Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Tarah Lacy

Lennox Head,Australia

Summary

Dynamic leader with a proven track record at New Horizons, adept in crisis intervention and program development. Skilled in fostering multidisciplinary team collaboration and compassionate client care. Achieved innovative community integration for individuals with complex needs, enhancing social engagement and independence. Excelled in staff training, emphasizing person-centered practices and relationship building.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Regional Leader - Far North Coast and Queensland

New Horizons
07.2021 - Current
  • Oversee the operations of five supported independent living homes within the Northern Rivers, prioritizing the physical and emotional wellbeing of clients by implementing comprehensive care strategies tailored to individual needs
  • Develop and implement innovative community access programs designed to empower clients to engage meaningfully with their local communities
  • Collaborate with local organizations and service providers to create inclusive opportunities that enhance social interaction, skills development, and personal independence
  • Provide expert support to customers facing a range of complex mental and physical health challenges, including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders (AOD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, and epilepsy
  • Ensure they receive the necessary assistance to thrive, promoting holistic well-being and recovery
  • Lead a diverse team of over 110 staff members, effectively managing scheduling, training, performance evaluations, caseload distribution, and adherence to person-centred practices in line with organizational policies and procedures
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development among team members
  • Maintain strict compliance with program budgets by accurately preparing Supported Independent Living (SIL) quotes and conducting thorough reviews in alignment with National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) guidelines
  • Monitor expenditures to ensure the financial sustainability of programs
  • Design and oversee the setup of Supported Independent Living (SIL) programs in Queensland, ensuring that each home is equipped with the necessary resources, staff training, and support frameworks to meet the diverse needs of residents
  • Administer all service-related documentation, including conducting risk assessments, developing personal evacuation plans, creating hospital support plans, managing medication protocols, and ensuring ongoing reviews to maintain the highest standards of care

Team Leader/Behaviour Support Practitioner

New Horizons
01.2019 - 07.2021
  • Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the highest standards of care for clients, focusing on body mechanics, safety, and overall well-being
  • Actively participated in team meetings to discuss client progress and strategies for improvement
  • Provided comprehensive care for clients facing a range of chronic and acute health conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), schizophrenia, and medical issues such as dementia, diabetes, epilepsy, and cancer
  • Developed tailored care plans to address the specific needs of each client
  • Utilized strong assessment skills to evaluate clients' needs and determine appropriate interventions, facilitating support for daily living activities and enhancing overall functional independence
  • Employed a variety of assessment techniques to gather data on client behaviours and needs, which informed the development of individualized behaviour plans
  • Collaborated with staff to ensure consistent implementation of these plans across all care settings
  • Delivered rehabilitation techniques focused on enhancing daily living skills, aiming to restore clients to their previous levels of functional ability
  • Designed and implemented engaging activities that encouraged skill development and independence
  • Applied a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), and Gestalt therapy, tailored to the assessment outcomes and the specific needs of individual clients or groups
  • Led training sessions for staff to enhance their understanding of behaviour management strategies and therapeutic techniques, promoting a cohesive approach to client care and ensuring best practices were followed
  • Monitored and evaluated client progress, adjusting care plans and strategies as necessary based on ongoing assessments and feedback
  • Maintained thorough documentation to track client outcomes and inform future interventions
  • Actively engaged with families and caregivers, providing education and support to foster a collaborative approach to client care and encouraging their involvement in the rehabilitation process

Social Worker (Placement)

NSW Health, Byron Central Hospital
Byron Bay, NSW
01.2018 - 12.2018
  • Collaborated with the interdisciplinary treatment team to develop comprehensive social work and discharge planning components of patient care plans
  • Ensured integration of medical, psychological, and social considerations to support holistic patient recovery
  • Conducted regular therapeutic sessions with multiple patients daily, utilizing a variety of evidence-based practices to promote emotional well-being and resilience
  • Fostered a safe and supportive environment to encourage open expression of feelings and concerns
  • Authored detailed reports and case summaries, meticulously compiling work records that included statistical data and client progress
  • Ensured accurate documentation to meet institutional standards and facilitate effective communication among team members
  • Effectively communicated care goals, treatment plans, and patient progress to parents and guardians
  • Provided support and resources to help families navigate the complexities of their loved ones' health challenges, fostering collaboration in the care process
  • Developed and facilitated goal-oriented psycho-education and therapy groups, such as the GOT-IT program, aimed at enhancing children and parent's quality of life
  • Focused on skill-building, emotional regulation, and social interactions to empower participants
  • Delivered individual and family counseling addressing a range of issues, including mental health disorders, substance abuse, physical abuse, and rehabilitation challenges
  • Applied a strengths-based approach to empower clients in their recovery journeys
  • Provided comprehensive case management services, including counselling, education, and life-skills training to a diverse, at-risk student population
  • Developed tailored intervention plans to meet individual needs and support academic and personal success
  • Supported patients and families in coping with the emotional and psychological challenges arising from severe illnesses
  • Offered practical strategies and resources to manage stress and enhance family functioning
  • Delivered therapeutic services and crisis intervention to emotionally disturbed children and adolescents, utilizing de-escalation techniques and tailored interventions to stabilize situations and promote safety
  • Provided comprehensive therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults involved with child welfare and prevention services
  • Conducted investigations into suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation in adherence to legal and ethical guidelines
  • Collaborated with law enforcement and child protection agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of vulnerable children
  • Interviewed and evaluated clients thoroughly, including conducting safety and risk assessments
  • Developed actionable safety plans based on findings to ensure immediate and ongoing client protection
  • Received training in working with patients with Asperger's Syndrome and high-functioning autism, adapting therapeutic techniques to effectively meet their unique needs and support social skills development
  • Partnered with the program director to assess and reduce the risk of self-harm and suicide among clients

Clinician

CASPA Services
Lismore, NSW
01.2017 - 12.2017
  • Worked directly with children and adolescents as part of a multidisciplinary team, providing therapeutic interventions through programs such as the Photo-Voice group and Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS)
  • Designed and facilitated activities that encouraged self-expression and emotional healing among young participants
  • Delivered short-term therapy sessions, utilizing evidence-based techniques to address mental health concerns
  • Provided educational support and guidance, ensuring clients had the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate their challenges effectively
  • Actively responded to crisis situations, employing de-escalation strategies and immediate intervention techniques to ensure the safety and well-being of clients
  • Updated treatment plans on a monthly basis, integrating the latest intervention strategies and documenting progress notes to track client development
  • Maintained accurate and thorough daily case notes, documenting interactions and observations to facilitate seamless case management
  • Established and nurtured key relationships with community members, forming valuable partnerships that enhanced service delivery
  • Collaborated with local organizations to expand resources and support networks for families
  • Actively connected families with additional resources when children were identified as needing further assessment or support
  • Provided guidance on accessing relevant services and navigating available community resources
  • Collaborated with senior case managers to coordinate team development activities and training sessions, promoting professional growth and enhancing the skills of the clinical team
  • Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and adaptability in interactions, ensuring that all clients felt valued and understood

Education

Masters in social work (professional qualifying) -

01.2019

Bachelor of psychological Science -

01.2016

Skills

  • Crisis intervention
  • Social services
  • Reliable
  • Compassionate
  • Case management
  • DSM-IV and similar assessment knowledge
  • Confidential case documentation
  • Divorce and custody issues
  • Play therapy
  • Culturally sensitive
  • Strengths-based
  • Solution focused
  • Referrals and networking
  • Program development and management
  • Life skills development and counseling
  • Substance abuse training
  • Multidisciplinary team collaboration
  • Epilepsy
  • Midazolam
  • SPC
  • PEG feeding
  • Complex medication management
  • Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
  • Gestalt
  • Person-centered practice
  • Staff training and development
  • Relationship building
  • Talent acquisition

Certification

  • WWCC
  • Police Check
  • First Aid
  • NDIS Check/Module
  • AASW membership
  • Eligibility for provisional clinical registration with APRA

References

  • Lisa Denvir, General Manager at New Horizons, 0488 111 804
  • Kristine Carter, Regional Leader at New Horizons, 0412 904 820
  • Emily Fisher, Program Nurse, New Horizons, 0417 205 470
  • Paula Gilding, Leading Clinician at CASPA, clinician@caspa.asn.au

Timeline

Regional Leader - Far North Coast and Queensland

New Horizons
07.2021 - Current

Team Leader/Behaviour Support Practitioner

New Horizons
01.2019 - 07.2021

Social Worker (Placement)

NSW Health, Byron Central Hospital
01.2018 - 12.2018

Clinician

CASPA Services
01.2017 - 12.2017

Masters in social work (professional qualifying) -

Bachelor of psychological Science -

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Tarah Lacy