Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Anjalika Weerasekara

Alstonvale,TAS

Summary

client-centred community services professional transitioning from a successful hospitality career into full-time community services in Tasmania. Bringing strong interpersonal and communication skills, problem-solving under pressure, and extensive experience supporting diverse clients in fast-paced, service-focused environments. Currently completing a Diploma of Community Services, with practical experience in client engagement, needs assessment, referral coordination and culturally sensitive service delivery. Proven ability to build trust, de-escalate conflict, work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and maintain strong record-keeping and compliance with organisational policies. Energetic, adaptable and committed to promoting client wellbeing and community inclusion; ready to contribute immediately to community services programs across Tasmania.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Chef

Great Beginnings Lyndhurst
04.2023 - 07.2025

• Prepare and cook nutritious meals that are culturally appropriate for children 0-6 years

• Prepare meals and snacks in a timely manner that fits the service’s routines

• To work with the Nominated Supervisor and staff to plan and prepare meals for the children including lunch, morning tea, afternoon tea

• Design seasonal menus – skilled in design seasonal menus that meets divers dietary requirements and aligned with client preferences and health needs.

  • Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.

• Ensure that all food is stored in compliance with Health Regulations

• To evaluate the menu on a regular basis

• Display menu in a well-presented manner making sure that the current season menu is always available

• Seek feedback from families and staff regarding the meals provided and adjust future menus incorporating ideas given

• Operates mixers, ovens, choppers, shredders, steamers, grills, grinders, steam kettles, fry kettles, and other food equipment

Adjust recipes to volume of demand

Independent Living Support Worker

Park Glen Retirement Village
01.2019 - 03.2023

Experienced and empathetic Independent Living Support Specialist

Dedicated to enabling clients to lead autonomous, fulfilling lives.

Adept at developing personalized care plans, coordinating with community

services, and ensuring a safe, supportive environment in Melbourne.

Proven ability to empower individuals through respectful, person-cantered

support and practical assistance tailored to their unique needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Client-Cantered Support:

  • Work with clients to assess individual needs and develop

tailored

  • living support plans that promote independence.
  • Provide guidance and practical assistance for daily tasks such as
  • budgeting, meal preparation, personal care, and household
  • management.

Coordination & Advocacy:

  • Serve as a liaison between clients, families, community agencies,
  • and healthcare providers to ensure holistic support.
  • Advocate for clients’ rights and needs, facilitating access to
  • government services, financial assistance, and other community
  • resources.

Safety & Quality Assurance:

  • Monitor living arrangements to ensure a safe and accessible

environment, addressing any potential hazards or issues promptly.

  • Maintain up-to-date records and documentation in compliance with

local regulations and organizational policies.

Empowerment & Skill Development:

  • Deliver training and educational support to help clients develop

essential life skills, enhancing their ability to manage their own affairs.

  • Foster a positive, trusting relationship with clients to encourage

self-reliance and confidence.

Crisis Management & Problem Solving:

  • Respond promptly and effectively to urgent situations, ensuring

immediate support and resolution.

  • Develop and implement strategies for overcoming challenges in

independent living situations, collaborating with relevant stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building:

  • Establish strong partnerships with local community groups, healthcare professionals, and social services to create a network of support.
  • Regularly communicate with families and support networks to update on progress and adjust care plans as needed.

Continuous Improvement:

  • Stay informed of best practices and emerging trends in independent living support, integrating innovative approaches into daily operations.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities and training sessions to enhance skill set and service delivery.

Key Skills:

  • Person-cantered care
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving and crisis management
  • Strong organizational and documentation abilities
  • Knowledge of local support services and community resources in Melbourne

Empathy, patience, and cultural competence

HR Manager

Finance PLC
12.2011 - 07.2018
  • Managed employee relations, investigating and resolving conflicts to maintain a positive work environment.
  • Implemented performance management systems, providing constructive feedback and coaching opportunities for employees.
  • Oversaw payroll functions, ensuring accuracy while maintaining strict confidentiality standards for sensitive employee information.
  • Collaborated closely with department heads in executing strategic workforce planning initiatives that aligned human capital resources with company goals.

Developed strategies to protect company interests from issues

· Scheduled and managed more than 35 projects per year

· Reviewed job applications to identify, vet and recommend optimal

candidates

· Communicated with potential hires to provide clarity on expected

tasks, compensation and policies

· Improved organizational filing systems for confidential employee

records, resulting in improved accessibility and efficiency

· Implemented process improvements to automate office operations,

including record tracking and fingerprint

· Counseled leadership and offered actionable initiatives to reduce

compliance-related issues addressing equal employment opportunity and

sexual harassment

· Assisted senior management with making key decisions by developing

them to meet dietary needs (Vegan, Gluten free, Allergen requirements etc.)

Administrative skills

· Office Management – Experienced in managing day to day operations,

including scheduling, correspondence and office organization.

· Record keeping and Documentation– Skilled in maintaining accurate

records, filling system and managing confident information.

· Project coordination - capable of coordinating projects, delegating tasks

and ensuring timely completion goals

· Client communication – strong written and verbal communication skills,

handling inquiries and providing customer support Educational and

Qualification

· High School Diploma and submitting performance and compensation reports with status updates and improvement recommendations

· Troubleshot and resolved problems with HR software to enhance production support and minimize downtime · Maximize team knowledge and productivity by effectively training, monitoring and directing employees in application of best practices and regulatory protocols

·Conducted annual salary surveys and developed, analyzed and updated company salary budget

· Conducted every interview and did all exit interviews when employees left the company

· Handling all the customer inquiries and employee inquiries

·Calculating overtime payments and salaries of the staff, with this one I must calculate staff Overtime by analyzing the attendance system (Fingerprint system). I should do this once a week and once a month I have to do the payroll by analyzing the attendance and leave balance

Education

Diploma of Community Work ( To Be Continued)

TAS Tafe
4A Bounty Street, Warrane TAS 7018
08-2025

Cert 3 in Disability Care

Intercare Training RTO NO 21099
1 Fairborne Way, Keysborough Victoria 3173
05-2025

Diploma of Busines

VACTS
171 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC,3058
11-2022

Diploma of Commercial Cokery

VACTS
171 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC,3058
11-2021

Cert 4 Commercial Cokery

VACTS
171 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC,3058
11-2020

Commercial Cokery

Victorian Academy of Commerce And Technology Startup (VACTS)
171 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC,3058
11-2018

Skills

  • Client engagement & rapport building
  • Active listening & empathetic communication
  • Cultural competency & working with CALD communities
  • Trauma-informed care principles
  • Needs assessment & care planning
  • Referral coordination & knowledge of local support services
  • Crisis intervention & de-escalation
  • Case notes, report writing & accurate record-keeping
  • Confidentiality & ethical practice
  • Group facilitation & community outreach
  • Behaviour support planning (basic)
  • Advocacy & client-centred goal setting
  • Time management, prioritisation & multitasking
  • Conflict resolution & problem solving under pressure
  • Team collaboration & multidisciplinary liaison
  • Basic mental health first aid / suicide prevention awareness
  • Computer literacy: MS Office, client management systems
  • Working with Vulnerable People registration / current police check (if held)

Timeline

Chef

Great Beginnings Lyndhurst
04.2023 - 07.2025

Independent Living Support Worker

Park Glen Retirement Village
01.2019 - 03.2023

HR Manager

Finance PLC
12.2011 - 07.2018

Diploma of Community Work ( To Be Continued)

TAS Tafe

Cert 3 in Disability Care

Intercare Training RTO NO 21099

Diploma of Busines

VACTS

Diploma of Commercial Cokery

VACTS

Cert 4 Commercial Cokery

VACTS

Commercial Cokery

Victorian Academy of Commerce And Technology Startup (VACTS)
Anjalika Weerasekara