health Promotion
The University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Dental Surgery -
Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital
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