TARA LEKAKIS
Barmera,SA
Summary
I am a tertiary level course coordinator, experienced educator and clinician. I have an extensive background in design, delivery and evaluation of educational programs. I have demonstrated experience in clinical health care settings, specifically Allied Health environments, in both the public and private sector. I have a demonstrated history in providing supervision to students and staff, with a focus on reflective practice and improved service delivery. I have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. I have demonstrated ability to liaise with key stakeholders and a strong capacity for collaboration with, and management of, educators.
academic achievement and social-emotional growth.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Course Coordinator, Arts Therapy
Ikon Institute of Australia
08.2023 - Current
- Championed the use of innovative teaching methods by actively participating in professional development opportunities and sharing insights with colleagues.
- Maintained a positive, supportive learning environment for all students by addressing concerns promptly and effectively.
- Established productive relationships with external partners such as placement providers for enhanced course offerings.
- Ensured compliance with departmental policies and accreditation requirements by regularly monitoring course documentation procedures.
- Collaborated with instructors to design comprehensive assessment tools for evaluating student progress throughout the semester.
- Facilitated the onboarding process for new faculty members by providing training materials and support in navigating course coordination responsibilities.
- Streamlined communication between faculty, students, and administrators by maintaining a well-organized online platform for course updates and announcements.
- Assisted in the recruitment, selection, and orientation processes for new faculty members by conducting interviews, organizing training sessions, and providing ongoing support.
- Contributed to curriculum development efforts by researching best practices in pedagogy, assessment design, and learning outcomes measurement.
- Promoted academic integrity among students by developing clear guidelines on plagiarism prevention, citation standards, and acceptable collaboration practices.
- Enhanced student engagement through the development of interactive course materials and activities.
- Managed administrative tasks such as grading submissions, tracking attendance records, and updating syllabi efficiently to ensure timely dissemination of information to all stakeholders.
- Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.
Senior Lecturer
Ikon Institute of Australia
06.2013 - Current
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and case studies into lectures.
- Delivered higher education and vocational courses via classroom and online methodologies to satisfy course curricula and meet student needs.
- Engaged in continuous professional development through attending workshops, webinars, and conferences to stay current with industry trends and best practices in higher education.
- Mentored junior faculty members, contributing to their professional growth and development.
- Designed course materials such as syllabi, lecture notes, assignments aligned with both programmatic outcomes as well as course-specific objectives.
- Revised curriculum to align with industry trends, ensuring students were prepared for the job market.
Student Placement Supervisor
Integrative Psychology and Medicine
03.2021 - 03.2023
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with placement students, host organisation and educational institutes.
- Facilitated regular supervision with placement students.
- Provided ongoing support to both students and host organisation throughout the placement process, addressing any issues or concerns as they arose.
Psychological Therapies Clinician
Focus One Health
12.2021 - 01.2023
- Delivered high-quality client centred, mental health support by conducting thorough assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing therapeutic support.
- Developed tailored treatment plans to address the unique needs of each patient and promote optimal recovery.
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies when needed, ensuring immediate safety measures were in place for at-risk patients.
- Advocated for patients within the healthcare system to ensure access to appropriate resources and services when needed.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry best practices, attending conferences and participating in continuing education opportunities.
- Developed relationships with primary healthcare providers, schools, and other community organisations to improve collaboration and the implementation of best practice services.
Counsellor and Art Therapist
The Geelong Clinic
06.2013 - 06.2020
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies and treatment planning.
- Developed individualized art therapy and/or counselling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Fostered supportive environment, enabling clients to openly discuss their feelings and experiences.
- Implemented individual and group therapy programs, across varied psychiatric diagnoses.
- Integrated art therapy and psychological strategies to tailor therapeutic interventions for individual clients.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the art therapy and mental health field.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
Education
Masters of Social Work -
Deakin University
Geelong, VIC11.2021
Bachelor of Holistic Counselling - Counselling
The Phoenix Institute of Australia
Melbourne, VIC01.2013
Diploma of Transpersonal Art Therapy -
Phoenix Institute of Australia
Melbourne, VIC2009
Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Educational leadership
- Curriculum planning, development and coordination
- Staff support, development and supervision
- Teaching strategies and delivery
- Presentation Skills
- Project Management
- Learning Management Systems
- Microsoft Office Suite
Key Result Areas
- Technical Skills and Application, Your professional qualifications, professional association membership and registration status (if relevant) – refer to page 1 for minimum qualification requirements, Extensive professional experience, across a broad range of clinical practice areas: - Outline scope and nature of previous professional practice experiences, including rural / remote experience and any specialty areas - Experience in providing advice, clinical supervision and clinical education to less experienced professional staff and students - Previous leadership experience in service development, research & evaluation - Project management skills and experience - Examples of how you have applied primary health care principles to the development and reorientation of services, Examples of other skills, knowledge or experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the role, such as: - Creativity, resourcefulness, flexibility, adaptability, problem solving skills
- Personal & professional development, Outline previous initiatives that demonstrate your commitment to reflective practice, and proactive development of self and others (e.g.: additional post-graduate qualifications)., Detail your leadership and management style and experience
- Client / Customer Service, Detailed knowledge of and commitment to RMCLHN values, strategic directions & priorities., Extensive experience & skills in community engagement, client/family-centred practice and cultural competency – and examples of how you have supported others to develop and apply these skills.
- Administration & Documentation, Highlight relevant skills, experience and training – including those related to data management, budget management, competent use of technology, post-graduate qualifications.
- Teamwork and Communication, Outline your communication and teamwork skills, with examples that demonstrate your ability to lead an effective team of diverse membership., Previous contribution to service planning and development at local, cluster, regional or state level.
- Continuous Improvement, Examples of how you have contributed previously to quality improvement, evaluation and research of relevance to your profession and professional leadership.
Cv
Your professional qualifications, professional association membership and registration status (if relevant) – refer to page 1 for minimum qualification requirements, Extensive professional experience, across a broad range of clinical practice areas:
- Outline scope and nature of previous professional practice experiences, including rural / remote experience and any specialty areas
- Experience in providing advice, clinical supervision and clinical education to less experienced professional staff and students
- Previous leadership experience in service development, research & evaluation
- Project management skills and experience
- Examples of how you have applied primary health care principles to the development and reorientation of services, Examples of other skills, knowledge or experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the role, such as:
- Creativity, resourcefulness, flexibility, adaptability, problem solving skills
Cover Letter
Title of the position and vacancy reference number (from advertisement), Outline of your reasons for applying for the position, Brief summary of your ability to fulfil the role:
- Please address each of the 6 Key Result Areas (KRA) separately, using dot points. Refer to the table below for some suggestions of the type of information you may choose to include.
- You do not need to address the selection criteria individually in your written application. They may be used to assess your suitability for the role during the merit-based selection process.
- Keep it brief – approximately 2 pages
Timeline
Course Coordinator, Arts Therapy
Ikon Institute of Australia
08.2023 - Current
Psychological Therapies Clinician
Focus One Health
12.2021 - 01.2023
Student Placement Supervisor
Integrative Psychology and Medicine
03.2021 - 03.2023
Senior Lecturer
Ikon Institute of Australia
06.2013 - Current
Counsellor and Art Therapist
The Geelong Clinic
06.2013 - 06.2020
Masters of Social Work -
Deakin University
Bachelor of Holistic Counselling - Counselling
The Phoenix Institute of Australia
Diploma of Transpersonal Art Therapy -
Phoenix Institute of Australia
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